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It got difficult sometimes – being the duo that they were. One – a worldly-beloved hero, a beacon of safety, and a famous figure all-around. Constantly striving to do better, always on the move, never quite getting the full amount of rest he needed. Always unnoticeably on-edge and ready for another thing to go horribly wrong, for the Doctor to rear his ugly head and ruin his and everyone else’s day.
And the other – a government agent, working in environments and under conditions no other would stand even a fracture of. Long hours sounded like a joke – he could disappear for weeks, rarer – months, and have zero ways of getting in contact with. The missions grueling and often so haunting – sometimes, when he finally stumbled through their front door, the other could see the mark of death so clear on his face, it was hard to keep looking.
And yet, no matter the constant busy days, and all the challenges and fears – they made it work. They faced every obstacle fate had thrown their way with a scowl and a smile, and with the other at their side. There was nothing in the world, no – the universe that could stop them, and especially not when they were together. Where one fell behind – the other leaped forward, pulling their partner by the hand. They had each other’s backs, and they weren’t afraid to fall, knowing the other would always be there to catch them.
And yet, surprisingly, the biggest challenge of all that remained a constant reoccurring struggle, ended up being something completely mundane. Days off. Or, more importantly – getting them lined up just right, so that they both could have enough time for themselves, and to spend together as well.
Sonic let his leg slide off the sofa, the tip of his sock rubbing against the soft carpet. There was nothing on TV that could keep him interested enough. The only thing he actually wanted to watch – he wanted to see with his boyfriend, and not by his lonesome. Not when he could barely stay awake, and when the weight of the silence and the emptiness of the house around him practically squished him into a pancake where he sat.
The hero frowned, ears flopping and the sounds of some obnoxious commercial that just overtook the air becoming muffled. He let himself shuffle and fall onto his side, now laying down, half-lidded gaze unfocused on the noisy box. His right arm awkwardly smooshed under his torso – the blue hedgehog made an effort to turn a bit so as to not let it fall asleep and bother him in a minute or two.
And still – it was no use. The air felt too thin. The sounds – too annoying. And their meticulously chosen, most comfortable out of all the available at the time, sofa – as soft as laying down on a random rock outside.
“Man, this sucks,” – the hero mumbled under his nose, his own voice feeling way too foreign for comfort. – “Where is he? I swear, I’m paying those bastards at GUN another visit next time I’m near the HQ.”
Sonic kicked his other leg, his heel bouncing off the pillows. His left ear twitched against the sofa, muzzle scrunching up in annoyance. Finally, he’s had enough – getting to his feet in one fell swoop, motions too blurry for anyone to really see how it happened. But it wasn’t like there was anyone there to witness it!
“What is it this time? He’s been stuck doing their bidding for two weeks, and they can’t even let him be home on time two days after the mission is done??” – the hero hissed, already beginning to pace back and forth, circling the sofa and stomping fiercely against the carpet. Above him, something squeaked softly somewhere on the second floor, but Sonic was far too busy fuming to pay the sound any mind. – “I bet it’s that stupid paperwork again. I swear – they have The Ultimate Lifeform working for them, and they can’t even get someone to do the papers for him!? He’s already a walking zombie after the stupid missions, and then it’s days of non-stop stupid good-for-nothing office job that he NEVER agreed to, mind you! The gall of those dumb, greedy, heartless bastards sitting there at the top of the building, doing nothing but making holes in their dumbass, comfy little chairs while Shadow is out there—“
“Cha!” – the piercing yell shut the hero up immediately, making him freeze on the spot.
Sonic turned, expression already full of guilt long before his eyes found the furious black and red chao floating down the stairs. The creature got to the bottom, legs touching the floor, and stopped, fiery glare firmly set on the face of one deflated blue hedgehog.
“Oh… I’m sorry, Dark, I forgot you were…” – the hero started apologetically, earning a growl from the chao, who immediately bolted towards him, soft paws doing their best at beating up the hedgehog’s ankles. – “Aw c’mon now! I’m sorry, okay!”
Sonic bent down, taking a hold of the dark creature, fingers settling under its armpits and picking it up to his eyelevel. He sighed as the chao continued to grumble some no doubt heartfelt sentences full of love and appreciation to the wonderful guardian that Sonic was. The hero snickered, bringing Dark closer, nestling it against his chest and cradling it in his arms. The creature continued its loud complaints, but the thrashing stopped, and Sonic considered that to be a good sight.
“I’m sorry, buddy. I just can’t stand Shadow being away for so long! You get it, don’t you?” – he complained, plopping back down onto the sofa and adjusting the chao so that it could lay on top of him freely.
The bubble above Dark’s head lit up in an exclamation point – an understanding. It whined, expression immediately losing the fury it had just a moment ago, instead quickly turning sorrowful. It babbled quietly, the floating exclamation point above its head morphing into a broken heart.
“Aw, buddy,” – Sonic called out, a hand moving so that he could pet the creature, who hid its face in his chest as an answer. – “There-there… I know you miss him too! But you also sleep a lot, so you’re a little luckier than me. I get to be constantly awake and wondering where he could be.”
The chao showed its face again, frowning and letting out some fretful noises, soft paws coming up to rest at the sides of the hedgehog’s muzzle. The sudden worry surprised him, the hero chucking in disbelief.
“What happened to hating my guts just now?” – he teased, petting the creature’s head harder, Dark yelling out in protest. – “I’m kidding, buddy. I appreciate the concern, but it’s all good. He’s gonna appear in no time, and then we both can stop worrying, alright? So don’t sweat it!”
The cobalt hero gave the chao his signature reassuring grin, and Dark groaned, paws beating against the hedgehog’s chest, but its mouth turning into a toothy smile of its own anyway. Sonic sighed, letting the chao do its thing and petting behind its ear absentmindedly, when suddenly…
The sound barely reached the sofa, but Sonic was already up, now standing right in front of the door, the chao dazed in his arms and clutching onto him cautiously. The hero couldn’t help himself - hearing the clunking of the keys on the other side, he felt himself buzz with the energy he didn’t think he could have today. Instead of waiting any longer, Sonic freed one of his hands, still holding Dark with the other, and opened the door wide open.
“Shadow!” – he all but squealed, jumping right at the startled, stumbling agent who barely caught himself in time from falling backwards, arms now suddenly full of blue quills and loud, thrashing chao. – “You’re finally here! We’ve missed you so much!”
The dark hedgehog adjusted himself, letting something fall from his hands neatly onto the ground, and finally fully returning the embrace tenfold. Sonic laughed loudly, letting himself be squished against his boyfriend. All up to the point of Dark suddenly crying out in alarm.
Shadow stepped back immediately, eyes frightened, but letting out a relieved sigh as soon as he saw Dark trying to jump out of the arms of now snickering Sonic and reaching out to him instead.
“Man, you could at least try to pretend you like me too,” – the hero lamented dramatically with a roll of his eyes, outstretching his arms and letting Shadow take Dark into his hold instead.
“He does,” – Shadow chuckled, scratching the chao’s head carefully and listening to it rumble happily, face full of his snow white fur. – “He just likes me more.”
“Hey, that’s just something him and I have in common,” – Sonic crossed his arms, sticking his tongue out at the chao, who laughed and waved wildly back at him. The hero’s expression softened, taking in the sight of his usually serious, brooding boyfriend, turned into a gentle, exhausted-looking but still smiling goober now occupying their porch. Sonic stepped away, gesturing for Shadow to follow. – “Get in already, Shads.”
“Nothing I’d want more,” – the dark hedgehog sighed out, tiredness seeping into his every feature as he all but stumbled inside, letting the chao jump out of his hold in the process, Dark now floating besides his head.
The moment the door closed behind them, Sonic could already sense it: the air was starting to feel much less suffocating now. Shadow shrugged off his coat, and the scent of lavender and coffee hit the hero’s nose immediately. He bravely stifled his whine as the smell tickled him, reassuring him of the ability to finally see and interact with his boyfriend again, making it feel so much more tangible.
Shadow turned to him, eyes tired but so undoubtedly overflowing with warmth, hazels and crimsons shining in a way that always took Sonic’s breath away. He huffed in amusement at the way Sonic just stood there, silent and staring at his partner as if he was seeing him for the first time. Like Shadow was something to treasure, to look at with the same wonder the world always left the hero with. Like something he wanted to reach out to, but afraid to make it disappear by touch alone.
The dark hedgehog took off his boots, placing them neatly at their designated place - right next to Sonic’s well-loved signature red kicks. He then stood up and, without a hint of shyness, stepped forward – right into the cobalt hero’s personal space. Shadow placed one hand on his waist, fingers settling on top of his fur firmly, and cupped his partner’s face with his other hand. Then, - and that’s where Sonic held his breath, - he leaned in, lips settling against the side of the hero’s muzzle like they did countless times before, the gesture so painfully familiar – it’s like Shadow’s lips belonged on him, on his skin and fur, and nowhere else.
He leaned away slightly, amused eyes taking in his boyfriend’s dazed expression with great satisfaction, like it was the best sight he’s seen in weeks. Which was probably true – Sonic suddenly remembered, immediately scrambling to throw his arms around Shadow’s shoulders and getting to peppering his entire face in quick little kisses, making his boyfriend breathe out a startled laugh.
“Hey, hey,” – Shadow called, amused, his both hands now holding onto the eager hero’s hips. Sonic stopped, immediately pouting at the agent, which did nothing but make him laugh some more. – “I’ve missed you too. But here, look.”
He stepped away, the hero immediately missing the weight of his hands on his waist, his skin feeling barren and too cold now. But then, Sonic was met with a weighty, delicious smelling bag placed right into his hands.
“As a sorry for being late,” – the dark hedgehog chuckled, messing up the quills at the top of Sonic’s head, - which earned him a cry of protest, - and moved past him, further into the house.
Sonic didn’t have to be told twice. Or even once, sometimes. He dived muzzle-first into the bag, rummaging around and taking out a big, neatly wrapped container.
“It’s that place I loved last time!” – he cheered, which made Dark, who was left watching the whole ordeal with sleepy boredom, groan. – “Hell yeah! Thanks, Shadow!”
“Dark, I got your favorites too,” – was the low call from the kitchen, at which the chao finally lightened up, the sleep temporarily leaving its eyes. It made a beeline in Shadow’s direction, yelling out a cheer as it went.
Sonic couldn’t help but snicker at that, following in its trail and entering the kitchen as well. There stood Shadow, his gloves taken off and placed neatly at the counter, and his hands full of a variety of fruits which he was currently rinsing under the faucet one by one - all to the dismay of an impatient chao floating and practically vibrating behind his shoulder. While the hero put the takeout box on the sideboard, getting its contents out and onto a plate, Shadow passed a cyan fruit to Dark, who dug in with a ferocity of a wild bear, making noises that could rival one too.
And so, they quickly fell into a routine – food warmed up and served, water boiled and tea poured into cups, and conversation flowing as easy as usual. In no time at all, the little mismatched family was at the table, both Sonic and Dark stuffing themselves silly with the food Shadow took care to get on his long way home. And the agent himself – he was up to one of his favorite pastimes made out of of snarky remarks about shoddy enemy defenses on the mission, as well as foolish management decisions at GUN. Both Sonic and Dark, of course, listened carefully, cheering him on, agreeing with his every word and verbally bashing those foolish enough to stand in their dear Ultimate Lifeform’s way. Sonic – a bit more vocal than the already passing out at the table chao.
Dinner took no time at all, and with everyone fed, it was time to wrap it up. Sonic got to his signature whirlwind of cleaning the table, washing the dishes and placing everything in its places in cupboards – all so quick and efficient, as if he was trying to beat a personal record. Which he most definitely was.
Shadow gave his boyfriend a chaste kiss on the forehead, - which only sped him up further, - and made his way up the stairs, arms full of an already snoring chao. The agent entered the colorful room, stepping up to the plush little bed and taking care to tuck the creature in warm and tight. He made rounds, checking up on the plants on the windowsill (Sonic didn’t forget to water them – good), tidying up some stray toys, and turning on the little Sonic-shaped nightlight at the door. He then left, taking care to make as little noise as possible and glancing at the chao one last time before letting out a satisfied hum and closing the door.
When the agent descended the stairs, the lights were already dimmed, and the sofa – now full of a myriad of different pillows and a couple fuzzy blankets. Shadow quirked a brow, not surprised but as always impressed by both his boyfriend’s speed and the unconstrained decision-making. The moment he took a step towards the construction though, he was stopped in his tracks by a pair of arms snaking their way around his middle, and one purring cobalt hedgehog engulfing him in a gentle but certain embrace.
“Welcome back,” – the hero crooned, his breath tickling the fur on Shadow’s neck, a shiver making its way down the agent’s spine. Sonic’s hands wandered, fingers settling into his chest fur with a giddy eagerness and fingernails grazing his skin carefully.
“Didn’t you already welcome me earlier?” – the agent breathed out, amused. He made a move to turn around, the cobalt hero making way and re-clasping his hands on Shadow’s back the moment their chests brushed together. The dark hedgehog’s hands settled onto Sonic’s hips, like they always did, and the hero grinned up at him, his canines gleaming in the blue TV light.
“I did. But you’ve been away for so long – I really don’t think just one welcome is enough here,” – the blue blur justified, and proceeded to unceremoniously plant his face right into Shadow’s chest fur. The agent stiffened in surprise, until Sonic released a relieved, content sigh, making his boyfriend laugh incredulously.
“You are something else, Hedgehog,” – he mused, one hand coming up to scratch behind the hero’s ear, making his purrs even louder than before.
They stayed like this for a moment – Shadow petting and lightly scratching his partner, and Sonic simply holding onto him, breathing in his scent like it was the oxygen he’s been lacking for these two weeks and more. But of course, they couldn’t stand in one place for long. It was never a moment of peace with these two, ever.
“Well then,” – the Ultimate Lifeform suddenly declared, dipping quickly as his arms looped under Sonic’s legs. The hero could barely squeak in surprise, immediately holding onto his boyfriend’s shoulders for the much needed support as he picked him up, Sonic’s legs hugging Shadow’s torso instinctively. The agent chuckled lowly into his ear, making his heart jump. – “If that’s the case, why don’t you give me the proper welcome that I deserve?”
Before the hero could even begin to find a fitting rebuttal, his head feeling far too dizzy to ever succeed, the Ultimate Lifeform made his short way towards the front of the sofa. He then fell backwards onto it, his back hitting the pillows and Sonic clutching onto him for dear life with a startled yelp.
When the cobalt hedgehog finally calmed his heart enough to breathe and open his eyes, the position he found himself in took his breath away all over again. There Shadow was, his face taking all of Sonic’s vision, his smug smirk making his stomach do all sorts of flips. The agent adjusted, and Sonic felt his knees sliding against the fluffy blankets as Shadow settled his hands securely on his thighs, fingers digging in if only slightly.
The hero was stuck straddling the dark hedgehog’s lap, his tail wagging anxiously at the realization. Shadow moved, head tilting forward, and Sonic squeaked as his partner’s lips settled on his collarbone, kissing there lazily, and then slowly making their way to the hero’s shoulder. Sonic’s fingers gripped Shadow’s shoulders tighter when at last – the agent’s canines grazed his sensitive skin, pressing in only slightly. Hard enough to feel and leave a short-lived mark, but never enough to really hurt or do any damage. The azure hero’s breath hitched, his muzzle no doubt beet red already.
Shadow sighed into Sonic’s skin, lips leaving careful kisses over the damage done, and Sonic couldn’t help but let out a breath in return.
“What a greeting,” – the hero laughed unevenly, watching his partner pull away to admire his own work.
“Food can’t be the only thing I bring back to you,” – the agent breathed, his low baritone immediately sending Sonic’s tail into another round of aggressive wagging. Shadow chuckled, noticing the movement. – “I’ve missed you, and I’ve missed being able to touch and feel you. What better way to remedy that than by leaving some marks to make this feel real?”
Sonic watched him, gaze sliding over Shadow’s barely visible smile. But when the hero turned his attention to his partner’s eyes – they told a very different story. There was no confidence or gloating there. But there was something burning, simmering, amber flames flickering in the artificial light shining on them.
Shadow was begging him. And Sonic would always, always be there to provide.
The hero loosened his grip, his right hand sliding over the agent’s neck, making him sigh. He cupped Shadow’s cheek, his partner instantly pressing into the palm of his hand, eyes flickering closed. Like this was all he was waiting for, ready and yearning for the touch of the one who, no matter what Shadow went through, he returned to and called his home.
Sonic bent down, lips brushing over the agent’s brow, kissing along the crimson stripe adoring the top of his head, then pressing into his temple and coming lower, to finally touch his cheek and settle into the corner of his mouth. All the while Shadow never opened his eyes, breathing evenly and taking in every sensation that his partner blessed him with. And when Sonic finally touched his lips with his own, Shadow couldn’t help but smile as they both settled against each other, mouths moving carefully and slowly in unison as they exchanged their tastes.
Sonic licked in, pressing onto Shadow’s shoulders and laying him further down as the agent hummed blissfully. His own hands slid up the hero’s back, placing his fingers over his spines. The hero tilted his head slightly, his tongue brushing over his partner’s and circling over, the dark hedgehog following his lead in an anxious excitement. For a long moment, there was nothing else left – just the taste of another, the scent of another, the feeling of the other being there, impossibly close, but not close enough. Shadow felt himself pulling his boyfriend closer, their chests sliding against each other and Sonic’s legs bending further to engulf the agent in his embrace. There was only the other, and only this moment, and only these feelings, and the heat seeping into every careful touch and every eager movement.
Finally, Sonic’s hands released their pressure on the dark hedgehog’s shoulders, and Shadow eased his hold on the hero’s back, his hands sliding onto his hips once more. Sonic leaned away, breathing heavy and loud. Shadow wasn’t any different, taking long breaths but getting back only the same pine smell he was so obsessed with. He licked his tingling lips, cutting off the string of saliva still holding them together, and Sonic hiccupped a laugh at his familiar antics.
“How’s that,” – he panted, smile shaky but teasing nonetheless. – “For a welcome back, huh, Shadow? Good enough for you?”
“It’ll do,” – the agent wheezed out, grinning, and Sonic had to pause.
The way Shadow looked under him, quills disheveled over the pillows, his skin blushing crimson, his lips curled upwards, and his entire face emitting heat… It was like something straight out of a painting, meant to be held in some bigshot museum - under thick glass and behind a row of railings put there to keep all who come to see it at a distance. Except, this sight was only his. No security measures were needed, since Sonic was ready to lay his life on the line if it meant he would have this, all to himself, forever.
Shadow’s fingers brushed over his cheek carefully, snapping Sonic out of his revered trance, the agent watching him in quizzical amusement.
“You,” – Sonic choked out, his voice betraying him and the corners of his eyes already beginning to sting. He leaned in, resting his forehead against the agent’s and closing his eyes before they’d fill with treacherous tears and make his partner worry over nothing. His voice was barely a whisper against Shadow’s lips: – “I love you…”
Sonic heard the other huff out another laugh, closing the distance and giving the hero another kiss. Much shorter this time, but not any less meaningful. They simply rested there, lips against each other’s, pressing in and holding on.
When Shadow moved away, Sonic’s eyes fluttered open, watching his boyfriend settle down below him with a sluggish smile.
“I love you too, you dork,” – his words were laced with low, quiet laughter, and Sonic felt his heart stuttering at the sound, overwhelmed by the warmth it instilled in him.
The hero grinned, and giggled merrily, and dived back in to cover Shadow’s face in more eager kisses. And the agent took it in stride, smiling through it and holding onto the enthusiastic hedgehog as he showered him in his unceasing affections.
And for once, it wasn’t about fearing for the big bad, or figuring out some nefarious plot, or saving the world, or even just each other. For nights like these, it was just them, distant to the rest of their reality. Finally at peace, and finally happily calm in the arms of one another. And although moments like these were rare – they made anything else fate threw at them worth it. All so they could go through it all, and still have each other, and this quiet, special bubble they carved out for themselves in the middle of the noisy universe.
And if anyone wondered enough to ask – they’d both say that they wouldn’t have it any other way.