Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a fine estate, truly, elaborate halls and polished floors, Sonic’s new shoes leaving barely a print on them as he wandered.

Truth be told, he was lost, viridescent eyes scanning the halls for any familiar landmark, his brow pressed into something of a frown but not quite yet.

A full belly, a warm bed, and soft new clothes did much to slow his temper, keeping the confusion from truly frustrating him.

It was a chorus of laughter that made his ears prick up, turning towards the sound. 

Eclipse, Shadow’s older brother, his laughter was quite distinct and one Sonic had come to expect often.

Unlike his relatives, Eclipse seemed to always be in some good mood, his face split in a grin. It was a quality Shadow could learn from but perhaps it was alright if Shadow did not smile often.

It only made the few Sonic had conjured forth all the more valuable. 

It was one of what Sonic assumed was many drawing rooms, Sonic moving towards the sound of laughter.

Eclipse was not the only one laughing, Sonic could hear the Robotnik’s guest, Breeze, enjoying her own chuckle. 

Sonic stepped up to the door, moving to open it and enter in, to see what was the cause of such merriment.

“And to think, the common boy thinks himself a tutor!” Breeze cackled out and Sonic stopped. “Only one student, poorly taught, and he calls himself… a tutor.”

Sonic frowns, not even his newfound comforts able to stop him from feeling truly insulted. He had an inkling that Breeze was not fond of him but he was not going to stand here and let himself be insulted-

“He barely even knows French,” Eclipse added. “I asked him to pass me the salt and he responded with the weather!” 

The laughter rang out once more and Sonic’s cheeks burned red.

Oh. Yes. That.

Sonic had been… distracted. He was just learning that Shadow’s eyes, which had seemed brown in the gloom of the windowless library, were truly a most beautiful red.

He’d responded thoughtlessly and caught his mistake right away.

Eclipse had assured him he understood. Eclipse said he wouldn’t laugh.

“Oh, stop it, you two,” Maria protested. Sweet girl. Of all of Sonic’s sudden fiance’s relatives, she was his favorite. A tad mischievous but truly a sweet and kind hearted girl. “You’re being unfair.”
“Yes, yes,” Gerald, the master of the household, said. “He’s quite educated… for one of his inferior birth.”
Breeze and Eclipse laughed so hard it must’ve hurt and Sonic bit his lip until it bled. He doesn’t have to deal with this.

He should enter, see if they’re so willing to lavish such comments and insults when the subject is in the room.

“Oh, Brother Dearest,” Eclipse said, his laughter dwindling. “Why did you ever propose to him? You barely knew him, yes?” 

Sonic’s head snapped up. Shadow was in there? Of course he was. He followed Maria around faithfully, ever attentive to her health and comfort, loyal in his care of her. 

He would make a truly fine doctor. 

“Yes,” Shadow agreed, his low voice sending shivers down Sonic’s spine. His voice seemed to have that effect on him lately, like the rumble of a thunderstorm. “We bumped elbows at a few parties before I spent some time in Pumpkin Hill. I was unaware he was living in the area until I found him cleaning my floors.”
Breeze snorted but Maria cooed. 

“Cleaning?” Gerald exclaimed. “I thought he was a tutor.”
“Tutors are not in high demand in Pumpkin Hill, sir,” Shadow said. “He took many jobs to support himself and his ward.”
“Ah, yes, the child,” Gerald hummed. “Why did you propose to this lad? He has nothing to bring, no family name to trace him to. And the child is only a further burden. Is he unwilling to part from him?”
“No, sir,” Shadow said. “He is quite attached to the boy. I have not asked and I fear asking.”
Sonic glared at the well polished wooden door. Good. Sonic had fought this hard and this long to keep Tails safe by his side, he would not give him up now, not even for Shadow.

Gerald hummed, clearly dissatisfied, and Sonic made a note to steel against whatever the old man might do to try and remove Tails from his side.
“But you know,” Ivo, the odious man, said. “That does not quite answer Eclipse’s question. The boy has no prospects, no assets, a shell of an education, another mouth to feed on top of that, and is, well, a burden, to be precise. Why propose to him? You could have literally anyone you wanted, if you so chose.”
Shadow went quiet and Sonic’s heart felt like it was being trampled by a party of horses or perhaps quick footed dancers.

It was a question Sonic often wondered. Sonic knew why he accepted but why he was asked… well, Sonic supposed he was too afraid to ask himself. 

But now…

“Boredom, I suppose,” Shadow said and Sonic’s heart felt like it was shot. “I was curious, curious to how he would respond. He sometimes says the most amusing things in response to the most simple of actions, I was curious to what response a proposal of marriage would bring about.”
“He is quite amusing, isn’t he?” Eclipse said and laughed. “Maybe, if this marriage falls through, he could hire him as a jester of some sort!”
That amused the room, even Gerald lowly chuckling.
“He’d be of more use that way,” Ivo agreed. “He worked for me for two years and I must say, the only reason I didn’t fire him was because he was so confident in himself, I couldn't help but laugh!”
And as if to prove his point, he laughed as well, a big booming laugh that shook Sonic’s bones. 

And Shadow said nothing. 

No defense for Sonic, no explanation for what he meant by that, just silence as those around him laughed and laughed at Sonic, laughed at his half learned French, at his confident manner, at his insistence at the teaching of a child who had even less prospects than Sonic did.

No defense for his future husband.

Well, maybe husband was the wrong word here. Maybe future entertainer would fit Shadow’s description of Sonic’s married duties more. 

Maria, bless her soul, was the only one to speak up, drowned out by the laughter, defending Sonic as best she could. 

“Oh, my, where did that maid go, I asked for tea an hour ago,” Breeze sighed and grumbled.

Sonic heard her stand, heard her heels click against the floor.

He could move. Should move.

He’d done it before, in many a household, heard a conversation not meant for his ears and vanished without being seen, quick feet to match his quick wit.

But not this time. Sonic wanted to be seen. 

Breeze opened the door and what little laughter remained cut off as the subject stood before them.

Sonic had no idea how he looked so he only prayed he looked somewhat put together as he stood before them all.

“Apologies for my intrusion,” Sonic said and Eclipse, at least, had the sensibility to look ashamed. Gerald and Ivo were just silent, uncaring. Maria looked horrified. And Shadow… “I was not aware of the complications my presence brought about.”
Sonic turned, walking away from the room.
He heard the sound of a chair getting pushed to the side, heavy boots following him, but Sonic kept walking, as if he did not know Shadow was in pursuit.

“Sonic,” Shadow called out and Sonic nearly did stop. Nearly. “Sonic, wait.”
A glance back revealed they’d had turned a corner away from the rest of the household so Sonic stopped.

He turned to his host, keeping a gracious smile on his face. 

“Again, I am most deeply sorry,” Sonic said with all the grace he’d ever learned. “If I had known I was giving such a well bred household such trouble, I would have set out sooner. I assure you, my ward and I shall be out before sunset. We shall leave all as we were gifted it, including our attire.”
“Don’t,” Shadow said. “Don’t speak to me like that, as if I’m a stranger.”
Sonic paused, feeling his hands curl into barely restrained fists.
“How would you like me to speak to you?” Sonic asked. “Like a friend? Like an employer? Like a husband? You know I am able to do a great many a trick.”
Shadow frowned, crossing his arms.
“You do not know what you heard,” Shadow said. “You have misunderstood it.”
“Then explain it to me,” Sonic shot back. “Oh, but do take care to explain it in simple terms; a poor boy of inferior birth like myself can only comprehend so much.”
“You take my family’s words and make them my own,” Shadow growled, glaring at Sonic.
“You said nothing in protest,” Sonic snapped. “I may not know French but I know how to speak in silences, how to hear what is not said, and I heard your voice as clearly as I do now.”
It had not been as beautiful, the quiet cushioned in laughter not at all the velvet baritone Shadow spoke in. Sonic’s heart ached as Shadow’s voice pulled on its broken strings. 

Shadow now looked ashamed, as if he thought his silence was unnoticed, his absent defense of his fiance forgotten. 

“Sonic,” Shadow said, his voice now soft and regretful. Perhaps, a better educated hedgehog would have heard him out, have let him speak, but Sonic, clearly, was naught but a toy for the Robotnik household’s amusement. “I can explain-”
“There is no need,” Sonic said, turning away. If Shadow’s soft eyes, deceptively brown when they truly crimson, were to meet Sonic’s own, he is not sure he could resist the doctor-to-be’s excuses. He’d fall into his arms, again and again and again. “I understand enough.”

“If you would just let me explain,” Shadow tried to start again but Sonic, alas, was merciless. 

“I heard you,” Sonic said firmly. “Boredom. Curiosity. I’ve never heard such grounds for marriage but I suppose there’s a first time for everything. I imagine you’ve been quite amused with me.”
“Let me speak-” Shadow demanded but Sonic’s voice was louder.
“I’ve let you make more than enough of a fool of me, Shadow Robotnik, and I will not let myself be made a fool of twice, not by you, not by anyone!” Sonic snapped and Shadow’s eyes widened, taking a half step back. “...I know now why you asked. Would you care to know why I accepted?”
“Why?” Shadow asked, head tilted, crescent shaped quills shifting as he did so. Sonic bit his lip again, heart burning in his chest.
“I did not love you,” Sonic admitted. “Not yet, I suppose. But you were a man of character and of dignity. I did not see why I would oppose a union. You needed a husband, or so I thought, and I needed an ally.”
Someone to watch Tails while Sonic worked, someone to keep the house clean when Sonic was ill, someone to support him while he supported them.

“I don’t think I would have accepted just anyone. I needed someone who would not leave me to struggle alone,” Sonic felt his anger start to cool, start to melt, burning ice become water, become hurt. “But anyone can be a jester, Shadow Robotnik.”
“I never called you that,” Shadow insisted, pleaded. Sonic stared at him.

“And yet you said nothing to the contrary,” Sonic said. He tilted his own head now. “Are you afraid of how this will look? Of proposing to a commoner, only to call it off? I imagine it’d be quite the talk.”
Shadow’s ears laid against his head and his face was taking a sour look, it did not suit his fine features. 

Sonic sighed and stepped forward, reaching for his almost husband. 

He pressed a kiss to his cheek, soft, chastise, barely a brushing of the lips, and yet Shadow shuddered as if ice had been slipped down his shirt. 

“I’ll make it easier on you,” Sonic smiled sharply, much less an expression of happiness or even grace. “I imagine it’s much easier for your reputation to survive the rejection of a commoner, yes?” 

Sonic stepped back, his fingers brushing Shadow’s cheek as Sonic put more than acceptable distance between them. 

“Sonic, wait-” Shadow said, voice struggling to cut above Sonic’s.
“No, Shadow Robotnik,” Sonic said, a gentleness he did not intend to have to his voice. “I will not marry you. Does that satisfy your curiosity?”
Sonic turned, head held high, steps light under his feet. Shadow said nothing, did nothing, just allowed Sonic to walk away. 

Sonic felt tears prick the edges of his eyes, tilting his head even higher.

Do not spend your tears on anyone, his mother’s dying words whispered to him, a cold comfort to his broken heart. They are wholly undeserving of such pearls.  

Shadow was not deserving of his tears. What his face was when sad was not a fancy Sonic would grant.

Chapter Text

Shadow’s tongue was like lead in his throat as Sonic walked off, head held high, almost lighter with rejecting Shadow, as if the prospect of marriage was a burden Sonic was free from.

Perhaps he was.

"Brother! Brother!" Maria cried, running to Shadow. He turned, just in time to catch the younger girl. "Where is Sonic? Did you make amends?"

"I…" Shadow felt his heart shudder. "I am afraid to say… Sonic has rejected my proposal."

"What?!" Maria cried out, reeling back from her brother. "Certainly not! Oh, Brother, what have you done?!"

"I tried to make amends but he would not hear of it," Shadow said hotly. "He insisted on being angry."

Maria glared at him.

"You will fix this," she said firmly, brokering no argument or complaint. "Or I shall never speak to you again. I've come to care a great deal for Sonic and Tails and if you drive them away from me, I shall never forgive you!" 

Shadow frowned. He tried. He tried! And in return, he got insults tossed in his face, his intentions assumed, and his heart broken!

Why was he being admonished?

'You said nothing in protest,' Sonic's voice echoed and Shadow winced. 

The drawing room had felt so small, laughter flowing out of his family's mouths. He had sat, uncomfortable. He saw no need to make any protests; he had been honest and his family may take his words however they saw fit.

Had he known Sonic stood on the other side of the door, perhaps he would have. Perhaps he would have assumed he’d made his affections clear enough and stayed silent regardless.

However… it seems his affections were not as clear as he thought them to be. 

“Do not let him leave!” Maria demanded, gripping Shadow’s shoulders. She turned him in the direction of Sonic and pushed. The darker hedgehog stumbled, giving a slight glare back at his younger sister before setting off with a sigh.

The ballroom was empty, as it often was. The Robotniks were not one for parties , despite his dear Maria's pleas.

The piano was made of oak, a woody eminence all who sat at his keys could smell.

Shadow's steps wandered to it, reaching over and pressing down on the ivory keys. 

A note played, loud in the empty room.

"You know how to play?" Shadow asked Sonic, shadowing the blue hedgehog's steps.

"I do," Sonic grinned, pride evident as he sat himself before the fine piano. "Well enough to satisfy those two lovely dancers."

Shadow looked back over to the center, where Tails, Sonic's young ward, and Maria were preparing to dance.

A melody, old and not quite fit for the piano or the hall it was in, started to play out and the two children began their dance.

Shadow, on his part, turned his head once more to watch Sonic.

His face was focused, watching his fingers like a general might watch a mildly rebellious platoon. 

And yet, the music was truly …divine, yes, divine. 

"You were well taught," Shadow commented. "Who was your teacher?"

"My mother," Sonic said, turning his eyes up from his keys. "It was one of the last things she taught me. She loves music dearly."

A note, still lovely but distinctly out of place, echoed and Sonic flinched, turning a brief glare towards the traitorous keys before giving Shadow a sheepish look.

"She unfortunately was unable to finish her tutelage," Sonic admitted. "But I think I can make do."

Shadow hummed and glanced over at Maria. The girl was laughing, allowing the much shorter boy to lead her in an awkward kind of dance. 

Shadow felt his lips slightly tilt upwards and he did not feel the warmth of Sonic's gaze on him.

The note echoed and echoed, Shadow frowning at the loneliness of the sound.

Maria was right. He had to speak to Sonic.

He exits the ballroom, hurrying up the stairs to the room the pair of hedgehog and fox were given.

He does not bother to knock, opening the door.

"Sonic-" he starts and then stops.

The room is empty, the gifted clothes neatly folded and left on the pillows. 

The room is pristine, as if never used. The bed is made, the curtains pulled back to let in the light. 

He's too late. 

Shadow's gaze wanders the room's corners once more, as if he peers into it hard enough, the hedgehog of his affections will make himself known once more. 

He does not find Sonic but his eyes are pulled to a pristine white envelope. 

His name is written in it, in a beautiful but hasty cursive.

He picks it up delicately, forcing it open.

Shadow Robotnik, 

As agreed, all property has been returned to its original user, minus the earrings you gifted me upon your proposal. 

If you had hope to use them for whatever next amusement caught your eye, I apologize. I am certain a fine gentleman can replicate them easily enough.

I thank you for the month of hospitality and apologize for being unable to repay your generosity. 

Sincerely, 

Sonic Hedgehog

Shadow's hands nearly crumple the paper.

That hedgehog…! 

The earrings.

"Would you be so kind as to marry me?" Shadow asked.

Sonic blinked, surprised, and turned to face him.

Outside their shelter, the rain pelted on. 

"I'm sorry, Mr. Robotnik, I believe I misheard you," Sonic asked. "Could you repeat that?"

"Would you marry me?" Shadow said around a lump in his throat, eyes staring forward into the pelting rain.

Sonic's eyes widened.

"What… goodness, Mr. Robotnik, what brought this about?" Sonic laughed, cheeks red and glancing away.

"I just… wanted to ask," Shadow fibbed.

"Ask me for my hand?" Sonic snorted. "You're lucky it's me you're trying this joke on. I imagine many others would not accept it as well-"

"It's not a joke," Shadow snapped, irritated, before forcing him to breath. "I am… not good with words but…" 

He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. Sonic's eyes trained on it curiously.

Shadow held it out to Sonic, the other taking it.

His eyes widened as he opened it, holding up a pair of earrings, gleaming emeralds.

Shadow watched how they seemed to gleam despite the gloomy air, much like Sonic's own eyes.

"A family heirloom," Shadow said. "They're priceless."

Sonic looked at Shadow before smiling, something strangely soft in the expression.

"Well," Sonic said. "I suppose I have no reason to refuse, if you're truly offering."

Sonic… kept them? 

Sonic massaged his ear as he lowered the bejeweled earring into the box, laying it beside its sister. 

He shut the lid with a satisfying clack, picking it up as he stood.

He walked over to the house's single bed, kneeling down and laying it just under the bed.

Speed like the wind was most useful. Sonic and Tails were already home, already safely putting this whole little fiasco behind them.

It was as if Shadow had never proposed, as if the month was nothing more than a dream Sonic had awakened from.

“Amy will be quite happy to see us,” Sonic said, loud enough for Tails to hear him. “Oh, the gossip we can give her!”
Tails said nothing. Sonic winced. He turned to the fox kit.

He was sat at their dining table, glaring at the rotting wood as if it personally offended him.
“...They saw us as a joke, a burden, Tails,” Sonic said softly. “If they could, they would have separated us.”
“So?” Tails said hotly. “You were happy there. You didn’t have to work. I would have been fine.”
“Absolutely not,” Sonic replied. “You are and always will be my first priority. We don’t need the Robotniks. We survived just fine without them.”
Tails frowned but nodded.

“You’ll see,” Sonic assured, carding his fingers through Tails’ fur. “Soon, this will be just a funny story to tell at gatherings.”
Tails nodded again, seeming still greatly disappointed.
“I’m sorry,” Tails said. “If it wasn’t for me-”
“Even if not for you, I couldn’t stay with someone who saw me as something to amuse himself with before losing interest,” Sonic said firmly. Sonic’s heart ached, despite his words. Shadow… “You did nothing wrong.”

Some small part of Sonic hoped Shadow would… would run over, his speed just as quick footed as Sonic’s, and demand to speak with him, demand to make his feelings clear.

Sonic dreamed of Shadow at his door, out of breath from the journey, desperate to make good, to ask Sonic for his hand yet again, not because of some boredom but because Shadow… Shadow…

But those were the dreams of a lovesick fool. Sonic was not so desperate nor would he ever be.

To even think such things was, was out of character for him! What had that Robotnik family done to him?

It’s fine. He’s fine.

He does not need anyone and certainly not in that manner. 

“Sonic!” Tails calls out. “It’s the roof! It’s got a hole in it again!”
“Again?” Sonic calls out, surprised. He casts a worried look towards the clock. He has some time, before Lady Vanilla was expecting him. He could probably fix up the roof in that time. “Alright, just move the bucket, I’ll get up there.”
“Sonic, it’s raining,” Tails exclaimed. “You’ll catch cold!”
“A cold never killed anyone,” Sonic huffed, slipping his coat on. “I’ll be quick.”

Maria glared at Shadow. 

Shadow stared down at his plate. 

Eclipse glanced between the two.
“My dear siblings, we truly shouldn’t fight-” Eclipse started.
“Don’t speak,” Maria cut him off curtly. “I shall only become more coarse with the two of you.”
Shadow’s ears laid back. Eclipse blinked, confused.
“May I ask what I have done to offend?” Eclipse asks, now thoroughly puzzled.
“You both made two of my favorite people leave the estate,” Maria grumbled. “And Shadow still refuses to act to get him back, even though he is-”
“Maria, please,” Shadow cut off.
“Ah, is that what this is about? I can not help it if Shadow’s now formerly betrothed has such thin skin,” Eclipse sighed. Shadow cast a glare at him for the comment. “Family should not fight about such things.”
“Oh, now I am even angrier with you!” Maria cried. “What you said was cruel! If someone said such a thing about you, about me, would you allow the speaker to remain in your presence?”
“Ah, well, you see-” Eclipse fidgeted before glancing over at Shadow. “I was merely agreeing with Shadow’s remarks!”
“You assumed I was insulting him,” Shadow said quietly. “You all have assumed so.”
“And what of what you said was not an insult?” Maria glared. “Shadow, you are my most beloved brother and by that virtue, I know what you meant in your heart. But your words were ill chosen, picked to hurt, not to complement.”
“Wait, it was not a complainant on a foolish decision?” Eclipse exclaimed. “Brother! Do not tell me you genuinely… held some… affection for the fool!”
“I will not tell you a single thing and he is no fool,” Shadow stood from his table. “But both of you should halt your assumptions of me.”
“It is not my assumption you should be concerned with, brother,” Maria said firmly. 

“I could care less what he thinks of me,” Shadow snapped.
“You couldn’t care more if the entire estate caught on fire,” Maria snapped back. “You still have his letter.”
“He left you a letter?!” Eclipse gasped.
“Not a word,” Shadow hissed, pointing at Eclipse. 

“The longer you keep yourself here and away from him, the harder it will be to make amends,” Maria insisted. “For both of you.”
Shadow hesitated at that, feeling his resolve weaken.

“Feelings do not vanish from one hurt,” Maria reminded. “But a hurt left to fester…”
“Becomes an untreatable wound,” Shadow finished. “...I shall consider your council.”
Maria smiled, for she knew in her heart that she had won and that soon Tails and Sonic would be where they should; dancing and laughing and playing with her. 

Lady Vanilla paced, watching the dark skies from the window.
“How strange,” she fussed. “Mr. Hedgehog is rarely late.”
As if she summoned him, the door opened, Sonic stumbling in, drenched.
“Mr. Hedgehog! You’re soaked,” Vanilla exclaimed.
“My apologies, Lady Vanilla,” Sonic bowed. “I ran into some rain before this and I did not have time to dry off. I still refrain from damaging your furniture.”
He sneezed, groaning.
“Excuse me,” he chuckled weakly. “They say if someone is speaking of you without your presence, it causes you to sneeze. I wonder who finds me of such interest?”

Chapter Text

A week had passed. Maria made sure Shadow noted the passage of time, noted how much colder the room that was Sonic’s got as his absence lingered. 

It was a day after their sibling breakfast that Shadow’s resolve finally crumbled.
Shadow had believed if he just perhaps held off then… well. He is not certain.

But he must make this move, it seems. Sonic saw fit to make his own so if Shadow wishes to correct them, he must counter such moves. 

It would not be a long journey to the hedgehog’s residence, not with his exemplary speed, but the question was if Sonic would even let him through the door. 

Shadow supposed it didn’t matter. If he wanted to put his own heart and Maria’s anger to rest, he’d have to risk a second rejection.

The run over to the Hedgehog residence was pleasant, the land around it lush with light, a nearby lake allowing swans a place to rest their heads.

Just knock, Shadow Robotnik, the worst he can do is… perhaps it’s best if Shadow does not think about what the worst thing Sonic could do to him is. 

Shadow knocks firmly, forcing his twitching legs to stay in place.

Tails is the one to open the door, his face of earnestness turning sour when he saw Shadow.

“Oh, it’s you,” Tails said rudely.
“Is your brother at home?” Shadow asked hastily.
“He’s sick,” Tails said. “So go away.”
Sick? Shadow’s heart lept into his throat, choking his words further.
The fox went to close his door but, in a move that would definitely raise some eyebrows, Shadow wedged his foot between the door. 

“I just need a moment of his time,” Shadow insisted. “And then I shall be on his way.”
“You don’t understand,” Tails growled. “He’s sick. He’s having strange dreams. Even if he wanted to see you, he’s not well enough to.”
“I’m a doctor,” Shadow said. It’s nothing serious or the fox kit would not be even entertaining Shadow, Shadow has to believe that or he will- “I can be of assistance.”
“Maybe your assistance isn’t welcome,” Tails had no manners, not for Shadow. “He didn’t tell me what you said, didn’t tell me what any of them said, but he told me enough. If you’re here to laugh him, you can just leave.”
“I never laughed at him,” Shadow insisted.
Tails glared at him. 

“Please,” Shadow spat out. “I… I need to speak to him.”
“...Fine,” Tails finally let go of the door, releasing the pressure on Shadow’s foot. “But you say one wrong thing, I’m throwing you out.”
Shadow held his tongue as he walked past the much smaller and much weaker fox kit.

Sonic was in the house’s bed, nose nearly a bright red, curled up in every blanket available and yet shivering.

Shadow frowned and approached, placing a hand to Sonic’s forehead. It was warm, very warm. 

A fever, no doubt. Hopefully nothing too serious. 

A wet rag was placed over the ailing hedgehog’s face, hoping to break the fever. 

Tails was certainly no liar, even if he was a rude little boy. Sonic was not awake and not well. 

Shadow’s eyes drift to Sonic’s ears, the long blue ears bare of any jewelry, emerald or otherwise.

Had Sonic perhaps sold them? They’d fetch a pretty price, enough to support two young people. 

Shadow’s hands tighten to fists as the thought fills his head, of Sonic carelessly giving them away for just some petty cash. 

First thing he’s doing when Sonic wakes up is ask.

If Sonic had given them up then Shadow had nothing to say, nothing good at least. 

Was that fair? Fair of Shadow to think, to feel?
Well, if Sonic can interpret his disinterest silence as agreement, then Shadow can see the giving up of those fine earrings as a solid and permanent rejection.

Sonic stirred and the rising anger slipped out of Shadow like butter on a pan. 

“Tails?” he called out weakly and Shadow reached over, tucking Sonic in tighter.
“He’s not here right now,” Shadow said softly. “I apologize for intruding.”
“Shadow,” the joy and relief in Sonic’s groggy voice was like a punch in the gut. He smiled at Shadow, bright and wonderful, his exhausted eyes gleaming like precious jewels. “You’re here.”
“I… I am,” Shadow agreed weakly.
“Oh, terrible timing, you miserable awful guest,” Sonic grumbled, rolling over to face Shadow. Shadow raised a brow at his comments. “I would have made dinner. You… you like roast beef, yes? I think I saw some on sale, the other day.”
“It’s quite alright,” Shadow swallowed around a lump. “You just rest.”

“Hm, alright,” Sonic gave in with an ease he wouldn’t have had without the fever, almost as if he was afraid of stopping. He closed his eyes once more, curling up and drifting back to sleep. 

Shadow let out a sigh of relief. 

After dealing with so many years of Maria’s own illness, he had to admit, he-

He worried.
He brushed soft blue quills out of Sonic's face, the prickly pines more relaxed than Shadow had ever seen them.

"You do love him," Tails exclaimed and Shadow jumped back, as if touching Sonic burned him. "Don't deny it."

"I never said I didn't," Shadow said. 

Tails frowned.

"You hurt my brother but you love him," Tails muttered. "What am I to do about that?"

"Excuse me?" Shadow asked, raising an eyebrow. Tails stood as tall as he could, puffing out his little chest.

"Sonic has no family," Tails said. "No family but me. He won't let me do everything but…"

Shadow felt a worm of affection for this boy, trying so hard to help his brother the way he helped him.

"I don't intend to hurt him again," Shadow said. "Intentionally or otherwise. I came to clear up my blunder."

"...You won't let them laugh at him again, will you? He may not be anything special to you all but he's special to me," Tails asserted.

"I promise," Shadow said. "Even if Sonic is no longer able to stomach my presence, I will not allow my family to look down upon him."

And the boy relaxed, assured of Shadow's intentions. 

Sonic woke with a throat as dry as the desert. 

“Here,” came a deep and comforting voice, helping him to sit, pressing a glass of cool water to his lips. “Drink.” 

Sonic drank it gratefully, relief filling his body much like the water itself. 

“Better?” the voice asked and Sonic opened his eyes.
“Yes,” he said. “Thank you.”
Shadow, sitting by Sonic’s bedside, set the glass down.

Sonic stared at Shadow, blinking in surprise.

He was- that wasn’t a dream- what?
“How long have you been here?” Sonic asked.
“Only for a day,” Shadow responded. “I arrived early yesterday. I suggested, with my medical expertise, I could be of some use.”
He came. He stayed.

Why does that make Sonic’s heart flutter? Why does he feel so warm? Is it his cold?

“Sonic,” Shadow said. “Where are the earrings I gave you?”
And all the warmth left Sonic’s body.
“The earrings?” Sonic asked.
“Yes,” Shadow nodded. “You didn’t sell them, did you?”

Is that why he’s here?
Sonic’s fists clench the blankets.

If so, Sonic wishes he hadn’t come at all.

Sonic pushes himself up and out of bed, Shadow standing, surprised, as Sonic did so.

Sonic reaches under the bed, pulls free the box which he’d oh so carefully placed them in.

He tosses it at Shadow, the other catching it.

“If you want them so badly,” Sonic spat. Do not cry. Don’t waste a tear on him. “You can have them. Apologies for making you come all this way.”
Shadow frowned, confused. Sonic did not care, already climbing back into bed.

“I did not ask for them back,” Shadow said. “They are a gift, freely given.”
“Then I gift them to you,” Sonic said, his back to Shadow. “I imagine they’ll amaze the next commoner who catches your fancy.”

“I gave them to you,” Shadow emphasized.
“I am aware, I was there,” Sonic hissed. 

“...I was curious because I am in love with you,” Shadow said. “I wanted to know if your eyes would light up when I asked, if your smile would change when you knew how I felt, if the world would spin ever so slightly faster due to my own delight should you accept.”
Sonic’s ears pricked up, twitching toward Shadow, the only sign of any acknowledgement.
“I am… not good with words,” Shadow admitted. “Not good with making myself obvious, not like you. You speak plainly, you speak clearly. You make your affections and your hurts known. I… envy you for it.”
“...It’s not really something to envy,” Sonic said quietly. “Sometimes it makes more enemies than friends.”
“And yet my lack makes me just as many enemies,” Shadow said. 

“Why did you come, Shadow?” Sonic asked. “Please, tell me.”
“...I came for you,” Shadow said.
Sonic went quiet. 

“...Please don’t ask me to leave,” Shadow said, barely audible. “Please.”
Shadow put the box down on the edge of the bed.
“I’ll never be silent again, if you only command me to speak,” Shadow pleaded.
Sonic said nothing. Shadow closed his eyes and stood to leave.

Sonic’s hand shot out, grasping Shadow. He jolted at the contact, looking down at their joined hands.
“...I’m still cross with you,” Sonic said in barely a whisper. “But I honestly would rather kiss you than be mad at you. Stay.”
So Shadow sat down once more.