Work Text:
The stars twinkled above as the warm summer air brushed against Shadow's fur.
"Meet me at our spot?", it wouldn't be an unusual text to receive from Sonic if it wasn't almost midnight. But Shadow still made his way towards the tree anyway.
The spot that had become theirs over time was an old tree that sat next to a cliff and was surrounded by a field of wildflowers. It hadn't been intentional, they just kept finding their way back there between the races and competitions.
He could already see the familiar branches stretching out into the sky as they sheltered the blue hedgehog sat below. Shadow sighed as his eyes locked onto the bottle held in Sonic's hand.
"You know you're not old enough to drink, faker." Why are you drinking? Concern leeching into Shadow's usual haughty tone.
Sonic's answering chuckle carried a bitter edge, "No one cares how old you are when the hero of mobius says they want a drink." He took another swig from the bottle, tequila, before finally meeting Shadow's eyes. "I never wanted that title, they just started calling me that one day. Sometimes I wish they would call me anything else."
Shadow carefully kneeled down in front of Sonic making sure to keep eye contact. "Do you regret saving people?"
Sonic paused for a moment, "No, they needed help. Even if I couldn't help all of them." His ears layed flat against his head, eye lowering.
So that's what this is about. Slowly Shadow reached out and gently placed his hand on Sonic's cheek. "That's not your fault. We're the fastest beings alive but even we can't be everywhere at once. You have never done anything but your best and that is more than enough."
"Is it though? It feels like no matter what I do I'm failing someone." Shadow felt the clench of Sonic's jaw in his hand, could hear the grind of his teeth.
Making a split second decision, he leaned forward and pressed his lips against soft peach ones. The lingering taste of the tequila registered at the same time as Sonic tensing before he sighed into the kiss, shining eyes fluttering shut.
They stayed like that for a few moments before Shadow pulled back. "Yes, it is. You don't fail, Sonic, because that would mean that you've given up. And we both know that's not your style."
"Right", A soft smile making it's way onto Sonic's lips. "I never give up, do I?"
Shadow chuckles, "No, you don't." He took the bottle from Sonic and set it aside. "Come on, let's get you home." He stood and offered a hand.
Sonic took it and moved to his feet, immediately swaying and would have fallen right back down if not for Shadow's grip on him. "Oh chaos, I am dizzy."
A quick glance at the bottle confirmed it was over halfway gone. "Of course you are," Shadow sighed. He pulled Sonic in and scooped him up bridal style. "I'll carry you home."
Sonic stared at him then started out right giggling.
"What?" Shadow huffed.
"My hero."