Work Text:
“WHAT DO WE DO?” Tails shouted as he looked at Sonic with wide eyes
“Calm down buddy, it'll be okay,” Sonic said as he grabbed Tail’s shoulders.
“tsk,” they heard a gruff, which caused them to freeze. Their eyes widen as they stare at each other.
Slowly, they both looked to the side, only to see that what had just happened, had happened. In front of them was Shadow, who glared at both of them with his arms crossed over his chest. At first, they were hoping it was their imagination, but as his glare hardened, they knew what they were looking at was real.
“Ugh,” Sonic heard from his right. He looked to the side, only to see that Tails had passed out. Looking back at the Shadow, Sonic faked a smile as he put his hands together.
“ShaDOw,” he said, his voice cracked, trying his best to be strong. “I can explain all of this… you see-”
—A month ago—
The day started off as normal. Waking up, eating breakfast, going to the beach, hanging out with the gang, stopping Eggman, and admiring Shadow who watched them finish the mission. But how did they get here well, Sonic was in love with Shadow and has been for a very long time. The one problem was that Shadow was his rival, who he shouldn't be in love with but he was. That's why when he saw that Eggman had made a device that could bring whatever he desired to their universe from others, Sonic couldn't help but be curious. What if this device could bring him someone he loved, the perfect idea of what he desired so he could put this crush thing to rest?
That night, Sonic sneaks out of his and Tail's house and goes to the junkyard, where all the rubble from their battles goes. Looking around, he soon found the device, except it was badly broken. Getting an idea, he returned to his house and headed upstairs to Tails' room. Lucky for him, Tails was awake playing a game on his computer.
“Tails,” Sonic said, sounding a bit too happy.
“oh, Sonic. What are you still doing up?” Tails asked as he spun his chair to face him.
“Uh, one, I'm older, and I can go to bed when I want. Two, aren't you like 9? Shouldn't you be sleeping? Whatever, can you do me a favor?” Sonic pleaded to Tails.
“Sure what's up?”
“Can you fix this”
“Sonic isn't this the device Eggman made? You know, you shouldn't trust it, it's going to lead to bad things”
“I know. That's why…I was hoping you could re-make it…or make your own, please,” Sonic said, putting his hands together.
“You want it so you can get yourself that princess from that comic book you've been reading?”
“Umm…yeah,” Sonic said looking away, ashamed that he just lied to his best friend.
“Ok, I'll do it,” Tails said as he took the device from Sonic.
“Thank you Tails… how long do you think it’ll take” Sonic asked as he followed Tails to his workshop.
“Well Considering this is broken, I'm going to have to make my own.” but once I figure out how it works it might take a few weeks”
“OK”
Much like Tails had said, it took 2 very long months to remake the device. First, he had to find the resources that weren’t available, considering the part that could open the portal was a lot of glass and a Pacific rock. While Tails worked on making the device Sonic was left to suffer. As each day passed he would see Shadow, and find himself falling deeper in love with him. Even sometimes blurting out his feelings earning him a scoff from the other hedgehog. This kinda broke Sonic's heart knowing the person he loved didn't love him back.
But then the day came, Tails had finished making the device. It wasn't easy considering a device this powerful would be considered illegal as it was going to use a lot of energy, therefore they did it in secret. That's why when they were going to test it, it was going to be late at night. They stood in Tails workshop at 1 am, knowing no one would be around. Tails informed Sonic of how the device works which used his energy to power the rock that then would reflect into the glass layers creating a ripple in space and opening a portal. If he changed his thoughts it would change his energy flow, ultimately making the portal open between what he desired and their universe.
This was amazing, but Sonic wished he was alone when doing it. He didn't know what was going to happen, but he would hate having to explain it to Tails, let alone to anyone.
“Before I press this button, promise me that you won't tell anyone about what happened here,” Sonic said looking at Tails.
“I promise, you can trust me,” Tails said with a smile.
“Ok here we go,” Sonic said
With a deep breath, he pressed the button, imagining a scenario where he and Shadow were together. But nothing happened, Desperate Sonic pressed the button a few more times.
“Dame it, it’s broken,” Sonic said
“Here let me have a look” Tails said as he went to grab the device from Sonic but as he did the device started to shake violently.
“Tails?” Sonic said in concern as the device fell from his hand and disappeared in a blue spark. “Where did it go?”
“I must have not put it together correctly, It seemed it teleported itself,” Tails said as he examined the burnt spot on the floor. “I'm sorry Sonic.”
“That's ok,” Sonic said as he put his hands on his quills. He guessed he would just have to continue with this stupid crush until it passed. “Something like that shouldn't exist anyways, who knows maybe this is a good thing,” he said glad he wouldn't have to explain anything to Tails.
As they both were about to head upstairs to go to sleep they heard a weird noise behind them before a strong force blew past them. Quickly they both turned around to see a dark blue portal was now open in the center of Tails workshop. The force was strong, blowing stuff around the room, and even almost sending Tails flying, if it wasn't for Sonic grabbing his hand. With the force pushing past them, they had trouble keeping their eyes open but from the little bit Sonic could see, someone or something was coming through the portal. The figure started off as a darker blue before becoming a solid black before emerging from the portal, it was Shadow.
His eyes were closed as he walked through, his head down. Coming to a stop in front of the portal before said portal suddenly closed. Everything that was flying around the workshop fell to the floor. Now opening their eyes fully they could see it was indeed Shadow. They both stood in disbelief waiting for something to happen.
It wasn't until Shadow’s head moved up, his eyes opened with a harsh glare, directed at the brothers. They watched as he looked around before his eyes landed on them again, his stare darkening as he crossed his arms.
“Where am I?” he growled.
Causing both of them to scream in panic.
—Present time—
How was he going to tell all of that to Shadow? ‘Hey Shadow, you might be wondering what is happening, well you see I have a crush on you so I had Tails remake that one eggman device hoping to find my true love since you don't love me’ FUCK NO.
“ShADow” he said as his voice cracked, trying his best to be strong. “I can explain all of this… you see… we were trying to make a new teleportation device…” As Sonic began to ramble Shadow had walked up to him until he was practically hovering over him, staring at him with a hard glare. “...it just so happens to open where you were and that's how…you…”
Sonic started to sweat, he was nervous. This was the closest Shadow had ever gotten to him outside of fights. It was to the point he could smell lavender, and even feel Shadows breathing on his quills. Thinking he was talking too much he stopped, slowly looking up to meet Shadows' red eyes that glared down at him. Was remaking one of Eggman's weapons really that bad of a crime, he was definitely going to hear it this time, wasn't he? He started to panic trying to find any way out of this, so he didn't end up locked up by G.U.N again. But as he was thinking he couldn't help but take note of how the corners of Shadow's lips wiggled as if he was trying not to laugh or… smile. Something didn't feel right. But this was proven when Shadow suddenly pulled him into a one-handed hug, even kissing the top of Sonic's head. Sonic felt as his face heated up with surprise.
“You're looking so stupid when you're nervous,” Shadow said in his rough voice that was so sharp it stabbed right through Sonic's heart, making him melt into the chest of the agent.
“W-what?” Sonic asked as his face heated up. The sound of his heart beating loudly in his ear. He didn't know who this person was but they weren't Shadow, and he liked it.
—1 hour later (2 am)—
“From my readings that isn't Shadow, well I mean that isn't our Shadow” Tails said as he and Sonic stood in the kitchen of their house. Shadow was leaning on a wall in the living room as he watched the two from afar. It had been 30 minutes since Sonic talked to Shadow, and then Tails did his readings on him, while Sonic explained the situation, even though what he told him was all a lie.
“So this is what it gave me?” Sonic asked as he put his hands out in front of him, forcing a face of disbelief and anger. Even though deep down his heart skipped a beat. But he couldn't let that be known by Tails.
“Well, yeah I guess it is. What did you think about? a Shadow that would be your friend?” Tails said.
“No, I imagined the princess from my comic, you know the one I'm fond of,” Sonic said as he smirked looking away from Tails.
“Yuck could have at least been something cooler”
“Yeah, yeah so how are we going to get him back, to… you know his place”
“Well, I'll have to make another one of the devices so this could take months as I'll have to go off memory.”
“So we're stuck with two Shadows?” Sonic said, making it seem like a bad thing.
“Well we could go to the Shadow in this universe and ask him to use chaos control, that might send him back”
“NO” Sonic yelled, getting everyone's attention. Grabbing the fox's shoulder Sonic looked into Tail's eyes. “Shadow can't know about this, here how about I go looking for the stuff you need so we can send him home? But no one and I mean NO ONE can know about him being here”
“Why?” Tails asked, giving a concerned look to Sonic, as he was acting weird.
"Because… remember, we did something illegal. If there are two Shadows, they'll know it was us. Shadow doesn’t lie," Sonic said, knowing it was true. If anyone saw this Shadow, he would probably tell them how he got here—even if what he believed wasn’t the truth.
“Fine, but how do you plan to keep him here?” Tails asked as he looked over at Shadow who was glaring at them.
“Just leave that to me ok?”
“Ok. well the sun going to rise soon so I'm going to get some sleep”
“Yeah that's probably the best”
“Ok” With that Tails headed upstairs to go to bed. Leaving Sonic standing there with Shadow's Eyes on his back.
Turning around Sonic smiled, even if it was a smile of concern. “So Shadow… Um, it turns out you're going to be staying for a while” Sonic said as sweat formed on his body. He knew that this inconvenience would anger the other hedgehog.
“I'm not surprised,” Shadow said sarcastically as he uncrossed his arms walking over to Sonic.
“y–Yeah well I–I’m going to go to bed, you know since it's late,” Sonic said as he sidestepped to the staircase. Which was followed by Shadow who grabbed his hand.
Sonic blushed ‘Is Shadow going to bed with me?’ He screamed in his head as his face was dusted with a pink blush that made Shadow give a small smile. That's when he remembered that this was the Shadow he asked for, the one that loved him. “Are… Are you coming to bed with me?” He said in a shy, small voice. The words felt abnormal to him, as romance isn't his thing.
“Of course,” Shadow said as he allowed himself to be led to bed.
Getting to his room Sonic watched as Shadow Looked around, guiding his hand along the dresser of extra gloves and socks that Sonic has. Before going to the other side of the room. They kept the lights off, allowing the moon to shine in through the slightly open blinds.
“Your room is different than his” Shadow said as he stopped by the bed, looking up at Sonic.
“Do you have your own version of Sonic?” he asked as he made his way over to the other side of his bed, before sitting down.
“I did,” Shadow said, even though his face didn't change from the grumpy bitch face. Sonic notes that they probably didn't have a good relationship based on wording.
“I take it you weren't on good terms?” Sonic asked.
“No, we were… Lovers” Shadow said
“We Were?”
“Yeah but the day we got together you— died”
“I DIED? HOW?”
“You spared your life to save the people you care for”
“oh, I'm sorry?”
“It's ok, you reassured me when you died”
“What did I say?”
“Well—to put it simply you said you would return to me… and now you stand in front of me”
Sonic didn't know what to say in return. But in his silence Shadow had removed his gloves and shoes as he got in bed, staring at Sonic’s back he reached a handover, combing through Sonics spicks.
Sonic's eyes went wide as he let out a small gasp, Shadows' hands were soft and warm. He covered his face as he let out a moan in surprise. His heart was racing. Just like every other time, he felt a flutter in the pit of his stomach as his body heated up. His leg bounced with anticipation. He let out long breaths as he tried to calm down but then Shadow wrapped his hands around Sonic's waist pulling him closer.
“I know you like your sleep, Don't worry, I'll protect you,” Shadow said as Sonic lay down in his embrace. His heart skipped a beat as he felt Shadow's breath on his neck before Shadow kissed that spot. “I love you,” Shadow said, and somehow even with his voice being raspy and grumpy, It was somehow filled with love.
“I love you too,” Sonic said as he felt himself go to sleep with Shadow's arms wrapped around him.
—Next Morning—
It was the best Night of sleep Sonic has ever gotten, even though he says that Every morning he meant it this time. Scrunching his nose, he stretched his arms and legs as he arched his back, hearing a few good pops. He could feel the sun kissing his face, making him feel warm. Sitting up he yawned, opening his eyes he blinked a few times to adjust to the light. After a few minutes, he opened his eyes. Before looking around to get his bearings. He saw his desk, his bookcase of comic books, his shelves of random stuff, posters and road signs, his dresser, his window, with a view of the ocean and green hills, and lastly, Shadow who was staring at him.
“Good morn—AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH” Sonic screamed as his heart skipped a beat, falling off the bed. Just as his body almost hit the floor Shadow grabbed him by his waist.
“What are you screaming for faker” Shadow said with a glare.
Thankfully when Sonic almost hit the floor he remembered the device, and got a desire granted to him from another universe, which gave him Shadow. As he was remembering Shadow pulled him back onto the bed, Kissing his cheek.
“Oh umm— Thank you,” Sonic said as he smiled at Shadow.
“I have a question?” Shadow said in a low voice as he stared at Sonic. “If the device wasn't a teleportation device but a device to make what you think of a reality, what did you want?” he asked, getting down to business like always.
“What, how do you know that?” Sonic asked as his mind was quickly filled with panic.
“You mentioned it in your sleep, now answer the question” Shadow demanded.
“Oh you know I asked for the princess from that comic book…” He started but Shadow glared at him. Shadow knew he was lying. “Fine… sense you’re what came from it I'll tell you the truth—I thought of a scenario of you from my world being together with me, like together together.” Sonic said becoming overwhelmed with embarrassment as he got up, putting on his gloves and socks.
“So you got desperate and used your brother to make an illegal device to get what you want?” Shadow said as he started to put on his own gloves and shoes.
“Hey don't make it seem worse, I—I know my universe's Shadow will never love me, I jest—I jest want my heart to stop feeling so tight,” Sonic said as he finished, turning around he was met with Shadow right behind him.
“I don't care what you say, I will love you no matter what universe I'm in,” Shadow said as he kissed Sonic on the lips.
His lips were soft, not unchaped like his. The kiss was soft and tender as Shadow pressed hard against him. His now gloved hand grabs his waist pulling Sonic closer. Sonic couldn't take it, it was too much so he pulled away from the kiss. Opening his eyes Sonic could only see Shadow, with the sun rays glowing behind him. But as Sonic stared into the red eyes that stared back, he remembered that this wasn't his Shadow but another. They look similar, mirrors of each other. Sonic needed a way to differentiate between the two. Looking around he noticed the flowers on his desk that Amy left him from when she made a bouquet for all her friends with flowers that matched their colors. Grabbing the Blue Hydrangea, known for Amy's gardening groups, and put them in Shadow's quills just above his ears.
“There we go,” Sonic said, smiling at Shadow who looked up at it before looking at Sonic. “Let's go get breakfast,” Sonic said before kissing Shadow's cheek before heading out of the room to meet Tails downstairs. His heart finally felt full, skipping a beat every time Shadow squeezed his hand.
—some time later—
“Ok, so you need yellow paint, sand from that one cave in green hills, and a gem like the one I found you a long time ago,” Sonic asked Tails, who was in his workshop looking over the blueprints.
“Yes,” Tails said.
“Ok well I'll be off then,” Sonic said as he made his way to the door. As he did he was stopped by Shadow.
“Are you sure that isn't too long of a list, I can help”
“I can do it, It's best if you are here, we can't have anyone seeing you and starting something I can't undo,” Sonic said
“Ok,” Shadow said, as he watched Sonic head out the door.
Once outside that's when trouble starts. Walking out he stretched, to ensure he was in good condition to run, as he did he noticed Rouge and Shadow walking up. A blush covered Sonic's face at the sight of Shadow. His arms were crossed over his chest and a frown was plastered on his face. Rouge on the other hand smiled as she waved her hand.
“Hello blue”
“Hello Rouge, Shads” Sonic said with a wave getting a “tsk” from the Shadow. “What brings you to my abode?” he said as he put his hand behind his head.
“G.U.N got a signature of a strong energy force appearing somewhere here in Green Hill, do you know anything about that?” Rouge said.
He forgot about that, when the portal opened there was a large gush of energy, why didn't he think about how he was going to hide that?
“Oh that, Egg man decided on a late night attack, so we fought it off, all taken care of,” he said.
“Eggman taking on late-night attacks? That's not like him” she said, turning to Shadow.
“He's probably planning something,” Shadow said, his voice so similar to the other. Reminding him of the loving words the other Shadow said, making his heart beat faster.
“We might just need to go check his lab out, thanks blue”
“Your welcome Rouge” Sonic said with a smile.
Rouge turned around as she took off, heading in the direction of one of Eggman's bases. While Shadow stood there, glaring at Sonic for a few minutes before turning around to follow after Rouge. Sonic let out a breath he didn't know he was holding as he watched the two disappear from view.
“That was a close one”
__________
Getting the material was easy, the paint was at a store, and the rock and sand were in the same cave. The only problem was that the sand needed time to be forged into the correct form of glass which meant Tails was going to need time to make it as he didn't often make glass. In the meantime, Sonic had to spend time with the other Shads and prevent him from being seen by others. At the start, it was very awkward. From what he could get out of Shadow was that he had learned to love from Maria who was still alive in his universe. He also mentioned how he doesn't work for G.U.N as the incident in the ark never happened as Gerald was able to prove to G.U.N that Shadow wasn't a weapon and was helping to cure diseases with his ability to convert chaos energy into a suitable cure within his blood and quills.
It turns out he had only met the other universe Sonic a few times as he lived on the Ark. But often Sonic would kidnap him with the approval of Maria, to go visit Earth and bring back souvenirs. It's what the other Sonic called a date. Sonic didn't understand how you could go on dates and not be dating but from what Shadow mentioned they were more of friends with benefits until Sonic made it official before he died.
But now, it was too much. Sonic sat in a field of flowers with the other Shadow. It was pretty far out and a place that could only be reached by plane as it's that far away. The other world Shadow was lying in front of him with his head on Sonic's lap. He was busy making a flower crown out of yellow and red flowers. Sonic's face was hot and red, he didn't know what to do as the motion was suffocating, the sight being everything he had dreamed of but too soon. His body was stiff as he sat there just watching Shadow.
This has become a common state for his body as he didn't know how to act when Shadow would lean onto his shoulder on the couch, and spoon him in the bed that has somehow become there. This wasn't mentioning the kisses, and side hugs that Shadow tends to give. It made Sonic's heart beat faster than his legs could ever go. He had never been in a relationship as he thought it was stupid and overwhelming, and suddenly he had thrown himself head first into it, where everything was moving too fast.
“If the affection has become too much, you could just ask me to stop,” Shadow said suddenly pulling Sonic from his thoughts.
“What?” He asked as he didn't hear the question.
“You could ask me to stop, is the affection too much?”
“Oh right, it's OK, it's just I'm not used to it, you know”
“I know, it took the Sonic from my universe's months till he decided we were at a point of holding hands, it's probably the same for you, am I right?” He said as he stared at Sonic with his signature flat face with a downward frown.
“I mean–yeah, but it's OK.”
“You say that even though your body is tense, and it's unhealthy for your face to be red all the time, you could get sick,” he said sitting up before moving to sit next to Sonic instead.
“I–I know but I don't want you to stop, because I don't know how much longer this will last before it's gone,” Sonic said.
It was true the only reason he hadn't asked Shadow to stop was because he knew once Tails had the device done, this would end, only to be a blur within his run, forgotten in the past behind him.
“Well, how about we start slow,” Shadow said as he offered to take Sonic's hand.
Sonic stared at the offering for a few seconds before putting his hand to lock with Shadows. Within seconds Sonic's face returned to its bright red as he covered his face in his arm.
“Don't tell me even this is too much for you?” Shadow asked as he stared at Sonic with a disbelieving face.
“SHUT UP!!!!” Sonic yelled in embarrassment.
They sat in silence for a while, as Shadow Looked around until he noticed the ark in the sky. It reminded him of home and how Maria was probably worried about him as he suddenly disappeared. He knew she was the only one who would care as the doctors had enough of his quills, chaos energy, and blood to last a few months without him. That's why he decided to come through the portal when it opened to see what awaited him. Ever since his Sonic died he hadn't been on many adventures except for the mission Garald signed him up for.
“you know, the only reason I was showing so much affection was because I don't know how much longer I have with you before I return to a world without you,” Shadow said. The response was silent for a few minutes until Sonic spoke up.
“Wait, so you miss me?” Sonic asked with a dumb face, that made Shadow's glare darken.
“You do, so you must be in love with me huh faker,” Sonic asked with that smirk, trying to make the moment feel Natural. Even though it put a sense of doubt in the air.
“You doubted that?” Shadow said, now irritated with him, he let go of Sonic's hand, allowing it to fall as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Why would I love an idiot like you”
“I don't know”
“If this is how you treat your Shadow in this universe no wonder he wouldn't like you back,” Shadow said, pushing Sonic's aside as he got up.
“Don't say that. You said you’ll love me no matter what universe you're in remember”
“That was only to please your pathetic ass”
“Pathetic? Wow clearly you don't love me, faker”
“Why you” Shadow yelled before he tackled Sonic who was too busy laughing.
_____
It's been two days since Sonic went out with otherworld Shadow. Much like Shadow said they started taking it slow. Sonic learned to accept the affection. Shadow learning more about Earth as each day passes. Apparently in his universe a lot of the stuff that are common items in homes now these days, Shadow has never seen. It didn't help that it seemed he lived in the Ark that didn't have a lot of stuff due to possible malfunctions with the different gravity. But that was ok as Sonic loved to help Shadow learn about Earth, while he learned how to love.
Sonic was curled up on the couch with Shadow as they watched one of Sonics new favorite movies that was full of action and fighting. Sonic was messing with his hand that was intertwined with Shadow who was fully invested in the movie. He felt he could live in this moment forever, allowing time to move slowly before it gets ripped away from him. Shadow had given him a side eye as he felt the other hedgehog's eyes on him. Sonic smiled in return. As he did they stared at each other for a few seconds before their bodies gravitated to each other. Sonic felt ready finally to go in for a kiss and maybe even more. His eyes slowly closed as he got closer to Shadow's mouth. To the point, he could feel Shadows' warm breath on his face.
*BEEP BEEEP*
They both froze at the sudden Loud sound that filled the air. Sonic's eyes opened wide as he stared into Shadow's confused, angry expression. Once the noise registered in his head he realized it was his communicator. Rolling his eyes he tapped the screen only to see the thousands of messages on his socials about a report about an Eggman attack. Just then Tails came running into the room.
“Sonic we got a big problem”
“I see that, so what's the case”
“I don't know much, but it seems Eggman is attacking a government base, we better get the team and head over right away”
“Ok, sorry to pause the movie?” He said bring his attention back to Shadow.
“You should let me come," Shadow said, as he looked into Sonic's eyes, ignoring Sonics previous statements.
“What? I can't have you being seen, No, nope absolutely not”
“I can help you”
“No,” Sonic said again as he looked at a very mad Shadow who had red energy sparking every few seconds. As he looked into the crimson-red eyes he got lost in them like a sea of blood, he could see the concern Shadow was feeling. “Shadow I'll be fine, if you know anything about me from before, is that I gotta go fast and save the people.”
“Don't tell me what I know and Don't know, if something goes wrong I can't lose you again”
“You won't lose me, it's just one of Eggmans stupid battles that normally end with a game that I can easily beat him in,” Sonic said.
“I feel I'm going to regret this” Shadow said as he turned away, the sparking red energy coming to a stop as he closed his eyes looking away, clenching his fist.“Ok, but you have to return”
“What you don't trust me,” Sonic said with a smirk of pride.
“Knowing you, you're going to get yourself in trouble”
“never anything I can't get out, be back in a flash,” Sonic said before running out the door, giving one last look to Shadow.
Shadow stood there in the living room as he heard Tails leave as well, locking the door. He listened to the footsteps descend into silence. He didn't understand this world but he knew one thing. Sonic is going to be in big trouble again but he has to trust Sonic as he knew this universe the best.
________
Arriving on scene Sonic could see that Eggman indeed was taking over a high-tech military base. His brows frowned as he took note of the rotten egg smell of the area.
“Ugh come on egg man, really,” he said.
“I don't think that smell is because of him, Sonics.” Tails said as he took a quick reading of the area.
“Whatever it is it can't be good,” Knuckles said as he watched a crowd of robots start to March to them.
“You're not wrong, Knuckles, it's hydrogen sulfide gas as well as acetylene,” Tails said.
“What does that mean?” Sonic asked.
“Well both gases are extremely flammable, one spark could set this whole place ablaze, but it might be fine as long as there aren't weapons or bombs around here,” Tails said, knowing there was a chance this place was just a chemical power plant.
“What? Tails, I heard for some of the people running this is a Military base full of MISSILES” Amy yelled.
“WHAT???” they all yelled now realizing how bad this situation is.
“Ok calm down guys, first let's set up a plan, Tails, how's it looking?” Sonic asked.
“Well from the look of it, this base had toxic chemicals as well as a lot of missiles, either one could be what Eggman's after.”
“Well, we can't let him get his hands on any of it, where is he now?” Sonic asked as they could see Eggman was nowhere in sight except for the eggniks that were coming at them.
“My heat scan shows that his inside the base, in the west wing”
“Is that bad” Knuckles asked
“No, actually that's a good thing. The blueprints I could find show that most of the chemicals and Missiles are in the east and south wings, with the west being the largest lab we could sneak into the north, where the control room is, and block off his path and prevent him from getting to them”
“Ok so Amy, Tails go into the North and block his path, me and Knuckles will go try to put a stop to Robotnic and these robots from setting this place ablaze”
“Ok but Sonic, watch out for your powers, if you spark even the slightest of energy this base could blow up”
“I got this, ok go team,” Sonic said as he and Knuckles ran into battle taking out the robots before they could fire their guns.
With Sonic and Knuckles taking on the robots, Tails grabbed onto Amy's hand as they took to the air, flying to the control room that was in the tallest tower at the top. Getting to the window Amy used her hammer to break the window before Tails and her entered. Once in the room, they saw they were surrounded by eggbots. Amy quickly covered Tails as she swung at them all, while Tails took on the controls. Looking down at it he noticed that the thing was busted, with the table broken in half. He was gonna have to connect his computer to it. Going under the table he grabbed wires and plugged them into his computer. After some coding, he managed to get connected to the building. That's when he saw that Eggman was getting close to the location of the missiles and tanks of sulfide gas as well as acetylene. Quickly he started typing in every code known to man to lock down the factory but the door controls were busted and wouldn't close unless done manually. He looked to see how far they were from the room but it wasn't good, as he and Amy were on the other side of the factory. Running out of time he used the communicator to inform Sonic.
“Sonic we got a problem, he's getting close, and the door needs to be closed and locked manually.”
“So, I gotta go fast,” he said as he finished taking down one of the robots before running into the building leaving Knuckles to fight off the robots and prevent them from taking any shots. As Sonic entered the building Knuckles watched as one robot on the other side of the fluid from him was about to take a shot at the blue hedgehog. Having no choice he got ready to use his fire fist to boost over there and stop the robot.
“I wouldn't do that red,” he heard Rouge say as she punched the arm off the robot before kicking the head off, in a few seconds preventing the robot from shooting.
“I see you cared to actually join the fight,” Knuckles said as they both started fighting off the robots.
“Of course I did darling, I couldn't have you guys hogging the fun now can I,” she said with a smirk as they both took out the robots.
“Can you shut up and fight quietly?” Shadow said with annoyance written on his face as he helped fight off the robots.
“I thought you said, you didn't want to help?” Rouge asked with a smile.
“Tsk” was all Shadow replied with.
Entering the building Sonic speeds through the halls looking for Eggman. He followed Tails navigation until he reached the room Tails was talking about. Tails watched through the cameras as Sonic made his way over.
“There he is, Sonic,” Tails said as he saw Sonic on camera with Eggman.
“What?” Sonic said as he came to a stop looking around.
Tails was confused as on the cameras Eggman was right in front of Sonic but he didn't seem to see him. He watched as Sonic walked through Eggman as he descended off camera. That's when he realized this was a trap.
“Oh no. Sonic ITS A TRAP” Amy yelled into the communicator as she too made the realization.
Sonic looked around the long hallway which had no doors or rooms. Walking ahead he saw a large open door around the corner. Taking it that Tails saw Eggman go into the room, so he followed.
“Sonic It…” He heard Amy yell into the communicator before it cut out.
“It's what? Amy?” He asked but was met with silence. Shrugging it off he continued into the room.
The room that was filled with the toxic gas, making it hard to breathe. The lights were also off and he didn't bring one of Tails' flashlights. Going blind he carefully went further into the dark, hoping to hear a sound from Eggman. Suddenly there was a loud beep that filled the space, making him stop in his tracks. The lights turned on, his eyes opened wide as time seemed to slow down. He was face to face with missiles that were quickly coming in his direction, looking around he took note of the other missiles. That surrounded him there were 6 groups of 4 missiles practically inches from touching him. He was surrounded and by the looks of it, he wasn't going to be able to get out of it. His heart started to beat quickly as his breath quickened, and suddenly he screamed out.
“SHAAADOOOOW”
______
Within a second the building blew up. Sonic's friends all sat outside on a hill far away from the factory. Rouge was holding onto Knuckle's hand as she had just managed to get him out by flying, both staring at the explosion of the building. Their mouths dropped open.
Tails along with Amy managed to survive as Shadow showed up with Chaos control just seconds before the place blew up. Amy stood, being held in Shadow's arms as she cried into Shadow's shoulder. Shadow didn't know how to feel as he stared at the mushroom cloud, his eyes not moving as he held his breath.
Tails was on the ground, unlike the others he knew Sonic wasn't dead. He was crouching over the edge of the hill, he knew the other Shadow was here, he saw him on his readings just after Sonic entered the trap. He knows the other Shadow loves Sonic, so much that he wouldn't have let him die. His eyes were glued to the ground searching for any movement. That's when he saw it. There was movement in the dust jest before he saw Other World Shadow speed up the hill with Sonic in his arms.
“YES!!!” Tails screamed just as the other two sped past them all, with a strike of orange left behind. Tails ran after them as he pushed past Amy and Shadow. Running into the forest that would eventually get them home in a couple of miles.
“Was that Sonic?” Amy asked as she watched Tails run away. Whipping her tears.
“That had to be but who was with him?” Knuckles said in confusion.
“It looked like Shadow, just faster and with a flower in his spikes,” Rouge said, surprised.
She looked at Shadow whose face was filled with surprise. He didn't know how to feel, he saw it too, it was definitely him who was with Sonic but how? Suddenly he took off after them, needing answers.
_______
Sonic clenched his eyes as the Missiles came closer to him. Then suddenly he felt someone grab onto his waist. Opening his eyes he saw Shadow was holding him as orange energy sparked around them before suddenly they were somewhere else in the factory. His eyes were wide as he stared at Shadow's orange glowing eyes as he dashed through the space, going surprisingly fast. He could see the Purple flowers behind his ear, this was HIS other world Shadow who came to save him. At the realization, his heart tightened as he hugged tightly around Shadow's neck. Suddenly there was the sound of an explosion. Looking over the black hedgehog's shoulder, he could see the back of the factory blew up as a cloud of fire spread, moving towards them. Suddenly Shadow let out a grunt as they somehow managed to go faster before they broke through a window.
As Shadow hit the ground he used his body to protect Sonic from the blast. A violent wind blew past them as the heat of the exploding brushed the tips of their spikes. They stayed huddled together until the wind had settled down. Opening his eyes again, he looked up at the burning factory. That shined through the cloud of dust and smoke around them. Shadow pulled away as his spare hands held Sonic's cheek. Looking into each other's eyes the other world Shadow spoke up.
“Are you ok?” he asked, his voice full of concern.
“Yeah— Yeah, I think so,” Sonic said as he refused to remove his eyes from Shadow.
“Good, let's go!” He said before taking off running through the smoke.
Dashing they soon made it out, as Shadow ran up one of the mountains that could take them out of the canyon the factory sat in. When they reached the top Sonic got a glimpse of his friends who seemed to have gotten out with the help of his worlds Shadow and Rouge. But within a second they had dashed past them and headed home. He could hear Tails cheering that he was alive. Before the sound faded out into the distance.
Within a few minutes, they made it to Sonic and Tail's house. Once inside Shadow kicked the door open before his legs gave out, sinking to the floor with Sonic in his arms. Burying his face in Sonic's chest he let out a breath, that was quick and hung heavy with each inhale. His arms tightened around Sonic.
“Shadow?” Sonic questioned. He could see ever so slightly Shadows Eyes, they were wide and full, clearly having a panic attack.
“Shadow? Hey it's OK, I'm ok, I'm right here” he said as he wrapped his arms around Shadow's neck hugging him close. Realizing the ultimate life form was probably having PTSD from the incident.
Feeling the arms around him loosen a little Sonic felt less worried. As he pet Shadow's head, he heard a soft whisper against his chest. Giving a confused look he asked Shadow to repeat himself.
“I can't watch you die twice,” Shadow said with a deep voice, turning into a growl at the end.
“I–I know, I'm sorry,” Sonic said feeling a little guilty as he watched Shadow go through his panic attack. That's when he got an idea. “I can make it up to you”
“No, it–it's fine,” Shadow said pulling away, finally calming down as he looked at Sonic's face.
His eyes danced all over Sonic's body, finally getting a good look to make sure he was ok. There were a few cuts, only bleeding slightly, possibly from the shattered window they ran through. Some dust marks covered his body, specifically his face. Bringing his hand up he rubbed his thumb over the spot, which made Sonic flinch.
“Does this hurt?” Shadow asked with concern
“Yeah, a little but it'll heal soon,” Sonic said, giving a smile.
“I'm just glad you're ok,” Shadow said before he locked eyes with Sonic.
They sat there, eyes locked on each other. Looking into Shadow's red eyes, like pools of blood, the same as the crimson color that pumps deep within his veins. He found the color intoxicating which was warm and sweet, leaving behind a craving he couldn't satisfy. Suddenly Sonic started to lean in, his eyes slowly closing. Before he knew it he was connected with Shadow's lips. They were soft and tasted of peaches.
Deep down Sonic knew this was wrong, this wasn't the Shadow from his world, but another. But the only one that knows how he felt deep down, without him having to say it. Sonic, tooken by greed, depended on the kiss, as his hand grabbed tightly on Shadow's quill. He didn't want this to end, afraid to return to a life where his feelings were ignored. It wasn't going to be long before someone came to rip this away. A tear slid down his face, then another and another. His heart ached at the thought of his unrequited love, and how he would be left with hope, hope for this to continue.
Pulling away, the cold air brushed over his lip, reminding him that this was the last he would get. Looking at Shadow he smiled slightly, their hands laying on the other's body, wanting the tender touch to remain but they knew their faith. Jest then Tails busted through the door.
“Sonic!...Sonic??” Tails said at first his voice filled with joy, before fading into confusion as he looked at the two hedgehogs that sat in each other's arms.
“Tails!” Sonic said before he got up, with Shadow following right behind.
Once standing Tails ran over hugging Sonic as he cried into his brother's chest.
“I thought you were going to die,” he said into Sonic's fur, before pulling away as he looked at the other universe Shadow. “But–but I know you were going to save him. Thank you”
Being pulled into a group hug they all smiled. But the moment didn't last long as the door was slammed open again, except this time Shadow stood there.
“Sonic” the edge lord yelled as he walked into the house. His eyes looked up and down the scene in front of him. Of the two brothers hugging another version of himself. “I want an explanation now,” he said, his eyes darkening as he walked over to the other Shadow.
“Ok, Ok I guess I do owe you an explanation, just calm down first,” Sonic said pushing past the doppelgangers.
“calm down, Sonic you have another version of me standing in your house…”
“I know, I know I don't need you to nag at me,” Sonic said with a smirk, trying to hide the butterflies in his stomach that made him want to smile and blush. “you see…” Sonic started to say before he was rudely interrupted.
“He convinced Tails to remake one of Eggman's new devices, which opened a portal to another universe, sending me here, and instead of getting you to use chaos control, they tried to replicate the device to send me home.” The Shadow from the other world said with his arms crossed and a smirk on his face as he stared at the shocked brothers.
“you did what now?” Shadow said, irritated as he looked over at Sonic who looked guilty and hurt.
“you know, does that matter, you can send him home right?” Tails said, getting between the older hedgehogs.
“Of course, having me clean up your messes, ” Shadow said, pinching his nose as he reached into his quills for a Chaos emerald.
“Well, now you get to go home,” Tails said with a smile as he looked at the other world Shadow. “and thanks again for saving my brother”
The other Shadow replied with a nod.
“Well, I guess this is the end,” Sonic said trying to hide the hollow feeling that began to eat him out.
“Yes, thank you for giving me a second chance,” the other world Shadow said as he leaned in giving Sonic a passionate kiss.
That's what broke Sonic as his face became covered in a red blush and his mouth hung open. As his eyes opened wide he saw both Shadows staring at him. One looking surprised and the other one with a devilish smile. Covering his face with his hand he tried to hide his embarrassment and joy. “Oh you’re–you're welcome,” he said, taking a few steps back to stand next to Tails who smirked at him for being an idiot.
“Enough already,” Shadow said, tapping his finger on the chaos emerald as he watched the interaction.
“let's get this over with,” other world Shadow said as he let his arms fall to his side, eyes closed.
Tails and Sonic watched as Shadow put the chaos emerald on the other Shadow's chest before yelling “CHAOS CONTROL" The house filled with a bright green light for a few minutes. Once the light was gone all that stood was Sonic, Tails, and Shadow. Now that the other Shadow was gone, Sonic felt a little sad but he had more important things to worry about.
“Ok so what am I looking at, having to pay a 1000 dollar ticket? Jail time for a week? A year? Just don't arrest Tails if so, he did as I told him” Sonic said knowing now that they had been caught there was going to be some sort of punishment. He stood with his eyes closed, being cocky, really hoping for the ticket.
But instead of an answer, he felt an arm wrap around his waist, as a warm breath brushed over his face. “Don't you dare kiss another version of me” Shadow said, clearly mad.
As Sonic stared into Shadow's eyes, his heart pinged a little. Was the idea of a version of him kissing Sonic that bad of a thought? But before Sonic could say anything his lips were connected with another warm pair, he stared at Shadow's face, his eyes closed as he kissed Sonic. Consumed by shock Sonic didn't kiss back but as each second passed he couldn't help but get into it, feeling his heart beating quickly in his chest, and his face heats up.
As Shadow pulled away, Sonic let out a whimper as he stared back into Shadow's eyes. This time Shadow had a devilish look, as he smirked at Sonic. “Just so you know, I'm very overprotective of my belongings” Shadow growled sending Sonic over the edge.
“Oh…ok,” Sonic said.
But as Shadow went to get another kiss they were interrupted by Tails. “Ok you too, I can only take so much”
That's when it hit Sonic he was just making out with his crush with his younger brother present. Sonic was feeling too many emotions at once he felt he was going to pass out so he did.