Here to help

by sunnydayinaugust

Summary:

Cut Sonic some slack, it’s not like can’t take care of a sick person. But when said sick person is Tails and he’s been consistently sick for over a week and he isn’t getting any better. Well then he starts to panic.

Luckily there’s someone he can call for this.

Notes:

If you’re new here I recommend you go read the one before this cause you’ll need some context before this one but y’know do what ya wanna do.

Also disclaimer: I am not a medical professional! I write either from basic research or experience!

Thank you for coming by and enjoy!

(Psst special thanks to my beta @Haylenuwu! Follow her on Tumblr for some bangin art 🤩)

Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Sonic paced around, hearing his own footsteps echo back to him. He was nervous, truly anxious. There wasn’t much that could do that to him. After all, Sonic has saved the world more times than he can count. He’s faced interdimensional beings, aliens, gods, and a pissed off Amy Rose. One would think that after all that, nothing could phase the hero of Mobius.

 

But one would be wrong, so wrong. 

 

He stopped in front of a worn door, painted orange from a few summers back. He peered inside, watching a figure from underneath the blankets struggle to breath. 

 

Tails was sick, very sick. He had been sick for days on end. Sonic thought it was just a regular cold, some bed rest and medicine and he would be in tip-top shape before they both knew it. To Sonic’s horror that hadn’t been the case. 

 

It had been a full week since he had started showing symptoms, and he had only gotten worse. Tails wasn’t getting any better, and Sonic felt helpless. He knew Tails was only a kid, he would get sick more than Sonic would, but he would never have imagined something like this. 

 

“Sonic?” His voice was weak, it came out barely above a whisper. It squeezed at Sonic’s heart, he walked in to comfort the sickly fox pup.

 

“I’m here bud, did you need something?” He placed a firm hand on his little brother. 

 

“I thought you had left,” his eyes opened to look at Sonic, the fever glazed eyes might as well have been daggers stabbing at his chest. “My chest hurts, everything hurts.” His eyes teared up, and his shuttering became more violent.

 

Sonic frowned, placing his hand on Tails’ cheek, wiping away a tear before it fell. “I’ll go get you some medicine,” He removed his hand and turned to leave the room.

 

A hand shot out to grab his wrist weakly, “Don’t go! Don’t go! Please don’t go!” Sonic didn’t have to be told twice, he immediately backtracked, sitting down on the bed, holding firmly to the frail hand. 

 

“Okay! Okay I won’t go, I’ll stay right here.” He reassured his sidekick, hoping to calm the whimpering pup. Tails moved to be next to Sonic, seeking the warmth and comfort of his elder brother.

 

Tails held onto Sonic like he was a lifeline, gripping onto him as tightly as his sickly body could. Sonic softly ran his fingers through the young fox’s fur, Tails thankfully immediately relaxed at the action. His tails still twitched erratically, he was still agitated. It could be a number of things that could be causing the irritation, the top being that he was still in pain. 

 

Sonic was at a loss, he can’t exactly fight his way out of this. He’s tried everything, cold medicine, compresses, and lots of rest. But no matter what, his fever would always return, along with the coughing attacks. 

 

“Sonic,” Tails began, looking up at the blue hedgehog, “I’m sorry.” 

 

Sonic’s eyes furrowed, “Sorry for what? I don’t remember you doing anything wrong.” He kept his tone light as always, not letting his anxiety show through. 

 

“For getting sick, and keeping you here,” He had a few light coughs, turning away. “You could be out helping other people or out for a run. But instead you’re here, I’m sorry.” His ears laid flat against his head, guilt coating through his voice.

 

Sonic could only frown at the confession, “Tails, I’m helping you aren’t I?” He kept on trying to soothe the poor fox, “You’re my friend Tails, there’s no place I'd rather be than here helping you.” That was the purest truth he could muster, even though he’s at a bit of a loss on what to do. 

 

“Still though…” His body tensed up as a coughing fit rocked through him. He struggled to catch his breath, Sonic could only pat his back to help him through it. “S’not like I’m gettin’ any better.” His words slurred, evident that he was starting to fight the fatigue. 

 

“Try and sleep pal, you’re gonna get better, that’s a Sonic guarantee!” He smiled and winked at the tired fox. He wasn’t exactly sure how he was going to do that, but he was gonna try. 

 

Tails struggled against sleep for a little bit until he finally lost. Sonic gave a sigh of relief, even though his little brother’s breathing was more of a wheezing than anything else. There was a pit at the bottom of his stomach, as he felt the fox’s head. It was horribly warm, too warm. 

 

Sonic could only frown, he gently moved Tails off of him, tucking him into his bed more comfortably. He needed to check his temperature quickly. He dashed to the bathroom, pulling a white thermometer from one of the drawers and dashed back. 

 

He gently stuck the metal park into the fox’s mouth, holding it in place for what felt like an eternity. He tapped his foot impatiently waiting for the beeping noise. The last time he checked, tails was at a 100.4 fever. He couldn’t have gotten any higher, he hadn’t been out all week, he took the medicine every now and then, although sonic had to virtually pin him down to do it. 

 

The small beeping knocked him out of his thoughts. He pulled the white plastic up to where he could read it. 

 

102.5

 

This was bad, very, very bad. If the panic hadn’t already set in, it was in full motion now. What was Sonic doing wrong? Sure he didn’t usually deal with sick kids, but it couldn’t possibly be that hard, he had thought stupidly. Liquids and rest is what everyone always tells him, why wasn’t it working!? His ears twitched nervously, as he stared down the temperature on the device. 

 

Oh chaos, he was screwed. 

 

He had done everything right, medicine, water, rest, soup, cold compress! Everything Shadow had done with him that one time, why wasn’t it- 

 

Shadow !

 

It struck him like lightning, Shadow could help him. He remembered him saying how he had medical knowledge shoved into his brain. He’s sure the red-tipped hedgehog wouldn’t mind if he called…right? It’s not like Shadow was his only resource, but at the moment he felt like the best and only option. He looked at the thermometer in his hand, the temperature long since faded, but the memory was still fresh. 

 

Then he looked at the worn out frame of his younger brother. Sonic frowned, if he was going to make the call it was now or never. He paused for a moment to fidget with the blankets laying atop Tails. He squeezed the little fox’s arm. “I’ll be right back, just need to make a quick call.” Tails didn’t stir.

 

Sonic walked out of the room and made a beeline for the outside. He needed some fresh air anyways. Walking outside he noticed, much to his dismay, that dark clouds had covered the sky. The air smelt slightly moist and humid, a storm was definitely in their future. 

 

Sonic took a deep breath and held up his right arm, clicking at his communicator. He found Shadow’s contact, but found himself slightly hesitating before pressing down. It buzzed for a bit, leaving Sonic in a tensed silence. He doesn’t understand why he’s so unsure, it’s not like he’s never called Shadow before, although it’s usually to taunt him into agreeing to a race. This matter was more urgent though, plus Sonic’s not used to asking for help. 

 

It also doesn’t help that everytime he thinks about the rugged hedgehog he finds himself growing bashful, an uncomfortable heat spreading across his body like a sickness. But he pushes it deep down, as the buzzing stops and Shadow picks up. 

 

“What is it, now Hedgehog?” His voice was like music to Sonic’s ears, even though he sounded slightly frustrated.

 

“Shadow! Buddy! How’s it going? Did I catch you at a bad time?” He asked, itching to get the formalities out of the way. 

 

“What do you want?” Sonic cringed, always straight to point with this guy. 

 

“Does every call I make to you have to warrant me wanting something?” He asked, tone still playful even though he was calling because he needed something. 

 

A silence followed his words, a quiet that was much louder than anything he’s ever heard. Shadow already knew something was up, of course he would. Shadow could read Sonic like a book if he wanted to. 

 

“Okay, okay.” He sighed, feeling himself deflate, “I need your help with something. It’s not something I would usually ask for help with.” He fumbled with his words not exactly knowing how to do this. 

 

“Get to the point,” his voice was gruff and sharp, but it brought butterflies to Sonic’s stomach. 

 

“It’s uh-something sensitive? ” Okay he was really bad at this someone just put him out of his misery. 

 

“Ah- A personal matter? ” Shadow actually slipped on his words, his tone changing to a weird hushed one. Sonic felt his face heat up instantly.

 

“NO! No no no, nothing like that! I just-“ he needs to just spit it out, he’s doing this for Tails, he’s doing this for his little brother. 

 

“Tails is sick, very sick. I-I’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to work, everytime I think I have his fever down it just shoots back up. And well y’know,” he started to get a bit nervous again, “remember that time you took care of me andyousaidyoudiditallthetimeinthepastsoIthoughtmaybe-“ 

 

“Sonic.” Shadow speaks up, cutting him off. “Calm down, take deep breaths.” Sonic followed as instructed, breathing in and out slowly. There were a few more painful moments of silence that followed as Shadow obviously pondered his options on the other end. 

 

“Fine. I will help you,” he answered a bit hesitantly. But Sonic couldn’t help but feel his shoulders become a little lighter at the answer. 

 

“Thank you, thank you so much,” his entire heart became filled with gratitude for the other hedgehog. 

 

“It’s fine, I’ll do what I can.” The call ended there. Sonic simply stared at his communicator, he didn’t even say when he was coming. It doesn’t matter, as long as Shadow does come, it’ll be fine. At least that's what he told himself to keep the panic away. 

 

He took in a deep breath, breathing in the summer storm that was slowly approaching their home. It was going to be a long night for everyone. 

 

“Well, Hedgehog? Are you going to let me in?” Sonic spun around to find Shadow already standing on his porch, waiting to be let in. Sonic’s heart skipped a beat before he put on a big smile. 

 

“Sorry, I didn't think you were coming so soon.” The smile became a bit more tired. 

 

“It sounded urgent.” He spoke, the words were neutral but Sonic could tell there was a certain softness to them, almost like he genuinely cared. Maybe he did.

 

Sonic frowned thinking about Tails, he probably shouldn’t leave him alone for so long. “Yes, you could say that, uh, follow me.” He realizes he’s losing his composure a bit, but the anxiety weighed down on him more heavily than he could bear. 

 

Shadow followed Sonic into the familiar house, feeling a certain sense of deja vu. This time the house was more turned over, like there had been a huge panic in the den. Tissues littered the ground and coffee table, used water bottles and some take out containers. Looks like he would be on cleaning duty again, that was until after he took a look at his “patient”. 

 

The dark hedgehog wasn’t entirely sure about this, the first time he did it, he could’ve easily blamed it on impulse. But this time he was given a real choice, yes or no answer. He could’ve easily said no, it wasn’t his problem. But there was something about the way Sonic had reached out, the way his voice wavered with anxiety. It squeezed at his nerves and heart, the itch to help, to care, returned with a vengeance. 

 

They arrived in front of a slightly ajar door, Sonic walked in and immediately rushed towards the bed. Shadow followed, examining the fox pup held within the sheets. His breathing was off, as if he were struggling even in sleep. He could even hear it, the slight wheeze and whistle every now and then. Strange. 

 

“How long has he been displaying symptoms?” Shadow asked, picking up a white thermometer laying on the nightstand. “Uh about 5 maybe 6 days? It started off with a sore throat and all the regular stuff you see with colds, but then…” Sonic trailed off. 

 

“Then what?” Shadow proded, sticking the thermometer into his mouth. 

 

“The coughing fits, they got worse, they left him winded and fatigued. He can barely even stand. Not to mention the fever-“ the thermometer beeped.

 

103.1

 

Sonic felt like someone was pulling out his heart. 

 

“You mentioned the fever before, how about the wheezing?” Shadow stored all this knowledge and started looking at possible diagnoses. The kid’s definitely got the flu, but the coughing fits? That’s something else entirely, something he hopes isn’t what he thinks it is. 

 

“Oh, I only noticed that this morning.” His brows furrowed, “he also complained of chest pain.” A flash lit up the room followed closely by the roll of thunder. There was no doubt about it. 

 

“Sonic, we need to take him to the Doctor.” The suggestion left a horrified expression on the blue hedgehog’s face. 

 

“What? Why? What’s wrong?” He asked, looking at Tails and then back at Shadow.

 

“I think he might be in the early stages of Pneumonia, but we’ll need a medical diagnosis and prescribed medication to treat it.” The sooner they get him to a medical professional the better.

 

“Are-Are you sure? How did this-? Why didn’t I notice sooner?” His heart dropped into his stomach, as he watched Tails curl in on himself, quivering violently. He steadied him with a hand. “Is there anything you can do for him now?” His eyes pleaded with Shadow to say yes. 

 

Shadow only frowned, “I can only do as much as you were doing. Don’t blame yourself Sonic, sometimes people don’t notice until they are in stage 4.” He placed a firm hand on the other's shoulder, “I…I apologize for not being able to do more.” 

 

“No, you did a lot by just being here. Thank you.” More thunder rolled through the house, Tails stirred in bed, ears twitching at the sound. In the illuminated bedroom Shadow noticed how tired his rival looked. It looked like Sonic had been forgetting to tend to his own needs while looking after the others. ‘Typical,’ he thought a bit fondly.

 

“It doesn’t look like we’ll be able to seek medical attention in this weather, we’ll go tomorrow.” He stated, already making a list of things that had to be done. Starting with Sonic T. Hedgehog. 

 

“We?” Sonic said, surprised once more at Shadow’s willingness to stay. 

 

“You should probably get some rest.” Shadow suggested, well more like ordered. 

 

Sonic could go for a nap, he doesn’t know how long he’s been up but it feels like weeks. But there’s a storm, and Tails is sick, the house is a mess, “I shouldn’t, I need to keep watch.” He couldn’t leave him, he can’t leave him. 

 

“Sonic, it’ll do both of you no good to get yourself sick as well.” His eyes were fierce, there was no arguing with him like this. “You need rest, whether you like it or not.”

 

Sonic really didn’t want to, but if he didn’t Shadow would probably drag him away. “Okay but, Tails is afraid of thunder, if he wakes up he’ll freak out.” Sonic can usually calm him down, but he doesn’t know if being sick will affect it. 

 

“I can handle it, the fox knows who I am.” Shadow reassures, pulling up and effectively dragging Sonic away. 

 

“Yes of course, how could he forget the guy who almost destroyed the planet, like twice?”  Sonic snapped and then quickly backtracked, “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I said that.” Maybe he did need to sleep. 

 

“No offense taken, just go, it’ll be better for both of you.” A little offense was taken but he won’t take it to heart, he understands the stress Sonic is feeling to a degree. “And I did save the world a couple times after.” He shoots back. 

 

Sonic smiled at him, the tiredness showing through his eyes. “Just wake me up if he does, please.” A worried sorrow laced his voice, Shadow simply nodded in response. 

 

“Rest up.” He added, gently leading him out of the room. After that silence filled the house, an unsure quiet. Shadow has his work cut out for him, scanning the house, making mental notes of everything he saw. 

 

As he worked, the pitter-patter of the rain went from subtle drizzle to bullets of water. Something pulled at the back of Shadow’s brain, telling him how disgustingly domestic this might seem to the outside eye. But he drowned the little voice out and instead listened to the thunder roll outside the quaint home.

 

And even if it did seem that way, he didn’t mind too much. In a way, he sort of enjoyed this role.

By the time he was finished it was late into the night and early into the next morning. Shadow was used to long nights, and it’s not like he needs sleep. Immortal beings don’t need to recharge that often. He made another round through the house, making sure Sonic was still in bed. He was sleeping away in the most uncomfortable looking position Shadow’s ever seen. He internally cringed at the way his limbs tangled with the sheets. Did his fake get into a fight with the blanket? 

 

Shadow shook his head, closing the door softly behind him. He walked over to the fox kit’s room. He was tasked to look after him and look after he did. He understands it takes a great amount of trust to put someone you love under the care of someone else. He saw it in The Professor’s eyes every time he administered treatments to Maria. 

 

He entered the room expecting, hoping, to find the young fox fast asleep. But instead the moment he entered a clap of thunder shook the house. The fox shot awake, sitting up unexpectedly, catching even Shadow by surprise. His eyes darted around frantically until they landed on Shadow. 

 

“Sonic?” He asked, voice small and unsure, Shadow didn’t answer as the room was lit up by a flash of lighting. The pup’s ears laid flat against his head as an unsteady fear entered into his eyes. 

 

“ Miles .” He said neutrally, hoping to show that he meant no harm, holding his hands up. But to his dismay, the yellow fox instead flinched back suddenly, knocking himself off the bed with a yelp. 

 

Shadow just stared at the empty spot in the bed a bit comically, but was snapped out of it by the sound of a coughing fit fighting its way out of the small fox. He rushed over to help him back into bed. But when they made eye contact again, Tails froze and backed himself into a corner. He stared up at Shadow as if he were a danger. To be fair he was in a way, but he didn’t know how to convey that he wasn’t in this moment. 

 

Thunder once again filled the air and shook the house, the fox trembled and curled in on himself. He covered his ears and closed his eyes, like he was trying to shut the world out and disappear at the same time. Shadow felt a little out of his element but there was no time to freeze up. He at least needed to get the poor kit back into bed. He just needed to calm him down, to show him he was safe. 

 

“Miles, it’s alright, I’m not going to hurt you.” He says, keeping his voice even, steadily approaching the shaking fox. But all that garnered was a violent flinch from the kid. Shadow stopped in his tracks, thinking over his options. He could just wake up Sonic like the blue hedgehog had asked, but Shadow was much too stubborn to admit defeat that quickly. 

 

He ran a free hand through his quills, and then he got an idea. Flashes of lightning and thunder rolled in and out as he finished shuffling forward. A few inches away he stopped and knelt down. 

 

He carefully but firmly placed his hands onto his shoulders. The fox’s shaking had calmed a bit as he hesitantly pulled his head upwards to look at Shadow. His eyes were red from tears, more still threatening to fall. 

 

“It’s alright, everything’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you. I am here to help you.” Tails seemed a bit more convinced this time, but still seemed on edge. 

 

He struggled to catch his breath and choked out a few words, “Where’s Sonic?” He wheezed, a few coughs escaping his lungs. It was evident that he longed to see his older brother, perhaps Shadow should admit defeat to this one.

 

“He’s asleep in his bedroom. I could go and retrieve him if you want.” He suggested, still keeping his hands planted onto the fox, hoping the action would keep him grounded. 

 

“No-no, it’s fine, he needs to sleep anyways.” He took a few cautious deep breaths, not wanting to agitate his lungs anymore than he has too. 

 

“Then let’s get you to bed, yes?” The fox nodded, flinching once again at the thunder echoing through the house. At the rate he was shaking, the pup wouldn’t be able to walk himself. 

 

Shadow gently moved to take hold of the kit, just as a fair warning before he picked him up entirely. Tails still tensed at the sudden movement. He was bewildered, which was fair, Shadow couldn’t have expected him to react any other way. Shadow doubts Sonic told him about him nursing the other back to health. Although Shadow was surprised at how Tails melted into the touch after a few moments. Shadow is practically a stranger, yet already the fox showed an astounding amount of trust. Despite what had just happened a few moments earlier. 

 

Shadow placed him onto the cushioned bed and Tails reluctantly let go, adjusting himself back into the bed. Shadow turned on the light and Tails cringed back.

 

“I’m just going to check up on a few things, then you can go back to sleep.” He will work quickly and efficiently, something he is very good at. 

 

Shadow took his temperature again, to his chagrin it had risen once more, this time reading at a 104.1 . He needs to lower that and fast. Shadow quickly dashed over to grab some Tylenol and a cold bottle of water. 

 

“See if you can take these, if not then it’s fine.” Tails eyed the pills and grabbed them. He frowned at them, obviously not fond of the idea of taking pills. Shadow realized he might need to fall back on a cold rag instead.

 

But to his surprise Tails sat up straight, shoved the pills in his mouth and gulped down half the water bottle. Shadow immediately went to grab it so he wouldn’t choke on water, but alas he was too late. A coughing fit raged through the small fox, knocking everything but his socks off him. 

 

“Alright let’s not do that again,” He said half to Tails and half to himself, noting to keep an even closer eye on him. Shadow patted his back, waiting for the kit to finish. When it did, he handed the water bottle back, hoping this time he will take it a bit slower. 

 

Tails didn’t take it, he just curled in on himself and frowned even harder. He thought seeing Sonic sick was the most miserable thing ever, but Tails seems to have taken the cake. 

 

Shadow instead then placed the still cool bottle onto his forehead, brushing his bangs upwards. Tails relaxed at the coolness. The only things that filled the room were the thrills of thunder coming and going, each one making the fox flinch back in fear. Shadow needed to take his mind off the storm. 

 

He gave himself a few moments to think before speaking, “I’m sure this might seem a little strange, but I was programmed with knowledge on helping and taking care of the sick. I will, uh, do my best in taking care of you.” He hoped his words didn’t fall on deaf ears. 

 

“Oh yeah, I know, Sonic told me about the time you helped him get better from that cold.” The fox replied, calmly looking up at the dark hedgehog. 

 

“He…He did?” He was sure Sonic didn’t, why would he?

 

A small chuckle escaped from the little yellow fox, “yeah it was like the only thing he would talk about for weeks.” A smile emerged from his dampened cheeks. “It was all ‘Shadow took care of me!’ or ‘Shadow is so nice for doing that! Can you believe it?’”

 

Shadow felt his face warm up, was it embarrassment? No he wasn’t embarrassed by doing this, this was an honorable thing to do after all. But being gushed over for it? That was a new feeling entirely. Especially since it was coming from Sonic of all people. He’s not sure why that aspect made his cheeks burn even more. 

 

“I see, did he tell anyone else?” He felt clammy all of a sudden. 

 

“I dunno, he might’ve, Sonic’s not entirely known for keeping his mouth shut.” He gave a weak grin. 

 

“Oh.” That was the only thing that he said. It’s stupid, he shouldn’t be acting up over that. It doesn’t matter, it’s not like he cares. Sure it made him a bit nervous of people knowing he had looked over the blue hedgehog while ill. But it’s not like he could’ve kept it a secret forever. But Sonic had spoken so giddily about it, like he was happy to have had Shadow look after him. It made his heart race.

 

“So is it true?” He was awoken from his thoughts by the question, he looked down at the curious fox, who’s eye had started to become more droopy. “Is it actually like programming, like for robots?” 

 

“No, not entirely. It’s more like a cram of information. I was given the inhibition to heal and take care of the sick. Think of it like when you see something mechanical that’s torn apart, what do you first think about doing?” He explained.

 

“Putting it back together.” He answered.

 

“That’s what it’s like. When I see someone who’s wounded, the first thing that comes to mind is all the ways to clean and patch up said wound.” He readjusted the bottle of water on 

 

“You did this a lot in the past didn’t you?” Shadow was surprised the fox hadn’t passed out from fatigue yet. 

 

“Yes I did, I was tasked to look after Maria Robotnik since I cannot carry viruses.” 

 

“She must’ve liked having someone to talk to.” Shadow isn’t sure if Tails knew what he was saying, fever’s don’t do much for cognitive function. 

 

“Yes, she loved talking to me about earth and all the wonderful things about it.” He felt lighter thinking about the conversations they had. The memories used to be laced with venom, an angry sorrow tainting them. But when he started to let go of the want for vengeance, the memories held the same golden merry they had when he first made them. 

 

“Was she like what Sonic is to me?” Shadow blinked at the question, thinking about it in depth. An older sibling, he had never thought about it like that. But now with the idea there, she fell right into the title smoothly. Big sister . His heart buzzed at it. It suited her. 

 

“Yes.” He answered plainly, deciding to leave it at that. “Get some rest, we’ll be going to a Doctor in the morning.” 

 

“I don’t wanna go to the doctor,” he pouted, burying himself in his blankets. 

 

“It’ll be good for you, I promise.” He sort of hated how gentle his voice sounded, past him would be seething at how soft he’s gotten. But present him, the one tucking in a young fox kit? He truly didn’t mind too much. 

 

Slowly but surely Tails fell back into relatively peaceful slumber, the Tylenol helping a bit with the fever. 

 

Shadow supposed that he’s just going to have to resign himself back into the role of healer, and he wasn’t exactly bitter about that idea. He had promised Maria he would help the people of Earth, and he would follow through with that in every shape or form. If healing was to be a part of it, then so be it. 

Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Notes:

I know this chapter is a WAY shorter than the last, but I think it helps it flow better by splitting the in two!

Shadow didn’t think the blue hedgehog could get more anxious, but as they waited in the Emergency room of a nearby hospital, he was proven wrong all over again. Tails sat a bit dopily to the side, laying on Sonic’s shoulder. Sonic kept sparing quick glances at the fox, as if he were going to stop breathing at any moment. 

 

It was quite the show in Shadow’s opinion, even humorous. Shadow knew that Tails would make a full recovery because they had caught the infection right as it was starting. Plus, Tails was quite the healthy kid, he was sure this won’t be too hard for him to fight off with the help from antibiotics.

 

The visit went as well as it could’ve gone, Sonic on the verge of tears the whole time. Especially when the Doctor confirmed Shadow’s diagnosis. Stage 1 pneumonia and the flu. 

 

Sonic took the rest of the visit after that relatively well, Tails was half-asleep the whole time. The Doctor prescribed antibiotics as well as a different kind of flu medication. 

 

It seemed like a massive weight had been lifted off of Sonic, he was well rested, well fed. He seemed back to his regular self by the time lunch rolled around. They had picked up the medication at a local pharmacy, and surprisingly, had lots of trouble convincing Tails to take the prescribed cough syrup. 

 

It took several minutes of bribing and begging, until finally a deal was struck. For every one Tails took, Shadow would take one too. Shadow hates it when history repeats itself. Although it did cause a strange feeling to bloom every time he saw the blue hedgehog burst out laughing. He didn’t want to think about it. 

 

“Come on, Sonic! I’m not a baby, cut it out!” A horse voice yelled out, snapping Shadow from his string of thoughts. Sonic was busy piling blankets onto the still rather sick fox. It was obviously touching a nerve with the younger one. 

 

“Well you sure do whine like one, now hold still,” Sonic instructed, pulling out thinner blankets and replacing them with thicker ones. It was as if he were cocooning the poor kit.

 

Shadow just stood in the doorway, just in case he were to be needed. He’s also rather not get in between the brotherly dispute. 

 

Tails took the pillow that was underneath him and shoved it in Sonic’s face, effectively stopping whatever he was doing. “Oh it’s on.” Shadow faintly heard coming through the pillow. 

 

Sonic suddenly put his entire weight into the fox and fell into the bed, blankets pooling over. “Hey no fair! I’m sick!!” The fox laughed, muffled by the weight of his brother. 

 

“All's fair in love and pillow fights!” Sonic quickly entrapped Tails in a giant hug, both of them laughing warmly. Suddenly Shadow felt like he was an intruder, witnessing something he wasn’t supposed to be a part of. It was strange, the feeling of not belonging wasn’t new, he felt that from the moment he was reawakened from the stasis chamber. But there was a new feeling attached to it. 

 

Envy? No, that was too bitter of an emotion to be feeling. It was something different, it was a pull, a tug, a want. It was a strangely impatient feeling, as he watched his rival laughing with his entire chest, holding onto his younger brother. 

 

Did…did he want to be a part of that? Did he want to be laughing as if there wasn’t a care in the world? The friendly banter? The warmth and closeness? It was more than that, it was the uncomfortable feeling in his belly and chest. Like someone had shaken him up and rolled him back out into the world. 

 

Shadow should go, he’s done his part. His eyes flicked to the velvety blue hedgehog, a wide grin spread across his face. It was strange, like someone was shining a light upon his messy quills. He was glowing . To Shadow he was the brightest light in the room, like the sun had decided to make its home inside of Sonic. It made his body erupt with a certain warmth that couldn’t be shaken off. Was this a fever? No, it was more than a fever. 

 

He didn’t bother to say goodbye, as the  fox-boy finally settled down in his brother's arms, eyes droopy with sleep. He made sure his steps were extra quiet as he walked away.

 

But even as he removed himself from the room, the feeling persisted. The pull was strong, stronger than anything he’s ever felt. It made his heart beat against his ribcage like it was trying to escape. He placed his hand over it to feel the irrational beats, he took in a shaky breath hoping to calm his aching heart. 

 

His mind ran rampant with several diagnoses, but none matched his symptoms. What was wrong with him? His ears twitched with irritation as he walked outside, the smell of wet grass filling his nose. He needs to get ahold of himself, he’s the Ultimate Lifefrom dammit! He should be able to get that damn hedgehog out of his mind long enough for him to-

 

“Shads! Wait up!” Shadow froze, not taking another step forward. He turned, emerald green meeting crimson, piercing through his very soul. Could Sonic see right into him? Does Sonic see what he sees? 

 

“I-I was just leaving, I’ve done my part.” He stumbled on his words, come on Shadow you’re better than this. 

 

“I know it’s just, I want to thank you again, I know you don’t really like doing this sort of thing often but I just really appreciate it.” He smiled softly at him, as he slowly approached the dark hedgehog. He was close, too close if you ask Shadow. He felt like his face was on fire, his heart pounded in his chest like it was trying to climb up his throat. 

 

“I didn’t want to overstay my welcome.” He explained himself, not wanting to make this situation anymore tense than it already was. 

 

“Shadow you’re welcome here any time, even when you’re not helping out.” Each word he spoke was genuine, “Believe  it or not I like having you around Faker,” Shadow felt like he could burst at the heartfelt expression the other currently wore. 

 

“I…I enjoy your company as well.” He spoke, although he felt a bit stupid for saying that. But Sonic just beamed at the words, like that was exactly what he wanted to hear. 

 

“You should come over more often! I’m sure Tails would love to bombard you with questions about Omega,” Shadow could’ve sworn he saw the blue hedgehog's tail wag. 

 

“We’ll see,” Shadow felt the corners of his mouth twitch as he once again turned to leave. This time he was stopped by an abrupt embrace. It wasn’t like the first time when Sonic was in the midst of a fever. It was more firm and only lasted for a few moments. 

 

Sonic pulled away, “Don’t be a stranger Shads,” their eyes met for a brief moment, a thousand words were exchanged, but only one was understood, Stay.  

 

Shadow closed his eyes, he can’t be here anymore. “See you around Faker.” In a split second he was gone, leaving behind swirls of chaos energy and one blue hedgehog.

 

It was strange, Sonic being left in the dust like that. It was like the air was knocked out of his lungs, winding him permanently. Has it always been like this? No it couldn’t be. 

 

Sonic clutched onto his chest, feeling the thrum of his heart, his gaze locked onto the place where Shadow once stood. If he stared long enough, maybe he would reappear, maybe he could bring him back into his arms. Maybe, it has always been like this, or maybe this feeling was entirely and completely new. 

Notes:

Heyo! Thanks for reading!!
I think it’s a shame we don’t have many Tails+Shadow interactions in canon, I feel like their dynamic would be fun to explore!

Comments and Kudos are very much appreciated :D!

Thank you once more! Have a good night/day <3

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 2 of Lovebug