Chapter Text
The first time Sonic hadn't even known what he was doing. He was frustrated, restless, a heavy ache deep in his muscles when he stayed still for too long. So he'd gone on a long run, trying to shake it. It helped, but it wasn't quite enough. He wanted something more, something that would let him feel normal again. Then he'd found Shadow, unintentionally, and he wasn't proud of it but he took his bad mood out on him. Shadow was easy to irritate even when they weren't in direct conflict and riling him up into a fight was a breeze.
And after, Sonic felt better. Not great, Shadow managed to land his fair share of painful hits. Nearly wrenched his shoulder out of the socket when he'd managed to grab onto him at speed and yank him to a stop and it still hurt, but the bone deep restless ache was gone. For the first time in a while he slept in.
It didn't last, and it should have! He'd busted up a bunch of Eggman's badniks terrorizing a rebuilding town just the day before. That should have settled whatever was bugging him. He was no stranger to solving his problems through violence, so if he was just itching for a proper fight that should have done it. But the feeling was coming back and he didn't know why. So when he ran into Shadow again after a few days of dealing with being on edge and uncomfortable he'd thought, what was the harm in trying it twice?
That was when he realized it. They'd been grappling, which he usually tried to avoid because Shadow had the advantage when it came to brute strength. Shadow, of course, tried for any opportunity because again, advantages and brute strength. And as Sonic grabbed at him to try and get the leverage to throw him it hit him. He wasn't worried. For the first time since... well, some point in time between being infected and destroying the metal virus he wasn't worried when he went to grab someone. There was always just a moment of reminding himself it was ok before he pulled someone out of harm's way and then the following worry that at some point it was going to make him hesitate and he'd be too slow
But no, apparently his subconscious did not care in the slightest if he grabbed Shadow. Which, ouch, he'd even felt guilty for threatening Eggman with infection. He didn't think he was that much of a jerk to Shadow, but it was undeniable. Shadow could grab him and shake him until his teeth rattled and it felt... normal. He'd missed normal, apparently more than he'd realized.
Alright, so the solution wasn't ideal, but there was a solution. When the feeling got to him too much he'd find Shadow, pick a fight, play around a little while, it would be fine. No one needed to know about it.
He should have realized that Shadow wasn't stupid. Not the way he was chasing after him what felt like constantly, anyone would have realized something was up. He was going to blame the way Shadow had pinned him down on the ground. It had felt a little too good to keep his head in the game, Shadow was like a furnace against him, chasing away the memory of waking up chilled and disoriented. Like if he could just get him to stay that way for a little longer it would burn away the uncomfortable feeling for good.
It had felt good enough that he'd slipped up, pins and needles coming back to his fingertips after the unpleasant cold and numbness that was a little too close to how own memories.
He'd expected a lot of things then. He'd expected to be laughed at, mocked, maybe for Shadow to get angry that he was tracking him down over something so ridiculous. He'd been completely caught off guard by Shadow's actual reaction.
"If you want this, then ask for this. Don't make it weird."
And he'd hugged him. Held him. Picked him up in his arms the same way he'd carried him before. When he'd been exhausted and heartsick from losing too many friends, too many people. When he could still feel the way Tangle had squeezed him close because it didn't matter anymore. At that point touching him would only cost her what, a minute? A few minutes? The end result was going to be the same no matter what.
When Shadow had run for him because until he pulled himself back together he couldn't anymore. Had let him catch a little precious sleep before they arrived under Angel Island to be brought up to rejoin everyone else. He still didn't know why, his brief attempt at thanks had been brushed off with a "Don't mention it." that sounded more like a threat than accepting the thanks.
Which brought Sonic to the present and two, well three, choices.
He'd resolved not to go looking for Shadow and deal with whatever weirdness this was on his own after he'd embarrassed himself falling asleep in his arms for a second time, and without intense exhaustion and sleep deprivation to blame. But now the restless feeling was back again and he hated it, and knowing there was a way to get it to go away was pure temptation.
So choice one, ignore it and hope it went away if he waited it out. That had been his original choice, but was less and less appealing by the day. He wasn't sleeping all that well, and he was spending more and more time out exploring remote areas to avoid his friends noticing his shorter temper.
Choice two, ignore what Shadow had said and try to goad him into another fight. That was both the one he'd prefer to do, and the one with the lowest chance of success. Something told him that now that Shadow was onto him that wouldn't work anymore.
The third and final choice was to call Shadow's bluff. Contact him, and say what? Hey, I'd like a hug and it has to be from you because either the metal virus or the explosive trip to the Sol universe messed up my sense of self-preservation? That was going to go over great, and he didn't even have a way to contact him.
Except he did know people who did, didn't he? Ok now that was even harder to pick between choices. The Restoration was able to contact him, he knew, and so was Rouge. One he would definitely feel guilty about taking advantage of his hero status to get the information and people would be curious if he just strolled in asking for the information. The other, Rouge would definitely know something was up and he didn't have a good answer to give her. He wasn't a good enough liar to think he could fool her, and the truth wasn't something he'd admit.
Maybe the first choice wasn't too bad, once he got used to the fact he had to just keep moving forward he'd be fine, right?
"Is something bothering you? Tails asked, from where he was sprawled on the couch.
"Nah, why?" Sonic brushed off the question, not taking his eyes off the screen. He'd taken the ratty armchair instead, so he wouldn't have to deal with feeling weird every time they bumped each other while playing. He was distracted enough without worrying about that while he tried to focus on the racing game he'd convinced Tails to take a break and play with him.
"I've won like, every two out of three games. So either your head's not in the game, or it's my birthday. And it's not my birthday," Tails explained.
"Eeh, I can come clean, haven't been sleeping great during these weather changes. Too hot to go to sleep without a window open, then when the temperature drops it's too cold not to have the window closed, I'll be happier when it's cold enough to just go ahead and pile on the blankets right away and not worry about it," Sonic said. And it was partially the truth. If he wasn't feeling so off and achy he'd just pop up, close the window, and then drop right back to sleep though.
"Are you sure you don't want me to put a vent in your room and stabilize the temperature?" Tails offered.
"Nah, then I'd feel guilty leaving the window open all summer and you know I like the fresh air, it's only annoying like this for a few weeks in the spring and fall," Sonic explained.
"Alright, but if you change your mind just let me know. For now I'll just enjoy my victories," Tails said easily, starting up another game.
"So cruel, taking advantage of my brief weakness," Sonic teased, though deep down he did feel guilty. If Tails was noticing, then others would notice. What if instead of a game it was a real attack or disaster?
When they paused for a food break he sent a quick text message to Rouge.
Mind passing on my contact info to Shadow? I forgot to give it to him.
It wasn't a surprise when Rouge came back curious.
I can do that, you two have an important conversation you wanted to continue?
Sonic replied quickly before Tails could get back with the microwaved burritos.
Something like that, thanks, I'll owe you one.
Well, he'd figure something out to tell her. And if Shadow had been serious he'd give him his contact information back. He knew better than to ask Rouge for that. Of course if Shadow actually messaged him she'd be even more curious, but Shadow could handle himself.
For now he took the plate from Tails with a quick thanks, taking careful tiny bites of the way-too-hot burrito so he didn't burn his tongue and getting ready for the next game. He'd have to focus and keep Tails from worrying.
You wanted me to message you.
The text stayed the same as Sonic stared at it. Brief, to the point, and only one person it could possibly be. He took a slow breath, typing back.
Well yeah. Forgot to ask you before, and Rouge would never give me your info without a price way higher than I'm willing to pay. We're talking buried pirate treasure here.
Normal, he could be normal about this. Not make it weird, whatever that meant.
What do you want?
Alright, moment of truth. Was he going to do this?
You know what I want.
Sonic could also be brief, even if he couldn't quite make himself type it out. The next message back was confusing for a moment before he realized it was coordinates, and a time. About half an hour from now, in fact, and checking the coordinates he had enough time to run there. He hadn't expected that, if Shadow didn't outright refuse him he'd expected to be at least brushed off to a later time. He'd have to hurry, which at least didn't give him much time to work himself up to changing his mind,
I'll be there.
Sonic arrived a little early, shivering in the breeze. Really out of the way, but he'd expected that. It wasn't like Shadow was going to just invite him over to, what, cuddle on the couch? Where did he even live anyway?
"You're punctual at least." Shadow came to a stop nearby and Sonic was amazed he'd shown.
Sonic shifted his weight a little, grinning like this was normal.
"Well, would be pretty rude to show up when I'm the one asking for a favor," Sonic pointed out.
Shadow stared at him, then nodded briefly, turning.
"This way," Shadow said, starting off.
"Where are we going?" Sonic asked, easily falling in behind him. Shadow was running, but not anywhere near top speed, which was good because it was getting dark and Sonic didn't want to hit a tree.
"You'll see shortly," Shadow said, cryptically.
If this was anyone else Sonic would suspect a trap. He halfway did, except traps weren't really Shadow's style. It wasn't long though before there was a break in the woods and then they were almost on the doorstep of a small house. Shadow came to a stop, and Sonic followed.
"What is this place?" Sonic asked.
"My team has several properties scattered in case we need to take shelter during an emergency," Shadow explained, stepping up and quickly entering a code onto the keypad, it seemed unnecessarily long but then again in an emergency situation they'd want security to be tight.
"Are you supposed to use it when it's not an emergency?" Sonic asked, and Shadow just shrugged.
"It's private, out of the way, and it will be warmer in there," Shadow explained, opening the door. He was being way too nice about, well, everything.
"I'm not going to complain about that then, just didn't want you getting angry with me if you got in trouble for using it," Sonic said.
"You don't need to be concerned about that." Shadow stepped in, flipping on lighting. It was mostly empty, well sealed crates that probably held supplies stacked up against the wall. He stepped over to one, opening it up and pulling out... a sealed sleeping bag?
"So we're having a sleepover?" Sonic said brightly, trying not to feel strange about all of this. Why had he even showed up? "Or maybe more of a campout."
"Ground rules." Shadow ignored the questions. "First, you don't make this weird. Second, if I tell you to shut up you stay quiet for a minimum of five minutes or I go. Third, no touching the packed supplies without my permission. If you can follow all of that then we can stay here all night, and I give you what you need."
And did Shadow have to phrase it that way? Sonic couldn't tell if that was a subtle insult or just accidentally flirty.
"I think I can follow that, but you're going to have to define making it weird because where I'm standing this is all kind of weird," Sonic said, getting a sigh.
"Don't antagonize me on purpose, no trying to turn this into a fight. We're not damaging this place, and I know you don't want to actually fight me right now," Shadow clarified, unrolling the sleeping back onto the floor.
"Right, I can do that, I think. If I seem antagonizing-ish just tell me to shut up," Sonic said as Shadow stepped over to him.
Sonic wasn't sure what he expected, maybe Shadow to just go right for a hug and get it over with? What he got instead was Shadow suddenly grabbing his shoulder and sweeping his legs, sending him falling backwards onto the sleeping bag with a sharp grunt of surprise.
"I thought you said no fighting?" Sonic couldn't help but ask. It was a surprisingly controlled fall enough, not the way Sonic knew Shadow could slam him down. Also, more importantly, there hadn't been that additional jolt that touching him was going to infect Shadow, take him over, turn him into a zombot because he'd been careless.
"I'm just being efficient," Shadow said calmly, and then he was pinning him down.
Not like before, it wasn't rough, he didn't have his wrists squeezed down, if he wanted to he could easily have tossed Shadow off. But that was the very last thing he wanted.
Sonic couldn't help the small sound in the back of his throat as he pressed back against him. Shadow was so warm, even though their fur he could feel his body heat. Warm and solid and heavy, a lot heavier than people would suspect for his size.
This close he could smell him, his natural slightly musky scent mixed with whatever grooming products he used. It was nice and Sonic wanted to press his face closer, and at the same time he wanted to just lay exactly where he was. The deep achy restless feeling was finally starting to ease away, like a hot pack on a sore muscle.
"I can appreciate efficient," Sonic finally relied, after the silence stretched a little too long for his comfort. Talking helped, talking made it feel less like this was something unusual.
"You took longer than I thought you would to contact me, if you were going to at all," Shadow stated and Sonic managed a soft snort.
"You had a bet on how long before I....?" And even like this he couldn't quite make himself say it.
"I went back over the dates, you were surprisingly consistent. Between a week and a half to two weeks, likely because of how long it took for you to find me," Shadow said easily and Sonic couldn't help tensing a little.
He hadn't even fully realized what he was doing before, and he was predictable?
"You can touch me back, you know," Shadow continued, like he hadn't been studying him.
"Right, wasn't sure if that was, uh, allowed," Sonic managed.
And he could, couldn't he? But what was he supposed to do? Pet him like a Chao? Actually thinking about this felt strange and Sonic raised a hand, unsure before he stroked it down over Shadow's back quills. That was fine, and Sonic let out a slow breath as he wrapped his arms around his back to squeeze in a hug and pull him even firmer against him. Yeah, that's what he wanted. He didn't want Shadow to actually hurt him, but he could handle things a little rougher. He wasn't going to break.
It felt so good like this, Shadow was surprisingly relaxed against him instead of just pinning him down. He was distracted enough to bury his face in the side of his neck and breathe in deeper, and he could feel Shadow shudder a little on top of him. Ok, bad idea and he eased his head back just enough that he wasn't nuzzling against him. It hadn't been in the rules, but that probably counted as making it weird.
"You're fine." Shadow surprised him, taking his hand and placing it on the back of his head to push it back. "Your nose was cold."
Sonic huffed a surprised laugh at that.
"Not my fault, it was cold outside."
It's probably still cold inside too, the house hadn't exactly been any warmer than the outside just without a breeze and he had no idea if turning on the lights had activated any sort of heating system. Sonic couldn't tell though because with the sleeping bag against his back and Shadow pressed the length of his body he was deliciously warm. And not only had Shadow not been lying about this, but he'd actually planned it. From nearly anyone else it would have felt insulting, like he needed to be managed. But he was using to making himself Shadow's problem, and he'd never actually asked for all of this.
"I didn't think you were actually serious about this," Sonic admitted quietly. "I thought it had to be, I don't know, some sort of joke."
"I don't joke," Shadow said too easily, startling a low chuckle out of Sonic.
"Yeah, I know, which is the only reason I was willing to meet you. I just can't believe you're actually being nice to me," sonic said.
"I'm not being nice," Shadow replied, sounding entirely serious.
Sonic blinked and started to open his mouth before he remembered rule number one and shut it again. Right, try not to argue and disagree and pick a fight. It was harder than it sounded. Shadow was literally letting himself be used as a weighted blanket, which had always seemed a little like a scam to him but maybe there was something to that after all, and he had the audacity to claim he wasn't being nice?
It was truthfully nicer than Sonic himself might have been if their situations were reversed, though he was loath to admit it. He'd definitely have given in to the urge to tease him about wanting a hug, even knowing Shadow would blow up at him. Sure if it was something like needing to keep him warm or still for medical reasons he'd do it in a heartbeat and not push too far, but something simple like this would have been too much.
Sonic found himself slowly relaxing the hug, petting his fingers through Shadow's quills and stroking along the lengths of them. It felt a little strange, he'd never really done this for anyone else. Amy would have read way too much into it, and Knuckles would have thought he lost his mind or taken it as an insult. He'd kind of assumed Shadow's quills would feel different than his own. Sharper maybe, or more stiff, coarser, something. He wished he could take his gloves off and feel properly, but that was too much too fast.
"Is there more than one sleeping bag here?" Sonic asked after a little longer of just petting him.
"There are, but separate sleeping bags defeats the purpose of this," Shadow pointed out.
"I was thinking more unzip them both to use as a mattress and blanket on top, that way we can change position if we want," Sonic said. "Plus that way you'll be warm too."
"I'm not cold," Shadow said, humming softly as he thought it over. Then he was getting up.
Sonic did not give in to the urge to try and grab onto him and keep him there, not when it was his suggestion. Instead he sat up and started busying himself unzipping the bag to spread it out and give him more room,
"Tails and I used to do this, more often than not. Like sure sometimes we'd each have our own, especially if there were other people around, but this way we both had a little more room. Of course if it was really cold we'd just share one." Sonic kept talking as he got it in place, then stopped to watch Shadow as he opened up a second one and unzip it, shaking it out.
"Alright, instead of flattening me like a panini, I think I'd like to be the little spoon." Sonic was exceptionally proud of the way he managed to say that without stumbling over it, like it was a reasonable thing to say to one's rival.
"The little spoon." Shadow's voice was flat and Sonic wasn't sure if it was a question or not. He decided to treat it that way.
"You know, spooning, my on my side, you get behind me, that sort of thing," Sonic explained.
For a moment he thought it was maybe too much and Shadow would decide the earlier physical contact was enough, and then he was spreading the second sleeping bag over him.
"Then lay on your side," Shadow said.
"Right." Sonic scooched over more towards one side of the makeshift bed to give him more room, settling down facing the wall.
A few moments later Shadow was sliding in behind him, and then pressing against his back stiffly. Alright so spooning wasn't the easiest thing when you were both hedgehogs, but it was theoretically feasible. With a little squirming and tilting a little more onto his back he could get them both fitted together again. It was easier when Shadow settled an arm around him, squeezing him close once Sonic had gone still.
"Yeah, this feels nice," Sonic sighed happily. Warmth all down his back this time and Shadow's arm over him securely, holding him together. He probably could have fallen asleep like they were earlier, but this felt more natural.
How long had it been since he shared a bed like this with Tails? He couldn't remember exactly, there were lots of memories of sleeping together like this, except usually with Sonic as the big spoon, but he couldn't quite bring to mind which had been the last one. When they'd both gotten old enough to get self-conscious about deliberately cuddling together like little kids. Until the metal virus they'd just naturally gravitated towards just sprawling out on the couch together watching a movie or playing video games or having long involved conversations about things like ranking pizza topping combinations. Usually when it actually came time to fall asleep they'd untangle themselves and head their separate ways so he couldn't snore and kick, and Tails couldn't begin rotating like a hot dog on a roller stealing and winding all the blankets around himself.
Was that going to be in the past now too?
Sonic didn't really like that thought, maybe it was a normal part of getting older but he resented that the choice had been taken away from him by his own brain.
"You're being awfully quiet. Not that I'm complaining," Shadow said softly, startling him a little. He must have been starting to doze.
"Haven't slept well these past few nights. Think we can stay like this while I catch some winks?" Sonic asked.
Shadow made the slightest movement behind him, if he didn't know better he'd think he was laughing, but the other hedgehog was entirely silent.
"You usually do anyway, I'll wake you up when it's time to leave."
Sonic made a soft hum to let him know he heard, relaxing a little. He was tired enough not to notice when a soft little purr started buzzing in his chest, only fading away once he was entirely asleep.
Morning came bright and early and Sonic found himself being shaken awake. For just a moment confusion warred with the desire to sink right back down into comfortable sleep, but then memory showed up to the party and he was fully awake. Sonic sat up with a yawn, looking around. Sunlight managed to sneak in through shuttered windows and in the light of day the place looked just as barren and uninhabited except for the little bed they'd made.
"Morning, I don't suppose there's any breakfast in those crates?" Sonic asked hopefully.
"No, food supplies would have to be replaced and would raise questions," Shadow said.
"Too bad," Sonic said, even if he wasn't all that disappointed. Hard to hold a lack of breakfast against the guy who spent an entire night holding him so he could actually sleep.
Sonic started gathering up the top sleeping bag to zip it and then got distracted by the sight of Shadow pulling on his shoes. Well that made sense, Sonic had slept in his own boots enough times that it didn't really register unless he was in an actual bed, too great a chance he'd need to hop up and run. But Shadow's airshoes were firmer, clunkier, probably a lot harder to sleep comfortably in. He didn't let it distract him too much though, finishing rolling the sleeping back back up into a firm bundle and then securing it.
"Since this appears to be predictable, it would be easier to plan ahead. Once a week would be ideal, that would give a buffer if it needs to be delayed for any reason," Shadow said, efficient as always.
Sonic wasn't sure about how he felt about being scheduled. Spontaneous had a certain plausible deniability to it, he could maybe convince himself he was fine for a little longer. But that also meant he might be stuck restless and distracted while Shadow was gone on a long mission when he could have seen him right before. Or some plot or crisis or natural disaster of his own might come up. Just because he didn't really like the idea didn't mean it wasn't the best one.
"What if I don't need this anymore? What if this was enough to fix it?" Sonic asked, getting a doubtful look.
"If you're not going to show up for whatever reason then you can contact me, but only about this or an actual emergency I should be aware of. If you use it for pointless things I'll block you," Shadow said.
"Message received," Sonic sketched a quick salute and finished getting the second sleeping bag rolled up and secured. "So I'll see you next week? Same time and place?" He didn't need for Shadow to add on that blocking him would mean the end of this too. Shadow held all the cards as long as Sonic's brain and body continued to malfunction.
"You can come to the front door but don't try to get inside, and about an hour earlier so there's more light," Shadow instructed.
"Got it. See you 'round, then!"
Anyone else Sonic would have thanked, but his previous attempts had been rebuffed so it wasn't trying a third time, letting himself out and into the still-cold early morning air. First thing he was doing was getting something to eat, and then later he was challenging Tails to a rematch now that his little issue had been dealt with, at least temporarily. And hopefully it would stay dealt with until he figured out what was wrong.
The second time, well the second planned time, Sonic showed up with a bag slung over his shoulder. Of course Shadow didn't want to use up any of the supplies, but he could bring his own. So he brought snacks, things that shouldn't make a mess or need any serious prep so no chilidogs, sadly, but plenty of other good things. That also felt a little like he was just meeting with a friend to hang out, and it wasn't like Shadow said he couldn't bring snacks.
Except the time eventually arrived, and without Shadow. Sonic checked his communicator just in case, no messages. Shadow did say an hour earlier, right? He remembered that, could Shadow have forgotten? That seemed doubtful, of the two of them he'd be the one to forget something first.
Or maybe he changed his mind. Sonic hadn't let himself seriously consider that, he'd actually shown up the week before, he'd been the one to schedule things, he'd been treating it weirdly seriously. And as far as Sonic knew he hadn't been the one to screw anything up. He'd followed the rules, he'd been very quiet for him, he didn't think he'd done anything that would piss off the other hedgehog.
Maybe he'd been counting on that? On Sonic breaking a rule and giving him an excuse to end this? No, Shadow didn't usually do convoluted, he was more of a fist to the face kind of guy. Refreshingly direct.
Finally when Sonic was debating sending a message or checking back at the original later time he could sense someone approaching, and since the only one who should be able to come in so fast was Shadow it looked like he was just late. Except even that wasn't particularly fast for Shadow
And when he showed up the temptation to tease him about punctuality died away immediately.
"Wow you look like..." Sonic trailed off trying to think of something appropriate that wasn't too insulting. Terrible? Awful?
"Save it," Shadow said, stepping up to the door to enter the code.
"Right. Long day?" Sonic asked, because Shadow did look awful. He looked clean at least, but he had that familiar slightly disheveled look Sonic was familiar with. The one where instead of taking the time to properly wash and groom you just turned the showerhead to the highest setting and power-washed off whatever blood or dirt or grime was clinging to you and then shook yourself dry. He also looked tired, something that Sonic had only very rarely seen.
"Try a week, we got called in almost immediately after you left," Shadow said, which surprised him. He wasn't expecting a real answer, maybe a grunt, a snarl and an insult if Shadow was feeling feisty. He must be more tired than Sonic expected.
"I brought snacks this time," Sonic offered. He didn't know how much Shadow needed to eat, or if he even did, the food supplies in the safe-house could be for Rouge or any other agents.
"Anything worth eating?" Shadow stepped in and flicked the switches by the door, which Sonic suspected were tied to some sort of heating system as well as the lights.
"Look through it and see, I can get the sleeping bags out if you want," Sonic offered.
Normally he might have waited a little, it was earlier than he'd normally sleep when he wasn't exhausted from restless nights dealing with nightmares and whatever weird thing had been affecting him, but Shadow seemed about a dozen steps from finding a comfortable pile of dirt to nap on. Lack of sleep? Using a ton of chaos energy? Both? Shadow nodded at the question though and Sonic handed the bag over before going to where he knew the sleeping bags were stored.
As he unrolled them he could hear plastic being torn into and gave a quick glance. Looks like Shadow found the jerky, and honestly that would have been his top guess for what he might find appealing. Maybe the fruit too, but that wasn't as calorie dense if you were running on empty as Sonic knows from experience. Worth if if you needed hydration too though.
"You can do whatever you want tonight, as long as you don't wake me up," Shadow finally said, after the bag was empty and before Sonic even finished getting the sleeping bags spread out. Sonic wondered if he even chewed.
"You mean I can touch you?" Sonic asked, to clarify, getting a nod before Shadow just sank onto the bottom sleeping bag and stretched out.
Sonic was surprised he even showed, though possibly he'd reached the stage of exhaustion where thinking to type out a message seemed more impossible than just dealing with the plans. If he'd asked Sonic would have said he was fine for a few more days, but with him here now he wasn't going to miss the opportunity.
He started to settle the top sleeping bag over Shadow then paused. He'd left his shoes on. He knew he'd taken them off before so he probably would have wanted them off again.
"This ok?" Sonic asked, kneeling to search for a catch that he knew had to exist to get them off, hopefully Shadow wasn't already asleep enough to count it as waking him up.
He heard a grumble that sounded like it was giving permission and found the catch finally, loosening them and then tugging them off so Shadow was left just in socks. He repeated the process with the second one, and then settled the top sleeping bag over him. Shadow didn't even stir.
Right, he was here for a reason. Now that he knew Shadow had his shoes off he could tug off his own boots and then go to the switches. The first didn't change anything with the lights so he flipped it right back on, but the next one dimmed the room, and Sonic could find his way back to the makeshift bed with the light still coming in through the shutters.
Looked like he'd be the big spoon this time, which he didn't mind. Even if things hadn't gotten bad yet he could still feel something loosen in his chest as he tucked up behind the other hedgehog. He wrapped an arm around him to hug closer and then frowned, pressing his forehead against the back of his shoulder. No, he wasn't imagining it, Shadow felt a little cooler to the touch. He suspected he was right about the chaos energy. Well, he could make sure the sleeping bag was tucked close around them both and maybe his own body heat would help him recover.
Like this too he was fairly sure his theory about the quick power-wash was correct, because there was no trace of almost floral to his scent. Instead the natural scent was very faintly tainted by gunpowder and some sort of unpleasant smell like old blood, making his lip curl a little. His own blood or someone else's? Sonic's rubbed his cheek over his shoulder before he could really think about it, wanting to cover up that faint unpleasant smell with his own so it was just the two of them, before he realized what he was doing.
Well, at least sniffing each other wasn't something commonly done anymore, so no one should smell Sonic on him until he got a chance to shower again. Omega didn't have any scent receptors as far as he knew, though he wouldn't put it past the doctor to make a sniffing robot for whatever bizarre reason, and Shadow usually kept Rouge at arms length.
It was a little strange, Shadow had taken charge in their previous encounters, but this was kind of nice too. Sonic moved his hand up to stroke slowly though his head-quills, not even getting a twitch. Waking him up didn't seem like it would be too easy to do by accident and so he kept petting through his quills a little longer before he realized the opportunity he had.
Sonic tugged his glove off, going back to carding through his quills now that he could feel him properly. He'd rather not deal with Shadow making any assumptions on why he'd rather touch him bare handed and if Shadow did wake up enough to find out then all the embarrassment would be on Sonic's end, so it was worth the risk. His quills did feel nice sliding through his fingers and against his sensitive pads, but he was still curious and he shifted to drape his arm over Shadow's middle again where he could touch his fur properly.
It was thick, softer than he expected even after the hasty cleanup and when he pressed in just a little he could feel firm muscles under the fur, relaxed in sleep. He knew how solid Shadow was, he'd been pinned down by him enough times and not just recently, but it was somehow different deliberately feeling for it. He moved his fingers up carefully, not dragging the fur the wrong way but by short little strokes that started a little higher each time. Finally he reached his goal, burying his fingers in Shadow's chest fluff to carefully scratch through it. Just as plush and soft as the fur on his torso, and somehow silkier.
He kept petting through it, just enjoying the moment before he felt something. Pausing his petting to press carefully against Shadow's chest. Was he waking up? No, there was the softest rumble of a purr under his hand and Sonic felt himself grin. Apparently Shadow liked getting petted, at least when he was asleep and unable to protest.
It seemed a little dangerous in a way. He'd never had the moment of panic and sick feeling when touching Shadow, excusing the first time Shadow had grabbed at him and he hadn't really been aware of much at the time. But he'd still had the feeling that this was new and out of the ordinary, and that was fading a lot faster than Sonic would have liked. This was temporary, Shadow was willing to offer himself to briefly ease whatever strange malady was troubling him. It wasn't sustainable long term, especially with the evidence right before him that Shadow almost hadn't been able to make it that evening. If Shadow had crashed just a little earlier, or the mission had been shifted by a day, he wouldn't be there. They'd allowed for that, of course, or rather Shadow had, but it was still a reminder that the two of them led unpredictable lives. And what if something happened that put them out of reach for an extended time?
No, as nice as this discovery was Sonic needed to put some effort into figuring out what was wrong with him. It probably wasn't something specific triggering it if it was on a schedule and he could probably narrow it down pretty conclusively either to his Super-Plus-Warp-Topaz induced amnesia or the metal virus itself being the cause. Surely if the metal virus recovery had the side effect of wanting to hug Shadow that would have been ridiculously obvious after a few weeks when the other hedgehog was mobbed? Sonic snorted quietly at the thought, if that was the case Shadow would definitely have Chaos Controlled himself somewhere far, far away. He was lucky Shadow was willing to tolerate it in him.
Huh, or maybe if it was only a symptom that you wanted to hug your rival if you had an extended infection it would explain why Shadow was so willing. Maybe this was secretly as nice for him as it was for Sonic, he was just sure Shadow would never admit it.
It would be easier if he could go to his friends for help, but he frowned at the thought. They were wonderful, they were caring, he would lay down his life for them in a heartbeat. He wouldn't trust any of them within a hundred yards of embarrassing gossip about him. What was the quote, someone who thought they were doing what's best for you would torment you far worse than any villain doing it out of malice? He'd look it up later, if he remembered and still cared.
Maybe he could try asking Shadow. He'd picked up on what was wrong and seemed understanding, or maybe he'd just noticed how shameless Sonic was being and put together the same pieces. Or the extended infection leading to rival-hugging theory was actually correct. Right now though he was essentially alone with his thoughts, keeping up the gentle petting through Shadow's fur and feeling the soft sleep-purr until his thoughts finally started drifting and he let himself join him in sleep.