Work Text:
It had been a while since Sonic had visited.
Ever since Shadow moved out of Rouge’s place it had been kinda difficult to visit. Not because of the distance, because if the blue blur pushed himself he could get there in under 10 minutes.
But Shadow had asked him to leave him be for a bit.
Shadow had built the log cabin himself and it was completely off grid, so he wanted to get used to it before inviting his speedy boyfriend.
It had been about two months, not counting the small glimpse Sonic had caught of his partner during a joint battle.
But finally Shadow had texted him to feel free to come over whenever it suited him. Sonic had been lying about at the time, but was in the shower in seconds and ready to leave in minutes.
Soon he arrived at the place Shadow had shown him months earlier.
It had been a sunny day, but it wasn’t overwhelmingly hot.
They’d met up for a race at Sonic’s house and were now zooming across fields, over rivers and into forests.
But as the scenery changed, so did their disposition; from a teasing competitiveness to a relaxing run in nature.
At some point Shadow started slowing down.
Noticing this, Sonic matched his speed until they came to a stop on the beach of a beautiful lake.
Not much further behind them was a forest and in the distance a mountain.
Seeing Shadow’s pensive look, Sonic asked what he was thinking about.
“I’ve been looking for a place to live, but I’ve recently realised that city-living is not for me. I’m considering building my own place, somewhere far away from people.”
For the rest of the afternoon they discussed the pros, cons and what it would take to live off the grid.
In the end Shadow had done exactly as he said. He’d done the research and taken on the back breaking labour.
But as the cabin came into Sonic’s view, he knew his partner had made the right choice.
The log cabin wasn’t big, but it was plenty big for one or 2 people, if they were close. There was a little shed and open air workspace next to it.
On the porch sat a self made furniture set of wood with plush pillows and blankets draped over the seats and a hearth to keep warm on chilly evenings.
But best of all, there stood his boyfriend embodying the quintessential picture of a lumberjack.
He’d switched his signature rocketshoes for some heavy duty boots and wore a thick red flannel jacket.
He’d put the axe in the log he’d been using to cut more wood and smirked, opening himself up for a hug.
Sonic felt the image burn into his brain of how happy and healthy he looked.
No more dark circles underneath his eyes, no more bruises barely hidden by tan and dark fur, but most of all the serene aura that surrounded him.
It felt like he’d finally shed his past for good.
No more regrets and guilt from being influenced by Gerald and Ivo. No G.U.N. forcing him to do their dirty work anymore. No more ribs just barely showing through his thick coat of fur from needing to go without food for missions.
Shadow glowed, his fur glistened in the sun, his eyes a brilliant crimson instead of a dull rust and his body looking sturdy and fit.
He looked peaceful, happy and healthy.
Not being able to resist anymore, Sonic rushed into his arms.
Shadow stepped in just barely, pressing them tightly together as he felt Sonic bury his face into his shoulder and squeeze his arms around him.
“I’ve missed you.” The blue hero whispered.
“I’ve missed you too, Sonic.” He said lowly, his voice shaking just the tiniest bit at the end. “Thank you for giving me space, but I’ve missed you too.”
Squeezing just a bit tighter before letting go, Sonic pulled back and cupped a tan muzzle.
“I love you.” He said before leaning forward and softly kissing Shadow, who responded in kind.
When they pulled back, Shadow rested his forehead against his partners and mouthed an ‘I love you’ back, his voice stolen for the moment.
With another peck to the blue blurs lips he pulled away entirely and gestured to the house, eagerly asking “Would you like a tour?”
“I've been waiting for months, of course I want a tour!” Sonic excitedly yelled as he started moving towards the door.
Smiling fondly at his boyfriend, he followed him inside, feeling like the home was finally complete.