Chapter Text
It had been a little over a month since Sonic’s family had discovered that not only was Shadow alive, but that he was living in Green Hill, their hometown. And since then, things had been… odd. Not bad, necessarily, but also not necessarily good either. It was just… odd. Everyone was uncomfortable, and it showed. Sonic was trying to do his best to ease everyone’s state of mind, but he was one hedgehog. And to be honest, he didn’t really know what he was doing. He was just trying to keep the very tenuous, fragile peace between his family and Shadow. It was like one wrong move, one wrong word, and things would shatter.
Sonic was determined not to let that happen. At least, not if he could do anything about it. Which mostly consisted of saying all good things about Shadow to his family, and trying to convince Shadow that his family didn’t mean him harm. It was slow going all around.
Some days, it felt kind of hopeless. Those were the days when Maddie would eye him doubtfully every time he said anything about Shadow, the days when Knuckles would proclaim loudly of how much he wanted to fight Shadow once more. The days when Shadow would ignore him or scoff when Sonic spoke of his brothers eventually hanging out with them.
A lesser person would have been discouraged. Most people would have given up any attempts at fostering any sort of good relationship between Shadow and his family. Sonic, however, was not most people. He ran on optimism and good humor, and a unshakable sort of confidence. He took the situation as a challenge, and one he was going to overcome.
Especially considering that one day, he hoped that Shadow would join his family. That day was likely going to be a long time coming though, with how things were going now. At least there wasn’t actual violence- thank goodness for small mercies? It seemed like a low bar, but considering that two of the people involved were Shadow and Knuckles, it really was a blessing that there had been no violence.
Knuckles was overprotective and eager, and Shadow could be… explosive, and was ruthless. It made a bad combination, especially when both preferred violence as the solution to any problems. Sonic was determined to prevent such a clash though, and at the moment, the only way he could accomplish that was by keeping Shadow and his family away from each other. While not ideal, it was the lesser of the evils. His family was still adjusting to the news that Shadow was alive- and that he’d been lurking around Green Hills for a few months now. Considering that Shadow had formerly been a threat to the entire planet, Sonic could understand why it was taking them a bit to believe that Shadow was Sonic’s friend, and that he didn’t mean anyone harm.
Except G.U.N., but he wasn’t going to go hunt them down or anything. He may hate them, but Shadow had morals. Now, exactly what those morals were was a mystery to everyone except for Shadow himself. He seemed perfectly happy- and at times, eager- for violence.
Honestly, when he thought about it, it wasn’t all that surprising that his family was so wary of Shadow. He was closed-off and blank faced in any interaction they had, and always seemed one step away from violence.
Even Sonic, who knew him better than anyone else, still had a hard time getting a read on the dark hedgehog- though he knew there wouldn’t be violence without a good reason behind it. Well… against anyone but Sonic, anyways.
Regardless, Shadow was a master of hiding his true thoughts and feelings, with that blank, impassive mask he was so quick to don. Sonic was getting better as seeing through it, but it wasn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes it was downright impossible. Even just the other day-
A fist crackling with chaos energy swung for his face, and Sonic leaned away, barely dodging the action. Right- he was in the middle of a spar. He should probably focus, before he got decked straight in the nose.
Sonic blinked, startled by the near miss, and came face-to-face with glowing crimson eyes as Shadow leaned back a little.
“Focus, hedgehog.” Shadow growled, throwing another punch before giving up and sweeping a kick at Sonic’s legs. Orange chaos energy glittered around him as he moved, the energy assisting him as he moved faster than the human eye could see. “Or you can practice with a tree instead- maybe it would be more your speed.” He threw in the taunt as he managed to hook Sonic’s ankles, sending him crashing down.
Sonic snarled as he hit the ground back first, feeling dead leaves grind into his back and stab on his quills. He thrashed as Shadow seized the opportunity, lunging to try to pin him. The other hedgehog’s weight pressed down on him, forcing the air from Sonic’s lungs as they grappled, Shadow struggling to get ahold of Sonic’s wrists. Sonic put up a good fight though- he squirmed with all his might, trying in vain to dislodge Shadow’s weight, pulling a leg up to wedge it between their chests. He pushed, baring his teeth at Shadow, who snarled back at him. Unfortunately for Sonic, in his distraction, Shadow managed to get ahold of Sonic’s wrists, and forced them against the ground. Now at a disadvantage, Sonic found it useless to try to kick Shadow off. He strained, but had no force behind it.
After making no leeway, Sonic slumped into the dirt, panting wildly. Eyes narrowed, he yanked at the grip Shadow had on his wrists, but it was no use. Sonic was stuck. Pinned, losing yet another spar to Shadow.
Sonic sighed, the fight and tension leaking out of him slowly. He raised his gaze to Shadow’s, which were glowing with chaos energy. Chaos energy that began to fade at the sight of Sonic’s surrender.
“Yield?” Shadow asked, taking a few breaths. He wasn’t panting, per say, but he was breathing harder than usual. His hands stayed locked around Sonic’s wrists, knee pressing against Sonic’s chest, forcing him into the cool dirt and leaf fall. His eyes were narrowed, likely searching for some sort of trick on Sonic’s part.
Sonic squirmed, briefly toying with the idea of resisting, of trying to continue the fight. But while he could maybe break loose… he was tired. They had already gone through several rounds of sparring, and it had been hours- how many, Sonic didn’t know. In fact, Sonic hadn’t even been planning on hanging out with Shadow today- he’d just been out on a run when the black and red hedgehog teleported next to him and jumped him. Which of course had turned into an all-out brawl.
Sonic heaved as big of a sigh as he could with Shadow’s weight smushing his lungs, then nodded. “I yield.”
Shadow smirked a little, then teleported, reappearing a few feet away. He raised an eyebrow with that same, self-satisfied expression, watching as Sonic clambered to his feet.
Sonic took one look at his smug face and groaned, rolling his eyes as he turned his back to Shadow. “I don’t want to hear it.” He grumbled, fussing with his stray fur and messy quills. He should probably get himself back into some semblance of order before he went home, or Maddie was going to throw him out- or worse, make him take a bath.
Shadow watched him for a moment. “Done?” His tone was carefully blank, as of he didn’t care either way. Sonic knew him well enough to know that Shadow did care- but didn’t want Sonic to know that much.
“Done.” Sonic confirmed. “I wish I could go another round, but if I’m any later, Maddie will skin me.” Especially if she found out he was late because he’d been fighting Shadow. Not that she would be upset at him for hanging out with Shadow- as much as she disliked(?), feared(?) the darker hedgehog, she understood that the two were friends. No, more Sonic didn’t think Maddie would like the intensity of their spars, and she’d no doubt put two and two together if she saw his ruffled state.
Shadow acknowledged him with a nod, eyes carefully blank. However, Sonic could see the apprehension he tried to hide. Apprehension that made an appearance at any mention of Sonic’s family.
Sonic wished that Shadow would be a little more open to Sonic’s family, but… he couldn’t blame him entirely. From the little he knew about Shadow’s past, it was safe to say that he had been abused and taken advantage of, all by humans. It was reasonable then, for Shadow to be so leery of Sonic’s parents.
“Someone’s coming.” Shadow hissed, low and guarded, catching Sonic’s attention. He tilted his head, eyes narrowed and ears pricked as he listened. “That way.” Shadow spun around to face a group of trees, sinking into a defensive crouch. His quills bristled, orange electricity flickering through them. A growl rumbled in his chest, posture tight and tense.
Sonic shook himself out of his momentary freeze, lunging to Shadow’s side. His eyes scanned the trees, ears pricking as the sound of rapid movement came into his hearing range. Sonic let chaos energy build in his chest, ready for whatever came at them. His mind raced, thoughts flickering as fast as the bolts of energy that twined around him.
Was it G.U.N.? Had they somehow figured out where Shadow was? Sonic would fight, but would it do any good?
Sonic hissed as someone burst from the trees, a flash of yellow catching his eye before Shadow was lunging forward. Only for Sonic to yelp and let loose a curse as he registered that it was, in fact, Tails who had come flying out of the underbrush. Sonic jumped forward, slamming into Shadow and knocking him out of the air only moments before the other hedgehog hit Sonic’s brother.
Tails shrieked, flinging himself backwards. His teeth were bared in a panicked snarl, fur puffed to make himself appear bigger.
Sonic had other problems. Shadow hit the ground and immediately spun, snarling. Sonic threw his hands up in surrender right before Shadow collided with him, letting out an oof as the other pushed Sonic into the dirt, messing up his quills once more. Shadow’s eyes were wild as his weight pressed Sonic into the ground, not unlike a few minutes prior. This time, though, it was much more serious.
“Shadow, chill, it’s just Tails.” Sonic tried to quickly say, but he wheezed a little at the pressure on his chest. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Tails glare at Shadow, starting forward like he was going to try to attack the dark hedgehog. Sonic threw a hand out, telling his brother to stay put. Tails went still, but his glare remained.
“Shadow.” Sonic calmed his voice, going still as to appear non-threatening. He knew struggling or fighting would only make it worse. Shadow was in defensive mode- likely somewhat unaware of what exactly he was doing. Operating solely out of instincts. “It’s alright. No threat, see? Just Tails. Just me.”
Shadow’s orange eyes, glowing with chaos energy, glared down at his own emerald. Sonic stayed still, smiling at him, waiting for… and there it was. The wildness faded from his expression, awareness creeping back in. Shadow blinked, then released Sonic, moving off of him. He seemed a little… embarrassed. Clearing his throat, Shadow crossed his arms, gaze darting between Sonic and Tails as he tried to recover some of his pride.
Sonic grinned and hopped to his feet, hoping to put both of them at ease. “Tails, buddy, next time, maybe don’t charge in like you’re launching a full-speed attack towards someone being hunted by the government.” He glanced to the fox, noting the understanding that crept into Tails’ expression. Tails’ eyes widened from the glare they’d been in, and he nodded.
“Sorry, Shadow.” Tails said, sounding apologetic. “I should have thought about that.”
Shadow blinked, looking a little taken aback. Likely unused to receiving apologies. “It’s… no problem. Apologies, for my reaction.” The words were stilted, as Shadow was even more unused to offering apologies. Which was very true.
Tails let a barely-there smile flicker across his face. “No problem.” Although guarded, his tone was warm enough. His defensive posture shifted into something a little more relaxed, though still tense.
Shadow’s gaze flicked to Sonic, and held something almost…. contrite. “Sorry.” He didn’t sound so awkward with this one, though that was likely because he had apologized to Sonic before, and actually knew him better.
Sonic grinned, stretching. “No problem.” He snickered at the eyeroll Shadow gave him in return apparently having caught Sonic’s parroting. Turning to his brother, he questioned, “So what’s up? Any reason you hauled tail all the way out here?” As he spoke, he shook the leaves and dirt from his quills for the second time.
“You missed supper, and Maddie was worried.” Tails said in an unreadable tone, eyeing Sonic with judgmental baby blue eyes. “They sent me to check on you since it would likely be less explosive than if Knuckles came.”
Sonic winced. “Chaos, is it really that late already? Maddie is going to skin me and turn me into a rug.” The later half of the kit’s sentence caught up, and Sonic threw a horrified look at the idea of Knuckles coming across them while they’d been sparring. “Thanks, buddy. That likely would have ended… not well.”
Tails rolled his eyes, then shook his head. “Yeah, no kidding.” He glanced between Sonic and Shadow for a few more minutes, before apparently deciding he was done with this. “Maddie wants you to come home, and the sun’s going down.” He turned and started back in the direction of the house, tails twitching in preparation to take off.
“Stop killing our fun!” Sonic groaned, taking a few steps so he could stand with his edgier counterpart. He didn’t turn around, but was nearly certain that the fox kit stuck his tongue out him behind his back. It just seemed like something the kid would do, and based on the confused wrinkle in Shadow’s brow, Sonic had been correct in his guess. There was the telltale sound of the fox moving away into the underbrush.
“Ah well.” Sonic said, turning to Shadow with a grin. “Guess this is it for today. I know, you’re probably a little relieved since I was clearly kicking your butt, but you’ll have your chance another day.” Sonic’s smile turned patronizing as he teased his friend, humor coloring his voice. “Don’t take your loss too hard now.”
“My loss?” Shadow growled, irritation flattening his ears as he glared at Sonic. “Kicking my butt?”
“Glad you agree.” Sonic winked, then took off in a flash of blue energy and a rush of wind before Shadow had the chance to pulverize him.
Sonic laughed wildly, sprinting as fast as his legs would carry him- which was saying something. He ran for a minute or so before he dared glance behind him, but saw no sign of pursuit from the no-doubt furious cave hedgehog. He let out a whoop of triumph- even if he had lost most of their spars, or just lost overall, he had won the verbal war. Which was hard, because Shadow was vicious with his words, even when he was joking. Their verbal spars were just as fierce as their physical spars, and it was anyone’s game who would win.
Though sadly, often Shadow would win those. He had a knack of riling Sonic up, hitting his pride in a way that would make Sonic irrationally annoyed. Which also usually destroyed his train of thought, and left him unable to come up with a comeback in the midst of his outrage. Shadow always found that amusing, of course, much to Sonic’s immense irritation, which would then lead into an actual spar.
Sonic jumped a fallen log, throwing himself over it with a wild abandon that showed his assurance of his abilities. Twisting midair, he hit the ground running, shooting through a gap between two trees. Crowing with the joy that only filled him when he was running, Sonic slowed a little, taking the last turn before he hit his yard…
And was then promptly hit by a freight train.
All the breath left his lungs as something slammed into his side, leaving him gasping as he struck the ground back first. Scrabbling on the ground, he tried to get to his feet when a shoe planted itself on his chest and ground him into the dirt. Hissing wildly, Sonic looked up, ears pinned with a defensive sort of fury, wondering what new threat he had to face, what organization was after him now.
He froze, surprised when he met a burning orange gaze, sparking with an all-too-familiar chaos energy. Shadow leaned forward, pressing his foot down harder on Sonic’s chest. “Who’s loss, now?”
Sonic rolled his eyes, the panic at being caught off guard fading now that he realized he wasn’t actually in danger. It wasn’t a threat- just Shadow taking things too seriously as usual. “Can’t take a joke, faker?” He managed despite the lack of oxygen.
“A joke, or a perversion of the truth?” Shadow asked, tilting his head as he stared down at Sonic impassively.
Chaos, he was so edgy.
Sonic choked on a laugh, breathless. “So serious. Would it kill you to lighten up sometimes?” He challenged cockily, raising an eyebrow.
“Would it kill you to be serious occasionally?” Shadow retorted, sidestepping the answer. If he propped his hand on his hips, he’d look comically disproving.
Sonic blinked. Shadow wanted him to be serious? He could be serious. With a quick, abrupt movement, he twisted on the ground, dislodging Shadow’s foot. Curling into a ball, he did a spindash, knocking Shadow’s other foot out from under him. Shadow fell, slamming into the dirt with a surprised noise. Sonic wrapped a hand around Shadow’s throat, pinning him to the ground, his other hand slamming into the dark hedgehog’s shoulder to help hold him down. His leg was drawn up, knee pressing down into Shadow’s chest and keeping him pinned there. Shadow breathed hard, chest rising and falling rapidly in shock. Eyes wide, mouth slightly open, every line of his body showed his complete and utter surprise at Sonic’s sudden actions.
“I can be serious when I need to.” Sonic told him, eyes narrowed as he watched Shadow for any sigh of a surprise attack. “Most often, I choose not to be. What of it? What’s so wrong with that?” He took a deep breath, chest rising and falling quickly in his agitation. “Do you like me better when I’m serious?” He let a harder expression fall across his face, emotions twisting together in his chest that he had no name or explanation for.
Shadow blinked slowly, looking like he was considering Sonic’s words. The dark hedgehog was still- suspiciously still, in fact. Still enough that Sonic thought it likely that Shadow was plotting something. There were a few moments of tense silence, in which neither of them moved, neither giving up any sort of ground. A thin layer of tension hung in the air between them, heavy with words they couldn’t- or wouldn’t- say.
“Your good humor is a fundamental part of you.” Shadow finally said, slowly and carefully, as if he didn’t know if he should say anything at all. “The first thing people notice.”
“Are you saying you don’t want me to be serious?” Sonic grinned emptily, raising an eyebrow. “Make up your mind, faker.”
Shadow clicked his teeth together. “Don’t put words in my mouth.”
“Then stop beating around the bush.” Sonic challenged, pressing down harder, forcing a reactive snarl from Shadow.
There was a moment of consideration and tension, and then Shadow’s orange chaos energy flickered to life, making Sonic tense in preparation for an attack. However, for all his wariness, nothing happened. Until a strange, rushing feeling overcame him, twisting his stomach with nausea as his head spun oddly, the world flashing around him.
His feet left the ground as Shadow teleported them both, and he fell over, too dizzy to even attempt to remain on his feet. Sonic let out an annoyed groan, blinking rapidly to clear his vision. Somewhere along the way, Shadow had slipped free from his grip. Sonic blinked his blurry eyes back into focus to find Shadow leaning against a tree a few feet away, expression impassive as he watched the blue hedgehog.
“Chaos, that’s a horrible feeling.” Sonic groaned, shaking his head. “How do you do that so often?” It felt like his bones had rearranged, like his heart had fallen into his feet, and his brain was still spinning round and round inside his skull. Like his atoms and cells had been discombobulated and scattered before reforming.
“I’m stronger than you. Will-wise as well as physically.” Shadow told him, raising an eyebrow.
Sonic heaved an enormous sigh, standing and brushing himself off. “You done being vague yet, or are you going to continue being all mysterious and brooding?”
Shadow shrugged, scowling at him- likely offended by the phrasing of the question. When no further comment came, Sonic sighed, resigned to not understanding what Shadow’s point had been. The statement about his good humor had been too pointed to not mean anything… so what exactly had Shadow’s point been?
Unfortunately for him, he probably would never know. At least, unless Shadow decided to enlighten him one day. Which was quite unlikely.
Or maybe… maybe it had just been an observation. Maybe there wasn’t a hidden meaning, maybe Sonic was reading into it too much. Maybe it had just been an observation on Sonic’s character, rather than a pointed statement about it. In that case, the irritation Shadow showed was likely about the questioning of his observation- or because his observation had been ignored and shot down by Sonic in his suspicious questioning. Sonic had jumped to conclusions.
Sonic tilted his head, watching Shadow. The darker hedgehog had turned away, ears half-pinned in annoyance as he glared at the ground. Sonic sighed lightly, shaking his head with a small smile.
“Sorry, Shads.”
Shadow’s head snapped up, brow furrowed as he glanced at Sonic. “What?”
Sonic shrugged, tapping a foot against the ground. “I was being difficult. You didn’t mean anything bad by what you said- it was just an observation.”
Shadow studied him for a few moments more, then relaxed, offering a nod. “It was.” He paused for a minute, seeming to be thinking carefully, then continued, “I do not wish for you to be serious all the time.” The briefest flicker of humor crossed his expression. “The world does not need another me.”
Sonic snorted, rolling his shoulders back as he listened, ears pricked, focused on Shadow. Somehow… he felt like the dark hedgehog’s words were going to be important to hear- something he needed to hear.
“If I am indeed a shadow… then you are light.” Shadow said, voice low. “You shine far too brightly to snuff out with such foolish seriousness.” He sounded derogatory for a moment, as if it was a ridiculous thought.
Sonic blinked, taken aback. “Shadow…” He didn’t know what to say to that, but Shadow wasn’t done.
“Back when we fought… you reminded me of her, with your optimism and hope.” Shadow’s gaze dropped, as if he couldn’t meet Sonic’s eyes any longer. “It was infuriating at first, then painful. Now though… I think she would have liked you. It’s less hurtful, and more… comforting.”
Sonic’s mouth fell open the slightest bit. He didn’t have to even ask- of course the her that Shadow spoke of was Maria. “I remind you of… of Maria?” It was… flattering, in a way. Maria had been everything to Shadow; his best friend, sister, and caretaker. To hear that he even somewhat resembled her? It felt like a strange sort of honor.
“In a way.” Shadow blinked, considering it. “You have her unfailing hope in the goodness of the world. The longing and craving for freedom. The mischievousness.” At this, Sonic laughed. “But in a way, also not. You’re louder, more impulsive, and you get on my nerves in a way she never could have.”
Sonic laughed harder, grinning widely at his friend. “Is that a bad thing, or a good thing?” He kept his smile, but he genuinely wanted to know the answer as well. Did Shadow only see him as a substitute for his lost sister?
“A good thing, I believe.” Shadow said decisively. “You aren’t her. I do not wish you to be, even with as much as I miss her.” He sighed, looking back to Sonic. “You are not a replacement for her….” Ears twitching, he looked up at the sky through the trees. The sun was still sinking below the horizon, changing from blue to a hazy purple. The first of the stars were appearing, and Shadow seemed to be staring at them. “but another friend. Something I thought I’d never have again.”
Sonic jumped for him, flinging his arms around him. “Shads, you can be very thoughtful sometimes, you know that?” He felt as though he’d burst from the affectionate emotions in his chest, so he squeezed Shadow even harder.
“What is it with you and hugging?” Shadow grumbled, but didn’t resist. He didn’t hug back, but also didn’t shove Sonic away.
Sonic laughed, pulling away and rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. “Sorry. I’m kind of a hugger.”
“Believe it or not, I‘ve noticed.” Shadow deadpanned, raising an eyebrow. Amusement lurked in the corners of his mouth though, so Sonic knew the hug hadn’t actually annoyed him.
Sonic laughed, grinning widely, too excited to force himself to calm down.
“SONIC MAURICE WACHOWSKI!”
Sonic practically jumped out of his skin at the roar that echoed through the trees. He must have been closer to the house than he had thought. His eyes went wide, ears pricked with shock as he stared at Shadow.
“Chaos, I’m so dead.” Sonic breathed. The decibel to Maddie’s voice held an amount of rage and offense that he hadn’t heard from her in a long time.
“Maurice?” Shadow asked flatly, a smirk pulling at his mouth. A mocking tone ghosted his voice, making Sonic’s spines prickled defensively.
“Oh shut up.” Sonic waved him off, then said, “Sorry-gotta-go-bye!” With that, he shot off into the trees, not waiting for Shadow’s response.
Sonic probably should have been afraid for the fury he was about to face at home, but all he could think of was the look on Shadow’s face as he’d spoken of Sonic’s resemblance to his sister, of his confirmation of their friendship.
No matter how the dark hedgehog would protest, Sonic knew that Shadow was secretly a softy. If he ever tried to say that though, Sonic had no doubt he’d be decked on the spot.
And that was Shadow- contrasts, all around. And Sonic wouldn’t have it any other way.
He liked their messy friendship, from fighting and arguing to their emotional talks and trauma bonding. No one else would understand it, but that was fine with Sonic.
Now, he just had to survive his mother’s wrath. Sonic swallowed nervously as he hit the yard, spying the figure waiting on the step.
Sonic took a deep breath and began to trudge across the yard. Time for his toughest battle yet- surviving the wrath of his mother. He’d be lucky if he made it out alive.