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It was one of those mornings when the world seemed a little too bright, a little too loud. Sonic woke up, the sun streaming through the curtains, casting warm patches on his sheets. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he tried to sit up, but a sharp cramp shot through his abdomen, forcing him back down with a groan.
“Ugh, not today,” he muttered, feeling a wave of nausea wash over him. He buried his face in his pillow, hoping the softness would soothe both his mind and the discomfort gnawing at his gut.
As the minutes ticked by, it became increasingly clear that his period had struck. Sonic sighed heavily, the familiar sensation only seeming to intensify alongside his growing discomfort. He felt like a deflated balloon, completely out of energy and trapped in his own bed.
Just then, a soft knock interrupted his contemplation. “Hey, Sonic. You awake?” It was Shadow’s voice, low and smooth, coming from the other side of the door.
“I’m… awake,” Sonic replied, his voice coming out more like a whine than he intended.
Shadow pushed the door open and stepped inside, his eyes immediately landing on Sonic’s curled-up form. He frowned, taking in the distressed expression on Sonic's face. “You don’t look good,” he said, concern flooding his tone as he approached the bed.
Sonic attempted a reassuring smile but could feel the tightness in his stomach making it near impossible. “I’m fine… just a little crampy, that’s all...” He tried to sound nonchalant, but his voice trembled slightly, revealing the truth beneath his bravado.
“Right.” Shadow didn't buy it for a second. “Want some tea or something?” he asked, crossing his arms but unable to hide his worry.
“Maybe just some cuddles,” Sonic admitted, his voice cracking slightly as he turned his head into the pillow, his frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.
Without hesitation, Shadow climbed onto the bed beside him, ever careful not to jostle Sonic too much. He wrapped his strong arms around Sonic’s frame, pulling him close and enveloping him in warmth.
“You’re too tense,” Shadow murmured, gently rubbing Sonic’s back. A quiet mewl escaped Sonic’s lips as he sank deeper into the embrace, the supportive heat of Shadow’s body making the gnawing discomfort feel a little less intense.
“I just… it hurts, you know?” Sonic revealed, his voice muffled against the pillow, where it also caught the remnants of his tears.
“I know,” Shadow responded softly, planting a gentle kiss on the top of Sonic’s head. “Let it out. You don’t have to pretend to be tough with me.”
Sonic turned his head to meet Shadow's gaze, his bright eyes glossing over with tears that threatened to spill. “I hate this,” he whispered, a choked sound escaping his throat, feeling vulnerable.
“Hey now,” Shadow said, lifting Sonic’s chin with his finger, forcing him to look into those cold yet warm crimson eyes. “It’s okay to feel that way. You’re strong, but you don’t always have to be.”
“But I don’t want to be a burden,” Sonic admitted, the weight of his worries spilling out like the agony from his body. Shadows knew how to look beneath his bravado, and that was both comforting and terrifying.
“You could never be a burden to me,” Shadow said firmly, leaning in closer to press a gentle kiss to Sonic's forehead, an affectionate gesture that made Sonic’s heart flutter and his troubles feel lighter, even if just for a moment.
“I love you,” Sonic whispered, sniffling and wiping his eyes with the back of his hand, his voice shaky.
“I love you too,” Shadow replied, his tone firm with conviction. He pulled Sonic closer, tightening his embrace. “Nothing’s going to change that.”
As they settled into a comfortable silence, Sonic felt a wave of nausea crash over him, sending clenching pains rippling through his body. He clenched his jaw and fought against the discomfort, but a pained cry slipped from his lips. “Shadow…”
“Hey, what is it?” Shadow’s voice dropped an octave, alarmed. His fingers moved soothingly through Sonic’s quills.
“I’m just… feeling really nauseous,” Sonic admitted, burying his face into Shadow’s shoulder. He could barely hold back another whimper as the tight rolling sensation threatened to overwhelm him. “It’s been like this since I woke up.”
Shadow shifted his position, propping himself up to look directly at Sonic, concern etching across his face. “Do you need to throw up?”
“God, I hope not,” Sonic replied, squeezing his eyes shut as another sharp cramp hit him hard. “I really hate everything about this right now.”
“Do you want to try some ginger tea? Maybe it’ll help settle your stomach,” Shadow suggested, already shifting to get up.
“You don’t have to—” Sonic protested weakly, but another wave of nausea cut him off, and he swallowed hard.
“I want to. Just stay right here,” Shadow said firmly, flashing a soft smile before rushing out of the room.
Once alone, Sonic closed his eyes, feeling a new wave of tears threaten to spill. He hated feeling so weak and needy, especially in front of Shadow. The nausea was relentless, and he tightly clutched the pillow, temporarily focusing on the soft fabric to ground himself.
When Shadow returned, he had a steaming mug in hand, the warm aroma wafting into the air. “Here, drink this,” he said, carefully handing it to Sonic, who gingerly accepted it.
As Sonic sipped the ginger tea, warmth spread through him, starting to ease the queasiness. “Thanks, Shadow.”
“Anytime, Blue,” Shadow replied, a fond smile tugging at his lips. He settled beside Sonic once more, gently stroking his back. Sonic felt the affection radiating through Shadow's touch and couldn’t help but lean into him for more support.
“Can I just… lay here a little longer?” Sonic requested, feeling his strength wane again.
“Of course. I’m not going anywhere,” Shadow assured, his tone soft and warm like the tea in Sonic’s hands.
Sonic let the comforting silence wash over him as he nestled into Shadow’s side, the tension slowly dissolving under Shadow's attentive touch. The gentle strokes felt like a soothing balm against the cramps, and with every passing moment, he felt more at ease.
“I wish I could just be normal,” Sonic mumbled against Shadow, the fatigue in his body prompting his thoughts to drift.
“You’re perfect just the way you are,” Shadow replied without hesitation, holding Sonic tighter. “Periods suck, but they don’t define you. You’re still the fast hedgehog I know and love.”
Sonic felt his face heat up, a goofy smile creeping onto his lips despite his discomfort. “Thanks, that means a lot.”
“And remember,” Shadow continued, a teasing lilt now in his tone, “if you’re ever feeling too sick to run, I’ll always carry you instead.”
Sonic chuckled, a soft laugh that bubbled up and made the heaviness in his chest feel lighter. “I’d like to see you try.”
Shadow smirked, the hint of a challenge sparkling in his eyes. “Please, I’d carry you for miles. Just say the word.”
As they both settled into easy banter, Sonic felt grateful, the warmth of Shadow’s presence anchoring him through the storm of cramps and nausea.
After a while, Sonic’s eyelids began to grow heavier, lulled by Shadow's steady breathing and the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat. He couldn’t help but snuggle deeper into Shadow's side, feeling safe and cared for, as if all of his worries could float away.
Eventually, sleep began to take hold of him, and as he drifted off, the last thing he heard was Shadow softly murmuring, “I’ve got you, Sonic. Always.”
The two remained entwined in each other’s embrace, the quietude of the morning wrapping around them like a soft blanket. Each breath they took together wove a tapestry of care and love, making both the mundane and the difficult seem surmountable, as long as they had each other.