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It’s crazy how quickly the weather can turn for the worst.
Actually, it’s fucking annoying. Especially when this is the first time in weeks you have free time and were really looking forward to a run without the constant threat of being shot by one of Eggman’s stupid robots.
Sonic stood on the front patio of his home, a frown planted on his face as he contemplated his options. The rain pelted down against the back of his quills, icy water sending a shiver down his spine. A blue paw came up to shelter his eyes from the continued onslaught of harsh raindrops (the kind that prickles when it hits). Sonic knows he should probably go back inside, it’s really not safe to run in this weather. There is a plethora of illnesses and injuries that could occur.
Despite this, he still itched to run.
His foot rhythmically tapped the wooden floorboards, visibly showing how much he needed this fresh air. He knew this could be his only free time for weeks now — Eggman’s previously pathetic attacks becoming more consistent, more organised.
Sonic desperately needed this distraction; all his disorganised thoughts had been occupied with was that stupid motherfucking Egghead.
He’d much rather think about a certain (much, much prettier) someone else.
A rumble of thunder reverberated across the island, swiftly snapping Sonic out of his — quickly becoming embarrassing — train of thoughts. He realised he must decide soon before the storm really took over.
Fuck it.
You know what? He accepts this challenge. After all, he is Sonic the Hedgehog who will most definitely not be taken down by some measly water. A cocky smirk spread across his face as he jogged on the spot, awaiting the perfect time to depart.
Then, as if with no warning, the blue blur sped off. Obviously adhering to his namesakes, becoming just a blur to the living eye.
Sonic let his legs take control, following his favourite route to run and letting his mind wander.
He had been running for at least forty five minutes when he was interrupted.
Considering the grim weather, Sonic wasn’t expecting anyone with half a brain to exit their homes into the storm. Even knuckles wouldn’t dare.
Of course, he forgot about the one hedgehog that was practically immune to any kind of illness caused by the bitter nature.
A dark figure collided with Sonic, catching him completely off guard. The latter yelped as the pair toppled over.
Shadow the fucking hedgehog.
Swiftly, Shadow pinned Sonic to the ground by his arms and placed his legs either side of the smaller blue torso. He sent a harsh glare to the hedgehog below him, a warning to not even attempt to set himself free.
Sonic’s face flushed as he took in their position, noting that Shadow seemed oblivious.
“Hi?”
Shadow’s eyes narrowed.
“You’re supposed to be resting.”
Oh. Sonic forgot. His friends had basically put him on house arrest, saying that he needed more ‘self-preservation skills’. He thought that was stupid so he completely tuned them out as they ranted at him (mostly Amy).
“Oops?” A sly grin pulled onto Sonic’s lips.
Shadow growled.
“I will not hesitate to punch you.”
Sonic gasped, feigning offence and watching as Shadow rolled his eyes, “You wouldn’t dare hurt me, i’m too awesome.”
“Shut it. You know you need to be inside resting. Especially in this weather.”
“Awww you’re worried about me!!” Sonic winked up at the latter with that stupid smug grin, “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself—”
Shadow raised an eyebrow, bringing Sonic to a halt.
“Clearly fucking not. You’re outside in a thunderstorm, without appropriate attire. You were completely spaced out when I ran into you. Infact, that is increasingly concerning considering you’re usually always up for a fight and you haven’t even made an attempt to escape my hold.”
Silence settled for a moment. this was possibly the sweetest (?) thing Sonic had heard Shadow say to him. Over the past few months, their fights and competitions had slowly become less competitive and more affectionate, more friendly. They were still rivals of course — that fact would never change — yet their bond connected them closer than either of them had been to anyone.
The hedgehog was unsure how to respond, so he settled with an, almost disheartening, “Oh.”
Shadow, being an alien and all that jazz, had no former experience with attempting to comfort someone. Despite this, he was trying his hardest to show Sonic that, although finding the energetic hedgehog annoyingly optimistic, he really really cared for him.
More than a friend should.
Definitely more than a so-called ‘rival’ should.
He loosened his grip on Sonic, a firm frown forming on his face.
“…what is bothering you, faker?”
Sonic squirmed under Shadow’s scrutinising stare, who was awaiting a retort of some sort from the blue hedgehog. The former shivered, partially because of the stare, but mostly because since he stopped running the cool temperature finally began hit him like a ton of bricks.
Sonic took a deep, sharp inhale of the icy air before responding.
“Okay fine, but if we are going to do this, can we please go inside. I can’t feel my paws anymore. Also, wasn’t the whole point of this you pestering me about not staying out in this weather?”
Sonic tried to keep his tone light and teasing, yet the way even his words trembled along with his body really ruined the mood.
Even Shadow noticed the lack of — what Sonic liked to call it — ‘pizzazz’ in his choice of vocabulary.
The ebony hedgehog sighed, before finally lifting himself off the shivering hedgehog.
“Fine. stand up.”
Sonic stumbled up off the damp ground, wobbling backwards as the exhaustion finally smacked him around the face. Shadow furrowed his eyebrows at the unusual lack of enthusiasm.
Sonic quickly brushed off any embarrassment, plastering a forced smile across his face and continuing the conversation swiftly.
“…so! race ya to my place?” Sonic offered, aiming a wink in the other’s direction.
Shadow suppressed a sigh. “No, my place.”
Sonic opened his mouth to respond, but before he could utter a word, a warm (warm? in this weather?) paw gently linked into his. Suddenly, the world flashed before Sonic’s eyes as Shadow used his chaos control to transport the pair into his apartment.
Sonic blinked a few times, trying to regain the feeling in his limbs. Neither of the two separated their interlocked paws.
“You’re welcome, hedgehog. Now please, for the love of chaos, get some fucking rest.”
“Jeez dude, let me catch a break first. Not all of us are practically immortal.” spoke Sonic, pulling Shadow over to the elongated part of the sofa. Still not unlocking their hands, the blue blur flopped down onto the cushions and let the ebony hedgehog collapse on top of him.
Shadow flushed, quickly pulling himself off Sonic and opting for laying beside him instead. The blue hedgehog silently complied, nestling himself into Shadow’s side.
Shadow froze, not used to this form of physical contact from anyone, never mind his supposed rival. Of course, the pair touched one another often during their fights, even sometimes when they were hanging out with the whole gang, but it never held this type of peaceful affection. It never made Shadow feel this elated.
A sudden wave of basorexia washed over him, but he quickly pushed it away. He did not have time for his own confusing feelings right now.
Shadow felt a squeeze on his gloved paw, only then realising that Sonic still held on to him, as if he was frightened that Shadow would just disappear into thin air. It was sweet, and Shadow felt a small smile form across his lips.
“You’re warm,” Sonic murmured into black fur, “And you smell good.”
Shadow’s muzzle flushed, forever glad the azure hedgehog could not see him, “You smell like nature.”
Sonic’s eyebrows furrowed together, lifting his head up ever so slightly so that he could look the other in the eye.
“What does that even mean? Do I smell like dog shit or flowers?”
Shadow rolled his eyes. “It’s a nice smell, don’t worry. Idiot.”
Sonic hummed in acknowledgement, blue eyelids suddenly becoming heavy as he battled sleep. He felt warm paws begin to hesitantly brush through his matted quills. It felt nice. It had been a while since Sonic had felt this relaxed, knowing that he was safe in Shadow’s warm embrace.
The pair stayed like this for a moment, basking in the newfound comfort they shared. A content purr rumbled from Sonic’s chest, prompting a soft smile from Shadow. He watched fondly as the stubborn hedgehog struggled to keep his beautiful emerald eyes open.
“Sonic, I don’t mind if you fall asleep on me. You need the rest and it doesn’t particularly bother me.” The ebony hedgehog kept his voice quiet, barely above a whisper when he spoke. It added a strange intimacy to the conversation, one neither of them had ever felt before.
Neither decided to mention it, fearing it would wreak the already incredibly fragile friendship (?) they had formed.
“Way ahead of you. g’night Shads.” slurred the azure hedgehog, pushing himself as close to Shadow as possible. He was basically a living, fluffy heater and Sonic adored that.
“Goodnight, sleep well my love.”