Work Text:
It was the dead of night; the triplets sound asleep in their beds.
At least they all were supposed to be.
A certain green hedgehog quietly tip-toed out of their shared mobile home, making sure to not disturb his siblings. Gently closing the door behind him, Manic sat himself down not too far away. He just needed a good spot that had enough moonlight for him to see his face.
Thankfully the moon was full and bright tonight; but it didn’t make the cold air or damp grass on his behind any more comfortable. It was the price to pay for privacy. He couldn’t risk waking his siblings up. Not right now at least.
Manic just needed to check something. Get it out of his system. Then he could go back and pretend it never happened.
He didn’t have time to worry about such things. Not when he was younger, and not now. His priority was always making sure he had a safe-ish place to rest and food in his stomach. And now he had stopping Robotnik and finding his mother on that list too. He really didn’t have the time; yet, after their last few adventures, and all the costume disguises; it had started eating at Manic again. He tossed and turned, his mind asking so many questions. He just needed to indulge.
Just a little.
Then it could go back to normal.
Manic couldn’t stand to be alone with the deafening silence of the night. Only crickets and owl noises to break up his thoughts. It wasn’t enough.
The hedgehog sighed, reaching for the hand mirror he stuffed in his bag. Manic looked at his reflection, it wasn’t clear, but the moonlight at least gave him a good look at himself. He was certain Sonia wouldn’t mind if he borrowed it for just a second. Along with the other things.
Manic dumped the rest of his bag onto the cold grass. Makeup products littered the ground. Just some essentials. Just to get an idea.
Just to test. Then back to bed. And he wouldn’t need to think about it anymore.
He started with an eyeliner pencil. Manic hadn’t used one yet, but he’d seen Sonia apply it. He carefully traced the pencil around his eyes. Careful not to fidget, careful not to smudge. It wasn’t too bad a job, especially for not being able to see very well. Manic couldn’t help but crack a smile. He hated to admit it, but he loved the look. He wouldn’t mind adding this to his everyday appearance only if it didn’t take too long. He had more important things to focus on after all. Sonia was the one who got to worry about her looks. Her fluffy hair and pretty skirts.
Maybe Manic could snag a pretty skirt for himself next time they passed by a clothing store.
Focus!
Manic reached for the eyeshadow palette. There were a few colors. Maybe the black would look nice.
Using the little brush it came with, Manic dusted a bit on his eyelids. It really went well with the eyeliner. He definitely looked passable. Though, maybe that was just the low lighting. But he couldn’t deny, he felt… pretty.
The hedgehog could feel his heart thumping louder. Oh no. This was supposed to get it out of his system, not make him crave it more. Maybe he just needed more.
He started applying mascara. It did make his eyes pop. He’d never seen them so shiny and full of joy before. But who looks at their eyes all day?
Manic started applying blush. The longer he looked at his reflection, the more ridiculous he felt. He couldn’t tell if the redness from his cheeks was from embarrassment or if he just applied too much. Maybe a lipstick would save it. He used this shade before. Bright red. Which really matched the rest of his face.
Manic was feeling a slew of emotions. He went from feeling light as a feather to having his heart sink into his stomach. Maybe he needed more. Or maybe he needed none of this and he needed to get over himself. Maybe-
“I don’t think that shade is your color.”
Manic tossed the mirror up, panicked. He didn’t expect company.
Sonia caught the hand mirror before it hit the ground. “Be careful!” Her anger subsided as she watched her brother wipe away the makeup on his face. With a sigh, she placed a hand on his back. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I just wanted to know what you were doing out here with my things.”
“I…” Manic swallowed the lump in his throat, “thought you’d still be sleeping.”
“Oh I was, until a mister Sonic the Hedgehog decided to snore up a storm. I swear, the whole forest will wake up.”
Manic couldn’t bring himself to face Sonia. How could he possibly explain himself?
Sonia sat herself down next to her brother. “Manic? Is there a reason you’re out here trying on my makeup?”
“I just…” Manic leaned away from his sister, bringing his knees closer to his body, but still playing it casual, “was trying to practice for future disguises. I’ve already had to dress like a girl a couple of times. I wanna make sure it’s passable.”
“Mmhmm.” Sonia didn’t believe that for a moment.
Manic hugged his knees, bringing him closer into a ball. Sonia sighed and rubbed Manic’s back, causing him to jolt a little before easing into the touch. It was the first bit of warmth he’d felt since sitting out here.
The older sister spoke up, “You don’t need to talk about it if you don’t want to, but know you can tell me anything. I’m your sister, and nothing will ever change that.”
Manic was silent for a moment, just letting Sonia comfort him best she could. She was right, though. He didn’t need to hide this. At least not from his siblings.
“I-” Manic lifted his head, clearing his throat. The cold, icey air stung his cheeks. Was he crying now? “I’ve had thoughts about… dressing this way for a while now. Honestly, I’ve been looking forward to when our next adventure would need me in a dress and makeup. But-” the green hedgehog wiped more of the powder from his face, “I dunno. I feel silly in all this.”
Manic tried to play it off with a chuckle, but Sonia knew he needed support right now.
She gently reached for her brother’s face. He let Sonia turn his head to face her. She took out a handkerchief and began fixing the smudged makeup.
“I think you did a fine job.” the pink hedgehog finally spoke up. “Just need a little practice.” She took out a neutral lipstick and began applying it to Manic, “Plus we need to find your color. I think this looks much better than the red.”
She held up the mirror as Manic inspected himself. He had to admit, Sonia knew her stuff. Manic’s eyes shone while his heart raced again. He couldn’t remember if he’d ever felt this beautiful before.
“There’s that smile!”
Manic rolled his eyes, shoving his sister away. Sonia couldn’t help but chuckle as the two continued to sit outside with nothing but the crickets keeping them company.
She reached for her brother’s hand, giving it a squeeze before breaking the silence. “So, Manic- wait, maybe you don’t wanna be called-”
“Manic’s still fine. I’m not really sure what this-” he gestured towards himself, “-means for me yet.”
“Well, you have a lifetime to find out. And however long it takes, you have Sonic and I to support you every step of the way.”
“Thanks, sis.” Manic couldn’t put into words how much that meant to him. But he’d make sure she knew.
Sonia stood up, dusting herself off. “Well, I dunno about you, but I’m freezing out here. And I’d rather be in my bed than out here.”
She reached a hand out for Manic, who happily took it.
Even if Manic didn’t know everything today, or tomorrow, or even the day after that; at least he knew he was free to try, and he’d always be supported.