Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Sonic sighed, flopped across the couch and bored out of his mind as he listened to the muffled sound of Knuckles hitting a punching bag outside. His parents were somewhere in the house, and Tails was in his workshop (of course, the kid barely left it). And Sonic had just come from the cave, so bothering Shadow wasn’t an option either.

True to his word, Shadow had left the Wachowski house right after lunch. It had now been a few days since then, and the family was slowly adjusting to the knowledge that Shadow was now living in the area.

Of course, Tom and Tails hadn’t been too bothered to begin with, and still were pretty unbothered. They mostly just wanted to get to know Shadow better, which Sonic was more than happy to help them with. Too bad Shadow wasn’t so willing to cooperate.

Knuckles had calmed a little now that Shadow wasn’t living in the house. He was still on-guard, but didn’t outright accuse or show suspicion towards the other hedgehog. Maddie seemed to be of the opinion that if she didn’t really acknowledge that Shadow was around, then she wouldn’t have to figure out her opinion on him. Sonic knew that his mother’s opinion had changed when it came to Shadow, but overall she seemed to be just… confused. Sonic didn’t understand why- both why she had such strong feelings about Shadow to begin with, and even now why she was having such a hard time coming around to him. Especially when Tom, who was literally the person that Shadow had attacked, had so easily accepted him.

Though, Shadow and Tom hadn’t talked at all. In fact, they had hardly even been in the same room together. After Shadow’s panic attack, Sonic had been a little nervous to have the two around each other, especially when Shadow was healing. He hadn’t wanted to add more stress and possibly hinder the other hedgehog’s healing even more. He was holding out hope though- someday, maybe he could get the two to have an actual conversation.

Sonic sighed, snorting softly as he thought about that. Shadow might not be a fan of that idea. Scratch that, he definitely wouldn’t be a fan of that idea. Well, Sonic would just have to convince him then! After all, even if he’d never call it in, Shadow did owe him.

Sonic had helped Shadow resettle back in the cave, and clean it up once again. Not that it had gotten particularly dusty, as Shadow hadn’t been gone that long, but they’d had to scrub bloodstains off the floor. Which was an experience Sonic very much hoped he wouldn’t ever have to repeat. Scrubbing his friend’s dried blood off the floor? Yeah, not fun at all. Especially when it brought back the memories of finding Shadow there, passed out in a pool of his own blood.

Sonic shivered, forcefully shoving those memories away. He dealt with them enough in his dreams lately, there was no reason to dwell on them outside of the nightmares.

Ah yes, his nightmares had started up once more. They’d plagued him before, when he’d thought Shadow to be dead after the Eclipse Cannon’s explosion. They’d gone away after he’d found out Shadow was alive, and begun to visit him.

Now though, it seemed he had fresh nightmare fuel, with the shock and terror of finding his friend in such a state, and so now he saw images of that moment whenever he fell asleep. Sometimes it was an exact recreation, other times it twisted the memory. Regardless, Sonic had seen Shadow’s dying form in his dreams far, far too much.

Hopefully he’d process soon, and the nightmares would go away again. Shadow was fine now- didn’t even have a scar. Which was insane, considering he could have died. Something was definitely up with his healing abilities- so different from Sonic’s own, and his brothers’.

Chaos, he was bored, and it was only four in the afternoon. Sonic briefly considered dragging Tails in from his workshop to play a game with him or something, then decided against it. The fox would likely be quite crabby at being interrupted in such a way, and Sonic owed him for making that concealing bracelet for Shadow, to hide him from G.U.N.

Tails had been happy enough to help, but Sonic still wanted to repay him somehow. Maybe he could ask Maddie for ideas, because he was drawing a blank.

A sudden knocking at the door made Sonic jump to his feet. He didn’t care who it was at the door, so long as it distracted him from his boredom. In half a second, he zipped across the house and pulled the front door open.

Only to freeze in place when he locked eyes with none other than Director Rockwell, Agent of G.U.N.

“Good afternoon.” The woman said coldly. “Are Mr. and Mrs. Wachowski present?” Her icy expression did little to reassure him of her presence here- not that she would attempt any such reassurance. Her dislike of the mobians, who she usually only referred to as ‘aliens’ was well known.

“Sure thing, boss lady.” Sonic joked, shooting her a pair of finger guns. She didn’t even crack as smile, but he didn’t let his waver. “BRB!” He shut the door and flashed across the house, sparking with chaos energy in his anxiety.

He found his parents in their room; Maddie folding laundry while Tom scrolled on his phone. “Dad, Mom! The scary director lady from G.U.N. is here!!”

Tom was on his feet in an instant, crossing the room to kneel in front of Sonic. “What does she want?”

Sonic shrugged, a little helplessly. “She didn’t say- just asked if you and Mom were home.”

Tom stood, locking eyes with his wife. A silent conversation passed between them, some sort of superpower couples developed when they got married. At least, that’s what Tom had told him. Maddie’s expression was calm, but Sonic could see the glint of fear to her eyes.

“Dad…” Sonic whispered. “What if they’re looking for Shadow?” Panic and terror gripped his heart, and it took every ounce of his willpower to stay put, and not jump out the nearest window to go check on his friend.

Tom looked back at him, reaching out to gently ruffle the fur of his ears. “We won’t turn him in, Sonic. I promise.” He held Sonic’s gaze, absolute resolve in his eyes.

Sonic relaxed a little, nodding. He trusted his father. If he said that he wouldn’t give Shadow up, then Sonic believed him.

“Tom…” Maddie whispered, voice a little tremulous.

“It’s not up for debate.” Tom said, in a firm, but kind tone. “He’s just a kid, Mads. Remember what they wanted to do to Sonic? Shadow doesn’t deserve that.”

Maddie hesitated for the barest second, then nodded, determination hardening her own eyes. Even if she still feared Shadow, still didn’t like him all that much… she would keep him hidden. “Alright. Let’s go.”

Sonic trailed behind, ears twitching anxiously, following his parents back to the front door. Tom opened it again to reveal a very irritated-looking Director Rockwell, who now had five soldiers stationed a few steps down the sidewalk. And the reason for those soldiers?

That would be Knuckles, who was standing by the front door with his arms crossed, expression hard as he watched the G.U.N. agents with suspicion. When he heard the door open, he turned, although his eyes never left the intruders. “Father. We have visitors.”

“So Sonic told me.” Tom said easily, not questioning the echidna’s stance. “Thank you for standing with them.” The three of them stepped out onto the porch, leaving the door open behind them.

Knuckles gave a firm nod, not budging from his position in the slightest. Sonic glanced around the group, almost able to taste the tension in the air.

“Mr. and Mrs. Wachowski.” Director Rockwell gave the barest of nods. “I have a rather urgent matter to discuss with you both. The aliens are not needed for this conversation.”

“The boys can stay.” Maddie spoke, crossing her arms as she watched the other woman with a cool expression.

Sonic felt his quills bristle a little. His parents were acting… different towards G.U.N. Was it because of the information he’d told them that he’d gotten from Shadow? Or had something else happened before to make them so… cold? He didn’t know, but was rather curious. He stayed quiet, which was a real feat for him. But maybe if he was on his best behavior, Rockwell wouldn’t try to send him and Knuckles away.

“You misunderstand.” Rockwell’s voice took on a warning tone. “This conversation is meant for humans alone.” Her glare fell to Knuckles, then to Sonic, before lifting back to Maddie. “This is not a request.”

Maddie’s mouth tightened into a thin line, but Tom set a hand on her shoulder.

“Very well.” Tom said, voice too controlled. Sonic could tell he was upset, but was trying to keep the peace the best he could. “Boys, inside please.” His tone softened when he addressed them, and he gave them an encouraging look.

Sonic thought about protesting, but decided it would be best not to make a fuss. The faster these people delivered their message and were out of here, the better.

“You got it, Donut Lord.” Sonic winked, before looking to Knuckles, who didn’t budge.

“With all respect, Father, I cannot guard you as well from inside the house.” Knuckles said, deep voice smooth and emotionless.

“We’ll be fine, Knuckles. Go with Sonic.” Tom reassured him. “We’ll be in soon.”

“Very well.” Knuckles conceded, likely only out of respect for Tom. Giving the G.U.N. agents a suspicious look, he said, “But I will remain within earshot, in case I am needed.”

“Thank you, Knuckles.” Maddie said warmly, giving him a smile.

Rockwell stayed silent as they both walked into the house. Sonic cast the briefest glance back over his shoulder, meeting her icy glare with a look of wide-eyed innocence. Sonic closed the door behind them, then groaned loudly, loud enough to hear from beyond the closed door.

“I shall wait in the living room.” Knuckles said decidedly. “If an attack occurs, I’ll hear it and be able to intervene quickly.” He marched toward the room, Sonic trailing along behind him dejectedly.

“You do that, big guy.” Sonic muttered, twisting his hands together. Stress made him tug at his quills, and he cast a glance at the door, biting his lip.

“You worry for…” Knuckles hesitated, casting a suspicious look around, then continued in a lower voice. “The more impressive one?”

Sonic cracked a half smile at the echidna’s attempt be subtle. “Yeah.” In fact, he was panicking for Shadow. What if the other hedgehog was out running? What if G.U.N. saw him? Or his chaos energy? What if they got him and Sonic was stuck here, pretending things were normal?

“He is intelligent, brother.” Knuckles said, placing a large hand on Sonic’s shoulder. “Breathe deeply.”

Sonic realized then that he was hyperventilating, his chest rising and falling rapidly. He took a deep breath, and another, Knuckles’ concerned violet eyes on him. Finally he nodded, feeling the slightest bit calmer.

“As I was saying, he is intelligent, and has experience with being on the run. Not to mention he is quite powerful.” Knuckles spoke in an even tone. “They will not take him- at least, not quietly. Not quietly for us not to notice.”

“I suppose.” Sonic said, turning the words over in his mind. “You… you really think we’d notice?”

“I do.” Knuckles nodded. “There would be… much excitement, if they knew where he is located, and attempted to capture him. We would notice, and we would come to his aide before they have a chance to take him.”

Sonic looked up sharply. “You would help?” It was more of a demand for answer than a true question, but he couldn’t help it. Would Knuckles really help the one he had accused only days ago?

“I would.” Knuckles said solemnly, holding Sonic’s desperate gaze. “Not because I hold any loyalty to him, but because I am loyal to you. And you care for him. He… he is your brother as well, is he not?” Knuckles was not one to hesitate. But this… this hesitation… it was not because of hurt feelings, as Sonic feared, but rather because he was tentative in assuming Sonic’s relationship with Shadow.

And when Sonic stopped to truly think about it… Knuckles was right. Along the way, Sonic had crossed the line between friend and brother in his mind. He’d become as protective of Shadow as he was of the rest of his family, desperate to keep the other hedgehog in his life, and frantic to keep him safe from G.U.N.

Yes, Shadow was his brother. Perhaps he wasn’t a part of this family (yet) but he was Sonic’s brother all the same.

Realizing that Knuckles was still waiting for an answer, Sonic nodded hesitantly, a little worried. Would Knuckles be offended? Was he offended that Sonic counted Shadow as a brother, when Knuckles- another brother- did not trust him?

But as he searched Knuckles’ expression, he found no anger. No condemnation, no negative feelings whatsoever. Simply… a calm sort of acceptance that spoke immensely of his trust for Sonic.

A sound escaped him that he couldn’t name, and he flung himself at the echidna, wrapping his arms around him. Knuckles didn’t even stumble, instead catching Sonic and holding him off the ground in a bone-crushing hug, returning the embrace that the hedgehog had initiated. Sonic laughed breathlessly, pulling away to stand on his feet again.

“Thank you, Knux. For understanding. And trusting me.” Sonic managed to say past the way his chest felt tight with emotion.

Knuckles offered him a smile and a nod. “I will always have your back, brother. No matter how much I may question your decisions.”

Sonic laughed, because it was such a Knuckles thing to say. His lungs felt looser now, like he could breathe correctly, and the panic that had been eating away at him since he’d first opened the door to Rockwell was settling as well in the truth of Knuckles’ words. Shadow was fine. And if that changed, they would know.

“Now, are you going to get to eavesdropping, or no?” Knuckles asked with a raised eyebrow, glancing pointedly down the hall towards the attic ladder.

Sonic gave him a wide grin, saluted him, then zipped off down the hall and up the ladder in the blink of an eye. He crept across the floor, and to the opposite side of the attic that his bed was on. After climbing over piles of stuff, he finally found it- the window overlooking the driveway and front yard. It was practically hidden behind all the stuff stored in the attic, but it was here. Sonic carefully, slowly cracked the window open, ears pricked as he made sure to make no noise. Finally, the window popped open, and voices filled Sonic’s ears.

“As we’ve previously discussed, Mr. and Mrs. Wachowski, the rogue alien is a dangerous threat.” Rockwell’s no-nonsense tone said. “It is imperative that we recapture it and get it under control.”

It? Shadow, an it? Who did this woman think she was? Sonic scowled, a righteous sort of outrage making his chest burn.

“Him.” Tom interrupted her, sounding politely irritated. “His name is Shadow. Regardless of how dangerous he is, at least have the decency to refer to him as an intelligent being. He’s no more of an animal than the mobians in my home are.”

Yes! Tom for the win!! Cut her down, just like that!

Sonic wished he could cheer, but he’d rather keep listening in than be caught so soon. He kept quiet, wishing he could see the director’s no doubt sour expression at the correction.

“Very well. ‘Shadow’ is a threat that must be contained as soon as possible.” Rockwell said, sounding only a tone away from sneering. “If sighted, we’d like you to report it to us immediately.”

“Why do you think he’s even alive?” Maddie laughed skeptically. “That explosion was immense- there’s no way anything could have survive that.”

“As said, he is extremely dangerous, and extremely powerful.” Rockwell said crisply. “We not only sighted him, but we were hunting him for days. We even managed to dart him, but unfortunately, he teleported before we were able to take him into custody.”

“Impossible.” Maddie said, but it held no heat this time. “That level of an explosion would have caused catastrophic injuries.”

“Indeed, Mrs. Wachowski. As said, Shadow is… something else. Different than the three you have with you.” Rockwell’s voice was cold, but if Sonic wasn’t mistaken, there was also a trace of… fear? Was she afraid of Shadow?

“Sounds scary.” Tom remarked. “Looks pretty scary too.”

“Ah, yes. My apologies, I had forgotten that you were injured by it- him.” Rockwell said, actually sounding a tad apologetic. Showing the slightest bit of tact, she refrained from pointing out that had they not broken into G.U.N. headquarters, then the injury likely would not have happened.

“Yes.” Tom said, tone calm and even. “I was.” That was something that Sonic had always admired about his father- his ability to remain calm even in tense situations.

“So you understand then, why it is of the utmost importance for you to inform us should you, or the aliens under your care, see any sight of him?” Director Rockwell prodded, clearly looking for some sort of promise.

“Yes, based on your description, as well as the knowledge given to us before, it would seem that he is quite dangerous.” Tom said, neatly sidestepping that promise. “We’ll be on the lookout.”

“Very well. That is all I can ask.” Rockwell sighed. There was a moment of silence, as if neither party knew what to say. “You were informed, I assume, of the incident that resulted in the cyrosleep?”

“Yes…” Tom said hesitantly, like he didn’t know where this was going. Sonic didn’t know where this was going either, but was very eager to see.

“Yes.” Maddie whispered, voice suddenly strained. “An explosion, correct?”

“An explosion that took human lives.” Rockwell corrected.

Sonic tensed, hands gripping the windowsill tightly enough that the wood creaked. Was she… was she talking about the explosion that had killed Maria? The one caused by G.U.N., not Shadow? The one Walters had told Sonic and his team about?

“Yes, Commander Walters told the boys.” Maddie said. “And… the acting commander informed Tom and I, while the boys were hunting Shadow down.”

Sonic frowned, confused. What? Had G.U.N. sent someone to tell Tom and Maddie about Shadow as well? But why? To scare them? What other reason would they have for informing the humans about a threat that Sonic and his brothers were already on their way to take care of?

“Ah, so you were informed.” Rockwell said, sounding pleased. Well, as pleased as she could sound, being the emotionless woman she was. “That information should help you to understand the gravity of the situation, if the Eclipse Cannon event alone does not.”

“Shadow killed humans in an attempt to escape the base he was being held at, correct?” Tom spoke again, and Sonic’s vision clouded with red. Rage flooded him so suddenly and strongly that a flare of chaos energy burst from him, making the lights flicker. He took a deep breath, getting his power back under control, and tried to take deep breaths past the fury tightening his lungs. His hands clenched so tightly on the windowsill that the wood splintered, under his fingers.

That was what they had told his parents?

That Shadow had intentionally killed people? That he’d purposely hurt and attacked people? Chaos, if Sonic could give that woman a piece of his mind. He’d set her straight, show her why lying about Shadow was a big mistake.

Sonic took another breath, trying to calm himself down. And this was why he needed to stay put. He couldn’t expose Shadow, not even to defend his name and the truth. For now, G.U.N. would get away with lying about Shadow. For now.

“That is correct.” Rockwell confirmed. Sonic hadn’t realized that his fit of rage had happened and processed so quickly, for them to be still in the middle of the conversation. “Several lives were lost, including a child’s.”

Maddie gasped, the sound audible to Sonic. “A child? We… we weren’t told that.”

Sonic bared his teeth, the wood splintering further under his hands. They had the absolute audacity to blame Shadow for Maria’s death? Not only blame him, but to lie and say that he killed her?

Sonic was suddenly very grateful that he had been sent away. He didn’t think he’d have the self-control not to straight up deck this woman in the face if he had been a part of the conversation.

“Yes. As said, Shadow is a danger to humanity.” Rockwell stated again. “He has a violent, volatile history. It is absolutely imperative that we get him back into custody and under control as quickly as possible.”

“It sounds like it.” Tom said mildly, still calm as could be. “If that’s all, Director, we should probably go back to our boys.”

“Ah… yes.” The haughtiness was back in Rockwell’s tone, disgust lightly layering her voice. “You consider the aliens your… children.”

“They are our children.” Maddie said, voice colder than an arctic wind. “In every way but blood.”

Sonic smiled a little, some of the anger dissipating with love and fondness for his mother. While he would never forget Longclaw, his first mother, Maddie would always hold a special place in his heart. Sonic was lucky to have been adopted not once, but twice, and gotten over the moon lucky both times, to have such loving mothers. His fond feelings were quickly washed away by the rage still boiling in his chest, bubbling and wrathful.

“Whatever you say.” Director Rockwell said diplomatically. “Regardless, thank you for your time, and your cooperation. Guardian Units of Nations will be in touch.”

“Thank you for stopping in, and keeping us informed.” Tom said, although his pleasant tone now sounded a bit forced. Likely because of the slight on them adopting the mobians. “Take care.”

There were no more words exchanged, and Sonic heard the door open and shut downstairs. He hurriedly shut the window, then darted through the house so quickly that he reached his parents before Tom had even turned around from closing the door.

“She’s a liar!” Sonic spat, making Maddie jump with his sudden arrival. He fought to keep his voice low, in case the agents hadn’t cleared out yet, but his fury egged him on regardless of the consequences. “None of that is true! How dare she say such despicable, filthy lies-!” He snarled, clenching his fists.

Tom knelt, gently placing a hand on Sonic’s shoulder. “Easy, bud. Can you take a deep breath for me?” His gaze met and held Sonic’s, and some of the rage began to settle.

He took a deep breath, struggling past the tightness in his chest. Chaos energy flared in his quills, but with another breath, he managed to push it away. It took a few minutes, but eventually he calmed down enough to think in a straight line, instead of in violence and anger.

Tom smiled at him, squeezing his shoulder lightly. “Good job. Now, can you tell me what you mean?”

Maddie crouched next to her husband, expression worried as she watched them. Sonic dropped his gaze, a little worried about what their reactions would be to his confession.

“I was listening.” Sonic admitted, ears flat to his head. “From the attic. I heard everything she said.” He glanced between his parents worriedly, wondering if he was about to get in trouble. He didn’t know if he could bear being grounded so soon after being freed.

A look passed between the couple, before Tom refocused on Sonic, who wished (not for the first time) that could understand their silent conversations.

“I see.” Tom sighed a little, but he didn’t sound disappointed, much to Sonic’s surprise. “So you heard about the visit they paid us before, then.”

“I did…” Sonic said hesitatingly. “Why didn’t you tell us?” He glanced up at his father, a little confused. When it came to G.U.N., the family was pretty open with information.

“We didn’t want to worry you. And we thought that G.U.N. had already told you most of what they told us.” Maddie explained, face softening. “They came when you boys were already off searching for Shadow, and they said that they had debriefed you as well.”

“It was a very short, very untruthful version of the story.” Sonic grumbled, still irritated at the cleaned-up version of history that Walters had given them. G.U.N. had been eager to paint Shadow as the villain, to blame him for what had happened that day.

“So what is the truth then, Sonic?” Tom asked, a confused sort of frown lining his expression. “You keep saying that G.U.N. is lying… what exactly about?” He paused for a moment before reassuring Sonic, “I don’t doubt that they’re lying, I just want to know what it is exactly.”

“I also would like to know what is going on.” Knuckles announced, marching into the front room, violet eyes glittering. “And I would like to know what had disturbed you so greatly, for your chaos to echo the way it is.”

Sonic frowned, not quite sure what exactly the echidna meant by that. It probably was an echidna thing, actually. Knuckles and his tribe had been trained and raised in the study of chaos energy, and how it related and interacted with the world. This meant that there were a lot of things that Knuckles knew about Sonic’s chaos energy that even Sonic himself didn’t know.

“I…” Sonic hesitated. His earlier zeal and fire had cooled somewhat, and with that cooling of his impulse came the clarity of the situation. This wasn’t his story to tell, at least, not without permission. “I want to tell you. But it’s… it’s not my secret, or my history.” Sonic met his parents’ eyes another moment more, practically pleading with them to understand. “I don’t want to betray his trust, especially when it comes to… this.” This meaning the subject of Maria. If Sonic told his family about her against Shadow’s wishes, he didn’t know if he, or Shadow would be able to move past that. It felt like a betrayal, and Sonic wasn’t willing to do that to his friend.

“That… is understandable. And I don’t want to pry into Shadow’s business.” Tom said slowly. “But if G.U.N. is lying to us, then we really need to know the truth, sooner rather than later.”

Sonic understood- he did. But what was he supposed to do? Break Shadow’s trust and tell his family? Go against his family and keep the truth a secret?

“How do we even know if what Shadow said is the truth?” Maddie said a little skeptically. “He could be trying to dupe you into believing him.”

“It’s the truth.” Sonic insisted hotly, crossing his arms. “I know it.” How could he not, when he’d heard the grief in Shadow’s voice himself? Seen the pain and guilt clouding his expression?

“We’ll take your word on it for now, bud.” Tom said quickly, before anything could escalate. “Now, why don’t we postpone this conversation and explanation for later, once you’ve had a chance to talk to Shadow about everything?” He suggested. “For now, give us the rundown, and the rest can come later.”

Sonic nodded, relieved at the compromise. A delayed explanation would give him a chance to ask Shadow how much the other was comfortable with Sonic sharing with his family. He hoped that it would at least be enough to convince his family that G.U.N. was lying, and that Sonic was in the right.

It had to be.

“Shadoooww!!” Sonic sang as he launched himself into the hole in the ground that made up the entrance of the cave. He hit the ground and rolled for a second before popping up out of the spindash he’d been in. Ears pricked, he glanced around in search of his edgy counterpart.

He was then greeted by a long sigh, the sound making him grin widely as he turned to face the other hedgehog. “Hey Shads.”

“Sonic.” Shadow said, letting out another breath, crimson eyes glittering in the dark lighting of the cave. The hedgehog’s tone was flat, but coming from him it was nearly excitement.

“Didja miss me?” Sonic grinned, wriggling his eyebrows. He crossed the cave in a few steps to stand by his friend, who was sprawled out on a pile of blankets.

Shadow tipped his head back to peer up at him lazily, eyes at half-mast. “Don’t flatter yourself.” He scoffed, making Sonic snicker.

Sonic threw himself down on the beanbag near the mound of blankets, flipping upside down and glancing back over at Shadow. Would the silly position softened the news Sonic was about to deliver, or would it annoy Shadow even more?

“What do you want.” Shadow groused, closing his eyes. “I was napping.” When he shifted positions, Sonic caught a glimpse of the scar on his stomach, faintly visible through his fur. It was no longer red or inflamed, and was entirely healed- in fact, the wound looked as though it was months old, not days.

“Old.” Sonic teased, delaying the seriousness of the conversation they were about to have. “Taking naps in the middle of the day.”

“I was shot five times a few days ago.” Shadow answered with a scathing look. “And I healed those injuries entirely. Do you know how much energy that drains?”

“Hmm, fair point.” Sonic said, pretending to contemplate the words. “You didn’t deny being old though.”

Shadow tensed, and Sonic had only a moment to regret his words before the dark hedgehog was lunging at him, knocking him out of the beanbag and onto the stone floor.

Sonic yelped, laughing as Shadow pinned him down, struggling to push him off. Sonic rolled, managing to dislodge Shadow, then threw his hands up, still laughing.

“Old? I’ll show you old!” Shadow snapped, outrage coloring his tone. Ignoring Sonic’s plea for mercy, he lunged at him again, knocking him over and pinning him by the shoulders.

“Mercy!” Sonic cried, pushing uselessly against his friend, but finding himself unable to get good leverage. “Shads, mercy!”

“Hmm…” Shadow pretended to think about it. “No.” He pressed down harder, making Sonic yelp with outrage.

The two tussled on the floor for a bit, gaining bruises as they tossed each other around and slammed each other to the floor, exchanging jabs and insults. The ‘fight’ went on for a few more minutes before they separated, panting a little and sneering at each other. On some unspoken agreement, they flopped down in their respective places, Shadow on his blanket mound and Sonic on the beanbag chair.

After a moment of recuperation, where Sonic smoothed some of his ruffled fur back into place and began breathing easier, the two looked back to each other.

“So why did you come today?” Shadow asked, flicking an ear. “You never said.” Expectant orange eyes rested on him, making Sonic tense.

Sonic opened his mouth, hesitated, then closed it. How did he go about saying this? Would it spook Shadow into running again? Would he even listen to Sonic explain fully, or would he just… disappear? Worry made his ears press flat to his head, and he stared unseeingly at the ground.

“Sonic?” Shadow prodded, voice lowering a bit. “Is… everything alright?”

He had to do this. No matter what Shadow’s choice was, it was his choice to make. Taking a breath to steady himself, he turned back to Shadow.

“G.U.N. showed up at the house.” Sonic said, the words escaping him in one breath. “They wanted to know if we’d seen any sign of you.”

Shadow tensed, quills flaring in a show of panic. He shot upright with a hiss of surprise. “What?” He barked, eyes wide with fear and anger. “When?”

“A few hours ago.” Sonic answered, then blurted, “Don’t worry, Tails swept for bugs and spying devices before I left the house, there was nothing. I just wanted to tell you, because that seemed like something you should know and I didn’t want to hide it from you even if it meant that you left, even though I really don’t want you to leave because-”

“Sonic!” Shadow snapped, silencing Sonic’s panic-driven ramble. “Stop talking.”

Sonic froze, staring at his friend with wide eyes, twitching a little with suppressed energy. He blinked rapidly, and realized that his chest was rising and falling too fast.

“Breathe.” Shadow ordered, a flash of concern flickering through his eyes, chasing away the panic for a moment.

Sonic took a deep breath, quills slowly lying flat as he calmed down. Shadow watched him, narrow-eyed, his own body still tight and tense, nodding once Sonic relaxed.

“Good.” Shadow said. “Now, if I’m understanding your panicked ramble, G.U.N. showed up at your house, wanting to know if you’d seen me?” He asked evenly, panic fading into an emotionless mask as he questioned Sonic

“Yeah, pretty much.” Sonic blew out a breath, nervously eyeing the other hedgehog. “We didn’t say anything about you, or where you were, or even that we knew you were alive. As far as they know, we had no idea you even survived.”

Shadow pushed himself to his feet, stalking a few feet away, standing there and staring at the wall contemplatively. Sonic watched him silently, for once too nervous to break the silence to ask Shadow what he was thinking.

Sonic’s own eyes were wide with residual panic, but he still couldn’t find the words to break the fragile silence.

How did he communicate the mess in his head, the fear that Shadow would leave, the reassurance he wanted to give? How did he communicate his and his family’s willingness to keep Shadow’s secret? How did he communicate how much he wanted Shadow to stay?

“They’re gone now, I assume?” Shadow said evenly, without turning around.

“Yes.” Sonic cleared his throat, then continued. “Tails sent out a drone he built to scan the woods, town, and surrounding area. There’s no sign of G.U.N. Tom thinks that they’re just grasping at straws now, only including us because they have no other lead on you.” In fact, if Sonic and his team weren’t still on leave from assisting G.U.N., then he was certain that the origination would have tried sending Team Sonic out to look for Shadow as well. After the mess of the Eclipse Cannon, however, they were staying out of G.U.N. matters for a good while. On Maddie’s insistence, and their own growing mistrust for the organization.

Shadow let out a long sigh, then turned, and began pacing slowly back and forth. His expressionless mask cracked, revealing a deep frown of thought as he clearly pondered something in his mind. Sonic watched him, wanting to do something, but afraid of pushing him away.

“Shads…” Sonic hesitated, then asked anyways. “What are you thinking?”

Shadow paused in his pacing, fixing red-orange eyes on him. “I’m debating over what the right course of action is.”

Sonic bit his lip, holding back the words he wanted to say. Both because he’d sound pathetic, and because it wasn’t fair of him to beg Shadow to stay. Not if Shadow wanted to leave, not if he was worried G.U.N. would find him here. Sonic wouldn’t ask, even though he desperately wanted to.

Desperate to an illogical degree, even. Sonic didn’t know why the thought of Shadow leaving sent such terror through him and made his lungs seize with panic, but the idea of Shadow leaving as he had before… Sonic didn’t want to face that possibility again. Didn’t want to suck it up and deal with life, worrying constantly about whether Shadow had been caught, or if he was hurt again, or dying, or-

“Sonic.”

Shadow was in front of him now, standing over him with a bewildered expression. Brows furrowed, head tilted, staring down at Sonic.

“Say what you want to say.” Shadow told him, giving him a half-nod. “You’re holding something back. What?”

“I don’t want you to leave.” Sonic whispered. “I want you to stay, and I know it’s selfish to ask if you truly do want to go, if you feel safer on the run…” He looked away, ears drooping with guilt. “It… it worries me. More than that, it scares me. I don’t want to…” Was he really about to confess this? How embarrassing and exposing, and he hated his rambling right now but couldn’t help but continue- “I don’t want to lose you. Not again.”

Shock greeted Sonic when he gave the barest glance towards Shadow before dropping his gaze to the floor again. There was complete and utter silence, the most awkward of silences… and then Shadow spoke.

“Again?” It was quiet- nearly a whisper.

“You died in an explosion in space.” Sonic slumped, knowing that now, all his shameful, embarrassing secrets were going to come spilling out. “And I grieved. Because I’d never seen another hedgehog before, never seen someone who could keep up with me, never met anyone who was such a mirror of myself… if life had treated me differently.” Sonic swallowed hard, continuing when Shadow didn’t speak. “And then you were alive, and I got another chance. And we were friends and having fun, and things were good. And then you left. And all that was gone.” Sonic stood, unable to be still any longer, and threw himself into pacing now. “And even thought we hadn’t know each for long, had only just because friends, it hurt to lose you.” His breath hitched, and he shook his head, eyes flitting to the spot on the floor that was still a little darker than the rest. “I thought you were dead when I found you here. That they had gotten you, that you were gone again.”

Shadow insulted sharply, feet shifting on the floor.

“That I was too late, and if I had only convinced you to stay, then…” A broken laugh escaped him. “But somehow, even lying in a puddle of your own blood, you were still alive.” A sigh leaked from him, and he shook his head again. “Against all odds, even a mobian’s odds… you’re alive. You survived. All the things that G.U.N. did to you, the cannon explosion and fall to earth, being shot multiple times and losing half your blood…” His voice shook for a moment before steadying. “Through it all, I thought I had lost you multiple times. And yet…” He finally looked up, locking eyes with Shadow, who hadn’t moved. “You’re still here. So… forgive me, if I don’t want to see you go. You’re… you’re my brother, as much as Knuckles and Tails are. I don’t want to lose you.” He swallowed the lump in his throat, breaking eye contact when Shadow’s eyes widened astronomically.

Sonic kept his eyes on the floor, even when the telltale click of Shadow’s metal shoes against stone said that the other was moving.

“I’m not going anywhere.” Shadow said, voice low. “Not unless G.U.N. were to show up at this cave. Even then, I’d fight.” A sigh escaped him, but Sonic still couldn’t bring self to look up.

Sonic’s fur bristled, quills half raised in embarrassment at what he had confessed. He... really hadn't meant to confess that so soon, but here he was.

“This place… it’s important. To me.” Shadow managed, sounding like the words tasted back as he spoke them. “You’re… important to me. Somehow, even as annoying as you are, you became important, even when I didn’t want to care. I… I don’t know how to do friendships, or connections… it’s not natural for me.” He admitted. “But… I want to try. I want to stay here. Keep having our movies and hangouts and spars.”

“And races?” Sonic offered with the smallest of smiles as he looked up, tilting his head a little.

“And races.” Shadow agreed, giving an even tinier smile in answer. “There’s a connection between us. Even our chaos energy agrees.” Raising a hand, he let a bolt of orange energy twine and crackle around his fingers.

Sonic raised his own hand, something urging him to mirror the action. Call it instinct, call it curiosity, he didn’t know.

Sonic let out a breath, and summoned his own power, blue flickers dancing around his gloved fingers. When he moved his hand closer to Shadow’s… something happened.

Twins gasps rang out as their energy surged toward each other, colliding and mingling in the air. Sonic watched, wide-eyed and waiting for an explosion of sorts.

But that didn’t happen.

Instead, the energy seemed to… combine. As the hedgehogs watched, the blue and orange energy glowed brighter, then seemed to fade. Sonic blinked, shock making his heart beat frantically in his chest. The energy wasn’t fading… just the coloring. There was a loud snapping noise, and then the energy shone bright, all color fading from it as it glowed pure white.

“Shadow…” Sonic gasped, hands shaking.

“I know.” Shadow answered, shock and awe in his own voice.

The energy settled, not glowing as bright, then lowered, twining around their outstretched hands once more. A bolt lashed out between them, circling Sonic’s wrist before contacting to the energy around Shadow’s palm, the same bolt encircling Shadow’s own wrist.

In that moment, something Sonic could only compare to a lightening strike hit his chest, and he gasped with the force. It wasn’t pain, was anything but pure, unfiltered energy and power, burning like a star inside him, and between them both.

It reminded Sonic of the power of the master emerald- overwhelming and brighter than the sun itself, setting him ablaze from the inside out. He could see the same struggle he felt mirrored on Shadow’s face, and then…

He felt him. Felt Shadow, as he had before. Felt an echo of Shadow’s heartbeat, his steady breaths, but this time… it was different. He felt Shadow’s shock as if it were his own, felt the fear of G.U.N. lingering below that shock, and felt the fondness towards Sonic himself that Shadow often denied. Emotions, both Shadow’s and his own, filled Sonic’s head until he couldn’t sort out which was which. All he could feel was Shadow, and the power lighting both of them up.

Shadow stared at him, likely feeling Sonic’s own emotions, looking overwhelmed and confused as well as all the emotions Sonic could feel flowing together in an indiscernible mess.

Sonic opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, his legs gave out from under him, and he collapsed. He dropped his outstretched hand as he hit the ground on his hands and knees, panting like he’d just run a couple laps around the world. The connection vanished as abruptly as it came, but not painlessly. As the feelings between them severed, a groan escaped Sonic as pain speared his chest for a moment, before fading as quickly as the connection. The chaos energy vanished, leaving behind two stunned, exhausted hedgehogs.

On his hands and knees still, Sonic took a deep breath, and laughed. Laughed until his chest and throat hurt, and tears of laughter welled in his eyes.

“Not the proof you had in mind, huh Shads?” Sonic gasped, finally sitting up and back on his heels.

Shadow stared down at him with the most stupefied expression that Sonic had ever seen. “No… I can’t say it was.” He sounded oddly disconnected, as if he was trying to process what had just happened. Shaking his head, he said, “After the hundreds of experiments done on my chaos energy, I thought I was certain of its full capabilities.” Wide amber eyes met his own emerald, and Sonic couldn’t help but laugh again as Shadow said, “I was very wrong.”

“Don’t look at me. I’ve never heard of chaos energy doing that.” Sonic said, taking a breath in an attempt to calm himself down. “Though to be fair, I didn’t know much about chaos energy to begin with. Longclaw just told me that I was powerful and special, and that people would want to take my power.”

Shadow groaned, shoulders slumping in the most defeated look that Sonic had ever seen from him. “We’re screwed.”

“Probably.” Sonic agreed cheerfully. “But hey, at least we’re in this together!”

Shadow raised an eyebrow and derogatorily looked down his nose at Sonic, who was still on the ground. “Yes, because you are so much help.” He said sardonically.

“Exactly!” Sonic beamed. He reached towards Shadow, wriggling his eyebrows. “Help a brother up?”

“We are not related.” Shadow sneered, but reached out and pulled Sonic to his feet regardless. His voice lacked true heat, more of a protest than an offended rejection.

Sonic rolled his eyes. “Rude. Right after I just gave my heartfelt confession about you being my bro. That’s cold, dude.” He teased, in reality having no hard feelings. He knew that Shadow likely wasn’t to that point of friendship yet- the guy had said it himself, he didn’t even really know how to be, or have, a friend. That’s was fine- Sonic could wait. So long as Shadow was around, then Sonic could wait for the emotionally constipated hedgehog to figure out their friendship.

Shadow surprised him by huffing half a laugh. “Do you expect anything else of me?”

Sonic grinned. “Nah. Rudeness is the norm for you. I’m just surprised you didn’t insult me in the process.”

“Just you wait.” Shadow muttered, but humor glinted in his gaze. “There’s still time left in the day.”

Sonic chuckled, then shook his head, propping his hands on his hips. “So are we not going to talk about the chaos energy thing that just happened?”

Shadow realized an eyebrow. “What is there to talk about? We have no idea how it happened. The end.”

Sonic wheezed, choking on the laugh that burst from him at the unexpected sarcasm.

“Am I wrong?” Shadow said, spearing him with a look. Sonic was loathe to admit it, but…

“No. You’re right.” Sonic said, amusement morphing into a sigh. “I suppose there’s not much to do about it when we have no idea what it is, or how and why it happened.”

Shadow nodded in agreement, crossing his arms pensively.

Sonic sighed, offering his only idea. “We could ask Knuckles… his people have a lot of knowledge on chaos energy, it’s possible that he’s heard of something like this before.”

“No.” Shadow shot him down instantly, his pensive look hardening into a glare. “He does not trust me, and I don’t trust him. We’re not telling him anything. Not when he already is suspicious of me.” Shadow’s expression softened minutely, and he gave Sonic a searching look. “You realize… this ties us together in a way neither of us understand. How do you think your brother would react to that?”

Sonic winced. Likely… explosively. At least, right now he would. Knuckles needed to warm up to Shadow more before they dropped that particular bomb. Actually, his entire family would need to warm up before he told any of them about this connection.

“Okay, so you have a point.” Sonic admitted. “But to be fair, I didn’t mean to talk to him about it right now. Just… eventually.”

Shadow frowned, but didn’t outright refute his words.

“I suppose you’re right.” Sonic’s shoulders slumped as he realized that for now, there really was no solution. “We just have to wait… and hope it doesn’t blow up in our faces.” With a grin, he added, “Maybe literally.”

Shadow rolled his eyes, but nodded. “For now, it’s the best we got.” He sounded a little annoyed, but said annoyance wasn’t geared towards Sonic. More towards the situation as a whole. Sonic could understand that. It was frustrating, to be dealing with something so… new, and potentially dangerous, and having absolutely no clue how to deal with it.

Sonic yawned, stretching his arms above his head. “That’s tiring. Man, I feel like I just got out of a fight against Egghead and his bots.”

Shadow’s brow wrinkled in confusion. “…Egghead?” He said slowly, giving Sonic a look that said he questioned the blue hedgehog’s intelligence.

Sonic laughed, realizing why Shadow was confused. “Robotnik. Ivo Robotnik.” He clarified, after realizing that Shadow had known multiple Robotniks. “I nicknamed him Eggman, or Egghead, because his drones looked like eggs.”

Shadow stared at him. “… you are strange.” He didn’t sound judgmental, or even sarcastic. Just confused as all chaos.

“Yeah, probably.” Sonic shook his head, snickering a little. Another yawn escaped him, and he blinked, eyes feeling oddly dry. “Yeesh, I’m really tired.”

“So go to sleep.” Shadow told him flatly, eyebrow raised. “Simple solution.”

“You kicking me out?” Sonic joked, pulling his phone out to check the time. “Oh man, it is late. You should kick me out.” He glanced back up, meeting Shadow’s mildly amused look.

“Literally, or figuratively?” Shadow drawled, taking a threatening step forward. “Because I’d be more than happy to-”

“Not literally!” Sonic yelped, throwing his hands up in surrender. “It was a joke!!” Of course Shadow would take any opportunity to beat him up.

Shadow sighed, looking a little disappointed. “Very well. I suppose you should leave then, before you pass out on the floor.”

Sonic gave a tired laugh, then nodded. “Dude, how are you not crashing right now?” The siren song of sleep was calling to him, beckoning with open arms. With a great amount of effort, he ignored the call. “That… whatever it was… was exhausting.”

Shadow tilted his head, considering. “I am tired. But it is manageable.”

Ugh, what a show-off. Manageable? Shadow’s tiredness was manageable? Whereas Sonic felt only minutes away from faceplanting on the stone floor and sleeping there. Sonic would be more annoyed if he wasn’t so tired.

“You’re annoying.” Sonic muttered at Shadow, ignoring the raised eyebrow he got in return.

“No, that’s you.” Shadow said. “Now. Go. I don’t want to drag you home when you pass out on the floor.”

“Fine. Edgelord.” Sonic muttered at him, turning for the exit. “Bye byeee.” He sang, waving coyly. “Sweet dreams.”

Shadow sighed, turning away with a longsuffering look. “Goodnight, Sonic. Don’t run into any trees.”

“I’ll do my best.” Sonic grinned, then launched himself up and out of the hole in the ground, stumbling briefly on his feet before he regained his balance. Glancing at the sky (where the sun was nearly down) he took off, kicking up a shower of dead leaves as he went, hoping that he hadn’t missed supper.

Sonic was halfway home when he realized he forgot to ask Shadow about telling his family some of Shadow’s history with G.U.N. Hesitating for a moment, he debated on whether he should go back. Shrugging, he decided against it and continued home. Tom had seemed satisfied with the condensed explanation that Sonic had provided, and had said a more detailed explanation could wait. So, Sonic decided, it could wait. Plus, Sonic had dumped enough on Shadow tonight without adding that kind of question on top of it. Shadow needed to process the amount of information and emotions hashed out between them, with his friendship issues, and the news of G.U.N.

Not to mention the chaos energy connection going on.

Sonic could bring up the other stuff tomorrow. After all, they had time now. They didn’t have the threat of discovery breathing down their necks. Sonic’s family knew about Shadow, and Tails’ blocker hid Shadow from G.U.N.

Now, they could focus on other things, without that hanging over them. Sonic could move on to the next step of his ‘plan.’- his secret dream.

Now it was time to make Shadow a brother. Not just his brother, but Knuckles’ and Tails’ brother as well. Sonic was going to make Shadow a Wachowski, no matter what anyone else said. He was going to give Shadow a family.

For the first time in months, there was hope of success.