OMEGA'S DISGUISE

by Coalchan

Summary:

Sonic has a secret, one that Shadow won't let stay buried for long.

Notes:

I'm heavily in love with HELLBOUND24's fics and am heavily inspired by their works! This is a little gift from me to them. Please give their works a read! 💙

Chapter 1

Sonic the Hedgehog despised being an omega.

 

Him? Sonic the Hedgehog? The Hero of Mobius? The hedgehog who has defied fate, conquering evil in all its forms? That Sonic the Hedgehog?

 

For someone with such glorious accomplishments, it's surprising that anyone in Mobius, let alone him, would occupy such a lowly position.

 

Omegas. Sonic knew the kind of reputation they held in today’s society — they were considered the weakest and most inferior of the three hierarchies. Despite the many changes and progress that have occurred in recent times, many still cling to the old stereotypes and prejudices.

 

Haughtily, these people would talk about how Alphas were born to rule. To them, superiority was not something earned but an inherent right, demanding respect that their actions rarely justified. Betas, on the other hand, seemed to exist in a middle ground with opinions on them varying greatly. Some saw them as reliable and level-headed, while others dismissed them as indecisive and meek. But Omegas — ah, how they talked about them. To most, Omegas were the weak links in the chain, often needing protection and rarely offering much in return.

 

Omegas were seen as delicate. It was a status often mocked and easily dismissed, relegated to the lowest rung of society’s ladder. To the world, Omegas were weak.

 

And Sonic was one of them.

 

Sonic didn’t harbor any resentment toward Omegas as a group. He had met quite a few over the years who were some of the kindest, gentlest people he knew. They were gentle souls who fought for what they believed in, and Sonic admired that about them.

 

But to be one himself? The very idea twisted his stomach.

 

If word ever got out, he’d be shunned. The world would look at him differently as if his strength could somehow be lessened by something as intrinsic as this.

 

Sonic couldn't let that happen. Not when he held the title of a hero to maintain.

 

The subtle shift in his behavior was the first clue. He’d catch himself building a nest on his bed without even realizing it — a comforting pile of pillows and blankets arranged just so — only to quickly dismantle it before Tails had the chance to see them. But it was around his Alpha companions that his instincts became even harder to ignore. Every time one of them offered him a word of praise, his tail wagged of its own accord. And when he made a mistake, the shame was almost physical. A scolding from them would send his ears folding back, his tail tucking low as his chest tightened with guilt. He would feel himself shrinking, instinctively submitting.

 

When he noticed these signs, he panicked. Fortunately, his behavior change was subtle enough that not many seemed to notice. Sonic, however, was quick to catch on. Concerned, he secluded himself in his room, spending the following days locked away, focusing on preparing for his upcoming first heat. He had discreetly ordered a big pile of heat suppressants and scent blockers. To keep them out of sight, he stashed them in a locked container under his bed, with the key hidden safely in his pillowcase.

 

No one needed to know this crucial piece of information about him. It had been nearly a year since he had come to terms with his identity as an Omega. And it had been proven to be a challenging task to manage. The hardest part? The heat cycles.

 

Whenever his heat rose to an unmanageable peak and could risk anyone finding out his secret, he’d disappear for extended periods. He could be gone for as short as a week or as long as a month, leaving no trace of his whereabouts. His phone would be left behind, cutting him off from the world and making him impossible to find. When he returned, he’d get an earful from his friends, but he'd typically brush them off with a well-worn excuse.

 

Each time he disappeared, his friends grew increasingly wary. They didn’t just suspect him; they were watching him now. Sonic might have pretended not to notice, but it was impossible to miss the way their eyes followed his every move. Whenever he made some half-hearted excuse, they exchanged knowing glances, their skepticism as plain as day. It wasn’t even subtle anymore. They didn’t just expect him to vanish again — they were waiting for it. And this time, they were sure he’d slip up, caught in the act with no way to explain himself.

 

And the very thought gnawed at him, urging him to be more discreet lest his secret be exposed to a living soul.

 

And here he was lounging comfortably on the edge of the plush, six-seater sofa, surrounded by his friends: Shadow, Rouge, Knuckles, Tails, and Amy.

 

Amy had this brilliant plan to do some kind of camaraderie, claiming that it’s a fun and positive group activity that can improve the group’s relationship. Everyone had just been so caught up in their lives, so there hadn’t been many chances to hang out lately. The one time they’d actively be together was when Eggman's relentless pursuit of global domination was in action.

 

And here they were, slumped on the couch, watching an old romantic comedy of Amy's choice as the soft glow of the screen illuminated their faces in the dim-lit room. Only a select few seemed engrossed in the cheesy plot, with Rouge and Amy constantly gushing over the characters' interactions. Tails and Knuckles were silent for the most part, offering no form of commentary as they watched the movie play out. Shadow appeared disinterested, his gaze fixated on the screen despite the distant look in his eyes that suggested his mind was wandering elsewhere.

 

And then there was Sonic, who was having trouble suppressing the content purr that threatened to come bubbling out of his throat from having Shadow within very close proximity. Their knees were pressed together, the physical contact enough to make his breath hitch.

 

And his scent. Chaos, his scent.

 

It was driving Sonic mad.

 

“Are you sick?” Shadow’s deep, husky voice murmured, causing Sonic to let out a startled squeak.

 

Panicked emerald eyes nervously glanced at the striped agent, his lips curling into a forced smirk in a desperate attempt to keep his composure. “Sick? Hardly. I’m just feeling a bit toasty after my run today.”

 

“Hmm… really?” Shadow's eyes narrowed, his disbelief palpable. He slowly leaned in, shifting his position slightly, the distance between them shrinking to mere inches. Shadow’s breath was hot and heavy, brushing against his skin and stirring a primal yearning deep within him. “Let's see if that's true.”

 

Before Sonic could fully grasp the situation, he felt paws gently brush against the side of his muzzle and forehead. Had Shadow removed his gloves just for this? Sonic was far too entranced by mesmerizing crimson eyes to notice anything else.

 

“Hmm.”

 

Sonic's heart pounded as Shadow’s cool paws rested over his heated skin. He hadn't expected the other to show such concern, let alone touch him. His stomach somersaulted as he basked in the alpha's concern, his tail tapping nervously against the couch. 

 

Time seemed to stand still as Sonic reveled in the gentle caresses of Shadow’s hands on his face. The light scratches beneath his muzzle were enough to send him into blissful contentment. His body melted into the sensation, a soft sigh escaping his lips as he resisted the urge to purr. With his eyes closed, he savored the moment like it was the last taste of something sweet.

 

“You seem to be enjoying this quite a bit, Sonic.”

 

Oh.

 

Sonic's eyes snapped open as heat rushed to his face. His mind went blank, and his mouth fell slightly ajar, frantically searching for words that wouldn’t come.

 

Oh no.

 

Sonic’s mind raced in every direction, desperately trying to come up with an escape from the awkward situation. He wanted to look away and break free from Shadow’s gaze, but it felt like an invisible force was pinning him in place and holding him captive. Should he speak? Should he move away? A part of him screamed to escape to the bathroom, to buy himself time to breathe — but that would only make him seem more suspicious. How could he respond when Shadow’s eyes pierced right through him, daring him to move, yet trapping him in place?

 

“Ah, that was a great movie!”

 

Amy's joyous exclamation startled the hedgehogs, causing Shadow to instinctively pull back. Sonic followed suit, backing away from the other to rest against the plush corner, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he averted his gaze from the screen.

 

“They finally confessed in the end!” Amy exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She clasped her hands together, her fingers twitching with anticipation as she turned to face her friends. “So, what do you all think?”

 

“It's fine,” Knuckles muttered, giving a half-hearted shrug as he polished off the last of his green grapes.

 

Beside him, Tails scratched his head and furrowed his brows in confusion, puzzled by the movie's disregard for reality. “They just stopped traffic in the middle of a busy street for a kiss? How is nobody reacting to this?”

 

“Sweetheart, when you're in love, the whole world fades away. Or at least, that's the fairy tale they’re selling.” Rouge chuckled, a sly smirk playing on her lips. She winked at the beta fox with teasing confidence before turning to Shadow. "What about you, hun?"

 

Shadow scowled at the mention of his name. His crimson eyes flicked to Rouge, clearly unamused. “This is supposed to be romantic?” He scoffed with a roll of his eyes, “I’ve seen more believable drama in the daily news.”

 

Amy rolled her eyes dramatically at the agent's snarky comment. She'd hoped her alpha companion would at least tolerate the movie, but maybe that was asking too much. “Oh, come on, big bad Alpha. Loosen up a little! It's just a movie. And besides, you could learn a thing or two from it.”

 

The striped agent's scowl deepened, his eyes narrowing at Amy's words. Romance was the last thing on Shadow’s mind — he was far too focused on keeping the world safe from imminent threats to waste even a minute on 'sappy nonsense.'

 

At least, that was what he told himself.

 

Sharp crimson eyes narrowed as they flicked over to the blue hedgehog slouched against the arm of the couch, his shoulders drawn up as if to shield himself from the world. Lost in the depths of his own thoughts, Sonic was oblivious to the quiet attempts of the others to bring him back to the present.

 

“Sonic?” Amy called out again, her voice laced with worry.

 

No response.

 

“Blue, dear?” Rouge chimed in, her tone cautious.

 

Nothing.

 

A low growl of annoyance vibrated in Shadow's throat. He couldn't believe Sonic was zoning out again. It was rare for Sonic to be so distracted, even if it had happened a few times before.  Normally, a firm shake or a gentle tug on his ear would be sufficient to bring him back. But today, Shadow had something else in mind that might prove his current hypothesis right.

 

“Sonic.”

 

Shadow’s use of his alpha voice startled Sonic back into reality and surprised everyone else in the room. He rarely used this voice on others, as he had no reason to; it was reserved for moments when he needed to take control over something. Never before had he used it simply to catch someone’s attention.

 

“Ah!– Huh? Yeah?” Sonic stammered, looking at his concerned friends with a slightly panicked grin. “The movie was amazing, Ames! I'd watch it again in a heartbeat!”

 

The unimpressed looks he got, paired with Shadow’s eye roll and a few disbelieving headshakes made it clear that none of them were buying it.

 

“Sonic, are you sick again?”

 

Tails stood up from his seat, picked up an empty cup, and filled it with warm water. With a steadying breath, he approached his increasingly anxious blue friend. He couldn’t really blame Sonic for his nerves; Amy looked like she was seconds away from tying him to the bed to force-feed him medicine.

 

He couldn’t blame Amy either. Sonic had been catching colds more often lately — something they were all starting to get used to. But Tails knew what that also meant. Sonic tended to vanish when sick, only to reappear a few weeks later, looking worse for wear. He’d need to keep a watchful eye on his dear friend lest he slip away again.

 

“Me? Sick? Nah, just feeling a bit under the weather.” Sonic reasoned, forcing a laugh to mask his discomfort. Hesitantly, he took the warm drink from Tails. “And thanks, bud!”

 

Sonic gulped down his drink in a few quick swallows, the lukewarm water soothing his dry throat for just a moment. The relief was fleeting, but it was enough to ease some of his tension. He then set the empty glass on the coffee table with a soft clink, feeling Amy’s disapproving glare. 

 

“It’s late. We should go.” Knuckles cut in before Amy could start her lecture on Sonic, his tone gruff but gentle. He rose from the couch, setting his bowl on the table before squeezing her shoulder reassuringly. “Sonic needs his rest, Amy.”

 

After a brief goodbye and a half-hearted promise to Amy to take better care of himself later, Sonic watched as his friends finally left. With his friends gone, he and Tails were left to clean up the remnants of the night. While Tails busied himself with the dishes, Sonic swept the living room floor, his mind reminded of the gentle fingers caressing his face when a lingering scent caught his nose. He turned to the couch to see a stark black leather jacket draped casually over the couch’s back.

 

Oh.

 

Sonic closed his eyes as he inhaled the familiar scent. Dark, musky undertones, a hint of pine, and a subtle coffee aroma, rich and bitter — it was undeniably Shadow.

 

Shadow had been the only one to arrive wearing the jacket, shrugging it off before settling onto the couch as the movie began. Sonic had raised an eyebrow at the sudden choice in attire, but all he got was a roll of his eyes and a gruff puff of air. Sonic figured the jacket was just a style statement — one more attempt to look effortlessly hot.

 

It was rare enough for his rival to wear his jacket, but leaving it behind? That was a first.

 

Sonic reached out and picked up the jacket, holding it close to his muzzle as he inhaled slowly. No other alpha’s scent captivated him this way — Shadow's was a heady mixture that left his body thrumming with heat and desire. His thoughts then drifted and he couldn’t help but imagine those piercing red eyes gazing down on him, his muscular arms pinning him down and touching him in the most inappropriate way possible — oh, Sonic was down bad.

 

Sonic’s breathing quickened, and each shallow inhale became a heavy gasp as his thoughts circled back to his rival. He jerked back the moment he realized what he was doing, forcing himself to create distance between himself and that single, tormenting scrap of clothing lest he wanted to trigger himself into his heat right then in the living room with Tails only a few meters away, humming a catchy tune in the kitchen, blissfully unaware of his simmering turmoil.

 

Not here, not now.

 

Silently, Sonic placed the broom aside before creeping his way upstairs to his room. There, he carefully stashed away Shadow's jacket under his pillow, hidden from any prying eyes. Surely Shadow wouldn’t mind him borrowing it for a while, right?

As the full moon cast a soft glow through the window, Team Dark Residence settled into their evening skincare ritual. Rouge leaned in closer to Shadow, her fingers deftly massaging his face over the hydrating mask she had applied, her touch firm yet soothing as it traced along his jawline.

 

Skincare had become one of their shared indulgences, a twice-weekly habit that allowed them to unwind together. Tonight was one of those nights. And as soon as they arrived home, Rouge had gathered all the essentials — masks, serums, and even a soothing jade roller.

 

“Relax, hun,” she murmured, smoothing her fingers along his cheekbones. “You’re as tense as ever.”

 

Shadow grunted softly, his body gradually relaxing once more as instructed.

 

Once she was satisfied that the mask had done its job, she carefully lifted it from his face, folding it before setting it aside to throw it away later. Shadow’s skin was now visibly refreshed and deeply moisturized, his usual sharpness softened by the glow of the mask's residue. She then messaged the remaining serum into his skin, pressing gently against the damp fur to help it absorb fully.

 

“So,” Rouge began, arching an eyebrow as she traced gentle circles on Shadow’s forehead with her fingertips, her voice playful but curious. “Mind telling me why you left your jacket behind, hm?”

 

Shadow stayed silent. His eyes remained closed, but a faint crease appeared between his brows — a small sign that he was mulling over her question. Sensing his hesitation, Rouge decided to let it rest. 

 

“I simply wanted to test a hypothesis I had suspected.”

 

Her hand slowed, fingers trailing from his forehead down to the curve of his cheek, pausing there as her curiosity sharpened. She tilted her head, patiently waiting for Shadow to elaborate further.

 

“Sonic might get into heat soon.”

 

Her fingers froze. She blinked, momentarily taken aback as his words sank in.

 

“Sonic?” She echoed, a mix of surprise and uncertainty in her voice. “Isn’t he… didn’t he claim to be a beta?”

 

Shadow sighed, his eyes fluttering open as he sat up in Rouge’s bed. He stretched, rolling his neck until it cracked, then glanced at his bat companion. She looked back at him, utterly baffled by his claim.

 

“That’s what he wants us to believe,” Shadow said, his tone low and guarded, arms folding over his chest. “It might be the reason behind his occasional disappearances.”

 

Shadow had been highly suspicious of Sonic ever since his first disappearance. He’d find himself watching, waiting, and analyzing every subtle movement from his rival. Whenever Shadow offered rare words of praise, Sonic’s emerald eyes would light up, as if he had just received a lifetime supply of chili dogs. He also noticed how Sonic tended to keep close to his alpha companions, silently breathing in their scent for comfort. And he couldn’t ignore how Sonic became fiercely protective whenever a pup was distressed and the lengths he had gone to protect them. Sonic may hide his primal side well, but he underestimated how closely Shadow had been watching him.

 

And what happened between them tonight might have just proved it.

 

The way Sonic was unconsciously leaning into his touches, the almost inaudible purr he was trying to suppress, the way his blue tail slammed against the couch frantically the more Shadow relaxed his body further — it was right there . All Shadow needed to do was to confirm it himself.

 

With a new surge of determination coursing through him, Shadow rose from the bed, his movements sharp and precise as he strode toward the door.

 

“I’ll be keeping an eye on him for the next few days.”

 

Rouge’s ears perked at his words. Her wide, turquoise eyes locked onto Shadow’s unwavering, crimson gaze. This intensity, this fierce resolve — she had only seen it in him during battles with formidable opponents, moments when the stakes were high and failure wasn’t an option.

 

When Shadow finally left, Rouge leaned back, replaying his words in her mind. She couldn’t help but let out a soft, amused chuckle.

 

“Well then, this will be interesting. ”

 

Chapter 2

Summary:

Shadow and Sonic talked things out — though it got a bit heated in the end.

Notes:

Hey there! I'm so sorry for posting this so late, and thank you so much for waiting patiently! Here's the good food I promised! 😚💙

And of course, thank you so much for the comments in the previous chapter! (I've repeatedly read ALL of them and appreciate every single one of them!!! <3) Reading them heavily inspires me to continue on this fic! To see a lot of people sharing the same love for this is my drive! So keep them coming! 😆💖

(There's a notice on the end notes so make sure to read that as well!)

The next day, Shadow was already on standby outside Sonic and Tails' household, concealed just a few feet from Sonic's bedroom window, hidden behind the dense foliage of towering trees.

 

On his first day of tracking down the self-proclaimed beta, Sonic stuck to his usual routine of zooming through the city on his morning laps. Shadow, ever the professional, had no trouble keeping up. He expertly kept his distance, hiding behind alleyways whenever Sonic paused to chat with the locals. He donned a simple outfit to blend in further, opting for civilian clothing to avoid drawing attention.

 

Shadow watched as Sonic lent a hand to a frail elderly woman, helping her set up her shop with gentle care. He noticed the joyful grin that spread across Sonic’s face as he ordered two chili dogs, relishing in the simple pleasure.  Later, Shadow watched Sonic’s swift reaction as he caught a young pup losing balance on a ladder, preventing what could’ve been a nasty fall.

 

All in all, it was just another one of Sonic's usual routines — nothing out of the ordinary. But Shadow knew better than to let his guard down. This was Sonic, after all. It wasn’t a question of if something would happen, but when . And Shadow would be ready for it. He wasn’t about to be caught off guard, not again.

 

Shadow kept a close eye on Sonic, following him until he finally headed home.

 

Once Sonic had settled inside, Shadow swiftly returned to his usual spot by the window. It didn’t take long for Sonic to retreat to his room, closing the curtains as he prepared to call it a night.

 

Most would take Sonic’s return as proof that there was nothing unusual — that he could continue observing his rival’s life when the morning came. But Shadow wasn’t one to take such chances. And his mission will not meet the ends of a failure .

 

So Shadow waited silently by the branches, his eyes shut as he sharpened his senses. His hearing, now heightened, allowed him to detect even the faintest sounds within his range.

 

If he sharpened his attention to the noises coming from Sonic’s room, he could just make out the barely audible muffled sounds of both pleasure and distress, suppressed into the fabric of a pillow.

It was day two, and Shadow was discreetly following his rival all around the city again. Accompanying Sonic from the shadows, he observed the blue hedgehog going about his usual routine: chatting with residents, greeting fans, and lending a hand to anyone in need. Overall, it felt almost identical to yesterday.

 

This time, however, Sonic’s visit to the city was surprisingly brief, lasting only two hours instead of the usual five or more.

 

Now that was odd.

 

It wasn’t like Sonic had anything better to do. Eggman wasn’t causing trouble, no one desperately needed saving, and no enthusiastic fans were chasing him for photos or autographs. Amy had sent out dinner invitations to the group, but that wasn’t until later tonight — an event Sonic had already agreed to attend earlier in the day.

 

When Sonic had downtime, he usually went for endless, exhilarating runs, letting the wind guide him for hours on end. If he got bored, he’d turn up unannounced at a friend’s door, catching them off guard. And on rare occasions, if he was feeling particularly bold, he’d track down Shadow for either a surprise spar or a race.

 

Instead of doing the things Shadow listed above, Sonic returned home. He rushed straight to his room, slamming the door behind him and giving the concerned fox a half-hearted excuse for his sudden panic.

 

Shadow stood by, silently observing from his usual spot. He listened to his blue rival pacing nervously in tight circles within his room, muttering curses under his jagged breathing.

 

There was a shuffle, followed by the sharp sound of fists pounding into a pillow and a muffled scream of frustration. Shadow hummed thoughtfully, already knowing the likely cause of his rival’s distress.

 

A moment later, Shadow overheard Sonic’s weary mumble. “A nap. I need a nap...”

 

After a few moments of rummaging, Shadow heard a weight hit the bed, followed by Sonic’s exaggerated sigh. The room fell silent for a full minute, then Shadow could hear him tossing and turning, groaning and whining in discomfort.

 

This went on for nearly an hour until a sharp knock on the door interrupted Sonic's restless thrashing. As the door creaked open, Shadow made out the fox’s voice

 

“Sonic? Um, are you planning to go to Amy’s house for dinner tonight? The others were asking if you’re coming...”

 

There was a short pause.

 

“I'd love to, but I've got some urgent errands to run tonight, bud!” 

 

Another pause followed, this one stretching on longer than the last, and both he and the fox could tell something was off. There were no errands. And anyone who knew Sonic well enough could easily tell he wasn’t being honest.

 

The fox let out an exasperated grunt. Shadow could almost picture the beta crossing his arms, trying — once again — to reason with his stubborn blue friend.

 

“You’re still sick, aren’t you? Sonic, I can stay with you. I don’t mind–” 

 

“Nonsense, Tails!” Sonic cut him off, his voice sharp and dismissive. “It’s just a little fever. A few pills and some rest, and I’ll be fine!”

 

“But Sonic, I can’t just leave you like this!”

 

“You can and you will! And I’m pretty sure Amy wouldn’t be too thrilled if neither of us showed up for dinner. She said she baked your favorite mint muffins. It’d be a shame to miss out, don’t you think?”

 

“Sonic…”

 

Shadow was pressed against the tree, his brow furrowed and his fingers digging into his temples as frustration bubbled up inside him. Not only had Sonic downplayed his so-called illness, but he’d also gone so far as to encourage the fox to attend the dinner alone, even trying to bribe him by mentioning his favorite food. All of this, just to keep his friend out of his business.

 

“Fine, fine! I’ll go…” the fox muttered in defeat after Sonic’s persistent prodding. “But you’re staying home to rest, okay?”

 

“Of course, bud!”

 

It was a lie, and they both knew it. But the fox chose not to call him out, respecting his friend’s wishes. Sonic had made it perfectly clear that he wanted to be left alone again.

 

After a brief exchange and a firm reminder from Tails to eat his dinner and take his fever medication, the fox finally said his goodbyes. Shadow perched silently on a branch as Sonic lingered at the door, waiting until the fox vanished from sight.

 

Once alone, Sonic dashed upstairs, his movements hurried and uneven. In his room, he began pacing in tight circles once more, the rapid rhythm of his steps echoing off the walls.

 

“This is bad. This is very, very bad…”

 

From his hidden spot, Shadow listened closely. Whatever Sonic does next, Shadow was only moments away from catching him red-handed.

 

“I can’t stay here. Not if it starts tonight. I need to leave.”

 

Tonight, huh? Shadow pondered. Sonic was fast — no doubt about it. Catching up wouldn’t be a problem. The real challenge was ensuring Sonic didn’t realize he was being followed. Shadow would need to stay far enough behind, just out of sight.

 

It would be so much simpler to follow Sonic if his scent was stronger, something Shadow could track with ease.

 

The only time Shadow had ever caught the faintest trace of Sonic’s scent was when they were sparring, standing mere inches apart in a space almost intimate, practically sharing the same breath. Sonic’s scent was unlike any other. It was sweet, nearly fruity with a hint of spice. No other beta had ever smelled so... alluring . He had never given it much thought until recently when Sonic’s sudden disappearances left him wondering.

 

Shadow closed his eyes and breathed deeply, the memory of Sonic’s scent flooding him. It felt so vivid, so real. He could almost feel his body relaxing at the memory, a strange warmth spreading through him. 

 

The scent clung to his mind now, it almost felt as though his nose was buried in the crook of his rival’s neck.

 

Wait—

 

A sudden thump reverberated through the house, followed by a sharp intake of breath and a string of pained groans. Shadow’s ears perked, his body tensing as the noises grew louder. Every instinct screamed at him to act, though his theory about the beta’s state was still unconfirmed.

 

“Now?! Ugh, really…?”

 

Shadow remained composed, his senses attuned. He could hear Sonic fumbling with something — drawers opening, items clattering, followed by the distinct creak of footsteps on the stairs. Was he eating dinner? The faint clang of dishes confirmed it. 

 

After a while, Shadow rested on the roof’s edge, his eyes locked on Sonic as he stepped through the front door. The blue hedgehog was wearing a black leather jacket that hung loosely on his frame — it was his jacket . The sight of Sonic wrapped in the fabric of his clothes stirred something deep inside him. A soft, low rumble vibrated in his chest as he watched Sonic close the door with a soft click.

 

Sonic stood still for a moment, his gaze distant as if lost in thought, reflecting on the decisions that had led him here. Then, with a soft sigh, Sonic was gone in a blur, leaving a trail of blue in his wake. 

 

Shadow allowed him a few seconds of head start before dropping from the roof with ease.  Landing lightly on the ground, he immediately took off in pursuit.

 

With Sonic’s scent much more prominent than usual, Shadow had no problem tracking him from a safe distance.

 

Shadow ran tirelessly, following wherever the scent took him. The sun sank lower until it slipped behind the horizon. The sky had transformed from a vibrant orange to a soft, ethereal pink and finally a deep, inky blue. As the light faded, the stars began to appear, faint at first but growing clearer with each passing moment.

 

After a while, Sonic’s scent eventually led him into a heavily dense forest. He furrowed his brow, a surge of concern gnawing at him. It was now certain that Sonic had been residing somewhere far from civilization and any form of social contact during his disappearances.

 

The path ahead was rocky and narrow, flanked by towering trees that grew close together. With only faint light filtering through the dense canopy, Shadow found it difficult to navigate. With so little light to guide him and the road so cramped, he had to move with precision to avoid tripping over unseen obstacles.

 

Eventually, Shadow stumbled upon a clearing. The sky had darkened to a deep, almost violet hue, and the fading light cast a soft glow over the landscape. In the dim light, the outline of a cave emerged, its entrance barely visible but unmistakably close.

 

Shadow stepped forward cautiously, his senses on high alert. As he approached the cave, he paused, lifting his nose into the air. The familiar aroma of fruit reached his nostrils. It was unmistakable. Sonic was here.

 

His ears perked up at the faint sounds coming from within the cave. His instincts screamed for him to rush in and check on his rival, but he hesitated when he realized the kind of noises Sonic was actually making.

 

“Alpha..! Please – mnhh… – knot me! Fuck, fuck, fuck…”

 

Shadow’s heart skipped a beat. He stood there, frozen in place.

 

Oh.

 

That confirmed it. Sonic was an Omega. From his overly sweet scent, his growing distress in the span of a few months, the way he was begging to be knotted and bred in the most sinful way possible. Betas didn’t go through heat or rut cycles, and they certainly didn’t beg for what Sonic was asking for.

 

Shadow could feel heat creeping up his face as Sonic’s needy cries echoed in his ears, each one tugging at his fierce resolve. Sonic’s scent had got stronger, almost overwhelming as it filled his senses and clouded his thoughts. Every fiber of his being screamed for him to move, to rush into the cave and offer himself to the omega.

 

Looking down in horror, he realized his cock had somehow managed to spring free, standing tall, proud, and seemingly desperate for release.

 

Oh no.

 

Shadow was becoming increasingly aroused. He hadn't expected Sonic to have such a profound effect on his body.

 

This was bad. Shadow couldn't afford to be distracted if he wanted to confront Sonic about this serious matter. He needed to stay sane, rational, level-headed, and not have his cock out for Sonic to use later. 

 

Shadow had to physically punch himself to banish the intrusive images and fantasies of Sonic from his mind. The sting of the blow brought him back to the present, and he quickly made his way to the top of the cave to sit down. This way, he couldn’t smell Sonic as clearly, but he could still hear him perfectly from above.

 

“Alpha… please… please more, ah!–”

 

Shadow’s cock twitched in response. 

 

Perhaps sitting in a spot where he could hear Sonic's sounds of pleasure so clearly wasn’t the most sensible decision. Still, his instincts urged him to stay close to the omega, even as his mind kept trying to convince him to stay as far away as possible.

 

He inhaled deeply, taking a moment to steady himself. With his eyes closed, he pressed his fingers against his ears, trying to block out any… interruptions . He then reflected on what he had uncovered and thought carefully about his next move.

 

A sense of pride and triumph filled Shadow’s chest as he thought about how right he had been. He had no issue with Sonic being an omega — his concern had always been about the secrecy. Keeping it hidden from his friends wasn’t the wisest choice, especially considering that most of his friends were prone to worrying and genuinely wanted him to feel comfortable and accepted around them. 

 

Now that his theory had been confirmed, all that remained was to confront Sonic about his situation without frightening him while ensuring his well-being during the remainder of his heat.

 

There was only one problem with that very idea.

 

Shadow needed to confront Sonic without his boner popping out in attention.

 

And right now, things weren’t exactly going along in his favor.

 

So Shadow did what he thought would be the best for himself. He stood up and dashed away from the cave, creating a big enough distance until it was out of sight. Once he did, he found a small clearing and sat down against one of the trees with a frustrated grunt.

 

Shadow took a deep breath before opening his eyes to glance down at his erection. If he wanted to confront Sonic, he needed to calm his primal desire lest he find himself drifting out of his main mission.

 

And maybe a wooden peg would do him good.

After resolving his little problem, Shadow made a quick trip to the nearest store to secure a wooden peg, now tightly pinching his nostrils closed. Standing at the cave entrance, he tilted his head, listening intently for any hint of movement inside. Only faint, distressed grunts echoed from inside, indicating Sonic was likely resting between his heat waves. This was Shadow’s chance to finally confront him.

 

Taking a steady breath through his mouth, Shadow stepped inside the cave. The inside was dim, with only streaks of moonlight filtering through small cracks and crevices in the rock walls to illuminate the space. He moved deeper, his eyes gradually adjusting to the darkness until he spotted Sonic's curled-up figure on a flat rock. His rival’s back was turned to him, his spines faintly outlined by the pale, silvery glow.

 

As Shadow drew nearer, his sharp ears picked up the sound of Sonic’s labored breathing, followed by occasional grunts and growls. With calculated steps, he edged closer, his mind racing as he mentally prepared himself for whatever Sonic would throw at him.

 

“Sonic.”

 

The word cut through the tense air like a blade. Sonic froze instantly, his entire body stiffening as though caught off guard. For a moment, he didn’t move, letting the voice echo in his mind before slowly turning to face its source.

 

Wide emerald eyes locked onto familiar crimsons in sheer horror. Shadow could hear Sonic’s breathing grow more ragged with every passing second, his pupils narrowing to sharp slits as the realization of who stood before him fully sank in.

 

Shadow didn’t need the thickening scent of distress to understand that the omega felt cornered. Sonic’s body language screamed it loud enough. He was crouched low, his gloves and shoes discarded in favor of clawed, filthy paws. His claws flexed, ready to strike while his lips curled back in a snarl, revealing sharp fangs in a clear threat.

 

“What the fuck are you doing here, Shadow?” Sonic’s voice was harsh, almost a growl as he instinctively shifted backward.

 

Noticing the aggression in Sonic’s posture, Shadow raised his arms in a gesture of surrender, slowly stepping back before dropping to his knees. The last thing he wanted was for Sonic to feel threatened by his presence. As long as Sonic could still think clearly, Shadow hoped they could find common ground. He carefully placed his hands on the ground, signaling to the omega that he meant no harm.

 

“I’m just here to talk,” Shadow calmly said, his tone soft yet firm. He released a subtle wave of soothing pheromones, hoping they would ease the omega's agitation. “You can’t keep this from your friends forever, Sonic.”

 

Sonic’s ragged breathing gradually slowed, the soothing pheromones successfully calming him down. Slowly, Sonic’s claws retracted, and his pupils returned to their normal size as the tension in his body began to melt away.

 

“I know,” Sonic grumbled, his fists tightening at his sides, frustration and embarrassment mixing in his expression as he realized he’d been caught. “I should've known you'd catch on this fast.”

 

“You always underestimate me, Sonic,” Shadow replied, a dry chuckle slipping from him. The sound only made Sonic huff in irritation. “Or maybe you're just not very good at covering your tracks. It wasn't hard to piece things together.”

 

Sonic let out a muffled groan, crossing his arms over his chest and pulling a familiar piece of clothing closer to his face in a futile attempt to hide his embarrassment. Shadow fought to keep his distance despite the overwhelming urge to rush over and hold the omega in his arms. His self-control was tested, but thankfully, his instincts remained unaffected.

 

A heavy silence hung between them as Shadow allowed Sonic the time to process the situation. It was inevitable that Shadow would eventually have to reveal his secret to their circle of friends, but he hadn’t expected it to happen so soon. If there was one thing Sonic despised more than anything, it was the idea of appearing weak and vulnerable in front of others.

 

Shadow, however, understood all too well the reality of being an omega in a world that didn’t easily accept such things. He didn’t fault Sonic for wanting to keep his secret buried, but he couldn’t help but feel that hiding it from those who cared for him, especially during his heat, was something none of his friends would ever want for him.

 

Shadow watched Sonic intently, his crimson eyes unwavering as he waited for him to speak.

 

“You figured me out, so what?” Sonic shot him a sharp, defiant glare. “You want a reward for that? Go tell the others. I’m not moving from here.”

 

“I won’t say anything unless you want me to,” Shadow firmly replied. “That’s not the reason I’m here.”

 

“Then what’s your deal?” Sonic's voice rose with irritation, his fists clenching. “What other reason do you have but to rub it in?”

 

Shadow's expression softened slightly, his eyes narrowing with sincerity. “I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”

 

Sonic fell silent, his gaze widening in surprise as the aggression faded from his body again. A wave of shame washed over him, and he quickly turned his head to avoid the alpha’s concerned stare. He leaned heavily against the cave wall, instinctively curling in on himself.

 

“You’ve been spending your heat in a secluded cave with barely any food or water, not to mention that slab you’ve been laying on has to be something far from comfortable to sleep on,” Shadow said flatly, his arms crossed and his brows furrowed in disapproval. Sonic flinched under the weight of the stern look. “I doubt this is your ideal way of spending your heat.”

 

“It’s not,” Sonic admitted with a groan, his eyes darting nervously around the cave. “I don’t want to risk the others knowing, that’s all.”

 

Shadow felt the urge to lecture Sonic about how reckless it was to isolate himself, leaving him vulnerable to countless dangers outside without protection. Neglecting basic needs like proper food, water, and hygiene all for the sake of "keeping it a secret" was far from the best course of action. There were better, safer alternatives Sonic could have chosen.

 

Frustration churned inside him, and despite his best efforts, a quiet growl slipped out. Sonic stiffened at the sound, his posture faltering as his words caught in his throat.

 

“It’s just—” Sonic threw his head back dramatically as if baring his feelings was the most challenging thing in the world. His arms flung outward in exasperation as he sighed in defeat. “—I don’t want to worry them, okay?”

 

At this, Shadow sighed deeply, his stern expression softening as he closed his eyes to weigh his options. Forcing Sonic to return home was out of the question. And bringing others into this situation wasn’t an option either — not when Sonic clearly wanted to keep them out of it. That left Shadow with only one solution, a compromise he was sure the omega would either begrudgingly accept or severely oppose. 

 

“I’m not going to drag you out,” Shadow said evenly, his piercing gaze fixed on Sonic. He paused, watching Sonic’s brow furrow in question. “But,” he continued, “you’ll let me take care of you during your heat.”

 

Sonic let out a strangled noise, followed by a flustered, “Huh?!” at the unexpected proposition. The red flush spreading across his face might have been endearing if Shadow weren’t so focused on the seriousness of the situation.

 

“I’ll bring you a thick blanket to make that slab you sleep on more comfortable,” Shadow explained, his tone leaving no room for debate. “I’ll make sure you have food regularly, some pills to ease the strain, and maybe a cooling pad — if you feel like you need one.”

 

Sonic listened carefully, his tail swishing with subtle excitement at the thought of being cared for by an alpha. Yet, despite his eager anticipation, a hint of disappointment lingered in his chest — it wasn't exactly the way he envisioned it, with Shadow looming over him, pinning him down as their bodies moved in sync and sharp fangs digging into his neck.

 

“And if you want,” Shadow’s deep voice cut through his thoughts, the low tone vibrating through the air as his crimson eyes locked with Sonic’s. His lips curled into a smirk, a knowing glint dancing in his gaze. “I could lend you some of my clothes for your nest since I see you haven’t made one yet.”

 

Sonic’s heart fluttered at the mention of a nest, his tail wagging eagerly against the ground, though he fought to keep his expression neutral, pretending not to care as much as he truly did.

 

Sonic stared at the single article of clothing clutched in his hand, the black leather now slightly creased from the way he had twisted and stretched it. The alpha's musky scent had grown faint over time, thinning with every passing moment, even though it hadn't been a full day yet.

 

“I guess I don’t mind some… help, ” Sonic muttered reluctantly, a hint of distaste in his voice. “Not like you're giving me much of a choice, huh?”

 

“No,” Shadow replied bluntly.

 

Sonic shot him a sarcastic smile and rolled his eyes. “Thought so.”

 

With the matter settled, Shadow rose from where he had been seated, his back to Sonic as he began moving toward the exit.

 

"It's decided," Shadow said curtly. “Stay here. I’ll get some of the things I promised.”

 

Sonic didn’t have a chance to respond before Shadow was gone, his form disappearing in a blur of red.

 

Alone once more, Sonic returned to the slab and sat down, bringing the jacket up to his face. He took a deep breath, allowing the remnants of the alpha’s scent to flood his senses. A strange sense of comfort settled over him, the familiar scent of the alpha offering a fleeting but welcome sense of calm.

Shadow returned to the cave in just under an hour, a thick dark green blanket clutched in one hand and a plastic bag filled with mangoes, pears, and grapes in the other.

 

Sharp crimson eyes tracked Sonic’s every movement as he worked diligently to spread the blanket over the slab. It took a little time, but once Sonic was finished, he stepped onto the blanket, testing it with his paws to get a feel for its texture.

 

A deep purr rumbled from Sonic’s throat, a clear sign of his satisfaction. Shadow’s lips curled in a subtle smile, his chest swelling with pride as he watched the omega contentedly settle into the makeshift bed he’d created.

 

Sonic stretched out his legs, finally finding a comfortable spot when a pear was tossed his way. He caught it effortlessly, sinking his teeth into the juicy flesh with a purr as the sweet flavor hit his tongue.

 

Shadow stood nearby, arms crossed. “Comfortable?”

 

Sonic finished the pear with a satisfied nod.

 

“Good.”

 

The two shared a quiet moment.

 

Sonic hesitated, his mouth opening and closing as if the words were caught somewhere in his throat. His voice was soft and almost reluctant as he muttered, “Didn’t you say you’d bring your… clothes ?”

 

Shadow suppressed a smirk, his expression stoic as he replied, “I did. And I will. Tomorrow.”

 

Sonic’s eyes narrowed, a skeptical frown forming on his face. “Why?”

 

With a roll of his eyes, Shadow pointed to the leather jacket clutched tightly in Sonic’s hands, a sly grin tugging at his lips. “You prefer them scented, don’t you?”

 

Sonic’s reply was an annoyed grunt, “Shut up.”

 

Seeing that Sonic didn’t require anything else, Shadow was ready to part ways with his rival when Sonic suddenly doubled over, clutching his abdomen and groaning in pain.

 

Sensing the omega’s distress, Shadow was quick to go to his aid, placing a reassuring hand on Sonic’s shoulder as his concern deepened.

“Do you need your pills? Maybe a cooling pad?” Shadow asked urgently, prepared to search through every pharmacy in the area if it meant easing Sonic’s discomfort. “I’ll get them right away — just stay put.”

 

“No…” Sonic’s voice trembled, his fingers weakly curling around Shadow’s wrist, stopping him. “ Alpha… ”

 

Shadow’s eyes widened, his expression shifting from concern to shock.

 

Oh no.

 

Before Shadow could leap away, Sonic's grip tightened, pulling him toward the makeshift bed. In one swift motion, Sonic flipped him over, the blanket offering a slight cushion beneath him. Sonic immediately positioned himself atop his thighs, paws pressing down on the alpha’s shoulders to hold him in place.

 

Shadow’s gaze met Sonic's half-lidded emerald eyes, heavy with unspoken desire. A growl built in Shadow’s chest as he pushed himself up on his elbows, fangs bared in warning at the daring omega above him.

 

Unfazed, Sonic simply wrapped his arms around Shadow’s shoulders, leaning down to nuzzle his nose against the alpha’s. As their faces neared, Sonic’s attention caught on something strange sticking to Shadow’s nose. His hand moved to investigate, but before he could touch it, Shadow sharply swatted his hand away with a hiss. The sudden aggression caught Sonic off guard, causing him to flinch and hiss back in response.

 

Ignoring the alpha’s intense glare, the omega calmly rested the side of his head against the alpha's chest, tilting upwards to nuzzle his nose against the other’s neck. He inhaled deeply, savoring the musky scent of the alpha. A low, contented purr rumbled from his chest as the alpha’s distinct aroma filled his lungs.

 

“ Alpha… ” Sonic’s voice was a soft whine, the tip of his muzzle brushing against the alpha’s skin in a gentle nuzzle.

 

Shadow clicked his tongue, momentarily lost. His rational side screamed to push the omega away and leave him be, but his primal side was much less compliant, demanding closeness and the feel of the omega beneath his claws and fangs. He resisted, throwing his head back in frustration, his fingers twitching by his sides, desperate to touch the omega perched on his lap.

 

The only thing holding him back was the wooden peg in his nose, dulling his senses and preventing him from fully breathing in Sonic’s intoxicating scent.

 

“ Alpha, please… ” Sonic’s voice cracked, his words carrying a raw, aching need as his hips moved in slow, rhythmic motions against Shadow’s thigh.

 

Shadow stared down, his eyes locking onto the dampness staining Sonic’s crotch and spreading onto his dark fur. Every nerve in Shadow’s body screamed to take action and claim the omega right then and there, but he clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay grounded.

 

“ Touch me, Alpha. ”

 

The sound pierced through Shadow’s restraint like a blade. Shadow’s ears flicked at the sound, his crimson eyes narrowing as his body began to betray him.

 

In one swift motion, Shadow’s hands found Sonic’s shoulders, effortlessly flipping their positions. The omega was beneath him now, his chest rising and falling in quick, shallow breaths as he willingly presented himself like an offering. Yet, even as Shadow’s raging desire surged, his hands hovered at Sonic’s sides, trembling with hesitation.

 

“ Alpha, ” the omega's voice quivered with need as he arched his hips upward, silently urging the alpha to give in to the temptation.

 

A part of Shadow hesitated, wanting to leave before the situation spiraled further. But his inner alpha rebelled at the thought. Walking away now would only leave the omega abandoned, vulnerable, and drowning in his heat, crying for the help he desperately needed. And Shadow couldn’t let that happen. He couldn’t let Sonic suffer alone — not when he was here and could do something about it.

 

Shadow inhaled deeply, steadying himself as he made his choice. He couldn’t turn away — not now.

 

I’m only doing this to help him.

 

Shadow kept repeating the thought as if to convince himself this was nothing more than helping his rival out. As if the mere idea of being close to the omega and claiming him as his wasn’t something he ever longed for — as if the thought of having Sonic by his side didn’t make his face flush and smile like someone who’d never been in love before.

 

Sonic’s needy whines pulled him out of his thoughts and back to the present. With Sonic growing more agitated, Shadow wasted no more time as he began to take off his right glove using his sharp teeth and throwing it aside carelessly.

 

Shadow’s eager hand trailed down, rubbing the omega's clit with deliberate intention. Sonic arched his back, pleasured moans and whimpers leaving his lips. A low purr rumbled in Shadow's chest as he increased the pressure, causing more slick to leak from Sonic’s dripping cunt.

 

“ Omega , ” Shadow growled, his voice rough.

 

In response, Sonic hooked his legs around Shadow’s waist, locking them tight and pulling their bodies flush. The movement was abrupt, causing Shadow to stumble forward with a grunt. The space between them was almost nonexistent now, their hips brushing in a way that made Shadow’s breath hitch. Shadow’s gaze flicked down to his crotch, where an undeniable bulge lay.

 

Sonic pressed against him again, instinctively seeking more friction, but Shadow stopped him. A firm hand planted itself against Sonic’s hip, holding him back. The omega let out a frustrated whine, followed by a low, vibrating growl, but Shadow didn’t waver. To prevent the omega's disappointment, Shadow swiftly slid two fingers into Sonic's heat, drawing a wail of relief from the omega as his digits moved at a deliberate, steady pace.

 

“ Alpha! Alpha…! ”

 

Sonic's cries echoed through the cave as he moved his hips to meet Shadow's relentless thrusts. Shadow's own groans were guttural as he felt Sonic's heat slicking his fingers.

 

Shadow desperately wanted to lick it from his fingertips, to inhale the omega's intoxicating scent while he still held it in his grasp. But he knew all too well the consequences of allowing himself even a single breath of it. Once he did, he would lose all control, his primal instincts would take over, and he wouldn’t hesitate to claim Sonic without a second thought.

 

Sonic panted, a low moan escaping his lips as Shadow's third finger invaded him. The pace was brutal and relentless, Sonic arched his back, his body spasming with each thrust.

 

Shortly after, Sonic cried out loudly as Shadow’s fingers undone him, coating his dark paws in white. Exhausted, Sonic collapsed against the slab, his breaths gradually steadying. Sweat clung to his blue fur, and his muzzle burned with a deep flush. His limbs lay limp at his sides, his emerald eyes drifting unfocused toward the cave ceiling before gently closing.

 

Sonic was completely sated.

 

As Sonic drifted into a peaceful slumber, Shadow gently wiped the stains from the blanket with a spare cloth before slowly pulling away from the omega. Standing upright, he picked up his glove from the ground and took a few steps back, glancing at the sleeping hedgehog.

 

Hungry crimson eyes fixed on the blue figure curled contentedly on the makeshift bed.

 

With a soft exhale, Shadow turned and dashed out of the cave, heading back home. Yet the memory of Sonic — flushed, needy, and calling for him — continued to linger in his thoughts.

 

For the second time that day, Shadow had to take care of his problem . Again.

 

Notes:

Alright so, for the next chapter, I'm a little indecisive on what character (from Team Sonic) Shadow will meet back at home other than Rouge. So I'll let you guys decide on that instead through a poll that I will link here soon! It's only between Beta Tails and Alpha Amy Though! (Sorry Knuckles...)

Here is the link to the poll! Make sure to read the comment below the poll post for the possibilities of each character choice!

You can find me on my Twitter, here!

Chapter 3

Summary:

Shadow faced unexpected confrontations from his friends.

Notes:

Hi there! I wanted to say thank you for all the support and attention this fic has gotten! Over 10K hits?! That's AMAZING! 🔥🔥🔥 Here's the third chapter you've all been waiting for! And thank you for voting! Beta Tails has won this poll, so enjoy his interaction with the others in this chapter! 💖

There is a link to another vote for chapter 4 of the fic, so please make sure to vote!! ✨

“Sonic’s not picking up…”

 

Tails muttered under his breath as the dial tone droned on. He sighed, ending the call before immediately redialing. His half-empty dinner plate lay before him as he impatiently tapped his finger against the dinner table. Maybe Sonic was just asleep, resting at home like he’d promised.

 

But deep down, Tails knew better.

 

“I knew I should’ve stayed with him today,” he groaned, slumping forward as he shoved his phone aside. His fingers absentmindedly toyed with the food on his plate, his appetite completely gone.

 

Noticing his frustration, Rouge placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, releasing a soothing pheromone to help ease the tension in the beta fox.

 

“You worry too much about him, hon,” she said with a light chuckle, picking up a nearby pitcher to refill his empty glass with iced orange juice. “Sonic can handle himself.”

 

Across the table, Knuckles grunted in agreement, idly chewing on a grape.

 

“If he ran off again, we’ll deal with it when he comes back,” he said. Still, his gaze flickered toward Tails’ phone, as if half-expecting it to ring. When it didn’t, he exhaled through his nose and reached for another grape.

 

“Knuckles and Rouge are right, Tails.”

 

Amy's voice drifted from the kitchen counter as she approached with a tray of freshly baked muffins. She set them down on the table, the warm aroma filling the air. Her friends eyed the treats with anticipation as she handed one to each of them.

 

“I doubt he'll stay put, even with you watching over him,” Amy sighed, pulling off her apron. “Honestly, I'm more curious why Shadow isn't here right now.”

 

Her sharp lime-green eyes flicked toward a pair of amused teals.

 

“Where is he, Rouge?”

 

Rouge didn’t answer right away. She simply closed her eyes, taking another slow bite of her muffin while the others watched her expectantly. After a moment, she leaned back, casually setting down the half-eaten pastry before finally glancing up.

 

“Oh, relax a little, won’t you, dear?” she chuckled, taking a sip from her glass before twirling it between her fingers. “You're looking at me like I’m hoarding top-secret intel.”

 

Amy narrowed her eyes skeptically, her expression practically saying, “You don’t say?”

 

“I have no reason to keep anything from you. Besides, Shadow never said it had to be a secret.” Rouge took a slow sip of her drink, then flashed a playful wink at the pink alpha, clearly enjoying her frustration. “So, if you’re that eager to know, Hun, I’ll spill.”

 

Amy exhaled sharply, grumbling as she sank into the seat beside Knuckles, who had just finished his bowl of grapes. Wordlessly, she handed him another, which he accepted with a grateful nod.

 

Tails remained quiet, absentmindedly nibbling on his mint muffin as the two female alphas continued their conversation. He was listening closely, hoping for any clue about Sonic’s whereabouts. Shadow had disappeared just days before Sonic, making it too much of a coincidence to ignore. It wasn’t like Shadow to go solo without informing them, especially since he was usually by Rouge’s side during missions. If he had gone off on his own, it could only mean one thing — he knew something about Sonic that the rest of them didn’t. And whatever it was, he had taken it upon himself to handle it.

 

That was the only theory Tails could come up with.

 

And if anyone here had answers, it was Rouge.

 

“Sonic might be an omega.”

 

Tails nearly suffocated on his muffin, gripping the table’s edge as he struggled to swallow the lump in his throat.

 

Knuckles choked on his grapes, coughing and spitting out the tiny fruits in surprise.

 

Amy’s grip tightened so suddenly that her glass shattered in her hand, shards piercing through her gloves as orange juice spilled onto the floor.

 

“He’s a WHAT?!” They all shrieked in perfect unison.

 

Rouge, unfazed by their collective shock, simply continued.

 

“Shadow wanted to test the theory, so he spent the past few days watching over Sonic in secret,” she said as if she hadn’t just detonated a conversational bomb into the room. Casually, she took another bite of her muffin, humming at the sweetness that melted in her tongue. “He came back just before dinner, grabbed all our leftover fruits, and left again in a hurry. Though he did mention he might return later to rest.”

 

The only sound that followed was the slow, rhythmic drip of water from the kitchen sink.

 

As her three friends processed the weight of her words, Rouge casually reached for another muffin from the tray. The silence barely lasted a moment before the room erupted into a fit of chaos.

 

“You’re telling me that hedgehog has been an omega this whole time, and none of us knew?!” Knuckles roared, slamming his fists onto the table with enough force to nearly split it in two. The wood creaked under the pressure, but Amy was too shaken to notice the fresh dent marring its surface.

 

She shoved her chair back, standing so abruptly it scraped against the floor. Her wide eyes locked onto Rouge, a mixture of horror and disbelief etched across her face. “That — no. That doesn’t make any sense. How could we not have known?!”

 

“He’s in heat, isn’t he?! That’s the only reason he keeps running away!” Tails’ breath came quicker, his hands curling into tight fists as panic clawed at his chest. Sonic was out there — alone, vulnerable, suffering.

 

His voice cracked as he turned to Rouge, desperation bleeding into his words. “Where is he now?! I need to know if he’s okay! Please!”

 

Having had enough of her friends’ pestering, Rouge pushed herself up from her seat, spreading her arms in a firm gesture for silence. They were simply too loud, too caught up in their worries over their potential omega friend. While she understood their concerns, panicking wouldn’t help anyone.

 

“ Enough! Calm down, all of you,” she commanded, deliberately using her alpha voice to settle them. As the room finally fell silent, she exhaled, placing her hands on her hips before continuing. “None of us know for sure if Sonic is an omega. But Shadow might have already confirmed his theory. I’ll ask him myself when he gets back.”

 

“I’m coming with you.” 

 

“No,” Rouge’s response was immediate, her sharp gaze cutting toward her alpha companion. The rejection was met with a low, defiant growl.

 

“Amy, dear,” she said, her tone shifting to something gentler, though her stance remained firm.

 

“Rouge, I’m worried, please—”

“I know. We all are,” Rouge sighed, casting her gaze aside to avoid Amy’s pleading eyes. “But if I want an honest answer from Shadow, I can’t risk pushing him away by bringing another alpha into the room.”

 

“...Can I come, then?” Tails pleaded, his eyes shimmering with guilt. “Please, Rouge, I need to hear it from Shadow himself.”

 

Rouge exhaled, her head dipping as her shoulders sagged in resignation. Then, after a beat, she chuckled, a sly smile curving her glossy lips. “Well, I can’t say no to that face, can I?”

 

Tails offered a small, apologetic smile in gratitude.

 

Knuckles, who had been silently listening, finally spoke up. “Are you sure this is a good idea? What if he won’t give you any answers?” His deep voice broke through the air. All eyes turned to him as he leaned back, arms crossed over his chest, one foot casually resting over the other.

 

“If his theory is correct, that would mean he’s an alpha who’s been around an omega in heat. His first instinct will always be to protect the omega from any perceived threat.” Knuckles’ gaze sharpened as he turned to Rouge, unimpressed by the amusement in her expression. “He might not take kindly to you pestering him for answers.”

 

Rouge’s smirk didn’t waver. “I know my limits, hun. Don’t worry.” She shot him a playful wink.

 

Knuckles rolled his eyes but said nothing.

 

“Besides,” Rouge added, her voice light but certain, “if anything does happen, I’ll handle it myself.”

Shadow panted against the door of his shared home with Rouge, his shoulders tense as he struggled to catch his breath. It had taken every ounce of willpower to pull himself away before things spiraled out of control. He couldn’t afford to stay any longer, not when every second in that cave had threatened to shatter what little control he had left.

 

Thankfully, the peg on his nose held firm, blocking out the lingering traces of Sonic’s scent that clung stubbornly to his body. The last thing he needed was to trigger his own rut by accident.

 

After a moment to collect himself, he fumbled for his spare key and unlocked the door, stepping inside and kicking it shut behind him. The house was dim and quiet — Rouge should be fast asleep by now. Good. He needed to wash off Sonic’s scent before she started bombarding him with questions.

 

Disappearing for two days had been suspicious enough. He could only hope Rouge hadn’t let anything slip to their friends in his absence. The last thing he needed was a crowd demanding explanations.

 

Shadow exhaled sharply and made his way toward the living room, fully intending to head straight for the bathroom and scrub away every trace of Sonic’s scent before collapsing into bed.

 

But then—

 

His ears twitched at the sound of Rouge’s familiar voice.

 

She was awake.

 

And she wasn’t alone.

 

Perched on the sofa, she spoke in hushed tones to a certain fox — one who looked more than a little concerned.

 

Oh, fuck.

 

“Hey, hun, good to see—” She never got to finish her sentence. The words died on her lips the moment a new scent drifted into the room — faint, yet unmistakable.

 

Her teal eyes widened in disbelief as she processed the information. Her stomach twisted when she realized exactly whose scent it was and, more importantly, who it was coming from. Slowly, she turned to her beta companion, dread creeping into her expression. The last thing she had expected was for Shadow to walk through that door smelling exactly like Sonic.

 

A sharp crash broke the silence.

 

Tails’ teacup slipped from his hands, shattering as it hit the floor. His sky-blue eyes locked onto Shadow, wide with shock. The black hedgehog stood rigid, his entire form betraying his alarm. 

 

Tails' ears flicked, his nose wrinkling as his fur bristled. The scent was overwhelming. 

 

Something inside Tails snapped.

 

His instincts surged to the surface, slamming into him like a tidal wave. His breath came in sharp, uneven gasps, his hands trembling at his sides. Claws tore through his gloves, curling into fists as a wildfire fury ignited in his veins.

 

The scent was too strong, too fresh. It wasn’t just lingering anymore — it was clinging.

 

Shadow had been close. Too close to Sonic.

 

“What…” The word barely left Tails' lips before a snarl tore through it. “What did you do to him?”

 

Shadow stiffened at the sudden shift in tone, his crimson eyes narrowing at the instinct-driven beta on the couch. Tails looked ready to pounce at any second.

 

Rouge barely had time to react before he lunged.

 

A blur of yellow and white crashed into Shadow, knocking him off his feet and sending them both tumbling to the ground. The impact drove the air from his lungs, leaving him momentarily stunned. Before he could react, Tails was on top of him, straddling his waist with gloved fists gripping tightly into thick white fur.

 

A low growl rumbled from Shadow’s throat, but Tails didn’t waver. His small frame trembled, yet his strength was undeniable.

 

Feral. Snarling. Unhinged.

 

Rouge had seen Tails upset before — but never like this. His eyes burned wild with unrestrained rage. He looked seconds away from ripping into Shadow’s throat.

 

“You smell like him.” His voice was low, shaking with barely contained anger. His burning gaze locked onto Shadow’s fiery crimsons. “Why do you smell like Sonic?!”

 

Shadow held his glare, calm but guarded, scanning the fox’s face.

 

“Because I was with him.”

 

Despite Shadow’s alpha instincts perceiving the feral fox as a threat, he had no desire to harm the beta. He fully understood that the beta’s aggression stemmed from worry over his best friend. Still, it would benefit them both if the fox could just calm down instead of provoking his already frayed instincts further. Exhaustion weighed heavily on him, and it took everything he had not to snap back at the feral beta.

 

“Shit!” Rouge cursed as she swiftly flew over, grabbing his wrists and yanking hard in an attempt to pry him off. But Tails didn’t budge. If anything, his grip on Shadow only tightened, drawing another warning growl from the worn-out alpha.

 

“Hun, I need you to calm down!” she urged, her voice firm but pleading.

 

Her gaze flickered to Shadow, who was barely keeping his own instincts in check. If this kept up, someone was bound to get hurt. Making a split-second decision, she released her grip on Tails and reached into her pocket, pulling out a small canister. Without hesitation, she sprayed it directly into the fox’s face.

 

It was a scent-neutralizing spray, designed to block out overwhelming smells. She often used it after visiting crowded places, but this was her first time testing it against a feral instinct.

 

Tails recoiled instantly, his eyes widening as his nose registered the sudden absence of Sonic’s scent. He cringed, staggering back slightly, his pupils shrinking to their normal state as his grip on Shadow slackened.

 

Seizing the moment, Shadow shoved the beta off him — not hard enough to injure, but forceful enough for him to break free. Without wasting another second, he bolted toward the nearest bathroom, never once looking back.

 

Tails was on his hands and knees, one hand clutching his chest as he coughed, trying to expel the sharp, stinging scent from his system. His body ached, his mind sluggish, but with a groan, he forced himself upright, his senses slowly coming back into focus.

 

Rouge was at his side in an instant, slipping an arm securely around his waist to steady him. Gently, she guided him back to the couch, easing him down so he could lean against the cushions and catch his breath.

 

“Oh, you poor thing,” she murmured, brows knitting in concern. Her fingers combed gently through his fur, releasing a soothing pheromone to ease the tension gripping his body.

 

Tails let his head fall back against the cushions, his arm draped over his face as a deep, throbbing ache pulsed through his skull. “What… happened…?”

 

“You got a little wild, hun,” Rouge confirmed, standing up to search for a particular room spray.

 

Still dazed, Tails curled onto his side, pressing his fingers tighter against his temples as the adrenaline drained from his system. He wasn’t sure what had come over him — what had driven him to act so recklessly toward an alpha. 

 

A soft hissing sound reached his ears as Rouge sprayed the room, likely with the same suppressant she had used on him earlier. Tentatively, he inhaled, relieved to find that Sonic’s scent no longer lingered in the air.

 

“And Shadow…?” he rasped.

 

“He’s cleaning up right now,” Rouge said with a light chuckle as she settled beside him. “Wouldn’t want you getting worked up again, now, would we?”

 

Tails groaned louder, turning his face into the cushions.

Shadow sat on the couch, an arm draped along the backrest as he used the towel over his shoulder to dry his quills. Across from him, Rouge and Tails sat in silence, the air between them thick with unspoken thoughts. He took the moment to gather his thoughts, carefully considering how to explain his situation. Of course, he’d have to leave out certain details — no need to risk the beta throwing another fit.

 

The cold shower had done its job, washing away the heat lingering in his body and clearing his head. Fortunately, they were too preoccupied with the lingering scent on his body to notice anything else.

 

Rouge, already dressed in her nightgown, leaned back with effortless grace, crossing one leg over the other as she sipped her tea. Beside her, Tails sat slouched forward, shoulders tense, face buried in his hands — ashamed and embarrassed by his outburst from moments ago.

 

“I… I’m sorry… for earlier…” The fox mumbled into his palms, unwilling to look up.

 

Rouge chuckled softly, setting her cup down on the coffee table before resting a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “It’s more common than you think, hun.”

 

“She’s right.” Shadow nodded, exhaling a quiet sigh. “I don’t blame you for reacting the way you did. You were just looking out for Sonic.” His gaze drifted away, an unreadable expression flickering across his face. “I just… didn’t expect anyone to be awake waiting for me this late.”

 

At the mention of the hero’s name, Tails’ ears twitched. Slowly, he lowered his hands from his face, settling more comfortably on the couch.

 

Rouge, disinterested in directly joining the conversation, grabbed a nearby fashion magazine, idly flipping through its pages. She’d let the boys handle this conversation.

 

“About Sonic…” Tails began, but Shadow cut him off before he could finish.

 

“He’s fine,” Shadow said curtly, arms crossing over his chest. “He’s just dealing with his heat.”

 

Tails swallowed a lump, his concern for the hero deepening. “So he really is an omega?” 

 

Shadow gave a silent nod.

 

Tails bit his bottom lip, processing the revelation. Then, without warning, he shot to his feet. “Where is he then?” His voice quivered, fists clenched tightly at his sides as he demanded an answer from the alpha.

 

Shadow hesitated. He wasn’t sure how much he should say.

 

Sensing the growing tension, Rouge lazily turned a page and released another wave of soothing pheromones. Almost immediately, Tails’ shoulders slumped, his breathing steadied, and he sank back down onto the couch.

 

“He’s somewhere safe. Isolated,” Shadow finally answered, his crimson gaze meeting Tails’ worried blue eyes. “He told me he won’t be moving from there until his heat is over.”

 

Tails clicked his tongue at the response. Of course, Sonic would try to handle things alone. That was just how he was.

 

“Damn it, Sonic!” Tails cursed, running a hand through his head in frustration. “So what then? You didn’t just leave him like that, right?”

 

“No.”

 

The firm response made Rouge glance up from her magazine. Her teal eyes flickered from the glossy pages of high-end fashion to Shadow’s unreadable expression. Intrigued, she took a slow, deliberate sip of her drink.

 

“Sonic agreed to let me help him during his heat.”

 

Rouge nearly choked on her drink. Tails went rigid, the color draining from his face. Their eyes met, and without a word, they both knew exactly what the other was thinking.

 

“ Help him?” Rouge repeated, dragging out the words.

 

“Y-You’re saying… you and S-Sonic… you both…” Tails stammered, eyes wide in horror, his mind running in all the wrong directions.

 

Shadow’s brow twitched at their ridiculous reactions. He sighed, already regretting his phrasing.

 

“What I meant by that,” he muttered, annoyance creeping into his voice. The two instantly stopped, their assumptions grinding to a halt. “I’ll be making sure he has what he needs — food, water, medication, anything to help him get through his heat comfortably.”

 

Rouge and Tails exchanged glances. Rouge’s lips curled into a knowing smirk while Tails squinted at him with obvious suspicion.

 

“Nothing else…” the fox trailed off, uncertain. “Right…?”

 

Shadow’s response was flat. “Yes.”

 

Not yet, anyway, he thought, but that wasn’t something they needed to know.

 

“Aww… is that why you wore a peg, dear? To make sure Sonic’s scent wasn’t tempting you too much?” Rouge teased, her voice dripping with amusement. She leaned forward, resting her face in her hands as she batted her lashes at him. “What a considerate alpha.”

 

Shadow forced himself to remain composed, pushing down the warmth threatening to creep up his face. Instead, he scoffed, feigning indifference.

 

Tails, however, wasn’t so easily convinced. If anything, his skepticism only deepened.

 

“Then why did you smell so strongly of him?” the fox challenged, earning a drawn-out hum of interest from Rouge.

 

Shadow had anticipated this question. He’d spent his entire shower break crafting a response. The last thing he wanted was to provoke the beta’s protectiveness further — pushing him too hard might only make him more defensive, more aggressive.  That wasn’t a situation Shadow cared to deal with for the second time. Fortunately, Shadow had already settled on a plausible excuse.

 

“I was in the same space as an omega in heat. Their scent becomes overwhelmingly strong during that time. The entire room was drenched in it — it was inevitable that some of it would cling to me, even after just a short visit,” he stated matter-of-factly, keeping his expression neutral. 

 

Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, “Besides, he asked me to stay with him for a little while after we made our agreement.”

 

Tails narrowed his eyes, mulling over the response. His frown deepened, his brows drawing together as he picked apart the alpha’s words. Yet, despite his best efforts, he couldn’t find any outright flaws in Shadow’s explanation. With a reluctant sigh, he finally slumped his shoulders, left with no choice but to accept it — for now.

 

“Alright, you have a point…” Tails muttered, exhaling a small huff as he pushed himself to his feet. “Thanks for your time.”

 

Rouge set her magazine aside and stood with him, ready to see him out. “Leaving already, hun?”

 

“Rouge, it’s past midnight,” Tails grumbled, stretching his arms with a tired sigh. “I’m tired…”

 

“I know, dear,” Rouge giggled playfully, following him with an effortless sway in her step. As they reached the door, she softened, reaching out to ruffle his fur. “Just teasing. After today, you’ve more than earned some rest.”

 

Tails managed a small smile. "Yeah... thanks."

 

He turned toward the exit but hesitated, ears twitching as he shifted his head ever so slightly in Shadow’s direction.

 

“And... Shadow?”

 

A low grunt acknowledged him.

 

“You better take good care of him.”

 

A quiet scoff left Shadow, followed by the faintest smirk tugging at his lips.

 

“Don’t underestimate me, fox.”

Shadow stood before his wardrobe, sifting through his clothes — shirts, jackets, tops — anything soft and comfortable enough for the omega to sleep in. He picked up each piece, spread it out in front of him, and rubbed the fabric between his ungloved fingertips to test its softness.  If it met his standards, he tossed it over his shoulder, letting it land in a growing pile on his bed.

 

It took some time, but once he was satisfied with his selection, he carefully spread the clothes across the bed. Later, he would sleep on them, ensuring his scent fully settled into every fiber. Just the way Sonic liked it.

 

He admired his handiwork, picturing how content Sonic would be, nestled within the nest of his scent. The thought of Sonic curled up in the nest — surrounded by his scent, purring in contentment, nuzzling into the fabric — sent a pleasant warmth through his chest. It made his tail twitch ever so slightly.

 

Just as he was about to move on with his night, his door swung open. Rouge strolled in, unbothered as ever, a knowing smirk on her lips and a pillow tucked under her arm.

 

“Aww, scenting your clothes for the omega?” She cooed, smirking as she leaned against the doorway. “How sweet. Should I throw in something of mine too?”

 

Shadow’s eyes narrowed slightly, his voice edged with a warning growl. “No.”

 

Rouge chuckled, raising a hand in mock surrender. “Relax, sweetheart. Sonic’s all yours — I wouldn’t dream of interfering.” Then, with a softer smile, she extended the pillow toward him. “Here. Give this to him. Judging by how you described where he’s staying, it doesn’t sound… comfortable. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be going through all this trouble.”

 

The sincerity in her voice made Shadow’s shoulders ease slightly. With a quiet nod, he took the pillow from her, swapping out his own for the fresh, unscented one.

 

“It’s not,” he muttered, thinking of the dark, damp cave where Sonic had chosen to endure his heat. “Thank you, Rouge. He’ll appreciate this.”

 

She offered a small smile — then, just as quickly, it morphed into something far more mischievous.

 

“Well, that, and… he’ll need something to hump against, won’t he?”

 

Shadow stiffened, his mind momentarily short-circuiting as he processed her words as Rouge cackled at his reaction.

 

“Rouge!”

 

“What?” Rouge laughed, easily dodging the pillow that sailed past her face. With a graceful flap of her wings, she closed the distance between them, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips. The glint in her eyes told Shadow everything — she knew.

 

“You really thought I wouldn’t notice?” She teased, her voice dripping with pure amusement. “The only reason you smelled so much like him was because he was all over you, wasn’t he?”

 

Whatever retort Shadow had died in his throat, the heat creeping back to his face. Instead, he let out a low grunt, turning away from the smug alpha.

 

“What’s your point here, Rouge?” He growled, refusing to confirm or deny her accusation.

 

She merely smiled, feigning innocence as she perched herself on his desk chair. “Nothing, hun. Just having a little fun.”

 

“Then leave,” he grumbled, jerking his head toward the door. “As you can see, I’m busy. I have preparations to make for Sonic tomorrow.”

 

“Of course, of course. Your omega is your top priority. I get it, dear,” she sighed dramatically, shaking her head as she stood, swaying her hips on the way to the door. “I, too, prioritize my beautiful gems above all else.”

 

“He’s not my omega—” Shadow protested, his voice faltering slightly at the end as a light flush spread across his cheeks once more.

 

“Not yet,” Rouge corrected smoothly, pausing at the doorway. One hand idly twisted the knob as she leaned back against the frame, her smirk widening.

 

A brief pause hung between them. Shadow narrowed his eyes at Rouge, sensing there was more to her visit than she let on.

 

“I also came to tell you,” she finally admitted, watching him carefully. “Amy might be dropping by tomorrow.”

 

Shadow’s expression barely shifted, but Rouge caught the flicker of surprise in his crimson gaze. Smirking, she retrieved her phone from her gown’s pocket and twirled it between her fingers. “Tails just texted me,” she continued, gesturing toward the screen. “Apparently, he told Amy about tonight’s conversation. And guess what? She’s coming over tomorrow — whether you like it or not.”

 

Shadow exhaled sharply, nose scrunching at the thought of the inevitable stress and headache awaiting him in the morning. “You’ve got to be joking.”

 

“Nope,” Rouge’s tone was far too cheerful for his liking. She swiped her screen and held it up, revealing her recent call log. Amy’s contact sat right at the top. “She just called me, actually.”

 

Shadow turned toward the window, briefly entertaining the idea of sleeping outside in the cold. Hidden. Unreachable.

 

“She’s going to kill me.”

 

Rouge rolled her eyes. “Aren’t you being a little dramatic, dear?” Shaking her head, she slipped her phone away and straightened her posture. “She only wants to drop some things off before you go see Sonic tomorrow.”

 

Shadow’s head snapped toward her, a sharp frown creasing his face. “And who said I was meeting with Sonic tomorrow?”

 

Rouge met his glare with a confident, knowing smirk. Her teal eyes gleamed with quiet amusement, almost daring him to argue. She winked before turning on her heel.

 

“My intuition.”

 

Shadow glared at the door as if it were the most loathsome villain he’d ever encountered.

 

With a heavy sigh, he dropped onto his bed, surrounded by his scattered clothes.

 

The only thing he was looking forward to tomorrow was Sonic. Nothing else.

Shadow stood tall before the cave, one hand gripping a bag filled with his scented clothes, while the other balanced two more — one containing Amy’s lunchbox, a bottle of water, and some pills from the fox, and the other packed with an assortment of fruits from the echidna. Tucked securely under his arm was the pillow Rouge had kindly offered.

 

Carrying so much luggage slowed his pace, but he was careful — he couldn’t risk anything happening to the supplies. It was reassuring to see how much the others cared for the omega, even if most had voiced their frustrations over Sonic’s decision to isolate himself. Still, they respected his not-so-wise choice and did what they could to help until his heat was over.

 

Amy had insisted on coming along, but Shadow had firmly declined. Their agreement was clear — only he would tend to Sonic. Bringing someone else might startle him, and the last thing they wanted was to make Sonic feel even more uncomfortable and overwhelmed.

 

Eventually, Shadow managed to ease the pink alpha’s worries. In a compromise, she offered to keep cooking for their favorite hero throughout his heat. That, and she called dibs on knocking some sense into Sonic the moment it was over. Shadow had no objections, so he agreed.

 

And so, here he was, standing at the mouth of the cave on a bright afternoon, fully stocked with everything Sonic needed — his trusty peg clamped firmly over his nose once again.

 

He walked in casually, his footsteps echoing through the cave as he made his way to the blanketed slab at the far end. Just as he expected, Sonic lay curled up on top of it, his back turned, his breaths coming in shallow pants. His blue ears twitched at the sound of approaching footsteps, but he didn’t move.

 

“Good afternoon, Sonic. I brought the things I promised yesterday,” Shadow said, setting the bags and the scented pillow against the cave wall.

 

He was about to offer the hero some lunch when he noticed Sonic’s breathing grew even more ragged — every inhale shaky, every exhale strained.

 

“Sonic! Are you okay? I have medicine if—”

 

Before he could finish, a hand shot out, grabbing his arm and yanking him forward. In a sudden, fluid motion, their positions flipped — Shadow now found himself pinned against the blanket-covered slab, his arms held down in a firm grip as Sonic loomed over him, his breath hot and ragged, panting like a starving beast.

 

“Alpha… please…”

 

Sonic whimpered above him, his face flushed and slick with sweat, half-lidded emerald eyes brimming with longing as they locked onto the alpha.

 

“Please, alpha… it’s too much. Too hot. Too empty.”

 

Shadow’s crimson eyes widened as realization struck. Sonic’s heatwave wasn’t supposed to peak for another few hours. Had he miscalculated? He had come at this hour specifically under the assumption that Sonic’s heat had settled enough for him to be somewhat composed — tired, perhaps, but rational. Not this. Not trembling with desperation, flushed and panting, begging to be bred.

 

Shadow bit his tongue, suppressing a groan as Sonic shifted, rolling his hips in slow, deliberate motions to create friction. A satisfied purr left the omega’s lips as he continued his movements, clearly chasing more.

 

Meanwhile, Shadow clenched his jaw, his head falling back as his logical mind battled against the raw instinct clawing at him. He wanted this — he couldn’t deny that. Chaos, he had wanted this for longer than he cared to admit. But he had come here with a purpose: to help Sonic through his heat, to provide the essentials that would make it more bearable. Not to give in. Not to lose himself in something he knew he wouldn’t be able to stop once it started.

 

And yet, part of him — an undeniable, primal part — wanted nothing more than to claim what was being offered so freely. How many times had he imagined something like this happening under different circumstances? 

 

And maybe — just maybe — when this was all over, he would finally confess his true feelings to the hero. Maybe next time, he would be the one Sonic turned to when his heat became unbearable. But patience had never been Sonic’s strong suit. He was greedy. Needy. Impatient.

 

A sharp breath escaped Shadow as he felt his own erection stir to life, heat pooling in his gut. His eyes flickered downward, catching sight of the omega’s slick coating his hardened length, glistening as Sonic continued to grind against him, aching for relief.

 

Shadow growled low in his throat, his restraint slipping by the second. His hips jerked upward on reflex, and Sonic gasped — a breathless, needy moan spilling from his lips as the tip of Shadow’s cock pressed against his dripping entrance, hot and teasing.

 

“Alpha… Alpha — please…!”

 

Sonic’s grip on Shadow’s wrists weakened with every slow grind against him, his body yielding, melting into submission as he collapsed against Shadow’s chest. His breath hitched as gloveless hands slid up to clutch Shadow’s broad shoulders, seeking stability. Shadow pressed against him harder in response, drawing a desperate whimper from the omega above him.

 

Now freed, Shadow’s hands found their place on Sonic’s waist, holding him firm as he moved with deliberate, measured control. Sonic trembled under his touch, soft whines spilling from his lips, and Shadow could feel the last of his restraint hanging by a thread. The only thing holding him together was the fact that he hadn’t allowed himself to take in Sonic’s scent yet; the peg pinched between his nose was proof of that.

 

He had told himself he would resist. That he would stay composed. But how was he supposed to keep his resolve when Sonic was all but offering himself up on a silver platter?

 

“Alpha, please, please, please — just take me — fuck me!”

 

And how could Shadow possibly refuse him when he looked at him like that?

 

A low growl rumbled deep in Shadow’s chest before, in a swift, fluid motion, he flipped their positions. Now Sonic was beneath him, wrists pinned against the blanketed surface as Shadow hovered over him, pressing him down. Not that the omega fought against it — if anything, he shuddered, his breath hitching as he stared up at Shadow, eyes dark with anticipation, lips parting in a breathless gasp at the display of dominance.

 

“So impatient, aren’t we?”

 

Shadow growled, his grip on Sonic’s wrists tightening more than necessary. He leaned back just enough to fix the omega beneath him with a sharp, smoldering glare, daring him to push further.

 

“Spread them, omega.”

 

Shadow’s alpha voice sent a shudder through Sonic’s spine, causing him to squirm and whine in response. He didn’t need to be told twice — obedient as ever, he parted his legs, offering himself without hesitation, eager to please the alpha above him.

 

Shadow wasted no time in closing the distance between them, his hips meeting the omega's with a deliberate need. The head of his cock pressed against the slick entrance, a teasing friction that sent shivers through both of their bodies.

 

As if to tempt the omega further, Shadow gradually pushed the head of his cock inside, the sensation causing his breath to hitch as he felt the tight warmth envelop his tip. He moved with slow, deliberate intent, grinding just enough to send shivers through the omega beneath him. Each movement pulled a needy whimper from the omega — only for Shadow to withdraw just as quickly, leaving him gasping in frustration.

 

“You really can’t stand waiting, can you?”

 

Shadow's voice carried a teasing edge as he began to push in again, inch by inch, feeling the omega's walls slowly wrap around his cock. The pulsating walls around him only pulled him deeper, sending a pleasurable purr rumbling from his chest.

 

Sonic cried out, his fingers clenched tightly as he was stretched open by the alpha’s cock. Wet tears slid down his muzzle as he forced himself to adjust to the thick length inside him. The intrusion left him gasping and groaning from the sheer pain he was experiencing. As the alpha pressed deeper, Sonic instinctively tightened around him, feeling the length inside him throbbing in response. It was more than he had imagined — overwhelming, consuming, and impossible to ignore.

 

“Yes — yes…! Fuck, fuck, fuck… Alpha — Alpha!”

 

Shadow shoved his cock all the way to the top of his knot, his gland just barely touching Sonic’s dripping cunt. As much as he wanted to shove it inside, he couldn’t. His body ached to go further, to claim what was so willingly offered — but he held firm. Not yet. Not until his feelings were laid bare and, more importantly, accepted.

 

Patience. He had waited this long — he could wait a little longer.

 

Sonic was his. Whether the omega fully realized it yet or not, Shadow would make sure of it.

 

For now, he would take only what he allowed himself, savoring every moment until the moment came when he wouldn’t have to hold back anymore.

 

Shadow pulled back slowly until the only thing remaining inside was his leaking tip. He paused, savoring the way Sonic whined in protest, the omega’s hips moving in a desperate attempt to reclaim what was taken from him.

 

“You’re so eager, omega.”

 

Shadow’s voice was low and teasing as he looked down at the sight beneath him. Lidded crimson eyes met Sonic’s emerald gaze — wide, desperate, shimmering with unshed tears. The desperation in his movements, the way he arched his back and clenched around him — they only fueled Shadow’s own arousal, feeding into his need to fuck and claim the omega right then and there.

 

But Shadow was never one to rush. He would take his time.

 

Shadow moved with a firm, measured rhythm, each thrust deliberate, pushing deeper into the omega’s needy cunt with unrelenting precision. Sonic tensed beneath him, his body trembling at the overwhelming sensation of being split apart — each motion stretching him further, forcing him to take more.

 

Instinct took over as Sonic locked his legs around the alpha’s waist, pulling him in, demanding more. Shadow grunted in response, feeling the omega match his rhythm as their bodies moved in sync.

 

With each thrust, pain coursed through Sonic’s body, sharp and intense, pushing him to his limits in a way he had never experienced before. 

 

He gasped, the cries escaping his lips a mix of pleasure and agony, each stroke stretching him wider, filling him completely. It felt so foreign, so overwhelming; he had never allowed himself to be so utterly opened by an alpha’s cock before. Yet, within that pain, a wave of pleasure washed over him, igniting a fire deep in his core. It entwined with the discomfort, leaving him breathless and yearning for more.

 

Sonic’s wrists slipped free from Shadow’s hold, drawing the alpha’s gaze downward, a silent question in his crimson eyes. But Sonic didn’t speak. Instead, he reached up, grasping Shadow’s shoulders and pulling him closer, their breath mingling in the sliver of space between them.

 

“Need you… badly — please, alpha, ahh…”

 

The omega’s desperate pleas were music to Shadow’s ears, each syllable dripping with raw need.

 

And like the devoted alpha he was, Shadow obliged, driving his hips forward with a relentless rhythm that grew sharper, deeper, with every thrust.

 

Every precise thrust sent shivers through the omega’s burning body, forcing out breathless moans that only spurred Shadow on further. The way Sonic clung to him, the way his body yielded so perfectly around his cock — Shadow doesn’t think he could ever get used to it.

 

Sonic’s fingers curled into the alpha’s shoulders, claws scraping against dark fur as pleasure wracked his body. His gasps turned to broken cries, his legs tightening around the alpha’s waist in an effort to pull him impossibly closer.

 

“Yes, yes, yes — alpha! — mmf, yes!”

 

With a ragged gasp, Sonic buried his face against Shadow’s neck, inhaling sharply. The alpha’s scent was thick and intoxicating, wrapping around him like a heady fog, sinking deep into his senses. It was maddening — hot, consuming. He wanted more. He needed more.

 

After a while, the pain melted away, replaced by pure, euphoric pleasure. Sonic’s hips moved erratically, desperate to meet the alpha’s thrusts, chasing the release building like fire in his core. He was close. So close.

 

Noticing the omega’s need for release, as well as his own, Shadow abruptly stilled, only to shift their position. His hands gripped Sonic’s thighs, spreading them wider, opening him further before driving back in with deep, powerful thrusts. Each movement was deep, precise, and devastating, pushing the omega further toward the edge.

 

A sharp, fractured cry escaped Sonic’s lips, echoing through the cavern walls as his climax crashed over him. It hit like a tidal wave, rolling through his body with an intensity that left him trembling and gasping for air. His walls tightened involuntarily around Shadow's cock, gripping it desperately, unwilling to let it go.

 

His body convulsed, shuddering as the heat of Shadow’s release filled him, seeping deep, exactly how he craved it. And yet, it wasn’t enough. Not enough.

 

“A-Alpha…— nnh, your knot… please, give me your knot…”

 

Sonic’s hips moved with intention, grinding against the thick base of Shadow’s knot, desperate to coax him into locking them together, into keeping him filled. Each movement sent a fresh wave of overstimulation through his body, but he didn’t care — he needed it, craved it.

 

Shadow growled low in his throat, his grip tightening around the omega’s waist, fingers pressing firm into heated flesh. He could feel Sonic’s body trembling, begging without words.

 

“No.”

 

His voice was sharp and unwavering. A command, a refusal.

 

Sonic let out a broken whimper, his legs twitching around Shadow’s waist in protest, but his body was too spent to fight back properly. His mind was hazy with need, clouded with instinct, and yet — he could do nothing but obey.

 

When he was certain the omega wouldn’t fight him further, Shadow slowly pulled out, his crimson gaze darkening as he watched the mixture of their release spill from Sonic’s swollen cunt. The sight alone nearly made him reconsider, nearly had him burying himself back inside where he belonged. But he held himself back.

 

Sonic let out a drawn-out whimper, fingers twisting into the blanket as the sudden emptiness sent a deep ache through him. His walls clenched around nothing, seeking the presence that had just been there, stretching him, filling him. He sobbed pathetically, his need still burning beneath the surface.

 

“Another time, omega.”

 

Shadow hovered over the trembling omega, leaning down to press gentle kisses against tear-streaked cheeks, his tongue flicking out to catch the salty trails before nuzzling into the crook of Sonic’s neck. A low, comforting rumble vibrated from his chest as he released soothing pheromones, coaxing the omega into relaxation.

 

The effect was immediate. Sonic’s body softened beneath him, the tension in his muscles fading as he curled up within his makeshift nest. His emerald eyes, hazy and unfocused, fluttered half-shut before finally succumbing to exhaustion.

 

Satisfied, Shadow shifted to lie beside him, an arm slipping around Sonic’s waist to pull him close. His thumb traced slow, rhythmic circles against soft blue fur, grounding himself in the warmth of the omega pressed against him.

 

For a while, there was only silence, broken only by the soft sound of steady breathing. Shadow let his own eyes drift shut, his body relaxing in tandem with Sonic’s. A deep, contented purr rumbled from his chest, vibrating through them both, as he allowed himself to sink into the serenity of the moment.

 

But Shadow could only indulge in the tranquility for so long. Just as his body began to relax into the omega’s warmth, the sharp ring of his phone shattered the silence. The sound cut through the calm like a blade, dragging him back into reality.

 

His brows drew together in irritation as he reached for the device, the screen’s glow casting cold light across his features.

 

It was Rouge.

 

She knew better than to call unless it was an emergency.

 

With a quiet sigh, Shadow carefully slipped out of the makeshift bed, moving a short distance away to ensure Sonic’s slumber remained undisturbed before answering.

 

“Shadow. We have an urgent mission — immediate assistance is required. Now. The others are waiting.”

 

No room for argument. No further explanation. The line went dead before he could get a word in.

 

His jaw clenched as he turned back to the sleeping omega, then to the screen displaying the coordinates Rouge had sent. Clicking his tongue, he exhaled sharply, irritation flickering in his eyes.

 

He moved swiftly, making sure everything was in order before carefully cleaning Sonic up. Once satisfied, Shadow leaned down, his breath warm against Sonic’s ear as he whispered,

 

“I’ll be back soon. Stay safe.”

 

Without another glance, Shadow turned and stepped out into the afternoon light, leaving the cave behind.

 

Notes:

Hey! First and foremost, I'll be super busy for the next few months, so I don't know if I'll have time to update this fic for a while due to college. But don't fret! I'll work on it if I have the time and won't leave this fic forgotten! 💖

For the past few weeks, I've been considering adding more plots to this fic. (This fic has a possible side-ship <3) However, I'm quite indecisive, so like before, YOU will be helping me choose how chapter 4 will flow via polls on my Twitter page!

Here is the link to the poll! Be sure to vote, lovelies! 💖✨

You can find me on my Twitter, here!

And lastly, PLEASE PLEASE PLEAAASSEEE spam me with comments! (only if you want!) I read every one of them and they never fail to make me smile and shake with motivation! ✨ I would love to hear your thoughts about this fic, I would also happily answer any of your questions if you have any! 💖

In the meantime, thank you and I hope you have a good day/night! <3

Notes:

I hope you enjoyed it! I haven't been writing for a while and I hope this turned out just fine! I had a lot of fun writing this, haha! Thank you so much for reading, your feedbacks are greatly appreciated! 💙

Here is the link to the poll! Make sure to read the comment below the poll post for the possibilities of each character choice!

You can find me on my Twitter, here!