Chapter Text
Sonic would never complain about visiting his parents, but damn, the eight hour drive sucks ass. It's a miracle his truck manages the whole way and he doesn't break down and have to call AAA.
He makes a few pit stops on the way, for gas and snacks and to piss and stretch his legs, and each time he does he checks his messages. As he expected, he has lots from Shadow, and he answers before getting back on the road.
Getting his boyfriend a phone with an unlimited data plan was an... idea. Mostly a good one. Though the hedgehog sometimes blows up his cell with "I miss you" texts or links to recipes he wants to try making or pictures of the places he travels to when they're apart. Or sexts. Sonic's hidden folder in his camera roll (previously empty save for a single retro drawing of a chubby anime chick with her pussy out and enormous balloon tits) now contains a plethora of images and videos of Shadow.
He's chasing away thoughts of that folder while while going the speed limit, thank you very much (he's been pulled over for going 5 above before and having it happen again is the last thing he wants. No need to get a ticket and screw up his insurance, although he would love to have a fast car and drive it extremely recklessly. No matter the make and model, it'd be electric blue, and... nothing like that is currently in his budget, but maybe someday. Driving recklessly is still iffy, though, but he can dream about it. Also, his truck can't handle going over 75). On a suburban road with five minutes to his parents' place, his boyfriend's raunchy pictures and the car he doesn't have are not what he should be spending his mental energy on.
He keeps thinking about Shadow anyways. Maybe it's not strange at this point that he's missing his boyfriend.
He can call it weird all he wants, continue to be trepidatious about it, but it's his normal- it's been six months. A whole half a year of sorta dating an alien furry who will never die as far as anyone knows. And who's over 80 years old, what the fuck? A month ago he learned that Shadow was most likely born in the 1940s (he wasn't sure of the exact date or decade when he told Sonic) and has little to no memory of the first 20 or so years of his life, because, and he quotes: "I mostly started over each time my brain matter was destroyed. I don't know who I was. I only know I'm not the same as I used to be."
So, lots to unpack there. After a short internal freakout, Sonic wondered aloud in a voice that was uneven and upset, "Why did you have to regrow your brain matter? More than once?"
"I don't know," Shadow responded. "I can't find my full records, I've looked everywhere. The most I've been able to gather is that I killed people and I was punished for it."
Even more to unpack there. After seeing Sonic's extra horrified expression, he said, "I wouldn't kill anyone unless they tried to harm you."
"...Yeah," was Sonic's reply to that, but he was reacting more to the brain thing than he was to the admittance of murder. The knowledge that the hedgehog has literally regrown his grey matter multiple times made the following few days a little tense, but Shadow is still Shadow regardless of his past. With all his faults and oddities.
So, despite that, Sonic misses Shadow. He doesn't even find the constant companionship annoying anymore. The cheesy flirting and homecooked meals and unashamed desire Shadow lavishes upon him make him feel like a blushing maiden and not a grown man. Shadow's relentless attempts to make Sonic fall for him worked like a charm. It helps that he's adorable.
That's what's on his mind when he pulls into his parents' driveway at 6:36pm on a Wednesday in early September. He does his best to clear his thought process of it all as he turns his truck off and grabs his backpack and suitcase out of the backseat.
Mom is already at the door before he's even halfway to the porch, yelling, "Nicholas, you're just in time for steak!"
"Hey, ma! Is it ribeye?" Sonic shouts back, grinning. He lets go of his suitcase to embrace her as she strides up to hug him. She's a good half foot shorter than he is, a Black woman in her early 60s with short and thick, tightly curled hair shot through with grey. Sonic got his hair from her and his face from his dad. Dad is balding now, though, Sonic is hoping that his mom's hair genetics win out as he ages. Most of his older male relatives on that side still have full heads. The same cannot be said about the men in his father's family.
"Missed you," Mom says, giving him an extra squeeze before they part. "and it's ribeye. I roasted red potatoes for you, too."
"That's awesome, I'm starving. I mostly ate chips on the way here."
"I told you to pack a lunch, Nick."
"I forgot! You know I always forget!"
She smiles at him, says, "You do," and brings him inside. The air smells like rich meat and butter, Sonic's stomach growls.
"Go put your stuff in your room. I'll tell your dad you're here, he's in his zone tying flies."
"For the trip up to Oregon with Greg?"
"That one, yes. Go," Mom gestures vaguely toward his room. He walks through the entryway, down the hall, and passes by the familiar still life paintings and picture frames- memories of him and his siblings, his parents, his extended family and friends at gatherings or events. His childhood room still has his old bed, but the space is largely used for storage of random boxes of crap his relatives don't know what to do with.
His phone buzzes as he's setting his backpack and suitcase next to the bed. Sonic's heart does a tiny jump and he checks it- it's an Instagram notification that a friend posted on their story. Not that Sonic doesn't care about what his friends are up to, but he was hoping it was a text from Shadow. He'll surely get a swift message back as soon as he sends one confirming that he's arrived alive.
He does, and he was right. Shadow replies within fifteen seconds- a thanks followed by a request to call tonight. Sonic feels like he's a teenager when he sends back a confirmation, but with the caveat that his parents have to be asleep. It's not like he needs their permission, but... it's Shadow. He can't easily explain how he talks to his boyfriend.
Shadow texts a picture of a muted green, misty lake between pine forested mountains set at strict 45 degree angles. The grey sky and fog drowns the background and creeps into the foreground, power lines disappearing into the haze, giving the image a surreal appearance. Sonic is quick to respond, "Wow nice pic where did u take that?"
Shadow replies, "Diablo Lake, WA."
Sonic asks, "Wa like in the us or in austrailia"
Shadow's next text makes him laugh even though it's not funny. "Australia. You spelled it wrong. I was in Washington in the United States."
Sonic would keep messaging him, but he has a steak dinner to eat. He sends, "Thats really cool its pretty. Tell me more about it when we call I gtg now. Dinnertime"
Shadow's near instant, "Enjoy your dinner. I can't wait to call tonight. I miss you and I love you 💙" makes him smile stupidly. He hasn't been away for nine hours at the most and he already wants Shadow here with him.
He replies, "Luv u too ttyl ❤️" and leaves his phone on his bed to charge.
As Sonic exits his room and wanders down the hall and to the kitchen, he ponders telling his parents he has a boyfriend. He shouldn't, they'll have too many questions he isn't able to answer, but by now he wants to. He wants to tell his mom about Shadow's cooking, to tell his dad about the hedgehog's worldwide traveling, share with them that he's in love, but he shouldn't.
He really, really shouldn't. It's not like the NDAs have much of an impact him at this point, but it's a bad idea.
He still wants to.
Both his parents are in the kitchen, Sonic almost walks smack-dab into his father as he enters. Same age as his mom with dark, greying wavy hair (though it's missing on the top of his head), hazel eyes, with light brown skin and laugh lines imbedded deep in his face- Sonic is a spitting image of him. Minus the age, balding, and short salt and pepper facial hair. Cerveza in hand, Dad turns and grins wide with a, "Nicky, welcome home!"
"Hey, Dad!"
They hug (it's more curt than his hug with Mom, it's always been that way) and after a fatherly back pat, Dad asks, "How was the drive? Not too hairy?"
"It was fine, could've been worse. I didn't watch anyone get rear ended this time and traffic wasn't too bad," Sonic beelines for the fridge, acquiring a beer of his own.
"Thank God for the little things. No issues with the truck?"
"Nope, she's been holding up. I got her tuned up and had her oil changed last month and they said she's running pretty well, all things considered," Sonic cracks open his cold one as Mom gets plates from the cabinet beside the fridge. "I've only had issues getting to and from work twice."
"Speaking of, how's that going?" Mom asks, dishing herself a heaping plate of potatoes, green beans and steak. "I know you can't tell us much, but you haven't been complaining about it."
She steps to the side to let Sonic get his own food. He sets his beer down and also portions out a huge helping. "Really well, actually. It's been... a lot easier. I'm thinking about moving soon to somewhere nicer, 'cause I got the budget for it now."
Now it's Dad's turn to get more food than what should be able to fit on a single plate. He says, "We're proud of you, Nick," as Sonic joins his mother at the old, round oak dining table. "Now you just gotta find a girlfriend and you're set."
"Or a boyfriend," Mom corrects. Sonic laughs awkwardly. The confessing words are on his tongue and he bites them back in favor of shoving potatoes in his mouth.
"The taters're perfect, Ma," he speaks through a mouthful, hoping that he can shift the topic of conversation with his poor table etiquette.
"Chew your food before you speak," Mom scolds, pointing her fork at him as Dad sits at the table with them. "You still haven't met anyone?"
Conversation unsuccessfully dodged. They're always asking him if he's found someone and he feels bad fibbing about it. He shouldn't speak of Shadow, but he wants to.
He makes a split second decision and says, "Sort of?"
Both his parents perk up. Dad makes a circular gesture with his steak knife. "Go on."
Sonic flounders for a few seconds before he elaborates. "I've been talking to a guy for a while."
It's the understatement of the century. Mom grins, though, and Dad looks intrigued. He repeats, " Go on ."
What can Sonic say? He can share a few normal things about Shadow, but he can't describe him physically and his parents will probably ask. He decides to reveal the easiest things to explain. "Uh, well, he's interesting. He likes cooking and traveling all over."
"Interesting?" Mom chuckles. "What's his name? Is he cute?"
Sonic can feel his face heating and he can't do anything about it. "His name's Shadow and yeah, he's cute. He's really short."
"Shadow?" Dad raises his brows. "Weird name."
"I said he was interesting," Sonic says. "He's a... strange dude, but I like him."
"You always go for the strange ones," Mom turns to Dad. "Remember Jet?"
"Please don't bring up Jet again," Sonic begs, ignoring the desire to faceplant into his steak. "He's not like Jet. He's not a jerk."
Okay, well, that's not true. Shadow can be a jerk, but he's not a jackass in the same way Jet was. Is. Presumably he's still alive, as long as he hasn't died in a terrible accident while drunk driving like a bat out of hell on his ATV. Sonic didn't keep in contact with that guy for a lot of reasons.
"I'd hope you weren't dating any more jerks. I don't wanna have to beat up my son's potential suitors," Dad jokes.
"You wouldn't be able to beat him up, he's jacked," Sonic replies. Shadow may not be visibly muscular, he's soft and fluffy with a layer of squishable fat over his muscle, but he could pick Sonic up one handed and not break a sweat. Plus he's killed people. He doubts Shadow would want to kill his dad, though, he's indicated many times that he'd like to meet Sonic's parents, not murder them.
"Sounds like a challenge," is Dad's predictable response. Mom rolls her eyes, Sonic snorts a tiny laugh.
"I'm serious. You wouldn't even be able to touch him, he's," Sonic pauses. How does he put this? "Combat trained."
Mom asks, "Is he military?"
"No- I mean, he might've been? He's cagey about that stuff."
Dad cuts in. "You said he likes traveling?"
"Oh yeah, he goes all over. He texted me a picture from Washington state today. Some place called Diablo Lake."
"Oh, that's a beautiful area," Mom seems lost in thought for a moment. "I visited in my 20s on a road trip with your gran, the water was such a bright blue."
"It was green in the pic he sent me."
"It might change with the seasons. Are his trips work related?"
"Nah, it's a hobby of his, and when he," Sonic stops himself before he says 'teleports', "goes places, he doesn't stay for long 'cause of work."
Mom chews and swallows before speaking, setting an example that Sonic should probably follow. "Do you have any pictures of him? I'm so curious."
"I don't, sorry," that's a blatant lie, but it comes out steady. He has lots of pictures of Shadow, plenty of safe for work ones he's taken while they hang out. Shadow's contact image is a candid of him laughing, beaming with his fangs on display and his eyes mostly shut, crinkled at the corners. His fuzzy ears are flipped back, 'cause at the time he was losing it so bad he started cry-laughing (Sonic had been showing him short form videos. Shadow gets a kick out of people doing dumb shit and accidentally hurting themselves or breaking things). It's a little blurry, but it's adorable, Sonic's number one favorite picture of him. He offers another outright lie. "He's kinda private about selfies and stuff."
"Too bad. All you've said is that he's short and cute. What's he look like?" thanks Mom, that's the question Sonic has to make some crap up about.
"He, uh, kinda looks like me in some ways," Sonic says, because that's easier than coming up with a descriptive human appearance for Shadow on the spot even if it's vague as fuck. What else can he say that's plausible? "No piercings or dye, though. His hair is straight. And his lips are thinner than mine."
"I think that only made me more curious. You're sure you don't have any pictures?"
"I don't."
Dad thankfully interrupts with, "Do you know if he likes fishing?"
"I haven't asked, but that seems like the kind of thing he might enjoy. If he was being patient about it, I guess. Sometimes he's really impatient."
"Says you, Mr. Sonic Speed," Mom teases. "If you're calling him impatient, it must be true."
"Yeah, he's funny like that. He's, uh, quirky? He eats coffee beans. Like straight from the bag."
"He what?" Dad chuckles. "That sounds gross."
"And like it might make him stomach sick," Mom adds.
"He says he's never been sick," Sonic knows he's smiling, he probably has a faraway, infatuated look on his face. "Honestly, I believe it, he's built different."
That's another ginormous understatement. Mom exchanges a glance with Dad, then she smiles softly at Sonic. "You like him lots, hm?"
"I- I do. But enough about him," flustered, Sonic turns his attention to his father. "Mom said you were tying flies. You're going steelhead fishing soon, right?"
"That I am. Made a few nice steelhead buggers with some of my own flair, I'm excited to try them out," Dad says, all proud of himself, and Sonic relaxes as the topic changes and his father rambles about salmonids spawning and fixing up his waders. Dinner is quick after that (Sonic didn't get his fast eating habits from nowhere) and as he's helping Dad clean up in the kitchen afterwards, he gets jumpscared by a sudden statement.
"Hey Nicky, your uh, friend- boyfriend? Is welcome to meet us anytime, if he wants to."
"I know," Sonic says. He lies again. "I don't think he's ready for that yet."
"Sure, sure. Just offering," clearly sensing Sonic's hesitance, Dad changes the subject. "You wanna rewatch The Fast and the Furious with your folks or are you too tired?"
"Damn right I do," Sonic is pretty exhausted, but he's down for a movie he's seen a zillion times that requires none of his brainpower. "I could never be too tired for The Diesel."
"Then let's get these dishes over with."
They do. Sonic chills out on the ol' dull green, lumpy couch with his parents and a second cerveza and lets the movie wash over him- his mind is elsewhere. He's thinking about calling Shadow.
As the film draws to a close and his mom and dad say goodnight and begin to get ready for bed, Sonic is starting to fall asleep. He heads to his room and strips down to his boxers and socks, tired down to his bones but unwilling to break his promise to Shadow. He gets comfortable in his bed and calls his boyfriend pronto.
Shadow answers on the second ring. Quiet and rough, he says, "Sonic, good evening."
"So formal," Sonic replies. "What've you been up to, sweetpea?"
"I was resting my eyes."
"Oh, did I wake you? Sorry."
"Don't apologize. I'd rather hear your voice than sleep."
Briefly, Sonic reminisces about a time when he'd sooner guffaw at than get butterflies from that statement. In the present day, Shadow's smoky tone and cheesy words get him all warm. "Miss me that much already?"
"I do," Shadow never hesitates. "How was your dinner?"
"It was great, I, uh," Sonic needs to tell him about mentioning their relationship to his parents, keeping that under wraps would be stupid. It was a spur of the moment choice, but he highly doubts Shadow will react badly. "My parents know about us."
The sleepiness is completely wiped from the hedgehog's voice when he speaks next. "You told them of me? How much?"
He seems excited, as Sonic predicted. "Not a lot. I didn't mention that you're not human 'cause I didn't want them to think I've lost my marbles, but they know I'm seeing you."
Shadow trills. "Ah, Sonic, thank you so much. I love you."
"No need to say thanks, I was gonna have to say something eventually. My dad wanted to know if you like fishing."
"I do, I've tried it. Not the human way, however, though I'd be willing to."
"The human way?"
"With a rod and bait. I've fished with my claws and teeth."
"That tracks. Did you catch anything?"
"Is that even a question? No fish can match my speed."
Sonic chuckles, it turns into a yawn. Shadow says, "You must be tired."
"Yeah, it's been a long day, I'm gonna crash soon. Wanted to hear you before I did."
Shadow's purr is momentarily loud enough to be heard through the line. "I won't keep you long. I wanted to know... do you suppose I could meet them someday soon?"
"I dunno. I wanna, but I still think it's not a good idea."
Shadow's sigh is quiet. "I understand."
"I'm sorry, buddy."
"It's fine," but it's obvious from the way he says it, it's not fine. Struck with guilt, Sonic makes his second impulse decision of the day.
"If I gave your their address," a sharp inhale crackles from his phone's speakers, "you could come hang out with me. But only when they're not around or asleep."
"I would love that. I want to see the place you grew up."
Sonic pauses for several seconds, debating, and makes the choice. "Okay, y'know what? You can come over. But we aren't having sex with my parents around, so don't try it."
"I can wait for that," Shadow's elation is transparent in his shaky tone. "Tell me the address."
"It's 1214 Holly Street, Bunting, California."
"Let me look up pictures," Shadow says quickly. Sonic hears the distinct sound of his claws tapping on his phone screen. After ten seconds he asks, "It's a one story blue house with white trim, correct?"
"That's the one."
"I'm looking at the Zillow listing. Which room are you in?"
"Uhhh... I'm down the main hall, last door on the right. I dunno if you should use Zillow as a teleportation reference point, dude, there are boxes all over my room you might crash into. If you show up out back I can sneak you in."
"I can do that," there's static and a rush of air, and Shadow continues, "I'm on the back porch."
"I gotcha, be right there," Sonic gets out of bed and slips on the shirt he was wearing earlier. "Let me make sure my folks aren't still up, though."
"I'll wait," Shadow says, then laughs giddily. "I love you."
"I love you too. Don't forget we gotta be quiet. Mom wears earplugs 'cause Dad snores but we can't be noisy," Sonic turns the doorknob to his room as cautiously as he did when he was a kid trying to sneak out and eat sweets from the kitchen. His father's audible snoozing echoes in the hall. Whispering, he continues, "Dad's snoring. We're in the clear."
Shadow giggle-snorts and says, "I'm going to hang up now."
"'Kay, one sec," Sonic disconnects the call, carefully pads down the carpeted hallway, past the entryway, the kitchen/dining room and the family room to the back door. A small, dark silhouette waits on the porch past the sliding glass. Sonic unlocks it (the loud clunk makes him wince) and opens it (the shrieking of the door rolling makes him wince more). Shadow steps inside, Sonic shuts the door behind him and grins. His heart beats fast, nervous like he's doing something illicit. He didn't turn any lights on, he can't see much of Shadow but his slightly glowing eyes. He murmurs, "Hi, bud."
"Sonic," Shadow whispers breathlessly, like they've been apart weeks and didn't see each other literally this morning. "Thank you for letting me visit. Shall we head to your room?"
"Yeah, let's go," Sonic offers his hand to take, Shadow does. "Mom and Dad will be at work tomorrow, so we'll have the place to ourselves most of the day."
"Hehehe."
"Shhh, dude," Sonic would bet his life that Shadow's tail is wagging. He leads the hedgehog through the house and into his room, shutting the door behind him. He doesn't lock it, luckily his parents aren't the type to barge in without warning.
Shadow joins him in bed and instantly starts purring. By now, hearing that sound late at night is a sleep trigger- Sonic relaxes as Shadow snuggles up to him, he's more than ready to hit the hay. If the hedgehog was hoping for more conversation, he's out of luck.
"G'night, Shadow," Sonic mumbles. "Glad you're here."
"I love you," Shadow reiterates for the hundred millionth time. "Good night, Sonic."
Sonic returns the three words before he conks out.
He wakes up to the smell of bacon.
Shadow is curled up against the small of Sonic's back, rumbling gently with a clawed hand on his hip. As soon as he shifts, the hedgehog asks, "Are you awake?"
"Mm... kinda."
The only noise for a minute or two is Shadow's soft purr until Sonic asks, "What time is it?"
There's a shuffle and clacking of quills and claws on a plastic screen. "6:58."
"I should get up. Mom's at work already but I'd like to say bye to Dad before he leaves."
"Mhm," the hand on Sonic's waist disappears. "I'll wait for you."
As Sonic sits up, he looks behind him. On his side with an arm serving as a pillow under his head, Shadow smiles sweetly at Sonic in a way that makes him want to forget about the existence of morning breath and kiss him until he hands-free comes (it still happens sometimes). "Dad goes to work at 7:15. I'll be back after he's gone."
"Okay," Shadow says quietly, and scoots up the bed to grab Sonic's pillow and snuggle it. He wraps the thin blanket around himself so only his eyes are visible, and fuck he's so cute. Sonic feels the need to lean down and plant a kiss on his exposed forehead- he follows the urge. Shadow's purr grows louder, his giggle stutters because of it.
"Seeya in a bit," Sonic needs to stop delaying. For once, he's the one who offers the, "I love you," first.
Shadow rumbles louder and says back, "I love you too. Go see your father."
"All right. Yep. I'm going," Sonic finds his shorts from yesterday and slips them on. "Be right back."
Sonic halts by the door. Shadow teases, "If you continue saying goodbye, you'll miss him before he leaves."
"Yup. I'm not saying bye again. I'm doing it," Sonic leaves the room, waving. Shadow's clawed hand waving back is the last thing he sees before he closes the door behind him. He has to reduce the level of goofy his smile is, no need to be grinning like a lovesick loon and provoke a bunch of questions about it.
Dad is at the dining table, a cup of coffee and a plate empty except for crumbs in front of him. He says, "Mornin', Nicky," as Sonic enters the kitchen and heads straight for the bacon left out for the latest riser of the family. The three slices are cold by now, but he's not complaining.
"Mornin', Dad," he returns as he puts the plate in the microwave. "Mentally prepping for teenagers?"
"Yup. There's a few classes this year that just can't focus at all. No offense."
"None taken, I'm blaming that on the diagnosis."
"I think some of these kids need a diagnosis. Retiring is bittersweet, but I won't miss the yelling," Dad sighs. He glances at the time and gets up. "Shoot, sorry Nicky, but I've gotta run. I'll see you tonight. Your mom wanted me to remind you, you're on watering duty while you're here."
"Right, I forgot. Thanks," Sonic takes the bacon out of the microwave. "Does she want me to weed the garden while I'm at it?"
"She didn't ask, but you know she'd love that, she's been too tired to get to it. Thanks, kiddo. I'm gonna brush my teeth and go."
Dad leaves his plate and mug in the sink, pats Sonic on the back and says, "Seeya tonight."
"Seeya then. Don't forget your glasses."
"They're next to my toothbrush, I'm not forgettin' 'em," Dad makes his way down the hall, Sonic gets some water and finishes his bacon. It's not a substantial breakfast, but he'll eat more later. He follows in his father's footsteps and heads to the bathroom, the one he used to share with his siblings- there's a piece of gristle stuck in his teeth and it's annoying the crap out of him.
Sonic brushes and flosses, feeling a little bad and more than a little immature for wanting his dad to leave quickly so he can hang out with his boyfriend. The minutes pass by in a flash, though, and soon enough Sonic is exchanging a second goodbye with Dad as he leaves to go teach the next generation 8th grade science.
Sonic watches his car pull out of the driveway and until he's out of sight. Then, the excitement that he's been suppressing comes out in full force.
He grins. Time for Shadow.
Sonic returns to his room, opening the door and expecting his boyfriend to be awake. He says quietly, "Shadow?" but the hedgehog's eyes are shut and his only reply is a grumble. Fuck, he's so cute. Sonic won't complain about getting some extra sleep- he tosses his shorts and lays down, shuffling under the blanket and pulling Shadow to his chest. He smooths his boyfriend's quills down so they're not poking him (having a shirt on helps, but he still gets pricked sometimes) and snuggles close. Shadow mumbles something completely incoherent, he takes hold of Sonic's hand when it settles on his midsection.
He goes back to sleep holding hands, thumbing Shadow's soft fur as he slowly fades away.
The smile does not leave his face.
When Sonic rises again, Shadow isn't next to him. He doesn't have to wonder where his boyfriend went, he's investigating one of the boxes scattered about the room.
"Hey, Shadow," Sonic says, yawning. "Whatcha up to?"
"Looking at knick-knacks. Are these your belongings?" Shadow returns to the bed, hopping up and laying beside Sonic, facing him. "They're rather disorganized."
"Nah, that's a bunch of shit my family needs to get rid of at a garage sale or something. Someday. Some of these boxes have been here for years."
"Ah, I see," Shadow nuzzles his cheek, Sonic grins involuntarily. "What did you want to do today?"
"Usually when I'm here and my parents are out I chill and watch TV or go running. Or I look at my phone. 's kinda boring, but..."
"That's fine with me. No time spent with you is boring," the hedgehog kisses his nose, Sonic does not let loose the Shadow-esque giggle that bubbles up in his throat. Damn is he emotional. It may have taken him six months and many, many internalized justifications, but he's deep in it now.
He asks, "Feel like a movie?"
"Sure," Shadow follows as Sonic gets up and takes his hand as they walk to the TV room. As they pass by the frames on the walls, the hedgehog comments, "You have a large family."
"Yeah, I got a lot of cousins and aunts and uncles and stuff. Some of the people in the pictures are friends, though, got a lot of those too."
Shadow hums. "I see. What're we watching?"
"I was gonna ask what you're in the mood for. Feel like something that you gotta use your brain for, or?"
"I'm interested in whatever. Not horror at moment, though."
"That's fine, I'm not really in the mental space for horror either," Sonic sits his boyfriend on the couch and goes to the bookshelf where his parents store their films. "We haven't watched 21 Jump Street together yet, right?"
"No."
"Aw hell yeah, get ready. This is a classic. Kinda outdated at parts but that's a lot of buddy cop movies," Sonic puts the disc in the slot beneath the TV and flops down on the couch beside Shadow. "You'll probably like the action parts."
"I'm ready," Shadow says in a tone more serious than what is warranted for 21 Jump Street. "Play it."
He cuddles up next to Sonic as he turns the TV on and navigates through menus. After he's pressed play, Sonic (carefully. He always has to be careful) rests his hand on the top of Shadow's head and traces through the shorter quills there. The purr is completely expected.
As the movie begins and the plot kicks off, Shadow says, "These men do not look like human teenagers."
"You say that every time we watch something with grown ass dudes playing teenagers."
"In reality, no one would believe them."
"That's not the point, and we're missing the dialogue."
"Hm."
Shadow's commentary during quiet moments often involves his failure to suspend his disbelief, but he laughs and grins plenty- he's enjoying himself. When the gym teacher is revealed to be the school's drug supplier, he mutters, "I should've seen that coming."
"Just wait," Sonic is wondering how Shadow will react to that guy getting his dick shot off. When they reach the scene, Shadow barks a shocked laugh.
"It would be a tragedy if such a thing ever happened to your penis," he says, which makes Sonic cackle. The movie ends and the credits roll, Sonic asks the hedgehog if he'd like to watch another.
Shadow says, "Of course," so Sonic gets snacks, puts in Fried Green Tomatoes and holds Shadow close when he starts sniffling at the heavier parts of the film.
By the time the movie is over, Sonic's ass aches from sitting on the shitty couch for so long. Shadow says aloud what he's thinking. "This is not a very comfortable couch."
"Yeah, it's been in my dad's family for like thirty years so he refuses to get rid of it. I've fallen asleep on it before and it'll make your back hurt in places you didn't know your back could hurt."
"Ah. I can't say I think its sentimental value outweighs its," Shadow thinks for a moment, "back destroying properties."
"Mom would agree with you, she hates this thing. My folks argue about it at least once a month, like clockwork."
Shadow smiles. "Do you think we'll ever find something similar to argue about?"
"I mean, probably. We argue when you put my pans in the wrong cabinet."
"It makes more sense for them to be closer to the stove."
"I like them where I have them."
"It's inefficient."
"You only have to walk like two extra steps!"
"For me, it's four steps. And I have to climb up on the counter. Don't forget that."
Sonic laughs. "You can teleport."
"What if I don't feel like teleporting?"
"Then walk your four steps and climb on the counter, buddy. The pans aren't moving."
"I have to wash it after standing on it, you know. I keep myself clean, but having feet on your kitchen counter is unsanitary. If the pans were lower to the ground this wouldn't be a problem."
"Unless you're walking on the cutting board I don't think you need to wash it every time."
Shadow casts him a dirty look. "That's disgusting."
"Agree to disagree."
"You understand how germs function. Humans become ill so easily. I don't want to make you sick."
"Ah," that makes more sense. "I appreciate that you don't wanna get me sick, but I've kissed your feet paw bean things before, dude, if it was going to happen it would've happened from that."
Shadow's ears twitch. "I... guess so. I still don't like having to climb to get pans."
"Well, whenever I end up actually moving you can choose where the pans go."
"Would you let me organize the new kitchen?"
"Sure, why not."
"Good," Shadow gets up and stretches his arms over his head, tail doing a little wiggle, and Sonic still thinks that getting a cute animal reaction from his boyfriend is strange, but honestly he is a cute not-animal/Ultimate Lifeform/whatever the fuck. Who can't die. Who has killed before and threatens to do so again to get his way. Who started this relationship by stalking Sonic and intentionally freaking him out.
Love is weird, to put it mildly.
After checking for spots where the neighbors can't see, Sonic invites Shadow outside to sit beneath the cedar tree on the right, next to the fence and garden beds. He waters his mom's greenery and pulls up weeds creeping between established plants for a couple hours, 'til he checks the time after making what seems like okay headway (then he glances around and really takes in the amount of overgrown foliage Mom hasn't been able to get to because of work. Oof, that's a lot). It's a quarter to 4:00, which means it's time for Shadow to go home.
"Hey, buddy. My mom's gonna be back soon, so you gotta skedaddle for now."
Shadow's resting neutral expression turns sour, but he says, "Okay."
"I know you don't wanna. I'm sorry, man."
"I can't stay in your room? I wouldn't leave."
"I, uh. I'm not interested in risking you bumping into my parents."
The hedgehog huffs, "You don't know. Maybe it'd go well."
"I think you're overestimating the average person's ability to handle learning about your... whole thing... without getting freaked out about it."
"I suppose I shouldn't be disappointed. Time and time again you remind me acceptance isn't a given," Shadow snarls, and disappears. His exit is so abrupt it leaves Sonic with a pit in his stomach. He gets his phone out and sends this text:
"Sorry. I think theyd like you"
He doesn't get a reply, but as he's walking back into the house and past the kitchen Shadow reappears beside him, making him jump.
The hedgehog does not waste time. "I don't want to leave it like that. I'm... trying to be reasonable. You aren't wrong, but it still hurts."
"I know, Shadow. I want to tell them too, but- it's-"
"I am not a person. They are expecting a person."
"...Yeah."
"I want a hug before I go. Can I come back tonight, after they're asleep?"
"Sure. I'll text you," Sonic kneels to give Shadow his requested hug. "Seeya later, buddy."
"I'll wait for your message. I love you."
"Love you too."
Sonic lets him go, Shadow steps back. He vanishes in a blink, just as the front door opens. Mom enters, giving Sonic a confused look.
"Nicholas, why are you on the floor?"
"Uh. Dropped my phone."
That night, after discussing work with his parents (Mom is a number cruncher for a wastewater treatment plant) and telling them the least possible details about his career of sorts, they watch another movie (it's The Shawshank Redemption this time). Sonic starts to fall asleep halfway through, but losing consciousness upon his parents' couch is a dangerous (back-breaking) game. He keeps himself awake by remembering that Shadow would take it badly if he fell asleep without texting.
By the time Dad is snoring, Sonic is in bed and three minutes from dreamland. He sends, "Coast is clear but im going to sleep jsyk" and watches the typing bubbles appear immediately afterwards. They disappear, and instead of messaging, the hedgehog pops into existence in a spot not occupied by boxes. He doesn't offer a greeting, just hops up onto the bed and lays down, his face against Sonic's chest.
"Something on your mind?" Sonic asks, voice low.
"Nothing important. I want to rest with you," Shadow's words are equally hushed. "I'm tired."
"If you're sure. Night, dude."
Shadow tells him goodnight, and again they exchange those three words.
That's Thursday.
Friday is much the same. Parents go to work, Sonic lays around and does jack shit with Shadow, the hedgehog leaves when mom and pop come back, he returns when they retire for the evening. It's as Sonic is looking at social media, sitting up in bed before he goes to sleep that he remembers to break it to Shadow that they can't be together most of Saturday or Sunday.
"Hey, Shadow?"
His boyfriend is resting beside Sonic, looking at his own phone. "Hm?"
"My parents don't work on the weekends, so we won't be hanging out tomorrow or the next day."
"...I see."
"Sorry, buddy."
"I understand. You'll message me, though, won't you?"
"I will. And I mean, you can still come over at night."
"I'll miss you."
"We won't be apart that long."
"Tell me you'll miss me too," Shadow demands.
"I'll miss you too," and it's not a lie.
Sonic keeps himself alert as long as he can talking about whatever, in the hopes of extending their time together.
He wouldn't be surprised if Shadow's reasons for staying up until 2:00am were the exact same.