Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Jet, you're not leaving with my fucking truck! I paid for it!"

Sonic screamed in the driveway of his home. He stood in front of his newly bought vehicle, hands resting on the hood, palms flat. Jet sat in the driver's seat, an evil, angry glare on his face.

"Yeah, with money I gave you! Get out of the way, Sonic!" Jet shouted back from inside the truck, hands tightening on the wheel.

Hot tears spring in Sonic's eyes. He didn't understand what even started the fight this time! His old vehicle finally broke down a couple of weeks ago, coughing out its last life. He took this as an opportunity to finally get the ruck he'd been eyeing.

And even with his boyfriend of five years' disapproval of it, he bought it anyway. Jet had taken time out of his day to take him to and from work, so graciously kind to even pick up Tails from school on days he couldn't. He was so kind with it! but over the past couple of weeks, he grew visibly more irritated with it, practically begging Sonic to get another vehicle of his own.

Guess he changed his mind. When the blue hedgehog had arrived with the new truck in the driveway, a large argument broke out over it. The problem was that he didn't know why. He didn't understand what the hell Jet was spewing out of his beak; Jet didn't pay for the new vehicle, he did.

It didn't matter, anyhow. Jet was stubborn, even more so than Sonic ever was.

The hawk revved the engine, the truck moving just slightly before stopping as his talon pressed on the break. It was an obvious threat, one that terrified Sonic. However, he didn't move an inch. Instead, a low growl left his mouth.

"No! I worked hard for this, and you're taking it away!" He yelled out, claws digging into the metal hood.

He didn't notice the dark look washing over Jet's angry face. Sonic tried calling out again, pleading- no begging for Jet to end whatever fight this was and to get out of the truck. It fell on deaf ears.

His boyfriend warned Sonic again, this time the truck rolling a couple of inches, front left tire touching the tip of a red shoe, before he hit the brakes.

"Sonic. Get, out, of, the, way!" Jet hissed over the loud engine.

"No!" He screeched back, tears spilling down his face. The green hawk's face relaxed, carefully blank for a few moments. After a long, pregnant pause, he slammed his foot on the gas.

The only thing Sonic could process was the hot white pain shooting up his leg. Sparks of red flew around him, and he screamed before everything went black.

-----

Sonic awoke, jaw open in a silent scream. His body lurched up in bed, chest heaving as he clutched at his tight throat. His body sweat heavily, bullets of it raining down his face and back.

Just as he calmed himself, his alarm blared loudly. Sonic was quick to scramble out of the sheets and slam on the end button, sighing at the sudden quiet. Aside from his breathing, tense, thick silence and the loud chirp of crickets filled the air.

The azure hedgehog yawned, a paw going up to his mouth. He pushed the rest of the blankets off of his body, wincing at the sight of his leg. His left leg, gone from the knee down.

Sighing once more, he opened the drawer on his nightstand and took out his compression sleeve, sliding it over the stump. Then he took out his prosthetic, putting it over the sleeve. He tightened the belt around the top, making sure it stayed over the duration of the day. He moved the metal knee joint and calf around, loosening the stiff bolts before getting up and to walk over to his closet.

Sonic hated this new routine of his morning. Well, it wasn't exactly new new, but still. Relatively new for having his actual leg for most of his life. It'd been a little over a year since the incident, yet it was still fresh in his mind.

He put on his tan sweater, thin enough to not make him sweat, but thick enough to quell the inevitable breeze of the day. He moved on to his light blue jeans, leaning down with a slight wince to fold up the bottom.

Sonic slid on his socks and gloves before moving down the hallway quietly, the quiet thuds of his footsteps reverberating through the hall. He opened a light yellow door, sliding in near silently.

Sitting on the twin sized bed, Sonic leaned down and pressed a kiss to his kit's temple, gently ruffling the bangs on the fox's head. 

"Tails," He said, voice slightly above a quiet murmur.

The twin tailed fox groaned, body stretching out like a cat before yawning. He sat up, tiny body leaning on Sonic's side as his eyes blinked rapidly to rid of the rest of the sleep crusting over them.

"Mmm, don' wanna get up," He groaned quietly.

Sonic chuckled, pushing Tails' bangs back. "Sorry, buddy. Hey! The good thing is that you don't have school today!" He laughed louder as the kit visibly brightened, namesakes swishing behind him.

The blue hedgehog stood, walking over to the dresser propped against the wall adjacent from the star-themed bed and opened it, taking out a pair of overalls. He looked over his shoulder and asked, "Wanna wear these today?"

Tails rubbed at his eye, the other squinting at the clothing in Sonic's hand. "Yeah. Can I wear my red shoes with them today?" He asked as he stood as well, taking the overalls from peach paws.

"Of course, bud. Get dressed and go brush your teeth when you're done, okay?" Sonic reminded the other with a soft kiss pressed to his cheek.

He left the room and strided into the small bathroom brushing his teeth and forcing down his messy quills. Eventually, he gave up on them and opted to go downstairs and make a hearty breakfast instead.

By the time the toast popped up from the toaster, Tails hopped down the hallway and into the kitchen, nose twitching at the smell. The kit peeked over the counter, eyes barely reaching over the marble, as he stood next to Sonic.

"Ooh, can I have jelly on mine? Like you?" Tails asked, head turning so he could look up at the blue hedgehog.

Sonic chuckled, setting down the butterknife hovering over the stick of butter. He twirled around and opened the fridge, taking out the jelly and putting it next to the plate of toast.

"Sure, keed. You wanna do it?"

"Yes!" Tails called out, already running down the hall to grab his step stool.

He came up, pushing the stool against the cabinet so he could reach. Sonic watched in the corner of his eyes as he got his own breakfast ready. Tails was careful, always precise in everything he did, but he was still a kit.

The two ate in comfortable silence, both relishing in the sunlight that streamed through the large window. Sonic took their plates when finished and set them in the sink to wash later.

He grabbed his keys from the counter and the little kit's duffel bag from the hook by the door. Sonic called out to the kit still sitting at the table.

"Come on, keed! Time to go see Amy and Blaze!"

"Oh, sweet!" Tails slid off the chair and ran to Sonic, slipping on his red shoes- matching with Sonic's- before opening the door and running out. Sonic chuckled, closing the door and locking it before following his keed.

He opened the rear right door, helping Tails get up and buckling him in. Then he got in his own seat of the truck and started it, backing out and driving to work.

Sonic couldn't wait to go to work. He loved working at the cafe with his friends! It was also super close to every possible location he needed to head to every day.

Another bonus was that it was down the same street as Knuckles' gym; that was always a delight, to give his friend a scare by letting Tails run in and ramble on to random members until the echidna came out, wondering what the fuss was all about.

He sighed at the fond memory, eyes going to the rearview mirror to look at his wonderful keed. Tails sat in the middle of the backseats, feet swinging as his eyes looked outside the window, baby blue irises starry at the blurry world.

A smile graced his lips. Sonic loved his keed.

-----

The azure hedgehog parked the soft red truck, cutting off the engine and stepping out. He stumbled over his prosthetic foot, the damn thing refusing to move for a second. He leaned down and took off his shoe, moving the joint around in a circle to loosen the bolts and slipped on his shoe once more.

Tails stepped out of the truck, the door swinging open as he jumped off of the runner board, shoes slapping against the pavement with a dull smack. He hiked his duffel bag higher up his shoulder and grinned at Sonic.

"Ready! Is your foot okay?" His head tilted, body kneeling to look at his prosthetic.

The azure hedgehog put his hands under Tails armpits and straightened him back up, patting his head. "All good, keed. When we go inside, be sure to stay quiet, okay?"

"Got it!"

The two walked in, and upon entering, the overwhelming smell of coffee, bitter and strong, invaded their noses. Sonic, however, loved it. It stayed on his clothes, even after washing them, the scent of coffee mixing with his natural citrus smell on everything.

The two rushed to the back room, setting their belongings in Sonic's locker. He grabbed his black apron and tied it around his waist, adjusting the collar. He twirled around and grinned at Tails.

"How's it look, kid? Amazing as always?"

The fox gave a thumbs up, grinning just as wide. "Amazing as always," he confirmed.

The cobalt hedgehog snickered. He was about to say more when something caught his mind. Quickly, he opened the locker and set the cream-colored duffel bag on the table and pointed at it.

"Grab whatever you need out of there. It'll get busy today, keed. I probably won't be able to come back here and check on you as often as usual," He stated.

Tails sat on the metal chair on his knees and opened the bag, taking out his large sketchbook and a pencil and an eraser. He clipped the buttons back shut and slid it to the corner of the table. "Got my stuff. Can I eat some food on your break with you?" The kit wondered aloud, namesakes twitching behind him.

Sonic smiled, leaning down to brush back the kit's messy bangs. "Course you can. If you get bored, have Amy give you some stuff to play with. I think she brought her DS with her today just for you!" He winked, and with that, he walked out and to the working station.

Amy talked with an old sheep dog from behind the counter, presumably ringing up his order. The dog smiled and walked back to his table. The pink hedgehog turned and promptly gasped with a large smile upon setting eyes on Sonic.

"Oh, Sonic! I didn't even realize you clocked in! Is Tails in the back?" She stalked over to him, giving a gentle shoulder check before starting the coffee machine behind them.

Green eyes looked up at the order screen in the corner of the station, nodding to himself as he repeated the orders in his head. He walked over to the machine by Amy's starting on the second order.

"Yeah, he is. Probably drawing up another blueprint right now. He's had a hyperfixation on planes recently, so he's probably drawing one of them," he conversed.

Amy hummed, setting a small, rubber espresso cup under the machine. She pressed the start button and leaned her hip on the counter. "Sounds fun! I have my DS in case he gets bored, by the way."

The blue hedgehog laughed, shaking his head. "So I guessed right. I already told Tails you'd have it here."

"Oh! Okay then," Amy replied.

The two worked in comfortable silence, occasionally conversing about someone's order or apologizing when they bumped into each other. Around noon, Blaze walked in, a small purse hung over her shoulder. The two hedgehogs waved at her as she came out with a matching apron.

"Hey Blaze!" Sonic called.

He leaned down and opened the little fridge under the counter, grabbing the can of Reddi Whip. He popped open the lid and put a decent amount on an order. He grabbed the lid and a straw sliding it to the register and dinging the small bell. A brown cat stood from her little table and walked up, thanking the blue hedgehog as she grabbed her coffee and sat back down.

All the while, Blaze politely waited for him to finish before she replied with a small smile, "Hello Sonic. I saw Tails in the back. He was playing on your phone, by the way." A teasing glint sparked in her eye.

Sonic sighed, head hanging briefly. That little shit always found a way to get on his phone, no matter how many times he tried to stop it. Tails was too smart for his own good, always managing to guess his password somehow to play whatever game he decided to download.

A chuckle escaped his lips. "Damn. I can literally never find a way to get him to stop."

Amy twirled around with two large mugs of hot coffee in her paws, walking by Sonic to slide them over the register and ringing the little table bell. Two more mobians walked up and took their respective drinks with a mumbled thanks.

She nudged Sonic with her elbow and snickered. "Hey, it's no different when you let him have his tablet or my DS. What's the harm?"

He set his head in his hands, dragging them down his face. "Not exactly harmful, I just don't want him to get too spoiled."

Blaze butted in with a soft laugh. "Sonic, it'll be fine. He was only playing solitaire."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

The three moved around, working with each other the continuous orders while talking amongst themselves and laughing with some customers. All in all, it was a good day, with large beams of warm sunlight streaming through the windows, a happy vibe in the air.

At some point, Tails popped his head out from the backroom's doorway. "Dad?"

Sonic whipped his head around from the corner, walking up to the kit with a confused lilt to his head. "Yes, Tails?"

"Jet's calling you again."

Amy and Blaze shared a collective gasp, both their heads whipping around with their lips curled back in a grimace. Amy whispered-shouted, "Jet?! Sonic."

He hastily put his hands in the air in a placating manner. "Woah woah woah! I haven't talked to him since... that! It's not my fault he keeps calling me and making new numbers!"

The pink hedgehog growled, tossing the small towel in her hands to the counter and stomping forward. "Sonic, you need to tell the police this! He's harassing you!" She walked to Tails and took the phone from his paws, swiping at the end button and pressing block.

She gave it back and straightened herself, preening back her bristled quills. "There. If he calls again, tell Sonic, okay?"

The kit's tails twitched anxiously behind him, paws tightly holding onto Sonic's phone. He rocked from foot to foot, jaw opening and closing a few times before audibly clicking shut.

Sonic found it suspicious. He kneeled down, wincing as his prosthetic cracked worryingly, and set a stern expression on his face. "Tails. Has he already called before that?"

Silence. Sonic sighed, taking the phone out of his keed's hands. He opened the call history and blanched. The same number, now titled 'blocked', had called over six times in the past hour. His jaw hung open for a moment in shock.

However, he really shouldn't be. This was, unfortunately, normal for him.

The blue hedgehog growled and stood back up, gently pushing Tails in the back room and shutting the door with a soft click. He sat the kit down on the chair.

"Why didn't you tell me the first time he called? You know it's important if I know, remember how I told you that?" He chided the fox gently.

Tails shrugged, looking down in shame. His tails hung limp behind him. "I don't know. You were busy, and I didn't think it was a big deal."

A long, suffering sigh escaped his throat without his permission. He didn't mean to feel so... disappointed, but he had told his keed before to tell him if Jet was bothering them in some way, shape, or form.

He pulled back the other chair and sat down on it, head in his hands. "Tails, did you answer any of them?"

"No! I didn't, honest!" the fox answered, almost desperate. "I kept ending them, though. Was I not supposed to?"

"No, buddy. You're fine."

Blaze walked in, knocking on the doorframe for a moment, tail stiff and fluffed behind her. She rocked from foot to foot for a moment before speaking reluctantly, "Sonic."

The blue hedgehog looked up and over his shoulder at the purple cat. "Yeah, Blaze?"

"Uh, Jet's here. Like, in the store."

"What?" He quickly stood, rushing past her and into the main area. There stood at the register was a mad Jet, spitting out ugly words at Amy. The pink hedgehog visibly steamed, leaning over the counter with a digit shoved into his chest as she yelled at the hawk.

"Get out of here! You're scaring the customers off! You're not even supposed to be here in the first place!"

The hawk growled, leaning closer. "I don't give a shit about them. Where is Sonic?"

"Not here, so go away before I call the police!" Amy retorted, face red from rage.

Sonic sighed, the sound turning into a groan. He walked past the working station and shoved at Jet's arm. "Dude, why are you here? If you want to fight, we can, but not the place I work." His hand tightened around Jet's bicep, claws ripping into the fabric of his shirt.

Jet scoffed, shoving Sonic away with an ugly sneer of his beak. "So you are here. We need to talk, about us." His tone grew sickly sweet.

Green eyes peered nervously around the cafe, noticing with growing dread of the customers whispering. He shook his head and steeled himself. Now was not the time to get all anxious!

Shards of jade met cold, dead blues, and he growled out, "No. There's nothing to talk about. Get out of the cafe before I call the cops."

The hawk stepped forward, grabbing Sonic by the shoulders. "But baby, I'm sorry. Please, let's just talk about this."

His tone was disgusting. It was so obviously fake and overly sweet. The cobalt hedgehog had been through this so many times before, and in the past, he'd fallen for it. Sonic had fallen for it, and caused his and Tails' own trauma because of it. 

He'd never go back.

"Jet, leave," He hissed. Gloved hands shoved Jet away, pushing him to the door. Pointing at it, he continued harshly, "You lost your chance the first time you cheated, the first time you hit me, the first time and last time you threatened my kid. Get. out." 

The green-feather hawk was silent for a moment, muscles coiled and tense. After a beat of thick silence, he nodded, slow as his face grew dark. "Fine, but this isn't over, Sonic. I'll win you over, just like the times before."

He shoved open the door and left, visible through the windows as he stomped away. Sonic sighed, heart pounding in his chest. His breathing grew heavier by the second, and he clutched at his sternum.

Amy rushed to his side, leading him to the backroom and shutting the door. She sat him down across from a shameful looking kit, massaging his shoulders.

"I can cover the rest of your shift. I'll call the higher ups, okay? You and Tails go home," She said, voice solemn and quiet.

The cobalt hedgehog didn't have the energy to argue. As long as he was paid for the hours still, he would gladly accept the offer as it was. He waved a hand at the fox and mumbled, "Tails, pack your stuff up. We're gonna go home, okay?"

"Okay," The two-tailed kit responded, hastily getting up from the chair to open the locker to grab his duffel bag. Everything was quickly shoved inside of it before the buttons were clipped closed and hung over a tiny shoulder. "I'm ready."

Sonic sniffed, standing up as well before wincing with a hiss of his teeth. "Ugh, okay. Just give me a moment." He sat back down and rolled up the pants leg to look down in disgust at his prosthetic.

He slid his hands down the creaky metal and to the knee joint, messing around with the balled joint to roll it around and loosen the stiff screws. Amy watched with concern, paws clutched to her chest.

"Sonic, does the insurance the cafe provides cover for a new one? This one obviously is causing pain," She started slowly, words hesitant.

Honestly, Sonic knew it did. But it wouldn't help, because he knew he would have to cover at least half of a possibly new prosthetic. He just couldn't afford it. And plus, he could handle this one, and yes, it caused pain shooting up his leg and making his hip sore from the weight, but he could handle it. Sonic could, and he would.

He waved a dismissive hand in the air, grinning up at his friend. "Sure, but I got it! Honestly, the pain is dull at this point from getting used to it."

She shook her head disapprovingly. "Sonic, that's not healthy. You can cause some serious muscle damage!" She crossed her arms.

He crossed his own arms, leaning back with a challenging quirk of his brow. "Amy, it's fine. When I get the money for it, I'll get a new one. But for right now, the only thing on my mind is caring for Tails."

The pink hedgehog sighed, slumping in defeat. "If you say so. Are you heading out now?"

Sonic stood, stretching briefly before waving at Tails to follow. He grabbed his keys from his locker and shoved them in his quills before untying the apron and putting it inside. Facing Amy, he replied with a soft smile, "Yeah. Me and Tails are gonna go home and just laze around, maybe do some chores."

"Ugh, again?" Tails pouted.

An elbow nudged into the kit's side teasingly. Sonic sang with a smirk, "Oh yeah. Loads of chores."

The two adults laughed as the child pouted harder, foot stomping. The blue hedgehog hugged Amy, and they left. Once both were settled in the car and buckled, he looked over the seat and smiled gently at Tails.

"Kid, I'm not mad. The situation was just scary for me. I'm sorry," He started, smile forming into a small frown.

Tails fidgeted in his seat, hands wringing together. "I should've told you Jet was calling. Sorry, dad," He mumbled, chin tucked into his chest.

Sonic sighed, a fond smile coming back to his lips. He could always count on his keed to cheer him up. It always worked, no matter the situation; the kid's smile and childish personality just made his entire day turn around for the better.

The blue hedgehog started the truck and backed out before driving home. His hand removed itself from the wheel and twisted back so he could hold his kid's hand, a sorry attempt at comforting him from the scares of the day.

Chapter Text

It was the first day of his and his best friend's store officially being opened. Today was literally the opening day, and he was late. Shadow had never felt so ashamed in his life until now. How rude was it to live and get ready with said best friend and still be late?

Curse his dumb cat demanding cuddles and food and trying to trip him from right under his feet! The ebony hedgehog rushed around the kitchen, grabbing his keys and phone, then moved gracefully around the corner of the table to yank his jacket off the back of the chair. His feet stumbled over each other as his black cat meowed from under them, her claws pawing at his loose shoe laces.

He hissed, twisting in a half circle while hopping on one foot. The boot in the air was batted at by his cat Luna, a happy mewl leaving her lips as she caught the end of the lace in her mouth. He sighed and kneeled down, picking her up by the scruff. Once they were eye level, Shadow gave a playful glare as he walked to the couch and set her on the back of it.

With an eye on her from the corner, he picked his keys and phone back up and put both in the jacket's pockets, then swept his palms over his jacket, smoothing any wrinkles from their surprise play-time. Shockingly, as he opened the door with one boot stepped out, the only thing his cat did was chirp before resting on her belly over the back of the leather couch.

A smile graced his lips, and he shut the door. Shadow skipped every other step, his boots echoing with the heavy stomps. Outside, he quickly slid onto the leather seat of his motorcycle and shoved the key in the fob, turning it. The bike gave a loud roar, a stark contrast to the quiet of the early Tuesday morning.

The black hedgehog rode down the empty streets, relishing with bright eyes as the wind swept over his quills and face. Taking a deep, long inhale, he sighed out. The town's air smelled of fresh baked treats and coffee; an obvious sign that coffee shops were opening to other mobians and humans alike, offering their energy boosts.

He entered the road that would take him into the large strip mall and rounded a corner, where employees parked behind the buildings. He drove around the small lot for a motorcycle parking space. It was surprising in itself that a town this small even had a spot for large bikes, honestly. He hummed in satisfaction as he found one. He slid into the spot and cut the engine.

Shadow took his phone out of it's pocket and opened the contact for Rouge. All the while, he walked along the sidewalk and occasionally glanced around for the sign for her- er, their store. It was still odd to think of the business as both of theirs now, when before, it was just hers. In hindsight, he should've realized sooner that Rouge would've asked him to join her on her journey at some point.

Actually, he's surprised she opened a piercing and tattoo shop at all. When they were younger, she could never stop talking about wanting to open a bar- Club Rouge, she called it. He guessed times had changed. Not that he was complaining, his best friend was happy, so that meant he was too.

As Shadow's thumb slid over Rouge's contact, ready to hit the call button, a sudden sharp pain erupted in the middle of his temple. He hissed, bringing a hand up to rub soothing circles into the area. His vision swam briefly, stars entering and leaving his blackened vision. Whatever he ran into was hard.

"Ah, sorry man! You alright?" a sudden voice interrupted his dizzy thoughts.

Shadow blinked his eyes open, squinting against the red and purple hue of the sky. There stood the one he apparently ran into; a blue hedgehog with a light gray sweater and deep red athletic shorts. He rubbed his own palm over the side of his head, right under his ear. Shadow's eyes instinctively roamed the other, inhaling sharply when a toned stomach peeked from where he had his arm stretched above to rub at his temple.

A deep flush raised to a tan muzzle and the back of his neck. Gaia, the hedgehog in front of him was handsome, with glittering green eyes and messy but incredibly soft looking quills. Chaos, his smile was enough to rival the halo of gold and purple encasing him from the sky.

As his eyes looked around awkwardly, he noticed a small golden-brown fox, most likely the age of six or seven. He wore a light blue t-shirt and jean shorts with patterned stars sewn into the fabric. Over his shoulder was a brown duffel bag.

And the glare his wore was something that rivaled one of an angry mother. His tiny snout was scrunched in obvious displeasure, his tiny hand fisting the blue hedgehog's shorts like a lifeline.

The dark hedgehog quickly averted his eyes to the ground in front of his boots. He cleared his throat and replied shakily, "Y-You're fine. It was my bad."

The pretty hedgehog laughs, light and sweet. Like they had never even accidentally bonked their heads together and caused a probable concussion, or some kind of internal brain damage- the small voice in Shadow's head, the one that sounds like Rouge, is telling him he's being paranoid again- but none of those factors mattered when those bright shards of jade wandered over his own body.

Suddenly, it was too much. Shadow quickly looked around and almost face palmed. Rouge- their store was right across the street. There was a dim yellow light coming from the large window on the left of the black painted door. The old red brick lit up from the edges of the window. He sighed, the tension leaving his shoulders.

Shadow gave an awkward wave to both and ran across the street, opening and slamming the door shut. The whole time his back was turned, he could feel those pairs of eyes looking back at his retreating frame.

-----

The next few hours went by swiftly.

Shadow and Rouge got everything set up, by cleaning every surface and utensil needed for their expertise at least three times. And by the time the first customer came in, the day felt like it went in slow motion and sped up times one hundred all at once. It was something Shadow wasn't sure he would like, in the beginning, with all the interacting, talking, touching he had to endure.

However, he quickly realized that it wasn't bad at all. Everyone was so nice, and the customers seemed more focused on the fact that Shadow was about to put a needle in their face than Shadow's awkward personality and stiff muscles. It was honestly quite relieving, to not be the only one nervous and jittery out of their own skin, even if it was for two very different reasons.

And by lunch time rolled around, Rouge and Shadow were already exhausted. The bat had complained halfway through the morning that her back hurt and wings ached from being hunched over someone's half-tatted arm for one hour straight.

He complained of being too nervous to keep the needle straight- shaky fingers, of course. Not that he could get rid of them even if he wasn't nervous, coffee seemed to always thrum through his very system and keep him trembling all day long- and was worried about piercing the skin crooked.

Fortunately for them, a cafe was right across the street. The black hedgehog noticed the bitter smell earlier- well obviously, he's a coffee maniac- of coffee and treats hanging in the air. He just hadn't realized it was coming from the small place straight across from them.

And it smelled good. Shadow licked his lips as he stared out the window longingly at the cafe. It just looked so inviting from afar, and he knew for a fact that inside would be twelve times better.

Him and rouge quickly clocked out for their lunch and headed outside. Immediately, the coffee scent grew stronger, seeming to waft over to Shadow like in the cartoons; visible steam and ready to make him float all the way over there with saliva pooling in his mouth from the mere smell. 

The streets weren't too crowded. The main road in the middle had a barrage of small groups and a few bikers or skaters along the side. Other mobians seemed to be content with sitting on the bench and people watching. The two friends looked at each other with a feeling akin to glee- perhaps it was because it was their first day with their business, but Shadow hadn't felt this... happy in a long while.

Him and Rouge crossed the street and opened the door to the cafe. He was slapped in the face, hard at the divine smell of baked sweets and the bitter scent of coffee that already lingered on his tongue. Rouge gasped with a large grin on her face and slapped his bicep a few times to get his attention.

"Oh, Shadow, look, look! They have a 'make your own' station back there! I'm going to put every flavor in one tiny cup!" Rouge chirped happily, wings fluttering behind her.

Shadow hissed at his best friend's unknown strength and pushed her paw away from his stinging arm. He mumbled his acknowledgement of what she said and quickly moved to a small circular table in the corner. He sat down and sighed, all the earlier tension and anxiety leaving his body. Rouge tapped at his forehead and pouted playfully.

"Not even going to come up with me and order? How rude of you, darling! To make a poor woman like me go up there all by myself," She clicked her tongue dramatically and raised the back of her hand to her head, using the other to wipe a fake tear.

Crimson eyes rolled so far back it briefly hurt. He sighed again, this time in amused exasperation, and gently shoved her shoulder.

"Fine. But you're doing all the talking," He muttered under his breath. Shadow kept his head hung low, though the effort was futile, he was tall for an average mobian, after all.

Rouge giggled and quickly got into line with him, elbowing him in the side. "Oh, and look at the register," she paused to point over the people's heads. "There's a cute hedgehog working here! Maybe you and him can get to know each other, and I'll finally be able to pick at your horrible, nonexistent love life!"

Shadow groaned, eyes rolling in a full circle just to show how annoyed he already was. He didn't have to raise to his tip toes and raise his chin up like Rouge did; he could easily look over everybody's heads to see-

The blue hedgehog from before.

Oh Gaia, he was so pretty. He wore the same thing as before on the street, but this time a cream colored apron was tightly synched around his waist. The brand name 'Chaos Heart's Cafe' was printed over his chest in a loopy, cursive font. The hedgehog's face was bright and smiley, his white teeth and boyish tooth gap on full display for every customer.

Suddenly, Shadow's heart thrummed painfully against his ribcage. It pounded and made blood rush into his ears. He didn't know why, but just looking at this fascinating hedgehog made his body coil with a particular tensity he hadn't felt since college. The aura of the hedgehog behind the counter could be felt from here; bubbly, bright, the embodiment of pure sunshine.

It was almost like Shadow was sent outside in a large field of soft grass and wildflowers. Wind pulled and tugged at him, pushing him roughly through the sea of green and random dots of color until he was shoved into the embrace of blue.

A hand on his shoulder pulled him from his raging thoughts. He looked down to find Rouge staring up at him with a contemplative look in her gleaming eyes, smile upturned sharply. He clicked his tongue and scowled, crossing his arms tightly over his chest. The action made the leather of his jacket creak.

"Shut up."

The bat barked out sharp laughter, eyes scrunching in amusement. She patted his shoulder before letting her hand drop back to her side. "Honey, I haven't even said anything!" She elbowed him in the rib and continued, "But hey, now I know what to tease you with."

"I said shut up," He hissed through grit teeth. His eyes remained solely focused on the line, and how fast it was shortening. He prayed to Gaia that the blue hedgehog would switch positions with the purple, honey-eyed cat working at the coffee machines, but by the time there were only two people left in front of them, he knew he was doomed.

Anxiety hung over his head like a thick weighted blanket. He could feel his palms sweat inside his gloves and his teeth ache from the force that he pushed them together. His stomach did flips- though he's not sure if it was because those pretty jades were now looking at him or because he was about to vomit everywhere.

He hoped to Chaos it was the former; it would be so embarrassing to puke in front of everyone like that.

A look of brief surprise swept over the azure mobian's face, but it was hastily replaced with a giant grin and twinkling eyes. His voice was higher pitched than this morning, Shadow thinks. It must be his customer service voice, or maybe it was the fact that it was now mid morning instead of the ass crack of dawn.

"Oh, hello again! I noticed earlier that you went into the new shop across from here! How's it over here so far? Are you guys new to town?" He asked, grin never once leaving his face. Even his voice sounded real, like he wasn't just asking for the hell of small conversation.

The genuinity of his personality made Shadow more nervous. He made a micro step backwards, behind Rouge's flank. His friend sighed with a slight shake of her head, but plastered on her own grin.

She popped a hip and fluttered open her wings, one of them widening across the expanse of Shadow's trembling frame. Not that it helped much, he was too tall for that; either way, the wall of sorts helped.

"Sure are, hun! We moved in a few months ago, opened our business over here! I'm glad we have such nice neighbors though, it makes it easier to get black mail and maybe a new fling." She replied, throwing in a wink and a flash of her fangs at the end.

The cobalt hedgehog laughed, eyes scrunching. He eventually calmed and retorted easily, "Ah, you aren't gonna get much black mail in this strip mall. Everyone knows everyone, so whatever secret someone has is known by the whole town. It's really only a secret to an outsider. For the fling part though, just be careful." He winked as well.

The wink and implications of it wouldn't have been as attractive as it was. Shadow inhaled sharply through his nose and tried to avert his attention somewhere else. That just so happened to be the name tag clipped on one of the straps of the blue hedgehog's apron.

Sonic.

The name was almost as pretty as his smile. It seemed fitting, as well.

"Now, what can I get started for you two?" Sonic easily swept the conversation to a slightly more professional tone becoming more of an employee than someone talking with an old friend.

The bat hummed, eyes roaming to the large menu hanging from above. She tapped his chin and nodded to herself. Shadow looked as well, but he already knew what he wanted; it was the only thing he could handle, as his stomach was unfortunately not made for the level of sweetness Rouge's was.

"I'll have a brown sugar and banana iced latte with strawberry cream. Oh, and be a dear and make it with light ice," She ordered, tone turning into a more neutral one in response to Sonic.

He tapped along the screen of the register before looking back up at Shadow.

"And you?"

He gulped. Shadow repressed the urge to rock on the balls of his feet in anxiety. Hid fingers, however, tugged at the sleeves of his jacket from where they were tightly crossed.

"Er, straight black coffee. Hot," He sputtered out like a dying engine.

Gaia, I'm so pathetic. What was that?! Oh Chaos, I look like a fool, a bumbling, idiotic-

"Come one, handsome! Back to the table we go!" His friend cut through his racing mind, not so subtly pulling him by his arm back to their little table. He was shoved into his seat, though he didn't register it. His brain was still spewing utter nonsense that Rouge told him not to listen to, but he was anyway.

"You gonna to come back to me, hun?" Rouge called from across the small table, her eyes narrowed as her gloved claw tapped a familiar rhythm on the table.

Instantly, he tapped alongside her, focusing his jumbled brain on the beat they'd made together so long ago. He eventually sighed, shoulder slumping and making him look shorter and weaker than his normally strong, broad frame.

He nodded and rubbed at his face tiredly. "I'm alright now. This place is kind of..." He trailed off, not sure what else there is to say.

Rouge was perfect at reading between the lines, most of the time with sharp precision. She continued for him, "Packed? I get it sweetie, and it doesn't help that that cute hedgehog over there was totally eyeballing you."

He sucked in a breath between his teeth and scowled. "Don't say shit like that, Rouge. I made a fool of myself. Plus, it's not like we'll ever get close. We seem to be exact opposites, personality and," He paused to wave a hand around the obviously bright, bubbly atmosphere. "Aesthetically wise. There's no way he'd like someone like me."

The woman sitting across from him just raised a brow with a deadpan expression. Her index finger slowed in its absent, rhythmic tapping and finally settled her loose fist over the wooden surface. "Sure, Shadow. Whatever you say. Now say hi, he's coming over with our drinks."

Shadow's eyes widened comically, but before he could do or say anything, Sonic came over with a bright grin. Each paw held their drinks, ones with the large iced and overly sweet beverage, the other a decently sized mug of steaming liquid. He set both on the table and took a straw out from the small pouch on the bottom of his apron.

Sonic gently placed it next to Rouge's drink. "There you guys go! Have a good rest of your day!"

Crimson eyes followed as he retreated back to the register, almost hypnotized by the sway of his hips. He growled in warning when a snap of Rouge's fingers made its way right in front of his face.

"Careful now, I might have to put you down if you keep looking so feral," She teased. She took a long sip from her drink and sighed with a blissed out smile. Rouge mumbled between sips, "And this shit is tasty. Damn, this place is filled with hot babes and top tier drinks! We've truly won the lottery, darling."

Shadow could do nothing but silently agree as he took a sip from his mug, eyes never leaving the other hedgehog's face. And as he watched the longer they were there, the more obvious something became.

Everyone else was called up to grab their food or drink. Him and Rouge were personally handed theirs. He hummed into the rim of the mug pressed gently to his lips as he watched with determination to find out why.

It seemed Rouge had come to the same conclusion.

She pursed her lips as Sonic called out someone's name from behind the register before going back to talking to the next customer. Her finger tapped at her chin as her teal eyes narrowed.

"I think he did that so he could get a closer look at you, y'know," She started, eyes lazily roaming back over to Shadow. "He hasn't done that to literally anyone else in he hour we've been here. Don't you find that... intriguing?" Rouge's eyes had a sudden, new light in them as she pressed herself nearly over the table in excitement.

"Maybe I will have something to tease you about, after all," She finished with a satisfied smirk. She took one last slurp of her drink and sighed, patting her belly. "Geez, this stuff is sugary! I can feel my fingers tingling."

"That's... not a good sign. Should we go to the hospital-"

"Shadow, shut up. I was joking, I'm fine."

"...Are you sure?" He asked with a curl of his lips. 

Rouge simply sighed and let her head gently smack into the wooden table. After a few moments of deep breathing- Shadow could tell by the way her shoulders heaved with each breath taken- the bat lifted her head back up with a wide grin.

"Let's go back to work. We're having a talk about getting you a therapist when we get home, by the way."

It took everything in Shadow not to pout like a little child. 

Chapter Text

Shadow and Rouge's store was buzzing with life. There were a few stragglers out in the waiting lobby, most of them either anxiously bouncing their legs or unable to stop talking in their excited ramble.

It warmed Shadow's heart, just a little, knowing how much little acts of service like this meant to the people that came in. Whether the piercing he gave was in remembrance of someone who died that had the same one, or as a show of a new age for their birthday, it didn't matter, all of it was important to them, so it was to him too.

Rouge might not feel the same way, however. All day, in between her tattoo clients, she complained about everything. 

"Ugh, my back hurts!"

"This client only gave me a fifty buck tip for a half sleeve, how rude!"

"I'm so hungry!"

It was getting a little old. Not that he really blamed her, though. He himself was tiring as the day went on, his already barely there smile dropping from having to interact with everyone and touching and ugh. On the other hand, Rouge knew better. She literally went to school for this, and she was still complaining.

After another yelled complaint from across the hall, he had enough.

Shadow inhaled sharply and smiled at a few of the customers straggling around the lobby as he briskly walked to the back room. There sat another good friend of theirs, munching away on an apple as she looked down at some leftover papers he and Rouge didn't feel like filling out themselves.

He cleared his throat, not surprised in the slightest that she jolted nearly out of her seat, eyes wide. Topaz hastily fumbled with the papers and apple in her hand, sorting them all out in an orderly fashion before giving a sheepish grin.

"Oh, hey Shadow! What can I do for you?" She asked.

Shadow tilted his head to the side and replied blandly, "I need to go out and get something for Rouge. Can you replace me? I'll just be a second, right across the street."

Her face did a funny little scrunch thing, lips pursing to one side while her eyebrow went up. She nodded slowly, blue eyes never leaving Shadow's face.

"I can," She started slowly. He could sense a 'but' coming. "But, like, why? Rouge is perfectly capable of getting something herself, and I can't exactly replace you. I never did any schooling for piercings or tattooing."

The black hedgehog could feel a sigh bubbling in his throat. He merely rolled his eyes and straightened his head.

"I need you to babysit the people in the lobby. I just need to go across the street and grab something before Rouge's blood pressure reaches a new height and freaks out on everyone."

Topaz blinked before she shook her head with an exasperated chuckle. Her eyes were filled with amusement as she looked up back at Shadow and asked, "Ah. Hangry, I presume?"

He nodded silently. Topaz waved him off with one hand, using the other to lift herself from the chair. The two walked back out into the lobby and waved each other off as Shadow walked out the door.

The chilly evening air instantly sprung into action, whipping across his face in every direction. He tsked in annoyance and brought his paws up to preen at his messy quills. He looked around briefly, noting that almost no one was here, save for a few sitting on benches and looking at the sunset. Shadow walked across the street and back to the cafe, ready to get something nice and warm- and sweet- for Rouge.

But before he even reached the other end of the street, boot hung in the air over the beginning of the sidewalk, he heard someone cry out. There was a dull thud and a scrape of something- possibly fabric?- across a surface following after the muffled cry.

His ears were on instant alert, perked and flicking in every direction. His body straightened, muscles tensed to the point it was hard to move his legs. There was another cry, this time sounding more angry, and a cry of someone else- the voice strangled sounding and deeper.

Shadow pursed his lips, undecided. On one hand, someone could be getting trafficked right now. On the other, it was just a simple, aggressive make out session behind the building.

A muffled whimper and help was all but blasted into his ears. Shadow growled softly and made a decision, walking to the direction of the side of the cafe, where a back alley, cold and damp and dark, lay. He barely poked his head around the corner before freezing completely.

Sonic was held against the building by some green bird mobian, one winged hand over his mouth and the other pawing at his stomach. The two were close, too close to be consensual. The fact that the blue hedgehog was obviously angry-crying wasn't a good sign either. Shadow held still, ears perked forward as he tried to listen in on their hushed conversation.

"Blue, won't you take me back? I know you want to," The disgusting green bird started with a sickly sweet tone, grinding his hips forward.

Shadow growled, claws digging into the corner of the wood of the building. How dare this... piece of shit defile someone so pure like Sonic?! He boot stepped forward, but paused when he noticed a glint of something in Sonic's hand.

Sonic loudly growled, ears pinning to his skull. His legs kicked out to try to get the bird off, but it was futile. He was just a few inches shorter, and the bid obviously took that as his advantage. He pressed against the azure hedgehog harder, beak pulling into a deep frown.

"Sit still, Blue! I know you want it, so why are you struggling so hard?" he demanded. His hand slid lower on Sonic's stomach, just nearing the top of his shorts.

The blue hedgehog's scream was muffled in the bird's hand. Shadow had never felt so much anxiety and anger in his life. His legs won't move, his heart felt like it was about to literally combust inside his sternum, and his mind wouldn't shut up. He could save him, he was right here! 

Fortunately, that glint of something finally made a show.

Sonic screamed louder, body thrashing around. His head banged against the wood in attempts to get the hand off his face, and Shadow winced at the loud thud. It didn't seem like the other hedgehog noticed, however, when his quills flared and his snout was scrunched in a mean, feral scowl.

He bared his fangs and growled. The bird stepped back in brief surprise before glowering as well, green feathers tufting up in his annoyance. He crossed his arms and smirked at Sonic.

"What, going to fight back? Maybe lose your oth-"

"Fuck you!" 

Sonic screeched. The two were close enough that he didn't have to step very close to do what he was about to. His gloved paw raised high in the air, and Shadow finally got to see what he was holding. It was a small wrench, but still big and thick enough to do some damage. Sonic hurled it back down, hitting the bird right over the head.

The cobalt mobian's chest heaved as he looked down at the bird writhing around on his knees, both hands clutched to his head as he wallowed in pain. Those pretty jades were no longer bright and gleaming; they were dull, tired. In the shadow of the alley, Shadow could see the heavy eyebags hanging under Sonic's eyes.

Has this happened more than once? It seemed like the two knew each other. Exes, maybe. Either way, the dark hedgehog needed to leave, now. He had just watched an attempted rape and an assault and battery charge. Not that he would be going to the police, though. His anxiety was through the fucking roof, and he didn't want to deal with it, quite frankly.

It seemed Sonic had it under control, anyway.

As he walked away, he could hear Sonic shouting curses and a name. Jet. That was the name of the offender. Shadow made sure to put it in the back of his mind to look at later. on the internet, just to make sure he didn't have any... public charges.

Shadow took a deep breath to calm his racing heart and thrumming nerves. He stiffly opened the cafe door and walked in, body slumping in relief at the smell and comforting atmosphere.

There was a pink hedgehog at the counter, wearing a light green sweater underneath the same apron Sonic wore earlier in the day. She ave a tired but happy smile as he walked up.

"Good evening! What can I get for you?" She chirped. Her hands hovered over the digital register screen.

He hummed, not even looking up at the menu.

"Two chocolate croissants. Er- please," He responded blandly.

She tapped the screen and rang up the order. "Five twenty-five, please!"

He handed her the money and walked to one of the small table to wait for his order. Shadow looked around while he waited, as he was unable to really do so earlier because of his... distraction.

The inside walls were a soft brown wood. The tables were a light green, as was the menu and the counter. Every chair was white and leathery, comfy to sit on but sturdy enough to hold weight. The flooring was a similar white, just more cream colored and tiled. The lighting above wasn't fluorescent, so his pleasant surprise. Instead, small chandeliers hung over every table or bench, the warm yellow glow illuminating the place.

The only lights that were bright and fluorescent were the ones over the actual working stations behind the counter, though Shadow couldn't be mad at that. He knew himself that it was hard to work with low yellow light, no matter how much he hated the bright white lights that burned his retinas.

His eyes wandered into the back. There was a back room, with the door slightly cracked. Shadow's crimson orbs widened when he saw who was inside.

Sonic kneeled down to the same golden-brown fox from this morning, probably giving some kind of pep talk. They must be close, or possible adoptive brothers. The kit looked thoroughly scorned, after all. Only an older brother could give such a talk to earn a scolding pout like that.

It reminded him of his sister, and all the times he had to act like an angry older sibling when she did something bad. Well, not exactly bad, but whenever she got out of bed and pushed herself too hard. A smile wormed its way up to his face, the corners of his lips upturning slightly.

Sonic finally stood and grabbed the fox's hand, his own face twisted in a pinched expression. Ah, he must be mad at whatever the fox did. The two stopped behind the counter to speak with the pink hedgehog before quickly walking out.

It shouldn't have been so disappointing to be walked right by. They were strangers, for Gaia sake! Why was he so set on getting to know this hedgehog, when the two had only briefly talked twice?

His name was called, and Shadow stiffly walked up to the counter to grab the bag of food and left.

-----

Sonic was everywhere. 

Shadow couldn't stop thinking about him. In turn, he noticed that this town really was that small, and now he couldn't stop seeing hints of Sonic or his little brother wherever he went. First, it was a small flower shop. Then it was a restaurant. And finally, it was the Chaos-damn grocery store.

His best friend and roommate had betrayed him, locking him out of the apartment until he came back with hands full of groceries and snacks. Their pantry was already packed! Rouge was just being an asshole, as usual, and was trying to silently get him out of the house and actually interact with outside life.

Shadow grumbled to himself as he walked in, arms tightly crossed as his stiff legs led him around the store. He grabbed small, light items into the red basket in his paws.

As he turned the corner, a familiar voice echoed through the aisle and his ears. The dark hedgehog looked around the corner and had to hold in a laugh.

Sonic sternly chided the fox with a bag of mints in his hands.

"You cannot steal! What in the world were you thinking, trying to swipe these and put them in your bag?" He demanded gently and quietly.

The fox toed at the tiled floor and looked down, chubby face curled in a pout. He shrugged silently. Sonic sighed and brought a hand up to brush through his quills. He gently tossed the bag of mints in the cart.

He suddenly leaned down and picked the fox up from under his arm pits, putting him in the cart as well. The kit looked surprised for a few seconds before groaning, loudly. His mouth was quickly covered by the azure hedgehog's paw.

"Knock it off."

The golden-brown kit huffed, crossing his arms as he scooted himself in a corner of the cart. He stuck his tongue out before looking back down at his crisscrossed legs. Sonic's snout scrunched in displeasure but otherwise stayed silent as he pulled the cart out of the aisle and onto the next one.

Shadow sighed in relief, moving quickly to grab what he needed from this aisle and moved onto the next.

He was slightly happy about this little quirk, however. The dark hedgehog could keep tabs on Sonic, even if it would be seen as weird from an outsider’s perspective. Sonic looked well, and the bags under his eyes weren’t as prominent as the time in the alley.

This also meant he could keep tabs on Sonic’s mental health, as well. Jet, as the other hedgehog had said his name was, was damn near everywhere as well. Wherever Sonic was, he was there too.

There wasn’t anything Shadow could do about that, but when he was out and inevitably accidently ran into Sonic, he could keep an eye on the bird as well.

~

From then on, the ebony mobian saw or heard them everywhere. It made it impossible to think about anything else. It would be so easy to just go up to him and start a conversation, get close, maybe become friends. It wasn't like it would be hard, seeing as Sonic quite literally was a ray of sunshine and seemed to know everybody in town.

He was like a little-town celebrity, to be honest. Shadow noticed that everyone in town would stop and say hi, or make small talk with the hedgehog. They made it look so easy. But his nerves just wouldn't let him. It was frustrating, especially when a certain bat wouldn't get out of his ear about it.

Rouge sighed heavily from their leather couch, Luna in her paws as she scritched behind the feline's ear. Her teal eyes blinked lazily at the TV, but Shadow knew other things were on her mind. It was impossible not to know when it was brought up twenty-four seven.

"So, got a boyfriend yet?"

He knew it. Shadow groaned from the matching leather rocking chair parallel to the couch. He called Luna over to his lap, grinning in victory when the cat perked up at his clicking tongue and ran to his lap instead. Rouge just glared from the corner of her eye, a dramatic pout on her lips.

Shadow leaned down to kiss the top of Luna's head, a smirk on his lips.

"No, I don't. Why do you even keep asking? you know for a fact that he wouldn't like me," he replied hesitantly.

Teal eyes rolled. "You won't know unless you try!"

He clicked his tongue, this time in annoyance. His heel gently pushed the chair back and forth, rocking both him and Luna in a drowsy state. He thought of any kind of excuse or possible answer to give, but he came up blank. The two sat in silence for a few minutes more before his roommate sighed heavily and stood, stretching her arms above her head and letting her wings uncurl.

"Well, I'm going to my room. Have fun with Luna, asshole," She mumbled as she walked down the short hallway. The slam of her door was enough of a tell of how annoyed she was that Shadow took his cat back.

He simply snickered into Luna's fur.

Chapter Text

It was Saturday. Finally, Sonic could relax, maybe laze around or play some video games- well, of course, after his little keed was all good and fed! He could never forget about the little guy, not when his cute little stomps rang through the house as he rushed from activity to activity, or the loud sound of his tinkering and machines up in his 'evil lair', as he liked to call it.

The early morning sun streamed through the dark blue curtains of his bedroom. The warmth of it hit his bare fur, making him shiver from the stark contrast of the chill of the AC. He did his morning routine, putting on his prosthetic and moving it around before standing to stretch. Pops echoed in the silent room.

Sonic tossed on some lazy clothes: a red t-shirt and a pair of jean shorts. He put on his socks and gloves before opening his door to walk out. Immediately upon swinging the door open, the tiny kit skipped in front of him.

"Amy's calling you," He started, holding up Sonic's phone.

He tsked, swiping the phone from his little thief's ungloved paws. He roughly rubbed the fur between large ears, messing up the kit's bangs. Tails squeaked, pushing his hand away to fix his messy fur back into place.

"Thanks, little thief. How'd you even get in there without me knowing?" He teased as he looked at his friend's new barrage of messages.

...Ah. Damn.

Sonic clicked his tongue. Guess he had to go in today. He kneeled in front of Tails and smiled. The fox tilted his head in confusion, bringing one of his namesakes in his paw to fidget with.

"I have to go to work today. Want Uncle Knuckles to babysit you? Or Grandpa?" Sonic asked, smile falling when Tails started to pout.

The kit toed at the wooden flooring, hands behind his back. Oh Gaia, oh no, not the puppy dog eyes! Those baby blues grew wide and wet, a tiny whimper escaping Tails' throat.

"Do you have to go to work? I wanted to show you my new invention!" Tails asked.

Sonic quickly stood up to avoid his kid's pout. His fingers thumbed over every contact with a small sigh. As he went through every single one, only a single contact stood out to him.

"Sorry, squirt, I have to. Amy's sick and she asked me to cover her."

"That's not fair. You've worked every day this week. We haven't even played any video games together!" Tails retorted, arms dramatically crossing as he stuck his nose in the air.

The azure hedgehog chuckled. "Tails, you don't even like video games. That's not a good excuse to keep me home."

The fox sighed, long and suffering. Sonic rolled his eyes and leaned back down, showing his screen to the golden-brown fox. He gave the kit a bright grin with a challenging glint in his eyes.

"Tell you what, you pick someone to babysit, and we'll get pizza for supper," He tried to make a deal with his kid.

Usually, deals worked. He and Tails made little bargains or deals all the time, like when he wanted chili dogs for supper, but Tails wanted a cheeseburger. Both eventually got what they wanted in the end. But it seemed like Tails was really adamant on keeping Sonic here.

It wasn't too odd, in hindsight. Ever since the... incident a little over a year ago, Tails absolutely refused to let Sonic out of the house, using the excuse of him feeling sick or straight-up begging with big globs of tears. It made him incredibly guilty and ashamed to have ever kept Jet around Tails; it obviously traumatized him to the point where he might as well have been agoraphobic.

All of a sudden, things clicked together.

"Bud, Jet isn't going to hurt me. I'm just going to work and back," Sonic tried again.

And he was right on the money. Tails stiffened, fingers twitching from where they were tangled in his tail fur. Blue orbs flickered between the wall behind Sonic and back to his own green eyes.

He stifled a sigh bubbling in his throat and pulled Tails in for a hug, wrapping his arms around tightly. He kissed the side of Tails' temple and stood, keeping his paw on the little one. The fox purred, pushing his snout against his pant leg.

"Tails, nothing is going to happen. I'll be alright. Now, let's go scare Uncle Knuckles. Will that make you feel better?"

He nodded immediately, light coming back in his eyes.

-----

The gym doors were cracked open, two figures slipping through and making sure it shut as quietly as possible. It was still fairly early, with the sun just barely peeking over the horizon. The building itself was modern, white and grays adorning almost every surface. The thin carpet on the ground was patterned with a light green and blue, however.

Sonic picked up Tails from under his armpits and put him on his hip, sneaking around the edge of the interior to avoid the cameras. He'd done this a billion times before, and now the two knew the perfect route to the backroom where Knuckles stayed.

Tails snickered into his now-gloved paws, namesakes swishing happily behind him. Sonic quickly shushed him with a quiet chuckle of his own. He could see Knuckles' large frame sitting in a chair as he hunched over a desk, probably doing paperwork or something.

The azure hedgehog toed the door open with his shoe and set down the fox with a finger to his lips. Tails gave a silent thumbs up and tiptoed over to behind Knuckles' chair. With one last look behind him to Sonic, he pounced.

Tails jumped up into Knuckles' lap with a high-pitched, squeaky 'roar!'. His giggles interrupted his scary persona, both paws curled over his mouth.

The red echidna jumped, a dramatic scream leaving his mouth. His chest heaved in fake panicked breaths, a smile threatening to quirk up his lips. His large mittens wrapped around the fox's body and lifted him in the air, briefly tossing him and catching him.

 "Fox! I see you have tried to scare me, not that it worked. I am still unable to be scared by the likes of a little kit like you, haha!" He cried happily. Knuckles spun in his chair to face Sonic, writhing fox in his lap.

"Hello, hedgehog. You have brought me the fox. Why?" He asked, his grin finally breaking the hard face he was usually set with. His mittens curled inwards, gloved fingers tickling at the kit's sides as he spoke.

Sonic chuckled as Tails squealed, writhing around in Knuckles' grasp. He stepped forward with his arms loosely crossed over his chest.

"Hey, Knucks! I need to cover Amy's double shift. Do you mind babysitting today? If he gets too rowdy, just send him down the street to the caf-" He began. Before he could continue, Knuckles waved a hand at him dismissively.

"I have the fox handled. He and I will have lots of fun with pranking the members," He interrupted with a sharp grin. Tails agreed with a chirp as he finally settled in the echidna's lap, his namesake gently slapping Knuckles' face.

Sonic sighed, already having second thoughts. Maybe he should've chosen his fathers instead. Gaia knows they hardly ever have the energy to get up anymore anyway. ...That might be worse, actually. Who knows the kind of trouble Tails would get into if he were over there? Sonic shuddered at the thought.

He was quickly brought out of his thoughts when Tails slid off Knuckles' lap and rushed over to hug him tightly by the legs.

He peeked from his jean shorts and smiled brightly. "Bye, Dad! Love you!"

Sonic's heart stopped. His kid was too cute for his own good! He leaned down and cupped Tails's cheeks, squishing them with a hearty laugh.

"Love ya too, keed. Don't get into too much trouble, okay?" He kissed the top of Tails' head and waved goodbye. Upon opening the door to the gym and stepping out into the chilly air, he saw a flash of green from the alleyway between the two buildings ahead. He shrugged. It was probably nothing.

~

The cafe, even on a Saturday, wasn't too busy. It was honestly surprising how not busy it was. The cafe's atmosphere was light and airy, mostly thanks to the window Blaze allowed him to open. It was nice to simply work and listen to the soft chitter chatter mixing with the breeze.

As he was about to walk towards one of the coffee machines, the door opened. Now, Sonic usually wouldn't care to look over to see who walked through. He would find out when they came to the register. But something about the heavy steps caused his ears to perk. It sounded distantly familiar, the rhythmic, almost hesitant footsteps...

He peeked an eye off to the side and nearly dropped the blender cup in his hand.

The black hedgehog from before, the one that he had recently come to know and recognize, walked in. This wouldn't be an issue- and it still wasn't, despite the circumstances. But still...

Did Shadow have to be wearing a deep maroon cutoff T-shirt with tight black flare jeans, showing off his... delicious arms, toned legs, broad, juicy chest? He walked in with those same boots he always wore, his mouth settled in a light frown, eyes dark. His two lip piercings glinted in the sunlight streaming through the windows.

A deep, burning heat settled on Sonic's muzzle. He sucked in a sharp inhale and quickly turned back around to focus on the drink he was supposed to be making. But with every blink, he couldn't get the image out of his head. Sonic's nostrils flared with every sharp exhale.

Was this dark, mysterious, broody guy really just that? Or was he secretly a softy who liked to smile and laugh? Was this handsome dark hedgehog kind and loved animals? Oh, Gaia, was he really that tall, or was it the boots?

Question after question, and Sonic had no answer. What he did know was that Blaze was absolutely looking at him right now, all shaky and flushed just from a literal stranger.

His heart fluttered in giddy anxiousness. This could be his chance! He could get to know this cool new guy, maybe get a little closer... On the other hand, he didn't know this black hedgehog's personality. For all Sonic knew, he could be just like Jet, all kind and sweet, but slowly morphing into a monster.

...Maybe it was selfish of him for wanting to try.

Sonic startled, nearly jumping out of his very fur when Blaze laid a hand over his shoulder. She leaned into his space and smirked.

"Your boyfriend's here. I'll take care of this, you go order him up," She teased quietly.

The cobalt mobian had half a mind to just straight up walk out and pick up his kid and then go back home, but he knew he couldn't do that. It would be cruel to him, Amy, and Tails. They all need this time to themselves, so he'll just have to endure it. Sonic sucked in a breath and plastered on his customer service smile, his cheeks aching from the force of it.

Through clenched teeth, he chirped with faux glee, "Sure! I'll go get the guy of my dreams while you handle this, when the literal opposite was just fine a few seconds ago!"

Blaze rolled her eyes and gently shoved him to the register. He slowly exhaled, relieved to see that there was a short line. He, very briefly, wished it were longer so he could avoid the hedgehog standing tall over every other mobian in front of him. Sonic rang through every Mobian and human alike, and suddenly, the handsome, dark, mysterious guy was standing right in front of him with a blank look.

His grin grew wider, though he wasn't sure if it was a nervous tic or a conscious decision to do so. His gloved finger tapped a random rhythm onto the counter and said, "Hello again! What can I get for you?"

The hedgehog's crimson orbs looked down at his rapidly tapping finger with a quirk of his brow. He seemed almost... amused, like he was reminiscing on an inside joke. Sonic tilted his head at the silence, patiently waiting for the other to reply. After a moment, his patience was rewarded.

The black mobian jolted slightly, eyes widening and muscles tensing. He seemed to have realized that he was staring. Sonic giggled at the comical sight, paw coming up to hide the sound behind it.

The dark Mobian’s cheeks visibly flushed. He didn’t know why, though it must’ve been because he was embarrassed. Sonic quickly shoved the sound down so he didn’t make the other feel any worse than he already did.

“Ah, sorry. Do you have anything in mind?” The cobalt hedgehog asked, his own cheeks colored.

The tall hedgehog coughed into a fist, eyes flickering up to the menu board. He looked for about three seconds before blandly replying, “Black coffee. In a cup, I can’t stay.”

Sonic tried not to feel disappointed by that. He was kind of looking forward to sneak a few peaks at this guy while he sat and enjoyed his drink- Gaia, that's weird! What's wrong with me?!

He nodded silently, ringing up the order. His fingers tapped along the screen before saying softly, "Two fifty."

The black mobian's head tipped forward as he rummaged through his quills for his wallet. While he did that, Sonic silently drooled over how his biceps bulged from the action. A five dollar bill was slid towards him. Sonic took it and put it in the register.

"And the name?" He asked. Honestly, Sonic was half tempted to walk over there and give it to him himself, but that would be weird. He didn't even know why he did that the first time!

"Shadow," The guy- Shadow spoke.

What a nice name. 

The azure hedgehog's smile grew wider at the information that he will definitely not be using later to... stalk online... Sonic waved at Shadow with bright eyes.

"alright. I'll call your name when it's ready!"

Shadow didn't respond, just nodded and twisted on his heel to sit at one of the small window tables. He propped his chin on his palm, elbow resting near the edge of the wooden surface as his head tilted to look out the window.

"Sonic, Knuckles is calling," Blaze called from behind him. Her phone was in one hand, the other holding a small espresso up, tilted so it poured into a mug. Her Honey eyes briefly looked up from her phone before going to Sonic. She continued with an amused quirk of her brow, "Tails is bored."

The cobalt mobian sighed, finger beginning to tap an irritated but amused rhythm onto the surface of the counter. He rolled his eyes and replied, "I figured. He always says that when Knuckles babysits eventually."

He looked back at the cafe, nodding to himself when there were no customers in line. Only a few people seemed to wait on their orders patiently, either on their phone or looking out the window- just like Shadow.

Sonic looked back at Blaze.

"You mind if I dip out real quick to grab him? They're both still at the gym, right?"

The purple cat nodded, eyes roaming around the place before widening. Her paw quickly went to her mouth, a muffled snort seeping through. Sonic tilted his head, eyes narrowing. Blaze usually wasn't one to laugh, or even show much emotion on her face. Her calm demeanor only allowed a few chuckles or a small smirk.

This was odd.

He crossed his arms and turned around, fully ready to see whatever she was looking at. Then, Sonic sighed, the sound turning into a low groan.

Knuckles and Tails had somehow walked in silently. The red echidna held Tails upside down, one large arm wrapped around his stomach while the other carefully held onto his thighs. The kit's legs were half thrown over his shoulder, the rest of his body dangling over Knuckles' torso. The echidna wore a large grin, eyes lidded in amusement.

The fox's eyes brightened once he noticed Sonic saw them, his paws coming up- or down, technically- to wave at him.

Sonic huffed through his nose, quickly rushing from the counter and to the two dummies. He shoved Knuckles and his keed the short length to the backroom, shutting the door with the heel of his sneaker. His prosthetic creaked loudly from the action.

The azure hedgehog huffed again, leaning down to loosen and re-tighten the bolts on the knee before standing back up, testing his weight on the creaky thing. He could see his best friend and brother grimace at the sound it made.

"You need to buy a new one. That can't be good for you," Knuckles said, lips curling.

He had to repress rolling his eyes. Sonic had heard that line, and lines similar, ever since he got the damned thing. He knew it wasn't the best or most efficient, but it worked. He could walk just fine, he didn't even need his cane anymore! Sonic sighed, stepping right up to Knuckles, who still held Tails upside down on his shoulder, putting both paws on his hips.

With a quirk of his brow, he said, "What in the world are you doing? You're lucky the town's people are so nice, I might've got a complaint for this bad behavior in a store, y'know." He leaned down slightly to rub his cheek on his keed's, pecking his temple before straightening his back.

Sonic booped the kit's nose and continued, "And you. Doesn't your head hurt from being upside down for so long? Was this your idea?"

Tails giggled, namesake twitching happily. He quickly shook his head when he processed the question.

"Nope! All good here! I got bored so I asked Uncle Knucks if we could visit!"

The blue mobian sighed again, the corners of his lips cracking upwards. "Of course. Were you good?"

Knuckles answered for the child with a firm nod. He gently placed Tails back down, patting the space between his ears. "He was great, as always. He upgraded my computer, too. Works better than when I first bought it, actually."

Sonic chuckled, moving to sit in the metal chair. He patted his thigh with a paw, and Tails hastily scrambled up to sit in his lap. Peach arms wrapped around his tiny body, pulling him more firmly to his chest and stomach. The fox settled nicely, a purr reverberating through his whole body.

"Nice job, buddy! Maybe I'll let you upgrade my phone next, Gaia knows it needs one," He responded, green eyes staring fondly down at Tails.

The kit perked up, tails wagging rapidly from side to side. "Really!?"

"No."

"Dang," Tails slumped, though his smile didn't leave his mouth.

A knock came from the door, and Blaze cracked it open. Her eyes lit up upon seeing the adorable display, her hand coming up to her smiling lips.

"Your boyfriend seems to miss you," She started. Her body leaned on the doorway, blocking the view of said black hedgehog. “He’s all mopey now that you’re not out there.”

Sonic could instantly feel eyes on his back, boring two holes into his skull. An icy chill shuddered up his spine, quills bristling when a heavy paw landed on his shoulder. He made sure to keep eye contact with Blaze to avoid the purple ones trying to connect with his greens.

Knuckles was… protective. He never liked Jet, and after the incident, the red echidna had been obsessing over his love life and all their friends, just to keep him and Tails safe. It’s not that Sonic didn’t appreciate it, but most times, especially near the beginning of all this drama, it was suffocating.

After a while, his brother and best friend slowly stopped. Now, it seemed his protective instincts were back again and blaring like a bunch of police sirens.

“Boyfriend?” Knuckles asked, his voice dark and angry.

Sonic whipped around and threw his hands up, palms pointed towards the echidna.

“No! Blaze is teasing, everything is fine!” He all but shouted. He preened back his flared quills and sighed. Knuckles raised an unamused brow. The azure hedgehog pursed his lips, a flush rising to his muzzle.

“It’s just a simple crush on the new guy in town, Knucks. I’m not going to do anything, promise,” He concluded with a clap to his brother’s shoulder, a gentle smile lifting his lips.

Knuckles stared in silence for a few beats before his own body slumped, a heavy sigh escaping his nostrils. He returned Sonic’s gesture by clapping his own mitten over his shoulder.

“That will be the only thing you will be doing; staring, and nothing more. We do not need a repeat of Jet.” The last word was spat out like venom.

The two peered into each other’s eyes, the silent agreement loud and blaring between them. Finally, Sonic eased back with a lazy grin and a cross of his arms. He pointed a thumb over his shoulder at the door.

“Now, can I please go back to work? Not really planning on gettin’ fired over here,” He said, tone laced with faux coolness.

Purple eyes rolled and he picked the fox back up, tossing him over his shoulder and wrapping both his arms protectively around his legs. Sonic watched, amused and exasperated, as the tiny kit thrashed around, banging his little fists on the echidna’s back.

“Wait wait wait! I want to stay! Your gym smells funny! Uncle knucks!” Tails cried dramatically, legs kicking.

Sonic and Blaze followed, one in pure glee and the other anxious as the customer began to stare. As Knuckles opened the door, Tails grabbed onto the doorframe and shouted, “Dad, help me!”

The cobalt hedgehog sighed, eyes rolling so far back it hurt. He sped towards the two and pushed them out the door, throwing a quick sorry back to the customers. He ignored the stares from out the window as he tugged Tails out of Knuckles’ grip.

He set his kid down, his paws pushing Tails by the shoulders. Sonic wagged a finger in Tails’ face as he leaned down slightly.

“Tails, what the heck! People are going to think he kidnapped you!” he whispered-yelled.

Sonic could not believe this situation right now. His patience was already wearing thin, and the two dummy-duo had to go and cause trouble for him. For once in Sonic’s life, it felt like he was the responsible one instead of the other way around- like it usually would be.

Tails crossed his arms and stuck his nose in the air, a playful sneer on his snout as he stuck his tongue out.

“Well, he should’ve listened!” The fox retaliated, emphasizing his point by giving his uncle the middle finger.

Sonic quickly slapped it down, absolutely mortified. Who the hell taught his kid that?! As if this couldn’t get any more comically infuriating, the corner of his vision flashed white, the tell-tale of a camera flash.

Knuckles growled, shoving Sonic out of the way. He pulled Tails back over his shoulder, the kit getting lightly tossed into the air for a second before he was caught by his middle. The echidna began to walk back down the sidewalk, Sonic following in a crazed panic.

His paws hovered over Tails thrashing body, completely ignoring the fact that his keed was laughing, not crying. His head bounced with every step Knuckles took, bangs whipping over his gleaming blue irises.

“Dude, people are really gonna think you’re kidnapping my kid! Stop it!” He yelled, earning the strange looks of people walking around.

Knuckles turned his head over his shoulder, one eyebrow raised before snorting. “Oh please, hedgehog. Everyone knows by now that this is, like, a daily occurrence.”

“Still- Oh Gaia, watch his head!”

“I got it!”

“His head, Knuckles, his head!!"