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The full moon shone brightly in the night sky, just as it always did. Green Hill and about anywhere else shone in a pretty white light, making it easier to see at night. Especially for a certain hedgehog.
"OH YEAH"
Full moon was the best night for him to run to his heart's content. Most people were asleep or doing something irrelevant to the moment. The point is that the place was open, giving him free roam. With the moon, he could see just about everything, making it perfect—except for one thing.
Sonic ran through the platforms that were in his way leading to an open path to an uphill, what he considered the best part. Speeding up he wanted to get the best momentum he could as a wave of blue shielded him. Getting to the edge of the hill his feet flew off the ground, giving him some air time. As he split through the wind, time seemed to slow down as he looked around the place. He could see Green Hill, Station Square, and all the other places on Mobius. They shined brightly over the land, he couldn't help but smile. These places he fought to protect, alive with life from its residents, including his friends and family.
His thoughts were interrupted when he was suddenly shot down from where he floated. "What the fuck?" He said as he fell to his knees. Looking around he saw an orange light a few feet away. "Shadow?" He questioned as he saw the other hedgehog smirk as he skated away. "OH IT'S ON"
With that Sonic quickly got to his feet and sped off the catch up with Shadow, who kept increasing his speed to get away. Smiling Sonic felt challenged, this was a race now. Getting close he turned to Shadow. "Aw come on faker, if you wanted to race you should have asked. But I'll let it slide this once for you"
"You must feel so flattered," Shadow said, rolling his eyes. "As if," he said before increasing his speed again to get away from Sonic.
"What? If it wasn’t a race then why did you shoot me?" Sonic asked. “Admit it you love me!”
"I don't have to explain anything to you," he said before going silent.
Sonic could do silence, so he ran past Shadow who growled before increasing his speed to get ahead of Sonic. "Not a race my ass," Sonic said. With that, they took off. No words were said, just them running. A few times Sonic would bump into Shadow to make things interesting. Shadow tended to return it by shooting small missiles to rain down on him. They ran through Green Hill, and all over until the sun began to rise.
Coming to a stop on the grasslands Sonic watched as the sky turned from a rich black to ruby red to a Vincent orange. The clouds painted the sky purple and orange. Some stars stayed shining in the orange rays in the sky. As he admired the beautiful view, Shadow managed to catch up.
“I won,” Sonic said as he cheered.
“You considered that a race, pathetic,” Shadow said as he stood next to Sonic with his arms crossed over his chest.
“Um, yeah because it was a race”
“Say what you want if it makes you happy”
“You're just salty that I won again… Shadow”
The air went silent around him. Turning around he saw a flash of green before Shadow was gone, clearly having used chaos control to teleport away. With a sigh, he made his way back to his and Tail’s house.
“What a weird guy”
____________
After that night it became common that they would race every time there was a full moon. They never set it up, but as Sonic would be on his run he always crossed paths with Shadow. It went on like this for months.
“Wow, you… you gave it your all this time” Sonic said out of breath as he ran to a stop.
It wasn't common for Sonic to lose a race but this time it was different. He lost to Shadow by a long shot. In the beginning, he was in the lead but made one mistake and let Shadow get ahead. Sonic tried to catch up but for once he couldn't. Arriving at the field he found Shadow had stopped running. He sat just off the dirt path, staring off into the distance at the sunrise. To Sonic something about this moment felt different and he felt it would be wrong to talk now. Once he caught his breath he went and sat next to Shadow. Just looked at the flowers and grass that now surrounded them until his eyes landed on Shadows.
His eyes were frantically looking around, clearly deep in thought. Sonic wanted to ask but felt it wasn't his place, so he just stared. There were times when Shadow would slightly, very slightly, turn his head as if he was going to talk but nothing ever came. Sonic wanted to give him space so he waited.
“I… I won't be joining you next month” Shadow said eventually.
“Ok? afraid I'll worry?” Sonic said with a smirk not knowing why Shadow was telling him this.
Shadow furrowed his eyebrows at that reply before giving a huff and turning away.
"I just thought you should know. No reason to get so full of yourself” Shadow said as he glared at Sonic from the side.
“Full of myself. You just told me you won't be showing up– Oh does this mean we're friends now?” Sonic said as he stared wide-eyed at the Shadow.
“We are not friends,” Shadow said between gritted teeth getting irritated.
“Then are we something else?” Sonic asked with a snicker.
“We are rivals nothing MORE, nothing LESS”
With that Shadow was gone having somehow pulled out a Chaos emerald and used it to get away. Sonic stared at the spot Shadow jest was, feeling his heart flutter with joy.
“Shadow can deny it all he wants but clearly I mean something to him,” Sonic told himself as he got to his feet dusting himself off before running back home.
______
The next full moon Sonic did the same as usual he went on his run. Soaring through the land, moving at the speed of light. The chilly air nipped at his fur and spikes. As he ran through Station Square, his head was on a swivel as he looked at every blindspot, building top, and tunnel, expecting Shadow to come out and race him but it never came. He wanted to laugh at himself for that, he knew Shadow wasn't going to show up, he was off on a mission. This continued again and again for each race, no matter how many times he ran this path with no company, he couldn't help but look for his faker.
It wasn't until the 4th month did running in the white light of the moon start to bother him. As he ran his mind would go wild, and with no one other than himself to talk to, his thoughts were louder than ever. He had started his run not that long ago but unlike all the past few runs, this one was different. As he ran it didn't feel as good as he was hoping. It felt boring with no pa-daze, and he couldn't live without that. As he ran, he tried to find something deep inside that could make this run feel better. As he did the thought of Shadow came to mind. All the other nights felt so good as he was here but as time passed, the longer Shadow hadn't been there the spark of the nightly run was gone.
That's right Shadow, he would make this race feel better, he was who made the moonlight runs feel good. Racing to his heart's content, with total company because if he got too far ahead Shadow would shoot him, it kept him from being lonely. Nothing beat the feeling in his chest when he would be running and suddenly rockets shot around him, making him hesitate, it was a spark of surprise. It made his heart race, only to then beat so much faster with determination when Shadow raced past him, purposely nudging his shoulder to make sure Sonic knew he was being beaten.
Thinking about it, he remembered one time when Shadow had accidentally shot him in the back. At the time they had just run through the waterfall of Green Hill and were going through a twisty cave. Since Shadow couldn't see him he sent rockets to make him hesitant only to hit Sonic in the center of his back. Sonic being himself, falls clumsy into the wall. By the time Shadow had caught up his face became full with concern, and for a second Sonic got a glimpse of it. His eyes are wide with worry, his eyebrows now relaxed no longer twisted with a frown. At the thought of the memory, the look on Shadow's face, engraved into his mind. It made his heart flutter. He wished he could have captured the scene longer or even seen some of Shadow's other emotions.
In a panic, he was brought from his daydream as he ran straight into a bolder. He was so lost in his thoughts he had forgotten he was running. Slamming into it full force he screamed as his momentum caused him to bounce off it and fall full force onto the ground.
"Agh" he moaned as he rubbed his face. "Dame it" he was going to feel that tomorrow.
Looking around he saw he was in a forest but he didn't know which one. Deciding to continue forward he got up and walked through the forest. Looking ahead he could see a part where the trees thin out. Stepping out of the forest he saw he was at the place he and Shadow tend to end their race. There were fields of flowers that lined the land, it wasn't large but that didn't make it less pretty. Looking up he saw the moon was soon going to disappear over the horizon for the night. The sun wasn't going to be coming up for a few more hours so he decided to sit down and bathe in the remaining light from the full moon.
He shivered, he didn't remember it being that cold here, especially since it was the middle of summer. Putting his hand on the grass he picked up one of the flowers, it was a lavender flower. He smiled as he knew Shadow loved lavender, that was one reason he wouldn't let his friends find this spot as it was special to Shadow.
Shadow once explained that Lavender was one of Maria's favorite flowers, as she said it reminded her of the night, making her feel calm and relaxed. At the time it made Sonics breath stop as he stared at Shadow, it made him so happy he felt like his ribs were vibrating with joy. He didn't know what it was about that night, and probably never will, but that night they had actually had a real heart-to-heart conversation. That's what makes this spot so special, as it's the only place Shadow lets himself go from his ruff bad-boy edge.
He missed Shadow a lot. As he thought that he felt a tear randomly prick the side of his eyes. Was he crying, yes. He didn't know why but that thought made him sad. Almost like was longing for a peace of him that was missing.
"WHAT?"
he yelled as he got to his feet. What was he talking about? Him missing Shadow, no never. There was nothing to miss about that faker, with his gay highlighted, rocket shoes, and rude attitude that was just a more intense and attractive version of him. He didn't miss Shadow. As he screamed that in his head he felt a sting in his chest. This made his eyes go wide.
"What is wrong with me?" he said.
________
He couldn't take it anymore, tonight was the full moon of the month and after the past few months, he couldn't take it anymore. At first, it was only during full moons, but now his mind would not shut up about Shadow. For months Shadow was all he could think about, longing for. His body and heart flutter, ping, and ache at the thoughts. It made him feel weird.
But it wasn't like he was in love with Shadow. Why did feeling have to be so complicated, he yelled in his head. Until he finally came to defeat, he was going to have to go to Amy and "Talk about my feelings" he said in a Girlie, high-pitched voice before rolling his eyes. Getting out of bed he went and joined Tails downstairs for breakfast.
By noon he finally decided to pay Amy a visit to talk. He heard from Tails that she was on the beach to sit in the sun. He decided being on the beach would make him feel less trapped than having this talk in her house. Speeding to the beach he started to hear her voice the closer he got. Coming to a halt he stopped as he realized she was talking to someone. Deciding not to intervene he creeps to a bush to listen in. Looking past the leaves he saw she was talking to Rouge.
"...the resort was just everything a gal could ask for"
"Wow Rouge, I wish I could have come, so why were you at this Resort?"
"It was another mission sent by G.U.N"
"Oh really, they send you to nice places like that often."
"Yeah they do, I've been on cruises, to clubs, and spent a few nights with the queen."
"Gee that's just like a place for you, why did you come back so soon"
"Well Shadow finished the job within two days, with the work done we got sent back home"
"Man one more day would have been nice huh"
"Oh you bet it"
Hearing the mention of Shadow made Sonic’s heart flutter. If they got sent home then that means Shadow will definitely show up to the next race. Hearing the new information made Sonic want to run, his feelings no longer tying him down. Carefully he snuck out of the bush and once at a safe distance away, he took off running.
Once night had drawn, Sonic waited for Tails to go to bed before he took off. Running through the grass heading for the canyons that then would take him to Station Square. His heart was beating fast, and he felt butterflies in his stomach. As he ran his mind went in loops switching between so many thoughts. What was he going to say to Shadow? Does he look good? Is Shadow going to show up? How much time has passed since their last race?
But with all his questions going unanswered, it took one image of Shadow to pop up in his head for his mind to shut up. His face heated up as he thought of Shadow, joy swelled in his chest, desperate to break free in a scream. Getting to the edge of the forest he could see Station Square in the distance which made him stop as realization hit him, he was finally going to see Shadow again. But that joy slowly deflated as he ran through the city. Looking at all his common spots, Shadow wasn't seen.
"Maybe he's just running late, here I'll wait for him?" He told himself as he ran up the side of a building before sitting and waiting and waiting, and waiting.
He sat on that building looking around for any sight of the other hedgehog but he never came. Before Sonic knew it the night was over, with the Sun peeking over the horizon, shining the bright light onto him and the town. He watched as every few seconds the shadows slowly retreated into hiding leaving him and the bright sun to suffer together as both of their Shadows left them. Taking defeat, Sonic walked out of Station Square and headed back home.
This continued for 7 months, meaning Shadow has been gone for a year and a half. Just like before he would go on his run but Shadow would never show up. To Sonic it didn't make sense as he knew Rouge and Shadow were a team but Rouge and Omega have been around, helping fight off Eggman. He had tried to ask about Shadow to her but she said it was classified, then proceeded to tease him on being "in love with Shadow" which he wasn't by all means. His heart just pounded fast at every thought of Shadow because he was happy for their encounters. To feel the challenge and adrenaline that only Shadow could make him feel. Not to mention how Sonic had a desire deep down to make Shadow smile.
'WHAT AM I THINKING?' He yelled in his head.
He isn't in love with Shadow, but somehow he still felt deeply hurt by the fact Shadow has left him and by the looks of it now might just be avoiding him. Did he say something wrong the last time they raced, which was so long ago it flashed into his mind like a distant memory? He needed to fix this issue so they could race, he visited Shadow's apartment but no one answered. With no other way of knowing where Shadow was he just had to wait, which he did every full moon for the next couple of months, no longer running in the white light, just sitting waiting for Shadow who never came.
After 2 years of waiting, he sat on the edge of a building in Station Square. The sun was going to rise soon, another full moon had gone and passed without Shadow. He used to love the full moon nights but now they were just filled with loneliness and desire, desire for someone who wasn't coming.
Deciding to head home he took off running, the only running he was going to do for the night. Getting home he made some chilly dogs and ate them just as Tails came downstairs.
"Hey Sonic good morning"
"Good morning Tails," Sonic said, giving Tails his signature smile.
"Were you up all night again?" Tails asked as he made himself a chilly dog to eat as well.
"What no, what makes you say that?" He asked.
"Come on Sonic even for you, chilly dogs at 7 am is too early" Tails said as he sat down at the island counter.
Knowing he can't hide the fact from Tails he admitted "Yeah, you know how it is every full moon I go for a run."
"I know but lately, it seems like a jog in the moonlight"
"Come on Tails you know me, the blue blur, I never jog"
"I don't know Sonic, the past few full moons I've been flying my plane and I don't see your signature blue dashing through the cities of this island."
"What? You have been out there too?" Sonic said, a little embarrassed by the fact he's been caught not running.
"Yeah, I heard that there is a strong gem that can hold a lot of power and is strong, so I've been looking for it as it's easier to find in the moonlight because the moon provides it with the best light for it to be seen"
"Wow that's cool, have you found it"
"No, Eggman probably already found and took it...Don't change the subject, Sonic are you feeling ok?" Tails asked.
"Yeah, you know how it is, when I run things are just a blur so I stop running at night to admire the places I protect as they shine in the white light."
"That makes sense. But are you going to be good to hang out tonight if you haven't slept all day"
His eyes open wide, he forgot it was Thursday which meant Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails would stay up and play video games all night. It was every Thursday because that's the day Knuckles could come back from Angel Island. "Yeah I'll be fine, why do you ask, I have all day to sleep"
"I guess you're right, so are you going to bed right now"
"Yeah"
"Ok well see you later," Tails said his goodbyes before he picked up the remainder of his hot dog and headed to his workshop.
Sonic let out a sigh, he might as well get some sleep. With that, he cleaned the kitchen before withdrawing to his room. But as he lay there, trying so hard to go to sleep he couldn't stop thinking of Shadow, and how badly he just wanted Shadow around. Eventually, he gave in and finally fell asleep.
Today wasn't the day he had decided, first, he got an hour of sleep before Amy came breaking down his door to go have Lunch in a flower fluid. So he had to get up and go. Being the good friend he is, he forced himself to be awake for most of it. But after the 4th sandwich and 50th strawberry, he couldn't help but fall asleep basking under the bright sun. It wasn't until 30 minutes later she was poking him awake. Somehow he found himself waking up in her lap which made his stomach knot. from what he remembered he was on the other side of the blanket from her, how did he get here?
"Amy, what happened?" He asked, still tired.
" Oh Sonic you were sound asleep and then suddenly you crawled over here and started hugging me, even calling my name," she said as her face was fleshed with a blush.
Something was telling him this wasn't true but he would let her live her fantasy. Before he could say anything though, he had realized the smoke in the distance. " What's that?"
"Oh right, Eggman's attacking, we need to go." She said as she stood up grabbing her hammer.
"Ok"
The fight took forever, Egg man had totally overdid it with the robots this time but he did offer them a fighting chance to a game of his choosing. It ended up being really stupid. But throughout all that fighting he couldn't help but notice Rouge was also there, she sat and watched in a tree, but sadly no Shadow was in sight. Normally the two would come and watch in case things go haywire. This left a sour thought in his mind, maybe Shadow really doesn't care about him anymore. Which made him feel hurt and abandoned for some reason. Needing to focus on the fight he shook the thought away.
Once the fight was won, the crew decided to go have drinks together which they did. Unlike the picnic, this place was loud, which didn't allow him to fall asleep. But once the party was over he ran back home and went to sleep, with only one thought, Shadow.
__________
The sun was setting, Tails stood in his kitchen making the snacks for tonight's hang-out. Finishing the platter he walked into the living room. He turned on their TV and connected the game system, making sure all the controllers were changed and good to go. As he finished up there was a knock at the door. Quickly Tails ran to the door, opening it for the Echidna.
"Hello little fox, ready for the games"
"Heck yeah I am, this time I'm going to beat your butt"
"We’ll see about that, so what has the blue blur decided for us to play?" he asked as he entered the house and walked to the TV.
"Sonic hasn't woken up yet"
"What? Really, he almost always is awake at this time"
"Yeah well, he didn't sleep last night, you know going for a run so he's been extra tired today"
As the two talked, they headed upstairs to Sonic's room to wake him up. But the closer they got to his door they could hear slight crying. Panicked Tails hurried into the room only to find Sonic crying in his sleep. Not knowing if they should wake him up or not they silently stared at each other but as Tails reached over to shake Sonic's shoulder, the hedgehog started to sleep talk.
"No-no please... please don't leave me" Sonic cried as he turned onto his back. His feet and hands tapping, expressing to the others in the room that Sonic was running in his sleep.
The two friends halted in their movement, thinking Sonic might be awake as he continued to talk.
"I... it not the same without you"
"I...I m--miss this, I...I miss you"
"I didn't...didn't want it to end like this"
"SHADOW"
Sonic screamed and cried in his sleep. The two didn't know what the dream could be about but Tails couldn't take hearing his brother's cries, gasping for air. Reaching out, an inch from touching Sonic, a hand stopped him. Looking up it was Knuckles. As they looked at each other, Knuckles shook his head no.
"His heart is calling," Knuckles said
"What?" Tails asked.
"When someone compresses their emotions the heart uses dreams to express its hurt and pain. Let him have this" Knuckles said.
"I can't just listen to him cry," Tails said.
"Then comfort him, that's all we can do," Knuckles said with a sad look.
Looking back at Sonic, Tails decided to comfort his brother. As he crawled in between his arms. It hurt him to see Sonic like this, so all he could do was hug his friend, clenching his eyes closed to keep himself from having a panic attack from hearing Sonic cry.
Knuckles does the same thing except he hugs Sonic from behind. They both lay there comforting their friend and as minutes went by Sonic stopped tapping his feet, his cries and screams turning into silent whimpers as Tears trailed down his face. That night instead of playing video games they comforted their friend in his vulnerable state. But before Sonic could wake up the two descended stairs.
"Tails you know Sonic better than most people, what do you think that was about?" Knuckled asked very sincerely.
"I can take a guess, I know every full moon Sonic goes on a run, and lately it seems he hasn't been running during it, as if he was waiting for something"
"Shadow?"
"Yeah because I heard from Rouge once that Shadow also likes to run during a full moon, so I took it they raced each other during that time but Shadow has been away for 2 years on secret missions that even Rouge doesn't know about"
"Well if there's one thing I know after departing from being a warrior is that, even if they deny it, most people want company in their moments of distress."
"Yeah. How about the next full moon you and me go running, you know like we used to"
"That might work, even make up for this failed battle," Knuckles said, making a gesturing to the TV.
___One Month later___
Sonic stood on the porch of his house. The sun had set a few hours ago. Looking up at the sky, he spotted the blue moon high above. It was a rare sight, one that rarely appeared. In all his nightly full-moon runs, he had only seen it twice. Letting out a sigh he decided he wouldn't go running tonight, as he knew it would just be a lonely night like all the previous ones. At least if he stayed home he could run around Tails. Straightening himself out he turned to the door to go inside but as he did he saw Tails walk out.
"Hey Sonic, you're still here?" Tails said with a smile as he walked off the porch.
"Yeah... where are you going?" Sonic asked with a hint of sadness in his voice.
"Wow look at that blue moon," Knuckles said as he dug out of the ground.
"Knuckles you're here too?" Sonic asked as he went to stand next to his friends.
"Yes, I am," Knuckles said as he crossed his arms.
"Aren't you supposed to be on Angel Island?" Sonic asked
"Sonic it's Thursday, Knuckles is always here," Tails said.
That's when it hit him, he was so focused on the full moon and Shadow, that he forgot he was supposed to hang with his friends today. Maybe it's a good thing Shadow had stopped running.
"Oh right... So why are we all outside?" Sonic asked since normally Tails waits for them inside with snacks.
"Duh the games are going to be outside this time," Knuckles said as he and Tails got in a line, getting into a block start position.
"Um, what? Is... is this a race?" Sonic asked as he jumped in place with joy before running to get in line with them.
"Well it is a full moon, so why not join you" Tails said as his tails started to spin creating a slow wind behind him to help him take off.
"Aw, you guys." He said resisting the urge to pull them into a hug.
"Yeah, yeah don't get sentimental hedgehog because I'm going to beat you"
"Oh is that a challenge Knuckles, we'll see who truly wins"
"As if, I'm going to win, and I'm sure about it," Tails said with a smirk.
"You all are going down. Ok, we all ready" Sonic said looking side to side.
"Ready," the other two participants said in unison.
"On your mark get ready set go"
With that they all took off, Sonic instantly taking the lead as he ran down the hill. As he did Knuckles dug underground quickly to find a flowing water source that pushed him ahead and with his speed, he caught up to Sonic. Tails on the other hand used the hill to his advantage to take to the sky using technology he had made to boost him, also making him catch up with Sonic.
"Oh I see how it is," he said as he put more energy into his run causing him to get a head a little bit as the other two also put more energy in their speed.
With a close race, it soon brought them together as they came to another hill that led them up. Forcing them onto the same land, the one Sonic was good at. Finally getting a good head start he felt so happy, finally being given a good race after 2 and a half years. Feeling the competition and adrenaline made him push his feelings aside and allow himself to enjoy the race once again.
Getting lost in his thoughts allowed Tails and Knuckles to pass him, which he was fine with because it allowed his friends to have fun. But as he was about to go catch up, something was shot at the ground causing rocks to shoot in his direction.
"Wow, hey," he said as he looked behind him expecting Tails but no.
Hot on his track was a black and red hedgehog. Gliding on the ground as he quickly sped up.
"SHADOW!!" Sonic screamed as he watched Shadow catch up.
"What falling behind Faker" Shadow said as he sped past Sonic and quickly outdid Tails and Knuckles who were just as surprised.
"It's on," Sonic said, feeling his heart beating so fast finally getting to see Shadow again.
Quickly he increased his speed shooting past Tails and Knuckles who cheered him on. In a matter of seconds he ran past Shadow, just enough of him to turn around and wink at Shadow while keeping the lead he spoke.
"Shadow your back," Sonic said with so much joy.
"Stop wasting my time and give me a good race" he replied as he increased his speed.
Hearing the sound of his ruff voice made his smile grow, God did he miss hearing Shadow's voice.
"I am. You are the one not giving it your all"
"I don't need my all to beat you. What did you miss me the whole time, you're slacking" Shadow said as he smirked at the way Sonics face lit up bright red at his comment.
"Ok, I did, I'll admit it," Sonic said as he ran next to Shadow instead.
"Oh really now, I couldn't tell" and with that Shadow increased his speed finally giving it his all as he got ahead once again.
It made Sonic laugh a little as he gave it his all too. He was so happy to see Shadow again that he couldn't help but smile. He was so glad to have Shadow back in his presence, now fully understanding how much he missed him. With that they took off into their usual race, which would last all night long, with Tails and Knuckles far behind them deciding to stop racing and head back to play video games, allowing their friend to enjoy what he's been longing for.