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The dinner comprised of Sonic looking nervously back and forth between Tails and Shadow at the young fox’s dining room table.
Sonic had suggested the dinner because he wanted the important people in his life to like each other.
Not that Tails and Shadow had a bad relationship, but they were more or less apathetic towards each other. Cordial, for Sonic’s sake, but not particularly eager on either side.
But now both of them, out of love, were trying.
“Hey Shadow, don’t you have a motorcycle?” Tails asked, poking the rest of his food around with his fork.
Shadow nodded. “Yes, one issued to me by G.U.N. that I’ve customized.”
“Oh cool! Did you do the customisations yourself? I’ve created some pretty cool vehicles but I’ve never gotten to tinker with a motorcycle quite like that!”
Shadow voiced a reply, but Sonic had started to drown them out. He was much more interested in testing out those creations rather than learning how they’re created.
Instead, he fell deep into thought as he admired his partner.
Already, the black hedgehog had come so far. As he spoke, he occasionally kept eye contact with the fox. His gaze only drifting upwards when thinking of how to word something difficult to explain.
Sonic smiled thoughtfully. Shadow being comfortable enough to talk freely about his interests was fairly rare. And he was happy that his home with his brother had provided enough of that comforting space.
Though Shadow wasn’t exactly new to this house, having slept over twice already in the past week.
When Sonic realized he wasn’t really contributing to the conversation, he butted in during the next pause.
“You’re still working on your new racing board prototype, right Tails?” The blue hedgehog asked, turning their attention to him.
“Actually, yeah,” Tails eyed Sonic apologetically. “I’m almost done with it.” He slowly pushed his chair away from the table. “In fact, I was really hoping to finish it tonight?” He asked hopefully.
With a wave of his hand, Sonic dismissed his brother’s worries. “No problem bud, have fun! Oh, but don’t stay up too late, you need at least a chance at getting good sleep.”
Sonic’s voice was playful, but to Shadow’s surprise, Tails’ ear actually twitched in annoyance before he replied. The dark hedgehog felt as if he was missing some context. He stayed silent to see how it would play out, not wanting to get in the way of the brothers.
“I won’t, Sonic,” was all the kit replied with, already turned around and making his way down the hall.
Shadow gave his boyfriend a questioning look, but the blue hedgehog looked just as taken aback.
He shrugged. “I’ve just noticed he’s been really tired lately.” Sonic said in a hushed tone. “Guess it’s a sore subject.”
Shadow reached over the table to put a hand over Sonic’s. “It’s clear you care a lot about your brother,” he said. “I’m sure he will be okay.”
Sonic sighed. “Yeah, I know.” He turned his full attention to the black hedgehog and smiled softly, looking down at their entwined fingers. “Uh- do you wanna come up to my room?”
Sonic’s stomach did flips at Shadow’s calculated nod. The dark hedgehog then got up and picked up his plate to take to the kitchen.
“Oh, don’t worry about that I can do it later.” Sonic said quickly.
Shadow smirked at him, quickly shifting subject to their usual banter. “Maybe you can.” He narrowed his eyes. “But will you?”
“I mean, eventually,” The blue hedgehog sighed. “But fair point.” He picked the other plates up off the table and took Shadow’s plate out of his hand as well.
“My hero,” Shadow said rolled his eyes, Sonic having already returned in a flash of blue. Even at the sarcastic context of the saying, Sonic struggled to hide a blush.
“Come on,” the blue hedgehog snaked an arm around Shadow’s waist, causing the dark hedgehog to look away with his own tinge of a blush. He still wasn’t very used to all of the affection, physical and otherwise, that Sonic showed him.
That being said, he craved it.
…
The moment Shadow heard the click of the bedroom door being shut, he was pushing Sonic against it.
He mashed their muzzles together, hand wrapping behind the blue hedgehog’s neck to hold them steady while Sonic kissed back equally as rough.
Shadow nipped briefly at his boyfriend’s bottom lip before burying his face in his neck; placing delicate kisses to his collar bone while Sonic groaned in appreciation.
The blue hedgehog’s hands roamed over Shadow’s back, brushing through the short dark fur and burying into his quills.
They parted, eyes locked on each other as they caught their breath.
Shadow leaned in again for a kiss, much slower than the initial one as he savoured his boyfriend’s taste.
He then pulled them into a hug, squeezing Sonic tightly. The blue hedgehog gasped at this slightly surprising behaviour from his partner. It was clear neither of them wanted the night to end.
“I should get going.” Shadow said, letting go and taking a few steps back.
But Sonic took just as many steps forward. He ran a paw up through Shadow’s white chest. “Stay the night?” The blue hedgehog asked. “It looks like it’s going to rain.” He gestured outside the window, where the dark clouds were moving quickly above and the wind was blowing the trees around wildly. “I wouldn’t want you to have to go home in this storm.” Sonic actually had to avert his gaze when he said this, because of how dumb he realised it sounded as Shadow had pulled out a chaos emerald.
“Faker-“ Shadow’s tone was endearing, and it made Sonic feel like he had won a race. His heart beating quicker than it ever did when running.
This feeling only intensified when the black hedgehog tucked the emerald back into his quills.
And when he gently grabbed Sonic’s jaw.
And especially when he pulled Sonic in for a slow, lingering kiss.
“If you ask me to stay, I’ll stay. You don’t need an excuse.” He planted his lips on Sonic’s again. And the third time, Sonic had grabbed him back, taking charge to increase the intensity of the kiss.
…
Later that night, Shadow had stolen a book from Sonic’s bookshelf and was silently flipping through the pages on the blue hedgehog’s bed. It was a collection of Emily Dickinson poems.
“I never really took you for a poetry person,” Shadow had teased.
“I dabble,” Sonic had shrugged with a grin. “I don’t always understand them, but the ones I do, I always seem to enjoy.”
Now, Sonic’s legs were draped over Shadow’s. He was on the verge of sleep, eyes fluttering open and closed again while he scrolled his phone.
The rain, which had begun as a slight drizzle, was now pelting down vigorously. The low thrum of it hitting the roof provided a calming background sound to the cozy night. Outside the window, lightning flashed.
Shadow sighed in contentment and glanced over his book at the sleeping hedgehog. “Do you want me to turn the light off Faker?” The dark hedgehog teased.
“Hm? No it’s fine,” Sonic opened his eyes slowly and propped himself up on his elbows. “You can keep reading,” he said with a yawn.
It was then that a large boom of thunder erupted around them. Shadow’s ears flattened but he tried to hide how startled he was.
Sonic caught on anyway.
“Aw shads are you afraid of thunderstorms? That’s kinda cute.” Sonic teased.
Shadow shrugged, eyes glancing back to his book. “I’m not. The noise is just annoying. That’s all.” The dark hedgehog refrained from mentioning how anxious he felt the first time he experienced a thunderstorm. He had read of it beforehand, and knew what it was. But the real thing, especially being a tropical storm, was harsher than he had imagined.
Sonic had scooted up the bed, bringing him face to face with Shadow. “Riiight,” the blue hedgehog grinned, their noses almost touching. It was then that a look of remembrance flashed across his face. “Actually, I should probably warn you.”
“Oh?” Shadow asked with a smile.
“Tails tends to come sleep in my bed when there are big storms like this. He gets nightmares.” Sonic warned. “Just a heads up.”
Shadow nodded thoughtfully. “That’s alright.” The black hedgehog considered past nights. Ones where he himself had woken from a harrowing dream. Nights filled with Sonic’s comfort, and those nights without him. Or other times, he would be jolted awake by Sonic’s panicked gasps, and they would lay in each other’s arms for the rest of the night. “We both know how that feels.” Shadow concluded.
Sonic rested his cheek on Shadow’s shoulder, undoubtedly flitting through the same memories. “Yeah,” he replied in almost a whisper, emerald eyes glancing up at the black hedgehog before closing again out of exhaustion. “Anyway,” he mumbled, a lazy smirk dancing across his features once again as he fought to keep his eyes open. “I’ll protect you from the scary thunderstorm.”
“Really now?” Shadow asked sarcastically, with a hint of laughter in his voice. “Because it seems like you’re on the verge of sleep.”
“Ugh I was trying to be romantic Shads,” Sonic quipped back. He reached his hand up to caress the tan fur on Shadow’s cheek
“Pfft you call that romantic?” Shadow rolled his eyes, the clear opportunity of a challenge presenting itself.
“Implying you can do better?”
“Maybe~” Shadow purred. He grabbed the blue hedgehog’s chin and pulled his face close, not entirely gently.
He kissed Sonic slowly, not loosening his grip. And again. Then a third time.
He then reached for the lamp on the nightstand and with a click they were in darkness.
Sonic squeaked in delight while unable to see, strong hands had pushed him into the mattress. And the dark hedgehog’s mouth was once again battling with Sonic’s, tongue gaining entrance and running against his teeth for just a moment before pulling away.
“Now go to sleep, Faker,” he whispered, and the blue hedgehog felt his partner retreat back to his side of the bed.
“Fine.” Sonic said. He turned on his side to face the black hedgehog. His eyes hadn’t adjusted to the light completely yet, but he knew Shadow could see him already.
“Hey, Shads?” The blue hedgehog asked, his voice sounding smaller than he had intended.
“Hm?” Shadow questioned. Sensitive paw pads lightly grazed Sonic’s chest.
“Will you actually sleep some this time? I know you don’t always-“ Shadow started to say something but Sonic ignored it and quickly blurted out the rest of what was on his mind. “I know you don’t technically need as much sleep as me and all that stuff, but I still think it would be good for you and it would make me happy if you at least tried?”
Shadow was silent for quite a while. Eventually he exhaled and spoke. “Very well, I’ll try.” And a moment later, in such a soft whisper Sonic wasn’t entirely sure he actually heard it, “just for you.”
Shadow pulled the blue hedgehog into a hug, resting his chin between blue ears and wrapping his arms tightly around his partner. Sonic sighed deeply, melting into the embrace and finding true sleep at last.
…
The blue hedgehog awoke abruptly to a light tapping at his door, even though it was difficult to hear above the loud whistle of the wind and rain outside, Sonic was expecting it.
Shadow’s steady breathing was hot against his ear with his arms wrapped tightly around Sonic’s torso.
He was surprised how quickly the black hedgehog loosened his grip in his sleep as Sonic wriggled out of his grasp, causing the dark hedgehog to promptly turn over and wrap the blanket tightly around himself again with a sigh.
Sonic shivered as he walked across the cool wood floor and he pulled the door open as softly as he could manage to not wake his partner.
The fox’s pupils were wide, maybe out of fear or maybe because he was just used to the dark. Sonic thought that they were also a bit glossier and more bloodshot than normal.
The kit was holding his two tails in his arms for comfort, and his ears were flat against his head.
Sonic couldn’t help but smile sadly at his brother. “Sometimes I forget you’re still just a kid, mister 300 IQ,” he said softly.
The young fox started to protest this statement, but found himself too tired. Instead, he replied, “I just can’t sleep, that’s all.” Tails averted his eyes in embarrassment.
“Bad dreams?”
The kit nodded and then shrugged. “I don’t really wanna talk about it right now.”
Sonic nodded in understanding and they were left in silence for a few moments.
“Well you’re welcome to sleep in my bed,” the older brother invited. “Shadow’s here,” He mentioned.
The kit smiled, just a little. “I figured.” Then his brow furrowed. “Are you sure Shad-“ he was cut off by Sonic’s insisting voice.
“He doesn’t care, come on.” The blue hedgehog stepped aside so his brother could enter the room.
Sonic allowed Tails to curl up between him and Shadow. The fox laid his head on his fluffy tails and stared into space, eyes wide and alert.
“it’ll be okay,” Sonic whispered, but Tails barely moved or acknowledged him.
“Hey, Tails,” Sonic sighed and ruffled the fur on his brother’s head. “We can talk about it later if you want. Uh- or we don’t have to. Whatever you feel like you need, kay?” Sonic stuttered. “But right now I think you should try to get some sleep if you can,” he said softly.
Of course Tails and him were best friends, and brothers, but Sonic was also his caretaker. The figure in his life responsible for keeping him safe and comfortable. For providing guidance when needed.
Overall, Sonic felt he was pretty good at most of the stuff. And it wasn’t exactly that difficult either, the young fox was a good kid, smart and thoughtful and independent.
Still, Sonic couldn’t help but fear that he would mess something up, or not be the best influence on the kit for one thing or another.
After all, Sonic was never especially good at communicating his emotions. At least not as much as Amy always tried to get out of him.
“I guess.” Tails huffed. He buried his face into the fur of his tails. His voice was distraught and muffled as he spoke “I don’t know if I can.”
“Hey, even Shadow’s asleep. And he like never sleeps, so if Shadow can do it, you can too!” The blue hedgehog said with as cheerful and positive a voice as he could muster in the middle of the night.
“I’m not asleep.” Shadow tuned in, albeit groggily. This caused both Sonic and Tails to jump. The dark hedgehog still had his back to them, but an ear was tilted curiously in their direction.
“But don’t you feel good that you’re trying?”
“Not really.” Shadow grumbled.
The blue hedgehog reached over and flicked his year playfully. “Not helping,” he commented.
The black hedgehog turned around to face them with a sigh, but he didn’t say anything more. Sonic couldn’t help but grin at how adorable he was, cheek resting on the pillow, eyes flickering closed and then opening again. Probably more out of boredom than sleepiness, but it was still a beautiful sight to the blue hedgehog.
“Okay, well I know I’ve gotta get some sleep,” Sonic said, once again addressing his brother. “I think you should try for a bit, but if you need you can wake me up, okay?.” He put a gentle hand on Tails’ back, and left it there even as he pulled the blankets up over them both and fell back on to his pillow.
The Kit whined softly, but closed his eyes. Sonic couldn’t help but whisper, “You can come to me whenever you need me. Always.” Tails’ ear twitched but he didn’t audibly reply.
And Shadow surprisingly found himself close to sleep too, though he didn’t want to admit it. He was comforted by the deep breathing of the mobians next to him, and before he knew it he was out cold.
…
She was crying.
It had been a while since he had a dream about her. But even as he stood there under the fluorescent lights of the ARK, he knew what it was. Just a dream.
Maria’s tears streamed down her cheeks, and with each sniffle the dark hedgehog’s heart sunk even deeper in his chest. The recognisably deep and aching pain of grief made itself known tenfold.
But the thing that irked Shadow the most? That she was smiling. Even through her tears, through any fear and the sadness.
She was happy.
Maria didn’t speak in this dream. But Shadow understood. She was glad that he was content now, maybe even happy. That he had found solace on earth. He had found a family after her.
…
Shadow opened his eyes soon after that, the realization that he was dreaming quickly waking him.
The image of Maria in his mind faded as he awoke, but the crying did not.
“Maria?” He croaked out before he could stop himself. His voice rang out in the silence of Sonic’s bedroom, harsh and raspy. And he cursed himself for how loud he was.
He examined the creatures next to him once his eyes adjusted to the darkness.
On the far end of the bed, Sonic was sprawled out and deep asleep. He had an arm fully hanging off the bed and was emitting a soft rumbling sound along with his breathing; something between a snore and a purr.
In between him and the black hedgehog was Tails. Eyes just as wide and even more bloodshot than before.
Shadow was at a loss for words as he made eye contact with the fox. Blue eyes pleading and the fur on his cheeks wet with tears.
Very quickly however, he realised he had to do something.
The dark hedgehog opened his mouth to ask, “are you alright?” But caught himself before speaking, realizing by the young kit’s current state that no, he wasn’t.
Instead, he whispered. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Tails looked as if he was thinking about it briefly, but eventually he shrugged.
The silence made Shadow shift uncomfortably, even though he was often the one to use body language rather than words.
“I just want to get some sleep at this point.” Tails groaned tearfully. “I’m so tired, but I can’t sleep.”
Shadow wanted to offer a comforting touch to the young fox, but he wasn’t sure how he would react to that in this state, so instead he opted to just pull the blanket more snugly over both of them.
Only their soft breaths filled the air for quite some time. At least the kit had slowed down from uncontrollable sobs to occasional, quiet tears as he stared at the ceiling.
Shadow figured maybe just having someone be awake with him had helped lessen the overthinking.
He remembered when he would have nights like these back when he was younger. And how Maria would try to help him fall asleep.
This gave him an idea.
“Uh,” Shadow started. He cringed when he broke the silence, but continued on. “When I was little, I would have trouble sleeping too.” He didn’t feel it necessary to mention that these troubles really never went away. “Maria- uh- used to read to me. It usually helped, both just having her presence and listening to her voice to fall asleep.”
“What did she read you?” Tails asked meekly, but his voice didn’t sound as distraught as previously.
“All kinds of things.” Shadow didn’t notice himself nearly smiling as he considered these memories. “Classics like Jane Austin’s Persuasion, newer titles at the time like Henry Huggins when we could get our hands on them, collections of short stories and poetry. One time she even read me the dictionary when she had forgotten most of her books on the other side of the ship.”
Tails actually chuckled, and turned on his side to look up at the dark hedgehog. “And how did that go?”
The ultimate life form sighed fondly and looked towards the ceiling, feeling more comfortable now that a flowing conversation was happening.
“That time,” he recalled. “Ah, yes, I didn’t actually end up sleeping much. Neither of us did. But only because we were too busy laughing at the definitions of simple words, and her struggle to pronounce difficult ones.”
“Hm.” The fox considered. “You must have had a lot of fun with her.”
“I did,” Shadow said. And they fell into silence once again.
Shadow wasn’t entirely sad though. Talking about Maria was bittersweet. He would never forget her, and would continue to honour his promise to make a life here for himself.
And that was exactly what he was doing by moving on, he realised.
He reached over to the bedside table where he had set down the book of Emily Dickinson poetry. Quickly sifting through it to find one that had resonated with him earlier.
“I can read some for you.” The black hedgehog suggested. “If you want.”
Tails didn’t reply, but settled his head on the pillow, looking up expectantly, almost eagerly, at Shadow.
With that, Shadow began.
“I would not paint — a picture. I’d rather be the one. It’s bright impossibility. To dwell — delicious — on.”
…
Sonic woke up to a bright light, namely, the sun, causing him to squint his eyes open.
It was lighting up his room, higher in the sky than he was used to. Or rather, later in the day than Shadow would normally let him sleep in when he slept over.
Neither the hedgehog nor the fox that had been next to him in the night were still there, so Sonic strained his ears for movement downstairs.
Sure enough, he heard movement and the clanking of dishes. After stretching his limbs, he trotted down the steps to see his brother and Shadow in the kitchen, drinking coffee and orange juice respectively.
Tails looked awfully tired, but no longer as shaken as he was in the night. The blue hedgehog went over to the fox first, who smiled at him.
“Hey bud,” he ruffled the fur on his brother’s head. “Were you able to sleep at all?”
“A bit,” Tails replied. “I struggled for a while but then Shadow read to me.”
“Oh?” Sonic asked, making eye contact with his partner from across the table. Shadow’s arms were crossed in his signature stance, but his eyes were soft as he gazed back at the blue hedgehog. Sonic smiled at him and changed the subject. “Soo, what do we want for breakfast?”
Tails plopped slices of bread into the toaster, while Sonic and Shadow hovered over the eggs on the stove.
As the black hedgehog seasoned the cooking food, Sonic wrapped a hand around his waist, leaning into the crook of his neck to whisper a “thank you.”
Shadow flashed a small smile and stole a chaste kiss before returning to what he was doing, but replied no further.