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Bright and gorgeous stars illuminated the night. The moon was full and shone beautifully. All of its brilliant glow reflected over a calm ocean whose waves crashed onto the cliffside shore. Sonic inhales deeply, taking in the salty air that brushed against his cobalt fur.
This was the view that Sonic looked longingly upwards from the ballroom balcony of his palace. His emerald eyes twinkled as he leaned forward on the railing, arms entwined.
It was almost quiet, except for the faint chatter and music which was a tad bit distracting but nothing Sonic couldn’t ignore. How could there be so much chatter and music at this hour? Well, the room he escaped from was a ballroom at which a party was being held to help him find a spouse. His parents insisted that he attend, despite his lack of interest.
He was elegantly dressed for it too; a red tailcoat suit with gold designs paired with a puff and lace cuffed shirt. Around his throat was a silk white cravat, along with a few other pieces of jewelry. Pins and the likes decorated the top pocket of his coat, signaling his status. He looked dashing and was catching the eyes of many noblemen’s daughters.
In the past hour, he had met and danced with a handful of various beautiful girls. Yet, none of them caught his attention. His father suggested Sally Acorn but he found her to be a delight to gossip with. A good friend to have around, but did he consider her for marriage? Absolutely not. What about Fiona? No. Amy? No! And those were just a few examples.
The young prince didn’t want to get married to anyone. His heart already belonged to someone else. Someone who he doubted he’d ever see again… but it didn’t stop him from fantasizing.
Hell, the open sea, salty breeze, and distant boats on the royal docks only encouraged his thoughts. The ocean looked so calm, as the waves continued to crash onto the shore. Oh, how he missed the adventures he was fortunate enough to go on.
To think, a hydrophobe like himself managed to go on such a long journey on the water; see the things that only ceased to exist in the imaginations of those in his kingdom, and make friends with people he was told to avoid for all his life. Even fell in love with one of them.
The fond memories crossed his mind; they made his heartache but they made him happy. If only he could do it all again. Not to relive those moments, instead, create new ones! With those friends and his lover.
It was a crazy wish but… that’s what he wanted. His days after that adventure ended are so bleak and… tasteless. Yes, he absolutely loved the kingdom he was born to one day rule. He loved his family but, paperwork doesn’t get your blood pumping or adrenaline rushing.
Just looking out into the balcony, he imagined being whisked away in those strong arms; being carried out of there and into the darkness. Even if it was for an hour, he didn’t care. He just wanted to see the one he cherished.
Sonic’s head hung low as he let out a defeated sigh. There’s no way their paths would cross again. He was a prince with duties of his own and was one that has a strict reputation to keep. If anyone found out about his adventure, it would most certainly look awful for him. Then the pirate, running away from the law and sailing the seven seas, free from royal duties and boring dance lessons.
He chuckles dryly to himself and murmurs, “We really do live in different worlds… don’t we, Shadow?”
The door behind him creaks and closes with a soft click. Confident steps approaching, come to a stop. He holds his head up and prepares to listen to what the unexpected guest had to say. He doesn't bother to look back to see who came out.
“Your highness… Your presence is required immediately,” said a smooth, deep voice. It sent chills up Sonic's spine and made his eyebrows furrow. “It would be terrible if you kept them waiting too long.”
Sonic whirled his head to see the man who was talking to him. There he was. Standing inches away from the doorway, the sable hedgehog he had grown to love so deeply. Dressed in the palace guard uniform, holding the hat in his hand as his arms were out, offering a hug. Sonic’s face lit up as he embraced the other with a wide smile.
“Shadow!” He said softly. Shadow wrapped his arms around the azure’s waist, pulling him closer.
“Surprise~ ” He grinned and kissed the other’s cheek.
“I was just thinking about you!” Sonic said softly, blushing, and brought a hand to Shadow’s cheek.
He chuckled and melted into the gentle touch. “What a coincidence.”
The young prince hums and leans his head on the other’s chest, “I missed you, a lot.”
“I did too. There wasn’t a second in my days where I hadn’t been thinking about you.” Sonic giggles at that and moves in to give him a kiss. A kiss the two had been missing for quite a while.
It had been far too long since they’d seen each other. Sonic yearned to be a pirate and continue going on adventures with his partner—but he couldn’t. Being a young prince, he had responsibilities; despite how boring they were, he had to. And even if he was third in line for the throne…
Perhaps he could convince his parents to let him go. Let him live the pirate life. But he knew it would be a far stretch. And running away was an option he couldn’t do again… after what had happened previously, he’s had a few guards keep a very close eye on him. Just barely he managed to trick them into leaving him alone.
Sonia and Manic wouldn’t mind at all; especially if Sonia is taking the throne. As soon as she finds a suitable husband, she would be crowned queen. But Sonic doesn’t want to wait—Chaos knows how long it’ll take before that happens.
“You look very handsome tonight,” Shadow whispered, pulling away from their kiss reluctantly. “Red suits you very well.”
A blush crept onto the azure’s cheeks, “I could say the same for you. However, what are you doing in a palace guard’s uniform?” Shadow glanced down at his own attire and smiled sheepishly.
“I… may have stolen this to sneak in.” He said quickly. “It was Miles’ idea.”
“And it worked? I’m impressed.” Sonic teased, booping the sable’s nose. He raises a brow.
“You underestimate me too much, your highness.”
Sonic chuckles, “This uniform looks very nice on you.” He tugs lightly at the lapels
“If you think I’m here to join your royal guards, think again.” Shadow clicked his tongue, getting more laughter out of the azure.
“Then why are you here? I know it’s never simple with you, Captain. You’re not here to just see me.” He said with a mischievous tone. Shadow brings his hand up to Sonic’s chin and gently runs his thumb across the other’s bottom lip.
He hums in agreement. “You know me too well. I’ve come to take what’s rightfully mine. You.”
“Possessive. Could’ve been a bit more romantic but I’ll take it.” Sonic jokes. Shadow rolls his eyes and clears his throat.
“Oh, fair maiden! I have come to whisk you away into the endless night sky, where we shall spend time together.” Sonic giggles at that. “Was that better?”
“Eh, could still use some work.” Shadow shakes his head and smiles fondly.
Before he could say anything, muffled yells and gasps could be heard from the ballroom. Then the sound of hurried footsteps echoed. Sonic glances behind his love into the ballroom and sees the guards making their way to the balcony.
“There he is men! Get that pirate!” A guard shouted sword pointed at Shadow, as a few other guards started to run up to them. The one talking sounded like a general.
He glances back at them and quickly sweeps Sonic up, carrying him, bridal style. “I believe it’s time we take our leave?”
Sonic smiled mischievously, holding tightly onto the other’s shoulders. “Absolutely.”
Shadow hops onto the ledge of the balcony right as the guards burst through the doors. “Don’t move a muscle! You’re not getting anywhere with the prince!” The general shouted.
The prince looks over Shadow’s shoulder and waves happily at the guards. Shadow leans forward and they fall towards the waters.
The guards couldn’t stop them in time and ended up watching them fall in disbelief. The king wasn’t going to be happy about this.
“Stand down. Sonic will be back unharmed.” A red echidna approached them, placing a hand on the general’s shoulder.
“How can you be certain, Commander?”
“Just trust me.” Knuckles said, smiling reassuringly.
“If anything, he’ll most likely be back safely by morning.” A young voice chimes in. That was Tails, the prince’s advisor.
The general sighs in defeat and turns away from the railing. The others are following.
No one knows the full story except for those close to Sonic, but if their superior officers are telling them to stand down, then it’s in their rank to follow orders.
~~~
Sonic and Shadow were plummeting straight down, any second now they were going to be in the ocean with a splash.
Panic starts to overtake the young prince as his eyes are glued to the ever-nearing waters.
Just as quickly the fear started coming in, it left as quickly too. Because in a small flash of light they weren’t free-falling towards the deep waters anymore, instead were now safely on a jolly-boat. A boat that was slowly floating toward the pirate captain’s ship, Maria.
“Alone at last,” Shadow said, holding the prince close.
Sonic lets out a breath of relief and smiles, “a little too close for comfort, hm?”
He shrugs, “I thought you’d appreciate a bit of thrill.”
“You’d be correct,” Sonic replies, moving closer to hug him a bit tighter. “How long will you be staying?”
“You know I only have until morning.”
Sonic frowns, “I wish we had much more time together than just a couple of hours.”
Shadow hated it just as much. He wished he could spend more time there, but given who he is, he didn’t have the luxury of staying on land. Especially if there were guards stationed at almost every dock, ready to arrest him. And the fact he sort of “kidnapped” the prince doesn’t make his situation any better.
“I’ll come back to visit as much as I can. And as soon as I can.” Shadow whispers, gently taking Sonic’s hand into his own and placing a soft kiss.
“Promise?” Sonic moves his head up to look him in the eye.
“You have my word.”
The prince hums and leans his head on the captain’s shoulder, “Good.”
“However, I cannot promise to give you notice beforehand,” Shadow smirks, running a hand through blue quills.
“I can live with that.”