Archive of Our Own ^beta

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.

Chapter Text

Saturday is family chores day. Sonic didn't get enough sleep, but he helps catch up on dishes, cleans counters, and joins his parents in the garden to continue weeding. The whole time, he's considering introducing Shadow to them.

He's trying to look at it realistically, but looking at it realistically is impossible- it's not realistic in the first place, Sonic has no idea how to anticipate how it might go. He can conjure a million scenarios where his parents think he's batshit insane. It's hard to imagine them having zero issues with it.

They aren't the sort of people who'd disown him, as long as he hasn't committed any horrific crimes. They're not uptight when it comes to gay people and they believe that love is love, even if Dad sometimes forgets Sonic is bisexual.

It's rather unfortunate that his relationship with Shadow is a horrific crime if viewed through a certain lens.

Looking at it through the most logical and straightforward filter he can manage, Sonic comes to the conclusion that his parents will be extremely weirded out. He was extremely weirded out for a while there himself, so the process should be similar. Hopefully they'll come to terms with it, see that Sonic actually cares about Shadow and vice versa, and not kick him out and think he's attracted to actual animals or something.

Sonic makes a choice then and there. He looks at his parents, both pulling weeds in peaceful quiet, and speaks up. "Shadow wants to meet you guys."

Mom and Dad suddenly wear twin expressions of interest and excitement. Dad questions, "You said he wasn't ready?"

"Yeah, that wasn't true- he's, um," Sonic pulls a weed out of the ground, shakes the excess dirt off its roots and throws it in the huge pile he's been making for the past hour. "He's not a typical guy. He really wants to get to know you, but he's... I dunno. You're accepting but I don't want you to judge him."

There's a pause. Mom asks, "Is he transgender? You know we don't have problems with those people."

"Well-" Sonic starts, and then stops, because one: that's an invasive question on Mom's part, and two: does Shadow consider himself transgender? He once mentioned routinely injecting himself with experimental synthetic testosterone many decades ago and he likes what it did to him, said he considers himself male and doesn't give a shit about what weak, powerless humans think of that. That doesn't mean he uses that specific word for himself. Sonic gives an accidental answering non-answer. "That's personal and not what I meant, he's just really different and I dunno how you'll react to him. Actually, y'know what, I need to speak to him about this."

Mom and Dad exchange a glance. Dad speaks up. "We won't judge you for loving who you love."

Yup, Sonic is aware of that. Yet somehow it's never that easy. He nods, gets up and takes his gardening gloves off. They're left by his pile of weeds. "I know. And I love you for that, but I'm gonna go talk to him. I'll be right back."

"Okay, Nicky. Have a good talk," Dad says. Mom echoes the sentiment, and Sonic pulls his phone from his pocket as he goes inside and walks to his room.

He sends, "Shad u busy"

Predictably, Shadow answers within less than a minute. "No, what do you need?"

As he steps into his bedroom he replies. "Spoke w my parents about them meeting u and i think we should do it. Call me"

Shadow does not call, he teleports into Sonic's room beside his bed. The hedgehog beams, dashes to him and hugs him around the midsection, nearly knocking him over into the hallway.

"Jeez! Buddy! There was no guarantee I would be in here, you shoulda called."

"But you were here," Shadow purrs, stepping back and holding one of Sonic's hands in both of his own. "When can I meet them?"

"I dunno, that's what I was gonna discuss with you. Tomorrow would be better in case it goes bad, 'cause then I won't be here for an extra day if things are off."

Shadow deflates slightly. "That makes sense."

"And y'know, I was thinking about it and my parents aren't, like, super prudish conservatives. They're definitely gonna be confused and have questions but they're probably not gonna be hateful or anything."

"I doubted they would be. Hateful humans tend not to raise lovely sons," Shadow punctuates this with a kiss on the back of Sonic's hand.

He chuckles. "Flatterer."

"You know I mean it sincerely."

"I do. Oh, and by the way, if you say a single thing about our sex life in front of my parents, we ain't gonna have a sex life for a while. I'm not kidding around. Got it?"

Shadow nods gravely. "I won't. I promise."

"All right, and I don't think we should tell them too much stuff about work. Talking about you at all is already leaking government secrets."

"It's not easy to disentangle my existence from your place of employment."

"We can figure out how to work around that when we get it to it, we have time. Um, so... I think we should try taking it slow. Introduce them to you without explaining the extra complicated stuff for now."

"That seems wise, but they're bound to ask how I came to be. Can we not say what I am in honesty?"

"Yeah, no, might as well admit you're a space alien. It's not like-"

"Sonic," Shadow interrupts hastily, wide eyed.

"-there's any other plausible- what?"

From behind him, Mom's voice trembles minutely, "Nicholas, what- what is that?"

Oh no.

Shit. Oops. Fuck. There wasn't a plan for how the meeting would go, but this definitely wasn't it. Sonic spins around to see his mother standing stock-still in the hallway behind him at the same time he blurts, "Mom, we can explain."

"Hello, Mrs. Anderson-Gonzalez," Shadow says politely, recovering from his surprise fast and taking a step to the side so he's next to Sonic. "It's nice to meet you."

Mom appears completely baffled and slightly terrified. "Is it real?"

"I'm not an 'it'," Shadow grumbles. "My name is Shadow."

Upon hearing this, she raises her voice. " That's Shadow ?! Are you- is this- is this some kinda joke?"

Shadow's ears flatten and his muzzle wrinkles. He says lowly, "I'm not a joke."

Before either of them can rile each other further, Sonic cuts in. "Mom, I told you he's different and that I didn't want you to judge him."

"I thought you were talking about a human man! Not a- did you say he was an alien?" Mom stares in stunned disbelief. "He's not an animatronic?"

"I'm made of flesh and blood, same as you," Shadow huffs, crossing his arms.

Mom watches him for a moment as she takes a deep breath. She lets it out slowly, then she speaks to Sonic. "Nicholas. You're in a relationship with an animal."

Yeah, that's what Sonic was afraid of. Shadow rebuts before he can. The hedgehog points a claw at her, Mom's eyes narrow at it. "Humans always insist on separating themselves from other animals. Apply your logic to me. My brain is highly developed and I'm bipedal, therefore I'm not an animal."

This briefly stumps Mom. "You have fur."

"You have hair."

"You're tiny."

"And?"

Mom meets Sonic's nervous gaze and asks, "How did he get here?"

"He can teleport."

"He can- okay," she drags her hand down her face. "Nick. How long has this been going on?"

"Like six months?"

"Six mo- all right. All right," Mom takes another deep breath. "I don't want to keep talking about this while standing in the hallway and your father needs to know. You two, go sit on the couch."

"Are you gonna-"

"Now," Mom's voice is stern. Sheepish, Sonic nods and passes by her towards the opposite end of the house. Shadow follows, obviously. The energy of the room sucks balls, Mom goes outside as Sonic and Shadow sit side by side on the piece of furniture that is just as uncomfortable as the atmosphere.

Quietly, the hedgehog says, "It was naïve of me to hope it would be easy, but that's not how it works."

"I wish it was easy, dude. I really do," Sonic had been sorta getting his hopes up too.

Shadow exhales heavily. "I was blinded by my optimism. You make me feel like anything is possible, I suppose that caused me to misjudge reality."

"It's okay-" Sonic shuts up as the back door screeches while it opens and his parents enter.

The first thing Dad says is, "Oh. You weren't trying to play a prank."

"Since when do I play pranks?" Mom sits on one of the adjacent sofa chairs by the couch, hard look on her face. Dad follows suit, completely flabbergasted.

Shadow repeats his previous polite greeting. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Anderson-Gonzalez. My name is Shadow."

"Uhhh, nice to meet you too, Shadow. You're... my son's boyfriend...?"

"I am."

"That's," Dad glances at Mom. "What do I say?"

"I don't know anymore," is her flat response. "Nicholas, tell your father what you told me."

Sonic frowns. "Tell him what specifically?"

"That you've been in a relationship with a talking animal for six months."

"I told you, I'm not an animal," Shadow hisses. "I possess autonomy. I act upon my own free will."

Dad asks awkwardly, "How did you meet?"

Thrown off by the normal, far less judgemental question, Sonic replies, "He lives where I work."

"Got it, the NDA work. And how did he get from Nevada to Washington to here?"

Shadow vanishes and reappears in front of the TV. "Like this," he says, and returns to the couch in a flash.

"Holy beans," Dad startles as Mom swears emphatically. "We're not having a collective hallucination, right?"

"I can assure you I am very real," Shadow crosses his legs and leans back. "And I'd like your approval to court your son, but I won't stop pursuing him if you take issue with me."

Sonic's parents are silent. Sonic himself is drowning in the tension. Shadow appears largely unaffected, but his slightly turned back ears betray his uneasiness.

Finally, Dad addresses Sonic, "Kiddo, this is... bizarre, I won't lie. But you like him and-"

Mom interrupts. "He's not a human being."

Sonic sighs, "Yeah, I had to get over that too."

"As I was saying," Dad continues, "you like him, you said he's not a jerk, and you're adults who can make your own decisions. I'm not gonna get in your way."

"Chris! That's not-" Mom starts and Dad stops her.

"We said we'd accept him no matter who he chose."

She sits back in her chair. Takes a moment. Her eyes dart between Sonic and Shadow, awaiting her judgement on the shitty couch. She says, "I need time."

Shadow nods. "Take your time. Thank you for hearing us out."

That melts her frigid exterior a little. "At least you're polite. Chris, can I talk to you?"

"Sure."

Mom gets up, Dad mimics her. She orders, "Don't go anywhere. We'll be in our room."

Shadow says, "We'll stay," and Sonic hums, "Mhm."

His parents disappear down the hallway, lowered voices vanishing as their bedroom door opens and shuts. Sonic relaxes slightly and grabs Shadow's hand. "Jeez, that was scary."

"It could've gone better. It could've gone worse, too," Shadow squeezes his palm, silky fur and soft pawpads a comfort to hold.

"You handled it pretty well. I'm sorry Mom was rude to you."

"As she said, she needs time. The sentiments she expressed aren't anything I haven't heard before."

He's not wrong, Sonic had the same attitude many months ago. "She'll come 'round. Dad being okay with us will help there."

At this, Shadow perks up. "Do you think they'd let me stay for dinner? I could cook."

"That's not a bad idea."

"Do they like chili dogs as much as you do?"

"My ma's not a huge fan but Dad likes 'em. If you wanna really lay it on thick for Mom's approval, we could make your stir fry. That shit is to die for."

"I want to. Let's go," determined, the hedgehog hops down from the couch and marches to the kitchen. He takes his phone from his quills and says, "It's just past 5:00. Perfect timing," then puts the device back. Shadow maneuvers one of the dining room table chairs in front of the sink to wash his hands as he asks, "Does your mother keep her pans in a top cabinet too?"

"Yep," Sonic says, following behind and retrieving the biggest nonstick pan for Shadow.

"Now I see where you got it from."

"I'm pretty sure it's not weird to keep pans in top cabinets."

Shadow huffs and doesn't respond to that. Instead he moves the chair to the stove and commands, "Wash your hands, then check the fridge and see what vegetables they have."

"Gotcha."

As Sonic is retrieving a variety of greens from the fridge and Shadow is looking at spices in the drawer beside the stove, Sonic's parents reemerge. Mom's face is a bit pinched, Dad is neutral. He's the one who asks, "What're you two doing?"

"Making dinner. Shadow's stir fry is awesome," Sonic answers as his parents sit at the dining table. "So, uh, are we cool?"

"We're cool," Mom's words are rather toneless.

"Okay. Great. You guys are just gonna sit there and watch while we cook, then?"

Mom says dryly, "Exposure therapy."

"Whatever works, I guess," Sonic internally shrugs. This can't be any more awkward than it already is. He turns his attention to Shadow. "You find what you were looking for, bud?"

"No, there's no white pepper. I have premade sauce and marinated sliced flank steak at the apartment, I'm going to get that."

"All right, can you grab the wok while you're there?"

"I was planning on it. Be right back," Shadow vanishes, Sonic puts the pan he got out away. All the sudden he realizes he's alone with his parents, whose dual stares are giving him the screaming meemies.

"Um," the dead air is killing Sonic. "He's a really good cook."

Mom does not verbalize her thoughts, all she does is raise her brows. Dad says, "Your mom said you said he's an alien. Does he have a spaceship?"

Sonic laughs, a bit strained. "Nah, he crash landed to Earth in a meteorite."

"He survived that?"

"He's, uh, hardy," Sonic says. He still thinks bringing up the immortal thing in no uncertain terms is too much for one day. "It's hard to put a scratch on that guy."

Mom opens her mouth to speak just as Shadow reappears with his arms full of supplies. She closes her mouth as he climbs up on the chair, placing the wok on the stove. Shadow asks, "Sonic, have you started washing the vegetables yet?"

"Nah, I'll get on that."

The quiet is only slightly more comfortable as he preps veggies and Shadow gets to work on the beef. Little conversation is exchanged except for Shadow's instructions and Mom and Dad's hushed exchanges, and yeah, the vibes are still majorly off. While Shadow is crisping greens in the wok, Dad speaks up.

"Shadow, have you ever tried fishing?"

The hedgehog offers the same answer he gave Sonic. "Not the human way. I've caught fish with my hands before."

"Impressive. Ever seen a king salmon run?"

"Run?" Shadow asks, totally serious. "They don't have legs."

Dad's chuckle breaks some of the tension. "Not that kinda run. I'm talking about their spawning season."

"I've watched nature documentaries with Sonic that mentioned them, but I haven't witnessed such an event in person."

"It's a miracle. So many fish journeying more miles than any of us can comprehend. Have you ever been to Alaska?"

Sonic does not say shit, he's mentally fist pumping that Dad is forgoing questioning Shadow about his existence and getting autistic about fish instead (he's diagnosed. Dad doesn't call his special interests that particular modern term, but that's what they are). Shadow nods. "I've been to every country, state, and province in the world at least once, but mostly in places where humans won't witness me. I visited Alaska a year ago to see the Northern Lights."

"Being able to teleport must be so convenient. How do you do that? Do you know?"

Okay, scratch that about questioning Shadow about his existence. Dad is surely interested in the science of it, Sonic himself hasn't worried too much about the specifics of teleportation. Shadow stirs the vegetables and gives a noncommittal, "I don't know. I may have learned and forgotten, but much of the raw data that was gathered about my body is inaccessible to me."

"And that's where we run into the NDA stuff," Sonic hastily jumps into the conversation. "Is the food almost done?"

"Yes. It's nearly there."

Finally, Mom speaks up. "It smells amazing."

Shadow trills and it causes both of Sonic's parents to jump. Like nothing happened, the hedgehog says, "Thank you. I hope it's to your tastes."

"I'm not trying to be rude, but what was that?" Mom asks. "The sound."

"A vocalization of appreciation," Shadow answers.

"He makes birdie noises when he's happy," Sonic adds unnecessarily.

Hesitant, Mom says, "Okay," and then, "How did you end up... together?"

Now there's a question Sonic should've come up with a lie for. Shadow's habit of just saying shit does not do them any favors. "I saw him, I had to have him, and I made him mine."

"D-Dude," Sonic stutters. That's a truth bomb his parents are not going to understand. To the other humans in the room, who both look varying degrees of confused/concerned, Sonic clarifies, "We met while I was working. I wasn't supposed to be talking to him, 'cause of... reasons. But I did anyways. And we kept talking and it's history."

"You know, we could tell them about the nature of your work. They're under my protection, the powers that be can't threaten them without incurring my wrath."

Sonic lowers his voice. "Yeah, but- we're dropping info in baby steps, Shadow! We gotta do it one bombshell at a time. Okay?"

"Hm," Shadow turns the stove off and moves the wok off the hot burner. "Dinner is ready. Please enjoy."

"Are you gonna eat?" Sonic addresses him. "Or go get yourself coffee beans."

"I'm going to eat."

"I'll get you a bowl, then."

Sonic gets bowls and cutlery for the group as his parents stand and enter the kitchen (both of whom seem uneasy). Shadow picks up his chair with an "Excuse me," as he carries it past them and returns it to the table.

Sonic collects two bowlfuls of veggies and beef for himself and his boyfriend and brings them over. Shadow is eyeing the chair he was just carrying. "Hey, buddy, if you need a boost you can get my pillow to sit on."

"I'll do that," Shadow warps to and from Sonic's room in less than five seconds, pillow acquired. He remains a little short when he sits, even though he's resting on his calves, but it works well enough.

Sonic's parents get their food, joining them at the dining table.

Okay, now what?

Dad is the one to break the tense nothingness happening. He shovels a forkful of stir fry in his mouth and hums as he chews. "Damn, this is really good. Thanks for cooking, Shadow."

That prompts Mom to try it. Once she starts to eat she doesn't stop. To Sonic's utter delight, she says, "Chris is right. You'll have to share your recipe with me."

Shadow's trill startles them again. "Thank you. I've spent many years practicing."

"How old are you?" Mom wonders aloud. Before Sonic can stop him, Shadow responds honestly.

"Somewhere between 80 and 90. I'm unsure of my precise age."

Mom chokes, Dad thumps her on the back when she coughs. "You're what?!" she wheezes when her airways are clear.

Shadow's brows furrow. "Is that a problem?"

"I- he's- Nicholas," Mom's intense gaze makes Sonic squirm. "He's older than us."

"I know?" Sonic shrugs. "He's not taking advantage of me, I'm an adult."

Okay, that's a partial lie. He was taking advantage of Sonic- the absurd age gap was not the reason for it, though, and he isn't anymore so it shouldn't be an issue. Sonic recognizes the logic there is flawed, but he's consenting to it. Even if his consent was shaky at the start. Did he stockholm syndrome himself? Maybe that's something to contemplate while not at the dinner table.

Mom sighs long-sufferingly, "Okay."

Dad shrugs and says to her, "It's not the strangest thing we've heard tonight."

She sounds resigned. "I guess not."

"I only have 60 years of intact memory anyways."

"Let's not get into that right now," Sonic gently

elbows Shadow. "Eat your food, it's gonna get cold."

The hedgehog nods and the mildly uncomfortable ambiance settles like a lead weight on Sonic's shoulders. Eating without conversation for a few minutes is excruciating. When he can't take it anymore he asks, "Did you guys wanna watch something tonight? I was thinking Men in Black, Shadow's never seen it and he likes making fun of alien movies."

Dad says, "Sure, Nicky."

Mom shakes her head. "I'm retiring early after this."

"Ah, 'kay."

Cue more painful silence. Mom finishes her bowl and stands. "Thank you again for dinner. We can do the dishes tomorrow, leave them in the sink."

"You're welcome," Shadow hesitates. "...I'm grateful I could meet you."

"It's been interesting to meet you," Mom's response makes Sonic wince. "I'm going to read. I'll see you tomorrow."

She puts her empty bowl in the kitchen sink. As she leaves, Sonic says quietly, "Later, ma."

Dad's lips thin. "You two can enjoy Men in Black, I'm gonna chat with her again. For the record, I think this is very strange, but if you make each other happy I don't see anything wrong with it."

"All right, Dad. Good night. Thanks for trying to understand."

"I enjoyed meeting you as well. I would love to hear more about your fishing, at another time," Shadow offers Dad a small, genuine smile. "Have a good night, Mr. Anderson-Gonzalez."

"Call me Chris, my students call me Mr. Anderson-Gonzalez," he gets up, and with the hand not holding his bowl he offers the hedgehog a fist bump. Shadow blinks and his smile becomes a grin as he knocks his knuckles against Dad's. "Later, kiddos."

"I'm older than you."

"It still applies," Dad puts his bowl away, and then he's off.

The sound of a door clicking shut down the hall incites Sonic to speak. "Well, I'm not in the mood for a movie anymore. Do you wanna watch stupid videos?"

"Yeah."

"Let's do the dishes first. I know Mom said we could worry about 'em tomorrow, but she'll appreciate it if we take care of them now."

"I'd prefer to get on your mother's good side."

"We'll work on that."

After cleaning, Shadow brings the wok home. He's only gone for ten seconds, but Sonic is struck with a really dumb pang of longing. His boyfriend's clinginess seems to have infected him.

That may be a good thing, if Shadow plans on keeping him for as long as he lives.

Sitting on the couch is undesirable, so Sonic's bed is the location of choice to watch Instagram reels. He's honed his algorithm to show him the finest garbage, and not every video is funny but significant number of them are. He and Shadow are snuggled together, laughing at a ten second clip of a guy spectacularly failing a backflip into a pool when someone knocks.

"Nicholas?" it's Mom.

"One sec," Sonic gets up and opens his door. "What's up?"

Her eyes dart behind him to where Shadow casually rests in his bed. She says, "Come with me, please."

"Okay?"

Shadow sits up and she says, "Alone."

The hedgehog doesn't fight, he does frown though. Sonic says to his boyfriend, "Be right back."

Mom leads him down the hallway, past the paintings and picture frames and into the dining room. She stands there, arms crossed, and poses a single question. "Nick. Are you happy with him?"

"Yeah, I am," he is. In spite of everything. "I really am."

"I can tell," Mom's voice is quiet. "I don't want to be in the way of your happiness."

"I know it's super weird and it takes some getting used to, but Shadow is nice, and I-"

"Stop."

Sonic stops.

Mom goes on. "You don't need to explain it to me. Chris was right, you can make your own choices. I just wanted to tell you I love you."

"I love you too, ma," it's been a long day, Sonic is trying not to tear up. "Thanks."

"Give me a hug and I'll let you go."

"M'kay," the embrace is warm, and Sonic feels the most at peace he's felt in hours. There's one thing, though. As they draw apart, Sonic tells her, "I'd appreciate it if you apologized to Shadow. You don't gotta do it right now but you weren't kind to him."

"I know. I will," Mom sighs. "Good night, Nicholas. Thank you for doing the dishes."

"Of course. Night, Mom."

They return to their respective rooms. Shadow is where Sonic left him, laying on his side with his phone in hand. As he comes closer, Sonic says, "Mom said she wants us to be happy."

The hedgehog places his phone in his quills and shuffles close as Sonic lays down with him. "I didn't expect her to change her mind so quickly."

"Honestly, I wouldn't say she's changed her mind yet. I think she's accepted there's nothing she can do about it and Dad probably pressured her a bit. She'll figure it out with more time."

"I was right that hateful humans don't often raise kind sons," Shadow scoots up as Sonic lays down, leaning partly over him. He lurks, only inches between their faces, but doesn't bridge the gap.

"I mean, having crappy parents doesn't guarantee you'll be an asshole. That's a personal choice."

"You know what I mean," Shadow doesn't talk louder than a whisper, hand coming to rest on Sonic's chest. "Their kindness influences yours."

"Nature versus nurture or whatever," Sonic says, and Shadow dips down to kiss him.

So, the facts: Shadow gets worked up from kissing even when it's innocent. He struggles to control himself. He's loud. Sonic's parents are two rooms away. Mom is somewhat tolerant of but unsure of his thing with Shadow and aggravating her is the last thing Sonic wants to do. With all that in mind, he gives Shadow a minute of non-intense lip contact before he breaks it off. The hedgehog trails him, trying to reinitiate connection. Sonic puts a hand between their faces.

"That's enough, sweetpea."

Shadow whines softly. "It's not enough."

"You get too excited. Let's watch more Instagram videos or something instead," Sonic thumbs Shadow's fuzzy cheek with the palm that previously blocked access to his mouth.

Shadow growls weakly, more a vibration than an audible sound. "I could take you home right now, then your progenitors wouldn't be a determining factor."

"Don't call my parents progenitors and I'm tired and not in the mood. Today's been kinda overwhelming," knowing he can influence Shadow with corniness, Sonic leans into it. "But if you wait, when we get home on Monday, I'll take you to bed and make love to you 'til you scream."

Shadow shivers. "Promise?"

"Promise."

Shadow presses a peck on Sonic's lips, then he backs off. He gets comfy next to Sonic, mumbling, "Show me more videos of people acting like idiots."

"You got it, boss."

And that's Saturday.

Sonic shifts in the wrong way the next morning and wakes himself by stabbing his hand on Shadow's quills.

"Ow! Hngh," bleary eyed, he raises his palm to inspect the damage and finds a few pinprick marks on his fingers. Shadow gains consciousness quickly, his nose twitching where it rests pressed into Sonic's shoulder. He sits up, taking Sonic's wrist in his hand.

"Sorry," the hedgehog murmurs and kisses it better (literally. The tiny wounds vanish when his lips touch skin). He lets Sonic's wrist go. "You're so fragile."

"Thanks, bud," Sonic yawns. "Really needed that one."

"You are. Your skin tears like paper."

"Yeah, humans are squishy, I know," Sonic rises and stretches. He grabs his phone from where he'd left it by his pillow the night previous, checking the time. It's just past 7. "Doesn't sound like Mom and Dad are up yet. We could get the jump on 'em and make breakfast for more brownie points."

"Let's do it," Shadow nods. "What would you like to make?"

"How about we look in the fridge and see what the options are?"

"Okay," and down the hall they go- what a strange a pair they make. Sonic understands his mom's perspective on it. He's just so far past that point that it's hard to relate to it now. This ridculous relationship has changed him permanently. It's like nothing else on the planet, literally.

It might be forever.

Is forever really so bad?

Sonic assists Shadow in the kitchen making waffle batter from scratch, and that's all he thinks about as they putter around. Whatever the future ends up being, the hedgehog has made it clear that he intends for Sonic to be a (semi)permanent facet of his unending life. It's not like Sonic ponders his own death often, that freaks him out on an existential level, but knowing his partner will continue on eternally after he's gone is uncomfortable. He tries not to do shit that would shorten his lifespan, so hopefully Sonic has a while. His forever may not be quite like Shadow's, but it's intimidating either way.

Yet it isn't giving him cold feet anymore.

Sonic has been saying "I love you" for months. It felt off kilter at the beginning, now it makes him ache pleasantly. Caring about how utterly, inherently strange it is only ever brought him grief, so why should he? He may as well cozy up to the idea of forever, it's not going away.

But forever is later. Right now, Sonic has this.

As they're eating at the dining table (Shadow got the pillow to sit on again), Dad walks in. He does a double take upon seeing the hedgehog and mumbles, "Right. How'd I forget."

"Mornin', Dad," Sonic greets.

"Good morning," Shadow gestures at the kitchen. "We made enough for everyone."

"Thanks, you two. I'm gonna get some coffee going."

"I'd like a cup, please."

"Sure. What about you, Nicky?"

"I'll pass, thanks."

It's quiet again, just the sounds of utensils clicking and Dad getting started on the coffee. That's when Mom walks in.

She says, "Mornin'," in the same way the rest of her immediate family does, but then continues as she approaches and stops by the table, "Shadow, I'd like to start over. I'm sorry I didn't treat you like a person."

"I accept your apology," Shadow replies evenly. "But I'm not a person."

Mom furrows her brows at that statement, sitting across from them. "Aren't you?"

"To be a person is to be human."

"You said you have free will. That's personhood."

"A person functions in society. I don't."

Mom says, "You made breakfast and dinner. That's part of functioning in society."

Okay, great, if Mom is willing to debate with Shadow about what makes someone an individual, that's a big step in the right direction. Even if the topic is a little much for almost 8 in the morning.

"Part of it, yes. But I can't participate normally under most circumstances. The only reason I'm not contained like other anomalous entities is because I-"

Sonic barges in with, "Should we be telling them that?"

"I think it's no matter. Like I said, your parents are under my protection."

Mom looks at him critically. "How would you even protect us?"

Sonic and Shadow make eye contact. Sonic thinks for a moment, shrugs, and says, "Drop the bombshell, let's get it over with."

Dad sits by Mom just in time for Shadow to say, "I'm immortal."

Mom blinks and opens and closes her mouth. Dad hums, "Hm. That explains why you're so spry for 80 some-odd years old."

Mom says, "I still don't understand how you'd protect us."

Shadow hops off his chair and stands a few steps away from the table. He holds out an arm, sparking reddish energy crawls in arcs over his fur. He shakes his hand off after a few seconds, the lightshow dissolves into thin air, and he returns to the table. "Like that. I possess other abilities as well."

"...Huh," Dad says. Mom is silent.

After a few seconds of nothing, Sonic asks, "So, uh, are you gonna try the waffles, ma?"

She does.

She eats, thanks them for the food and offers to do the dishes because they cooked, and cracks her first smile of the morning when both of them insist on taking care of it. And to Sonic's delight, she says, "If you wanted to watch Men in Black 2 tonight..."

"We didn't end up watching the first one last night, so we could start at the beginning," Sonic offers, getting his hopes up high.

He beams when she says, "Okay."

Something like normalcy settles over the household after that. As normal as it could ever be.

As expected, Mom and Dad have many more who-what-when-where-how-why's to ask. Sonic answers honestly (he leaves out the coercion and sexual stuff) as he sits in the backyard with his family and his boyfriend. Shadow rests beneath the cedar tree as they finish cleaning up the garden, chiming in every so often. That changes when Mom and Shadow start discussing classic works of literature, neither Sonic nor his father can get a word in edgewise.

He's not paying full attention when the "is Shadow a person" topic gets brought up again, Sonic tunes in when he hears his boyfriend say, "I suppose personhood is decided by the individual. I am not one legally, and I'm not recognized as a person by some humans."

"Do you think that immigrants in the US who came here illegally aren't people?" Mom asks, straightforward but not harsh.

"No. They're humans- humans are people regardless of legal status. That's the distinction. On no level do I qualify as a person, both by species and by every definition of the word."

"I'll point out what you said about your autonomy and intelligence again. If nothing else, that makes you a person."

"I think that makes me autonomous and intelligent, not a person."

"We'll have to disagree," Mom shrugs. "I'm not sure why you wouldn't want to be recognized as a person anyways."

"Being nonhuman restricts my life in many ways. I'm not one of you. Sometimes I wish I could forget that, or that I could change what I am, but I cannot allow myself the delusion that I'm a person," after a short, uncomfortable pause he adds, "It just makes it hurt worse when I'm reminded that I can't be with Sonic in ways a human partner could. I can't go on typical dates, I can't meet your family without conflict, I can't marry him. I can't be seen with him outside of his workplace. I'll," he struggles with his next few words, noticeably upset, "inevitably out- outlive him."

"I'm sorry," Mom speaks softly. "Life is unfair, I know the feeling. We know the feeling. But you're living anyways, aren't you? Finding meaning in what you can have?"

"Yes," Shadow doesn't hesitate. He never does. "It's not perfect, yet it is. I didn't know what I was made for, for the longest time. Sonic helped me realize- it's love. That's why I exist."

That is so unbearably mushy, goofy as all hell, totally cheeseball- and it's making Sonic's face warm. Both of his parents are silent, equally as wide eyed as one another. Sonic stutters, "U-Um, dude, maybe that was a bit much."

Opening his mouth was a mistake. Shadow narrows his eyes. "I'm not ashamed to say I love you and that I find purpose in it. I'd shout it from the rooftops if not for the consequences."

"Yeah, y'know- just- 's a lot."

Shadow huffs, Dad chimes in. "That's a nice purpose to have."

Shadow smiles beatifically. "Isn't it? I spent so much time feeling aimless, like I was a shell. I met Sonic and I," he trails off, his smile fades. "I don't remember why. It feels familiar, but- I- he reminds me of being cherised."

That confusing declaration marks the beginning of yet another silence that feels like it's turning the air to sludge. It drags on for at least five painful seconds until Sonic's words slice through the quiet. "I'm glad I make you feel that way, sweetpea."

The saccharine pet name slipped out unintentionally, only adding to the strained atmosphere. Sonic isn't taking it back, though. Dad clears his throat, Mom continues pulling up foliage. She's awkward but earnest when she says, "If you love each other, that's what matters."

"We do," Shadow is confident as ever. "I want to change for the better, to understand, for him," and while staring directly at Sonic, "I'm trying."

"You're doing really well," Sonic affirms, or at least he tries to. "Dealing with us humans and stuff."

Shadow snorts. "I've always dealt with you humans. I'm simply grateful for your love, and for the fact that your parents aren't those who would shun me."

"Of course we wouldn't," Dad says. "You may not be what we were expecting, but if you're a good person, I don't care. I said person, but- that's- you know what I meant."

"What makes a 'good person' is subjective, but like I said, I'm trying. I want to be whatever 'good' is to Sonic."

"You are. You listen and compromise and things like that," Sonic looks to his parents. "You guys wouldn't have stayed together 36 years if you didn't, right?"

"No, we wouldn't've," Mom agrees. "Shadow, you don't call yourself a person, but a good person is someone who tries. If you're trying, that's more than enough. Lots of 'us humans' don't try and don't want to. You're already past them."

Shadow looks down at his hands, mouth in a wobbly line, then he glances up. "That means a lot to me. Thank you, Mrs. Anderson-Gonzalez."

"Anytime."

The chatter lightens in tone after that and the vibes are significantly improved. Sonic tries not to smile too stupidly as the hours pass and the group gets along. Shadow somehow manages to avoid saying anything too bizarre (many of the things he says are a little bizarre, but his existence is characteristically unusual, that can only be mitigated so much). It's strange to be proud of his boyfriend for not mentioning sex a single time, but the hedgehog defies his track record and doesn't reveal anything TMI. Sonic is so damn grateful for it.

It's one thing for his parents to know that Shadow loves him and that love is returned. It's another thing for them to know that he regularly sticks his dick in an extraterrestrial, diminutive fuzzball. Sure, it's not like they're incapable of coming to that conclusion- most people in relationships do the horizontal tango- but Sonic would prefer they don't think about it, in the same way he prefers not to think about how he and his siblings were conceived.

Around 5 or so, everyone goes back inside. Sonic's parents are willing to compromise and get takeout so Shadow can participate. They were going to visit a nice restaurant for the last night of the visit, but Shadow's ears droop when Mom mentions bringing back leftovers for him and that's enough to convince her to stay home. The hedgehog's puppy dog eyes are working already.

So, pizza's for dinner, and the group relocates to the TV room to start Men in Black up. Sonic and Shadow take the shitty couch, the older humans take the chairs. As the movie begins and the badly animated dragonfly dodges cars over the opening credits, Shadow asks, "Why is this dragonfly flying at night?"

Sonic replies, "I dunno, they probably didn't think about that while they were making it."

"They could've used a mosquito."

"They didn't, though."

Mom butts in with, "Will you two be chatting the whole movie?"

Sonic says, "Sorry, ma, we'll keep it down," and whispers to Shadow, "Ask questions when it's over, 'kay?"

"Hmph."

Shadow stays quiet and Sonic is impressed by his restraint. He's clearly liking it, though, how could he not? Men in Black is a classic. Though he does mumble, "Movie aliens rarely have fur."

Dad overhears. "Have you seen Star Wars?"

"Not yet. Sonic and I plan on watching those soon."

Mom shushes them, right in time for Agent K to say, "A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals, and you know it."

No one says anything after that. All focus is on the film. Shadow is locked in, he's not speaking a word and it doesn't seem like he's holding himself back from commenting. He's just enjoying the movie.

Maybe Men in Black was a kinda pointed flick to choose to watch with Shadow and his parents, but Sonic doesn't regret suggesting it. The alien commentary is more than relevant, and also Will Smith is cute. Can't forget that. He does make the suit look good.

The Bug is defeated, Agent J neuralyzes Agent K, and the catchy end credits song begins. Mom pauses it and the room is noiseless for several seconds. Finally, she speaks. "It never gets old."

"Nah, it really doesn't," Sonic grins.

"I'd like to see the second one," Shadow says. "I enjoyed the aliens."

"No notes? Nothing to poke fun at?" Sonic unthinkingly slides a hand into Shadow's quills, brushing through them. If the hedgehog was going to reply, whatever he might've wished to say is lost to a throaty purr.

Mom and Dad both sit up straight and glance over, Sonic stops petting his boyfriend.

Shadow makes a noise of complaint as Sonic addresses his parents, "He, uh, he purrs sometimes."

"Ah," is Mom's response to that. Dad's is, "Like a cat?"

"I mean, sorta."

"That's cute," Mom says, to Sonic's surprise.

Shadow grumbles, "Only Sonic is allowed to call me cute."

"If you're part of the family, I get to call you cute," Mom says, and Sonic's heart skips a beat. He feels his boyfriend's tail excitedly tapping his hip. If Sonic had one, it'd probably be wagging too.

"You consider me part of the family?"

Mom's voice is unwavering. "I do."

"Thank you. I won't squander your trust."

"If I thought you would, I would've kicked you out by now."

Shadow laughs. "You could try."

"I'd succeed," Mom retorts.

"You seem to have forgotten I can teleport."

"I wouldn't let that stop me if you treated my son badly."

"I don't want to do that."

"Then we don't have to worry about it, huh?"

Sonic and his dad exchange a look as Shadow and Mom go back and forth. Sonic offers a grin, Dad smiles and shrugs.

Damn, is Sonic at peace right now. He doesn't think his boyfriend meeting his parents could've gone better. Sure, the start was rocky, but all is well now, and having his mom's approval gets Sonic all warm and fuzzy inside. There's no doubt they still find it strange, but that's what he anticipated. That the two of them are accepting of the odd union is more than Sonic could ever ask for.

They watch Men in Black 2, and he goes to bed happy and weightless.

That's Sunday.

Saying goodbye the next morning is a short process. Sonic set an alarm the previous night so he'd wake early before Mom leaves for work, he and Shadow rise fast to spend the last little bit of time with Sonic's parents before they depart.

Shadow cooks restaurant worthy eggs benedict, they sit around the dining table and make small talk. Mom checks the microwave clock at 6:32 and says, "It's time for me to go."

She stands and offers her hand to Shadow. He takes it and gives it a firm shake. "Shadow, it was good to meet you. Take care of Nick, all right?"

"I will. It was good to meet you too. Thank you for raising a kind and accepting son."

Mom smiles. "You're sweet. Nicholas, get up so I can give you a hug."

Sonic obeys, giving her a squeeze. When they part she says, "You do always pick strange ones. I'm glad he's not Jet."

"Ugh, Mom, stop bringing him up."

"Jet?" Shadow asks, and Sonic grimaces.

"I'll tell you about him later."

Mom glances at the microwave clock again. "I can't dilly dally. Drive safe and text us when you get home, okay?"

"I will. Bye, ma."

"I'll see y'all later."

The men of the room echo her farewell as she heads to the hall to brush her teeth and grab her purse. Sonic returns to his seat. Dad asks, "Shadow, are you gonna ride home in the truck with Nicky?"

"No. I don't want to risk humans seeing me. I'm going to teleport."

"That's fair. If I could get outta long car rides so easily, I would."

"I would take Sonic and his truck with me, but I've never transported a large vehicle and I don't know how well it might go."

"Huh," Sonic has a thought. "You think you could just warp me here with my stuff next time? Then I wouldn't have to drive and pay for gas and all that crap."

"I could."

"Hell yeah, that's awesome."

"Won't lie, I'm jealous," Dad says. "If only your mom or I could teleport, then it'd be easier to visit you."

"If all humans had my innate abilities, Earth would be a smoking pit."

"Probably, it's-"

Dad is interrupted by a shouted goodbye from Mom in the entryway. Sonic yells back, "Bye, have a good day!"

Dad also yells, "What Nicky said!"

"Goodbye, Mrs. Anderson-Gonzalez," Shadow's volume may not be as boisterous, but it's no less enthusiastic. The front door opens and shuts, and Mom is off to work.

"What I was gonna say is that it's a good thing people can't- uh- Shadow, what was that lightning you had on your arm?"

"Some of the facility's scientists call it Chaos Energy."

"It's a good thing people don't have Chaos Energy."

"Yeah, I'd use it to get myself unlimited chili dogs," Sonic admits unashamedly, Shadow scoffs.

"You wouldn't need to, I can make them for you whenever you ask."

"That wasn't the point, buddy."

"I'm aware."

Dad pipes up. "I don't wanna pry too much, but why do you call him buddy?"

Shadow answers. "Sonic once said I'm 'a little guy with weird habits' and thus I have 'buddy energy'."

"I guess Nicky's not wrong. Can I call you buddy?"

"No."

"Well, all right. Kiddo will have to do."

"I'm still older than you."

"That won't stop me from calling you kiddo."

Shadow huffs, but it's amused. Sonic takes the opportunity to collect the empty plates from the table. "You done with your coffee?"

"Yes," Shadow offers his mug, Sonic takes it with the hand not occupied by dishes.

"Thanks, Nick," Dad says, standing up. "It's getting time for me to go as well."

"It was nice to meet you, Chris," Shadow repeats. "Thank you for accepting me as I am."

"Of course, Shadow. Thanks for the food and being there for my son."

"I always will be."

"...Sure. Nicky, you gotta hug me too, not just your mom."

"I wasn't not gonna hug you, Dad," Sonic sets the dishes in the kitchen and returns to give his father a shorter embrace and a back pat. "We'll clean up before we go."

"That's appreciated. I'll say bye again 'fore I leave. I left my glasses next to the bed, gotta make sure I don't forget 'em," Dad ambles down the hall.

"You go do that."

Shadow follows Sonic to the kitchen (carrying the chair he was sitting on, of course) to do the dishes one more time. The mindless, repetitive nature of it is easy to get lost in- Sonic wouldn't say he loves cleaning, but he took that janitor job for a reason (besides really needing the money). Getting an area spick and span is satisfying.

Soon enough, Dad is in the entryway yelling, "Bye, you two! Nicky, stay safe on the roads!"

"Later, Dad! You got your glasses?"

"I did!"

"Goodbye, Chris," Shadow says, not shouting unnecessarily like they are. He's smiling, though. "Have a good day."

"Seeya later," Dad says one more time, and then he's gone. Sonic and Shadow stand in the kitchen, done with loading the dishwasher. Sonic's almost got the pan they used spotless, and after that it's time to gather his crap and head home.

"What time do you plan on leaving?" Shadow questions. Sonic shrugs.

"Probably soon. You can head back to the apartment whenever, I'll text you when I stop and stuff."

"Okay. I'd ride with you, but..."

"I know. You'll be there when I get home, though. Somethin' to look forward to when I'm stuck in traffic and I got a cramp in my leg."

Shadow returns his chair to the table. "I'll make you dinner."

"Nah, don't worry about it, let's get takeout. You've been doing a lot of cooking, you can take a break."

"I want to," the hedgehog leans against his hip.

"And I want you to relax."

"Cooking is relaxing."

"Whatever you say, man," and the pan is now squeaky clean. Sonic sets it on the drying rack and cracks his knuckles. "I'm gonna shower 'nd then go."

"Can I watch?"

"Fine, weirdo."

Shadow giggles as he trails Sonic to the bathroom, and he mentally prepares to get stuck on the interstate.

Oh well. Like he said, he can look forward to his boyfriend being there when he gets home.

Chapter Text

The eight hour drive may suck ass, but Shadow made late lunch/early dinner like he said he would and timed it so the food is ready just as Sonic arrives (it's shrimp alfredo, obviously it's delicious). Sonic kinda forgot about the promise he made until he goes to his bedroom after washing his face and brushing his teeth.

He finds his boyfriend lounging on his bed in a 'draw me like one of your French girls' pose. Sonic can't pretend he's not tired and sore from sitting in his truck for what felt like a decade, but he's down to clown. Not jerking off and suppressing any and all horny thoughts for five days is a great way to key him up, as it turns out.

The hedgehog rasps, "Hello, Sonic."

"Right. It's Monday," he pushes Shadow onto his back and crawls over him on his knees and elbows, bracketing him with his arms. "You were good and patient for me, yeah?"

"I was," Shadow smiles, fists a hand in Sonic's shirt and drags him down, nearly close enough to touch. "I recall you said you'd make love to me until I screamed."

"I did, didn't I," Sonic acknowledges, giving his boyfriend a smile back. "How do you want it?"

"However you want it," Shadow's hand drifts up to cup Sonic's cheek.

"No preferences?"

"I said I want what you want."

"I wanna suck you off."

Shadow's "Please," is shaky. "I waited. I followed the rules."

"Were you trying not to jump my bones when we were in California?"

"I was," Shadow admits instantly. "I needed you and I didn't say a word about it, now give me my reward."

"My good boy," Sonic says like his boyfriend is a dog, but it works. Shadow's eyelids drop halfway. He relaxes fully, body language loose, open and submitting, his fuzzy ears twitching every so often. "You're so cute. You did so well this weekend."

Shadow trills. He whines, "Sonic..."

"What's up?"

"Touch me."

Sonic kisses him, Shadow's other hand rises to hold his face. The pads on his fingers and palms are warm, they slide down Sonic's neck to his shoulders and clutch his shirt. It does not stay chaste for longer than twenty seconds, Shadow licks Sonic's lips and it's all tongue from there (and coffee flavor. He's been hitting the beans again). The ribbing along the roof of his mouth has a semi-firm texture- it's fun to touch, more fun when Shadow moans as the ridges are toyed with. Sonic stuck his fingers in Shadow's mouth and made him come just from that once. He's never been able to do it again, but it's a goal of his to recreate that moment (and maybe get it on video if he can).

Shadow breaks the kiss and whispers, "Can I sit on your face?"

"Hell yeah you can."

"Lay down."

Sonic arranges himself on his back with a pillow beneath his head, waiting as Shadow stands and steps over him. He's about to kneel when Sonic says, "Hold on a sec."

This is a good angle, a photo would be nice. He fumbles blindly for his phone on his nightstand and requests, "Picture?"

"Go ahead."

"Can you get your fur outta the way- yeah, that's perfect."

Shadow lowers a hand and spreads his slit apart, revealing glistening grey skin and his cute, already unsheathed pointy red clit.

"Didn't take much to get you hard, huh?" Sonic teases.

"I've been waiting. I'm still waiting."

"Mhm," he points his phone up. It's hard to snap a pic like this and still be able to see the screen, but Sonic gets a nice one. Shadow's intense, pupils-dilated stare, his wet fur and skin, and his blurry tail (it's wagging and Sonic wasn't going to ask him to stop it for a photo) are going in the hidden folder when they're done here. "Thanks, sweetpea," he sets his phone aside, "Now get down here."

Shadow drops to his knees above Sonic. He lifts one hand to hold Shadow's hip, the other parts the hedgehog's fur. "Sit."

Shadow obeys, sighing shakily and holding the headboard (it's covered in scratch and bite marks and dented all over. Gee, wonder why?) as he makes contact. Sonic presses a few lingering kisses to his clit just because he can, then he parts his lips and sucks without much pressure. He moves his hand out of the way, it's better suited to petting Shadow's sensitive, jumpy tail.

"Haaah-!" Shadow interrupts his own moan with an avian peep as Sonic's tongue flicks his clit teasingly, tasting salt and slick. If he massages Shadow's lower back and pinches just above it, he's usually rewarded with a purr, but this time the hedgehog whines and his hips jolt. Sonic's fingers trace the fluff under his tail, then dip lower, and lower, until he's rubbing the pad of his index finger against the hole there. The hedgehog twitches, vocally trembly when he says, "I'm- I'm not opposed, but don't do it dry."

Sonic's hand (the one that isn't drawing little circles beneath Shadow's wiggling tail) gives him a quick thumbs up. He wasn't touching with much intent, but Sonic has had a certain idea in his brain for a while. Shadow never says no to any of his ideas, but Sonic is sort of worried this one might be too much. He's not saying that aloud, lest he prompt a "I'm the Ultimate Lifeform" and more stubbornness. Yeah, Shadow can probably take it, but it's a lot.

He's gonna ask about it anyways. Y'know, when his mouth is available to.

Sucking his clit harder, then gentler, then harder in a pattern causes Shadow to crush the headboard under his unnaturally strong hands, the wood groans dangerously. Sonic doesn't stop to ask him to ease up, he's just glad Shadow's thighs aren't doing the same thing to his cranium. His headboard is kinda fucked up beyond repair anyways, worrying about it at this point would be stupid.

Being with Shadow is a relationship of many compromises. If Sonic prioritized the integrity of his bed and his ability to share his life normally with his partner, he wouldn't be here- with his mouth smushed up against fluff and skin as Shadow ruts jerkily against his face, getting his chin wet. The campfire scent of his fur fills Sonic's nose, the taste of him permeates his mouth.

"Ah- Sonic," Shadow whines. "I love you, I love you- fu- uh- hck!"

Sonic's free hand gives Shadow another thumbs up, then he places it on his fuzzy thigh. The hedgehog laughs, moans, and says the three words again. Then he warns, "I'm close- ngh..."

Sonic loves how he can do basically whatever and his boyfriend still enjoys it, even after six months. Sometimes he's not as much of a hair trigger as he used to be, but it's never gone away. His clit throbs under Sonic's attention, he stares down in unadulterated passion, he drips so much Sonic feels it slide down his neck. With Shadow above him like this, staying soft and unbothered is impossible. Sonic's shorts are starting to feel cramped.

"Hnn- hh- Sonic," the hedgehog moves without grace as he gets close, splintering wood under his vice grip. "Ss- Sonic..."

That's one of his favorite things, hearing Shadow utter his (nick)name in various lustful ways. When he's breathless and gasping it, chanting it like a prayer, or moaning the two syllables desperately- he sounds sexy. Low grunting or high whining, his voice is just hot.

High whining and chirping is what he's doing as Sonic ups the suction on his clit and flicks it with his tongue faster. As per usual Shadow is quick about it, whimpering, "Mm, mmh- ngh!" as his hips flick forward a few more times and he finishes, squeezing his eyes shut and shivering. His hole flutters under Sonic's finger, a promise of what's to come.

Shadow blinks his eyes open lazily after he's ridden it out and says, "Now I want you to fuck me."

Sonic kisses his clit again (the hedgehog sighs) and taps the spot of skin under his tail. Shadow dismounts to splay out beside him. Sonic wipes his chin and neck as he sits up, saying, "I wanna try something."

"What is it?"

"Feel free to say no, but I wanted to use the vibe on you while I take you from the back."

Shadow's ears perk. "Oh. I. Hm," he pauses for a second, "I'd be willing to try that."

Hell yeah, that's exactly what Sonic expected. "Sweet. But it might be overwhelming. If you gotta stop, say you gotta stop."

"I can handle it, I'm the-"

"I know what your catchphrase is," Sonic gets up to shed his clothes. "I'm just sayin'. If it feels bad, tell me."

"You never make me feel bad."

"Except for the first time we tried anal," Sonic counters, watching Shadow watch his hard cock as it pops free from his shorts and boxers.

Shadow glances away for a split second. "I'm used to it now, and we don't need to rehash that failure."

"It wasn't a failure, you just weren't ready," plus he didn't immediately tell Sonic that he wasn't enjoying himself, but they figured it out eventually.

"Whatever. Go clean the vibrator," Shadow helpfully points in the direction of the bathroom as Sonic retrieves the lube and the vibe from his nightstand. He tosses the plastic bottle at him, the hedgehog catches it with ease.

"One sec."

"Don't keep me waiting longer than you already have."

"I'm going," Sonic takes the toy with him. It's slightly longer and thicker than his own dick, shiny black, phallic but not purely penis shaped- it's smooth and doesn't have a prominent head. It has ten modes of vibration, Shadow likes each (although he prefers the ones that don't start and stop, continuous stimulation is his kryptonite). Sonic washes it hurriedly and returns to his room, where Shadow waits with a hand between his legs, circling his clit with the paw pad on his index finger. He ceases the movement and says, "Get over here."

"Yessir," Sonic doesn't mean to whisper that. He adds at a normal volume as he steps close, "Where'd you put the lube?"

The lubricant is hidden behind one of Shadow's plush, dense sets of quills, as it turns out. Sonic places the dildo on his nightstand and takes the bottle from his boyfriend's hand, sitting between his spread legs. He uncaps it and drizzles a generous amount on his index and middle fingers, then recaps and sets it aside where he can easily reach it again (no such thing as too much). The best way to get Shadow pliant and ready is to pet him or touch his chest while he's being prepped, Sonic has learned that gentle, purr-triggering caresses loosen his muscles. That's what he does- as his slick pointer finger resumes tracing circles under Shadow's tail, his other hand combs through the white fur on the hedgehog's chest.

Shadow's growly, "Rrr- mmm," is not a noise of complaint, that's apparent by his broken open, love drunk gaze and the way he spreads his legs wider. And by what he says next: "Inside."

"Relax for me, okay?"

"Mhm..."

The hole under Sonic's finger twitches and clutches him as he pushes past the muscular ring, Shadow's inhales and exhales hasten. He's still warmer than a human and tight like a vice, but his ass does not possess the other overstimulating features that his pussy does, which is kind of a relief sometimes. He's less noisy when they take this route of penetration, he doesn't finish as fast, but when he does come he's always floppy afterwards. Boneless, loose limbed, easy to manipulate. Half of the time he doesn't even moan or yell, he just shuts his eyes and purrs. Sonic knows he's leaking precome thinking about the way his boyfriend sinks into the sheets when he's fucked like this.

He's careful, working his finger deeper slowly and listening to Shadow's breathing, watching his face for pain or discomfort. He finds none, just nearly shut eyes and an enarmored smile, the very picture of bliss (the rapid tail movement is also a pretty transparent signal). A literal picture would be great right now, but Sonic isn't ruining the moment by taking his hands away and asking for one. He grazes his nails against the skin beneath Shadow's undercoat and yep, there's the purr. The hedgehog rumbles, the noise tripping as Sonic gets him used to the digit in his ass.

His boyfriend moans, "Hhhuh, oh fuck," and his eyelids shut fully, hands grasping the sheets (he's been trying not to rip them after Sonic asked). Sonic doesn't do much but feel him clench and adjust, his in and out motions small and cautious- he's waiting for the "More" that his boyfriend will inevitably demand.

"Your li'l tail is so cute," Sonic voices this thought just to see it wag harder, brushing his hand with every back and forth. "I mean, you're cute all over," Shadow groans quietly upon hearing this, Sonic gropes his chest as he talks, "I love every part of you."

Yep, that was corny. It's true, though, and precisely what Shadow wants to hear. The hedgehog's muscles squeeze and his eyes crack open a sliver. He whimpers, "Y-You too- I love you, you're perfect- ah, give me another..."

He's so predictable. And he's probably not ready and wants to push it so Sonic gets inside him quicker, which is part of the reason why it went wrong the first time they tried out his backstage access. "You know how this goes."

Shadow stops purring to snarl, but it's tiny and unintimidating, its effect lessened significantly by how he's leaking slick and wagging his tail. "I do."

"Then don't get huffy with me for trying not to make you uncomfortable."

Shadow huffs pointedly. His eyes slide closed again when Sonic speeds up the movement of his finger and his other palm drags northbound through Shadow's fur to scratch beneath his chin. The hedgehog raises his head into the touch, ears pointed back. "Hah- I can do it. I want it."

"Uh huh."

"I'm serious," Shadow's purr resumes, he's relaxed but still naturally tight- he's not ready yet.

"So am I. Give it a few more minutes."

"Hmph- ah! F-Fine."

Give it a few more minutes he does, Sonic murmurs praise and encouragements as Shadow gradually loosens around his finger and the natural lubricant from his unattended pussy mats his fur and dampens Sonic's skin. Alternating between petting his ears and caressing his face definitely helps. It's only when he's fully limp and his purring breaths keep hitching that Sonic pulls his finger free.

"Why'd you stop," Shadow whispers, reopening his lids, then, "Ah, finally," when Sonic reapplies the lube to his hand and teases his hole with two fingers instead of one. "Took you long enough."

"And it's gonna take more," he does want to fuck Shadow, don't get Sonic wrong, but it's not fun if they're not sharing in the enjoyment. He's rock hard and throbbing, but he won't stay that way if Shadow is displeased.

"Ngh. I know."

Shadow sighs at the multiple intrusions, clenching hard, then the tension flees his body again. His constant purr is loud enough to feel in his neck and his chest as Sonic's hand journeys down his body. He tenses back up as Sonic's thumb bumps his clit. Holding it and the triangular sheath it emerges from with his thumb atop and pointer finger below, Sonic makes a sort of miniature jacking off motion, squishing skin with rapid slick sounds. Shadow's inner muscles grip hard, and then again, and another time.

"Ohhh," that was a lovely, oxygen deprived gasp. Shadow's words get halfway lost in his purr when he says, "I wa- want you inside me now."

"Y'know what, dude," both of Sonic's hands retreat, Shadow whines. "Watch. You're gonna get uncomfortable."

Sonic drips more lube on his hand, coating his ring finger. Shadow opens his mouth to complain and chokes on whatever grievance he was going to voice when Sonic presses three in, even though the hedgehog barely had time to adjust to two. His other hand returns to making the almost jerking off movement, schk, schk, schk as Shadow's clit pulses and he leaks more slick.

"Fuck!"

His hole tightens and twitches, the outer ring of skin so snug Sonic can't spread his fingers apart at all. He settles for quick flicks of his wrist, pumping his digits with repetitive wet noises. Shadow squirms, his purr fading in favor of shrill chirps- not unhappy sounds in the slightest. Maybe he can actually take it and Sonic is being too cautious.

"That's it," Shadow moans. "Hurry up, I need you!"

"I am hurrying up," Sonic says. "You're so needy. I was kinda impressed you didn't try to fuck at my parents' place."

"I knew you-" he trills, "wouldn't want that! I'm, aaah, trying- I'm trying- I'm gonna come, Sonic, ple-ase!"

He cheeps mid please and bucks, instantly finishing when Sonic says, "You're doing so well, buddy, come for me."

His rumbly groan is deeper than his typical orgasm noises and is no less hot for it. Sonic slows, stops, and gives him time to catch his breath, the hedgehog's fluttery clenching grinds the bones in his fingers together a little. Shadow is definitely going to whine about it when Sonic doesn't immediately fuck him, but he's still so tight, he'll just have to deal with a few more minutes of prep.

"I'm gonna keep opening you up, 'kay?"

Shadow blinks lazily, his purr diminished but not gone completely. "I'm ready, give it to me."

"Nuh uh dude, you're crushing my fingers. My dick is not going in there yet."

"Ugh. Then- ah!" he shuts up and resumes his reverberating purr when Sonic's fingers begin thrusting again, other hand pinching his clit. "Sonic!"

"Relax and you'll get what you want faster."

Shadow growls, "Fine," and Sonic's fingers suddenly aren't being constricted as much. The hedgehog's eyes slip closed again, panting through his open mouth as he mumbles, "Anything for you."

"Good boy. Just a little longer, Shadow."

"Ngh..."

Sonic maintains the motions, watching Shadow's lax expression and listening keenly to his rumbles and tripping inhales. It takes a surprisingly short amount of time to get him loose enough that Sonic can spread his fingers apart a fraction, he scissors Shadow's ass until the hedgehog is gasping and scrabbling at the sheets (he rips them a little and his hands ball into fists instead of scraping the bed, which is appreciated).

Caution is wiser than haste, but Sonic lost access to most of his higher thinking the second time Shadow finished, he's getting impatient too. He can't ignore his hard on anymore, his lower body pulses with pumping blood and fizzy arousal. He waits, he continues preparing his boyfriend, but he needs Shadow as much as Shadow needs him. The schk sounds his fingers make, Shadow's gradually increasing quiet moans, and his flitting tail aren't helping his condition.

This time, when Shadow begs, " Please , I'm ready," Sonic doesn't deny him.

"Okay," he pulls his fingers free and gets the lube, spilling it over his palm clumsily as Shadow raises himself up to sit. His messy, dark fur frames his swollen slit and stretched open hole- it twitches as Sonic slathers the lube on his dick. "C'mere. I'm gonna have you sit on my lap, back to me, but you gotta be careful with the quills."

"I will," the hedgehog is quick to arrange himself, bracing himself on Sonic's stomach and hovering over his cock in a crouch, tail trembling. With the hand not guiding his dick to Shadow's hole, Sonic holds him in a half hug (clawed hands grasp his arm). They make simultaneous sounds of pleasure as Sonic's cockhead meets wet skin and pops inside.

"Loosen up, bud," Sonic gasps. Shadow's rhythmless tensing may not be as overwhelming as his pussy is, but he's strangling Sonic's tip and that's still a lot. Shadow obeys, lowering himself with a shaky trill as he slumps against Sonic's abdomen. His quills are pointy, but they aren't breaking skin or flared in agitation. Sonic is more focused on sinking into his boyfriend's tight ass than the few spines that are poking him anyways. "You good?"

"So good," Shadow moans as he sits down all the way, soft tail sweeping Sonic's skin. "I love you."

"I love you too," saying that phrase makes him clench. Sonic stays deep, thrusts carefully a few times as Shadow warbles. It's something of a relief to be able to sheathe himself fully. Not that he doesn't appreciate Shadow's pussy, but being able to fit all the way is instinctually satisfying. "Still good?"

"Yes, I'm not going to- to break."

"I know. Wanna do this for a bit or get the vibe involved now?"

"I want both now," Shadow's purr buzzes intensely. "Fuck-! Make me forget my name. Use me."

"Can do," Sonic leans over slightly to grab the dildo, awkwardly jostling both of them. He scoots back a bit to lean against the headboard, somehow managing not to dislodge himself in the process. "You ready?"

Shadow hisses, "Shut up and fuck me."

"All righty, then. Help me out here, I can't really see your pussy."

Shadow's hand assists in guiding the vibrator down until its tip meets his unoccupied hole, Sonic presses it in. He meets expected resistance and Shadow's ass squeezes his cock hard enough to be nearly unpleasant- nearly is the key word. The hedgehog yelps as he's filled from both ends, his purr vanishing, trilling instead. Before Sonic can ask if he's uncomfortable (maybe unnecessarily, but it's not like they've done this before), the hedgehog writhes and begs, "More, more, please- oh shit- shit! Sonic, deeper- please!"

Sonic does as he was asked, sitting still as he pushes the vibe in, pulling it out slightly before repeating the action, until it's inside as far as it'll go. It's shockingly arousing to sense the solid silicone through the fleshen barriers of Shadow's body, an indirect extra pressure on his cock. It only makes the hedgehog tighter.

"Hhaaah- oh my god," Shadow is full-on shuddering, his hands cling to Sonic's forearm and his claws scrape skin (he's probably trying not to break Sonic's fragile human bones in his iron grip). "I can't- you have to- mmm! Move!"

Sonic rolls his hips carefully and thrusts the toy in tandem. He moans, all the things he's feeling emotionally- affection, lust, awe- and the physical sensations of Shadow's many uncontrollable reactions are going to make him hit his tipping point way too soon.

Shadow's legs slip out from under him, one after the other, no longer supporting his own weight at all. Sonic adjusts, holding him to his chest and speeding up with a rushed groan, "Fuck you feel so good."

The hedgehog shrieks- Sonic kept his promise to make him scream. Not that it's the hardest thing to do, but it's rewarding regardless. Also, he might have just come again, but who knows for sure. Shadow doesn't ask to stop, he starts whining and chirping desperately, not a single coherent word to say. Sonic winces as talons cut his skin (it's a decent distraction from the overwhelming pleasure, though) and his boyfriend's hold on his arm firms. He wonders if he should turn the vibe on. Probably not. He wants to.

It operates the same as the first one he'd bought, with a button at the base that he can hold down to turn it on and off, and quick presses switch it through its modes. The first setting is a straightforward, not very intense consistent buzz.

He's always insisting he's the Ultimate Lifeform- Shadow can handle it. He said so himself.

Fuck it. Sonic holds the button down.

Shadow jerks, gasping like he's been struck. To Sonic's surprise, the hedgehog abruptly stops trilling and whimpering. He goes quiet except for his panting and an exponentially growing purr, a ragged sound that peaks as Sonic puts extra effort into the force of his thrusts. He can feel the vibrator's muted buzzing in his dick and it's crazy, he's not even finished yet and he already wants to do this again. The doubled, slick sounds of sex echo in Sonic's ears, it's so noisy.

Shadow is absolutely soaking the toy and Sonic's hand, he's gone totally limp. It would be concerning if not for his purr and the knowledge that he gets like this sometimes. He's the least tense he's been all night- floppy - and his body's involuntary movements are muted and weak. It's a good thing for Sonic and his belongings, he'd like less wounds and accidental property damage. He hasn't been kicking up a huge fuss about it, but still.

Sonic is free to, as Shadow so eloquently put it, use him to his heart's content, he's currently functioning as the world's most effective sex doll and he feels fucking fantastic. Sonic's heart beats wildly, he's the one making noise now, moaning a little pathetically. He can't not get whiny about it, he rolled a one in a trillion sided die and scored the most perfect little freak who is down for anything, who Sonic can bounce on his dick basically whenever he wants.

Life is great, huh?

It's easy to get caught up in the moment- the rhythm, the heat, the scent of sex, Shadow's inhuman vocalizations- any and all minor discomforts are pushed to the background. So what if a few quills are poking Sonic in the chest and stomach? So what if his wrist is starting to strain? So what if the accidental cuts from Shadow's claws on his arms sting? So what if holding him up is a little awkward? None of that matters, not when it feels this good.

It's mildly embarrassing to hear himself whimper in a distinctly porno twink manner while Shadow is being quiet, but his boyfriend has never once objected to hearing his voice (he said he loves it, actually). As he thrusts in roughly and does the same with the dildo, the dual penetration and vibrations cause his toes to curl, his hold on Shadow growing stronger.

"Shadow," he gasps, the hedgehog releases a tiny peep. "Shadow, please tell me you'd wanna- ah- do this again."

Shadow does not speak in any human language, he trills. His tail starts trying to wag where it's trapped between their bodies, so Sonic takes that as a yes. Growing ever closer, he fucks up faster, harder, his hand working the vibe loses its precise rhythm. The less consistent pattern cracks open the shell that held Shadow's voice back- he groans, "Fuuuck, 'm coming, S-Sonic," and tightens again. Sonic bites his own lip mercilessly, trying not to finish as well- he doesn't want it to be over yet, and the hedgehog can take more (probably). He'll be done soon anyways, but Sonic is going to try to drag it out as long as he can.

While Shadow is shivering and mid-climax, Sonic murmurs, "I love you," just to feel his boyfriend spasm (well, also because it's true). His little tail is still trying to go nuts where it's trapped between them, so Sonic doesn't ease up on him for even a second- he rapidly hits the vibrator's button until he reaches the fifth setting. This pattern of vibration is like a wave, weak then strong in repetition. It's one of Shadow's favorites. His jerking becomes almost violent for a moment, feet scrambling against the bed as he takes it with a broken, rough inhalation and subsequent enthusiastic, breathy moan.

The hedgehog goes back to being noodly, leaning into Sonic and purring. He's barely understandable when he says, "Come inside me."

"Mm- yeah, I'm really close," Sonic unsteadily informs him, glad for Shadow's simultaneous climax quirk. Not that he wouldn't want to help his boyfriend finish again after he does, but it's convenient, okay? No sense in not appreciating the things that make pleasing Shadow ridiculously easy.

The pressure of everything is becoming more than Sonic can deal with, the vibrations, Shadow's purr, each quick meeting of fur and skin, his overheating and lovesick heart, the sweat building on his temple- he's a goner. He shoves his cock deep and moans, "Sha- Shadow," as his orgasm sprints at him and completely overtakes him. He finishes and as always so does Shadow, who whimpers like it's been forced out of him and squirts on the vibrator and Sonic's unmoving hand. His ass may not purposefully try to milk Sonic dry in the way his pussy does upon climax, but the more natural, unintentional tensing is hot too.

Everything is fuzzy around the edges. Sonic is feeling rather sleepy and drained of his life as his thumb slides around the wet base of the vibe. He finds the button and turns it off, carefully pulling it free and setting it on the bed (the sheets are gonna have to be changed anyways, unless Sonic is inclined towards sleeping in wet spots). He holds Shadow to his chest and lets the hedgehog's sputtering purr fill his ears.

After a half minute or so Shadow pants, more air than voice, "Wow."

"Mm. Yeah," Sonic stays seated for the moment, because he can. Not having to rapidly pull out is nice. "Whew. I'm beat."

Shadow sighs and gets his legs under himself, Sonic lets him go as he tries to stand. The second he's off Sonic's cock, he faceplants into the bed, ass up and legs trembling. The tip of his tail is still doing the smallest of wags, Sonic's come is dripping from his hole, and he's wet all over. Now there's a photo opportunity.

Sonic snorts unflatteringly and giggles when Shadow doesn't move to get up. "Want me to carry you to the bathroom?"

The hedgehog grumbles, sounding slightly embarrassed, "Yes."

"All right, stay there," Sonic grabs his phone with the hand that hasn't been coated in fluids and swiftly takes a snapshot. He checks it before putting his phone back. Excellent, another one for the folder. "I took your picture, just so you know."

"That's fine," he says, muffled into the bed. Sonic gets up and stands beside him, smiling dopily. He did not put that expression there, but he hasn't been in control of his infatuated grins for a while now.

"Aaand up we go," Sonic lifts the hedgehog into a bridal carry with some effort. Shadow may be small but he's dense, like he's packed with more atoms than should fit in a creature of his size. "After I do the sheets I'm gonna pass out."

As he walks the short path to the bathroom, Shadow sighs sleepily and murmurs, "I will as well."

He sets his boyfriend on the toilet seat and cleans the mess between his thighs with a wet wipe until it's as good as it's going to get and washes his hands. Shadow stands on his own afterwards (he's very wobbly), heals the scratches on Sonic's arms and says, "I tore your bedsheets again. I apologize."

"It's fine, it wasn't too bad this time," they return to the bedroom, Sonic gets started on unmaking his bed (he leaves the vibrator on his nightstand, he'll wash it later. Shadow will definitely scold him about the unsanitary nature of letting it sit out overnight, but the hedgehog doesn't seem to care at the current moment. That or he's choosing not to comment on it). "I can practice my shitty sewing on 'em."

"Your sewing isn't shitty."

"Don't try to flatter me, sweetpea, we both know it could be better."

"You're making a good effort."

Sonic lazily tosses the sullied set in his laundry basket and retrieves new ones from his closet. "A good effort doesn't mean a good result. That's why I'm practicing."

"I suppose so."

As soon as Sonic has replaced the sheets and returned his pillows and blankets to their rightful places, Shadow climbs in and lays down. Sonic is right behind him, joining his boyfriend as he yawns and his eyes start to shut without his permission.

With the last of his energy, Sonic whispers, "Did you like my idea?"

Shadow whispers back as he rests his face against Sonic's chest, "You're an idiot. Of course I liked your idea."

"Cool, cool. Just checking."

Shadow kisses his bare skin and mumbles, "I love you. Good night."

"Love you too. G'night," Sonic says, and unconsciousness promptly takes him after that.

Even in his dreams, Shadow is there.

Forever isn't later.

As much as Sonic put off thinking about it, it began the moment he met Shadow and will continue past the end of his life into perpetuity. There will be no end to Shadow's devotion. There is no escaping from it, he knew there never was.

With every hour, day, week, and month that passes, it becomes less discomforting. More appealing. A comfort and a promise of a joyful future.

Forever is now, and Sonic has to admit to himself- he's ready for eternity.