Chapter Text
"And then he just crossed his arms and jumped off the plane I mean can you believe it? He didn't even let me finish my sentence!"
"Well he was obviously not interested in your plan."
It was two days after the picnic in the attic. Currently Sonic and Shadow were practicing walking. The blue blur was telling the black hedgehog about his second encounter with egg man and how he met his two brothers. It kept Shadow entertained and it helped him get used to walking without thinking about it. Although the injured hedgehog still had to wear his bandage (which Sonic changed regularly) the blue blur was convinced it wouldn't take long until he could take his friend downstairs. Sonic was still going on and on about his story, telling Shadow every detail. The black hedgehog enjoyed hearing Sonic talking. It helped him relaxed and overall he was more of a listener than a speaker. Another reason why him and his saviour were such a good match.
"Oh, shoot! Now I've talked too long. Let's focus on your training, shall we?"
"It's okay I don't mind. I like hearing you talk."
"Really? You don't think it's annoying that I'm constantly speaking?"
"No, I find it quite relaxing."
"Thank you Shadow."
"O-Oh it's nothing..."
Sonic gave the black hedgehog a big smile and tried to hide a smirk when he saw Shadow's blush. It was too adorable. He loved seeing the other like that.
"Anyways! Do you want to try some steps alone? I'll stay close incase you fall."
"Sure why not"
The blue blur let go of the others white gloves and took few steps away from Shadow. Slowly he put one foot after another. He expected wobbly legs or that he would loose his balance but nothing like that happened. It didn't take him long to be fully walking on his own. It seemed like he was never injured at all!
"Wow look at you! It's crazy to think you only been here for what? A week? That fast healing is some strong stuff. Can I borrow some?"
Shadow started laughing "I don't think that's how it works Sonic but it's true. I feel great! I don't know about running but walking is no problem."
"Little steps Shadow, you have all the time in the world. It's already amazing that you can perfectly walk within a week. The other things surely take more time, like your chaos energy"
"Yeah...don't remind me. I didn't dare to even activate it after all this mess. The pain was way too much and then Tails took the little crystals out of me. Thank chaos I was asleep."
"Yeah I had my eyes closed too. I didn't need to see them digging through your flesh."
"Speaking of your parents are they not here? I have a feeling there is less noise downstairs than normally."
"Oh they are both at work. Knuckles is probably out in the woods training and Tails has his own little space in the basement. He loves fixing his gadgets."
"I see..."
"If you want I can pay Tails a visit and ask him about these chaos crystal thingies."
"Yeah I think that's a good idea. Maybe he has an idea what to do about my energy."
"Alright, be back in a flash!"
The young fox was working on a new device. It was tricky and difficult to get it to work but Tails loved a good challenged.
"Just a little bit more...Okay now if I can get this bolder a little bit tighter-"
Suddenly the device made some electric noises before it exploded. Nothing major just a little explosion but now Tails had to start all over again.
"Great...back to zero."
As the fox tried to concentrate again, a knock was heard on the basement door.
"Taaails! You there? Sorry if I'm disturbing but I wanted to ask you a question."
'Eh time for a break anyway'
Tails got up from his desk and opened the door
"Hey Sonic what's up?"
"Just wanted to ask if you have any news on the chaos crystals that you removed from Shadow's wound."
"Not much actually...you want to come in?"
"Actually Shadow asked me if I could get some information. So do you mind if we would go upstairs?"
"Sure why not."
Back in the attic, Shadow was resting in his bed. He may can walk again but his wound still bothered him. It quickly drained his energy. Suddenly the black hedgehog raised his head as he heard footsteps approaching. Soon Sonic and Tails appeared from the stairs. The blue blur rushed to Shadow's side. He knew Shadow was much better since the day they brought him home. Still...every fiber of his body goes crazy every time he sees Shadow's struggling.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine..."
The two hedgehogs slightly nuzzled each other. Tails observed their interaction. He was happy for his brother but this didn't exclude the fact that Shadow deserved all the help he needs. The fox wasn't helping him just because Sonic had feelings from him but mainly because it was the right thing to do. The poor hedgehog was experimented on and then lost his only friend. Of course he would help him!
Back to the main topic.
"Shadow, Sonic told me you wanted to know if I have any information regarding the chaos crystals."
"Yes but if you didn't find anything..."
"I mean it's not much...but I did found out that the crystals had a negative effect on your chaos energy. If you would have used it while the crystals were still inside you, your own chaos energy would have hurt you."
"I actually...did use it. It was the only way to send a signal."
"Shadow..."
The black hedgehog laid back down. The blue blur leaned over him. It gave him comfort and made him feel protected, at least Sonic hoped it did.
"I know you want to be able to use your chaos energy again as soon as possible but I would recommend to wait until the stitches have been removed. Maybe wait even longer than that. It just depends how far your wound has healed after the removal was done."
"I understand...Thank you, Tails"
"No need to thank me. I'll go back to my devices. Get plenty of rest."
The fox went downstairs and the two hedgehogs were left alone. It was silent. No one said anything. Sonic looked at Shadow, trying to figure out what was going on in the black hedgehogs head.
"Any thoughts on Tails opinion?"
"Well...he is right about the stitches and waiting until my injury is better but...I'm just scared that it will take too much time and that I will go crazy without being able to use my chaos energy..."
"Yeah I get that...but don't worry I'm here. I will make sure you won't go crazy. It's just better that we wait than trying to use it not knowing what effect it would have on your body."
The black hedgehog nodded and gave Sonic a quick nuzzled before laying down again.
"Get some rest. I'll be here when you wake up."
"Thank you...Sonic" and just that Shadow was fast asleep.
"You don't have to thank me for anything. I would do it again and again."
The blue blur stroke through the black quills and the res highlights.
"You mean so much to me and you don't even know it."
Sonic kissed Shadow's forehead and then joined him in bed get some rest aswell.
Tom is the first to get home that day. He was more tired than on other days. A normal day for him is helping some people in green hill and maybe stop by at the bar to talk to the neighbours. There were still days like this but...since Shadow 'died' or actually since Sonic arrived on earth, G.U.N agents were coming to his police station, asking him questions, filling out paperwork so he wouldn't tell the whole world what happened or who Robotic is, stuff like that. It was actually ridiculous at this point, especially since his boys almost didn't go anywhere, except the lake that was in the middle of nowhere. It got worse after the whole Shadow prison brake thing. Oh yeah and those two hooligans that almost blew up the whole planet, which was saved by one of them. Unfortunately for Shadow and Ivo it seemed the Unite didn't really care or acknowledged their sacrifice. That made Tom even more angry...
The father took a deep breath. The day ended and he shouldn't let these idiots ruin his mood. He was home now so he could spend time with his family. Tom was just about to open the door when he heard a voice behind him.
"You look tired. Did you have a long day?"
"More like a G.U.N day. They are really getting on my nerves."
"Aw, I'm sorry hun."
Maddie gave her husband a quick kiss.
"I know they are annoying and talk way to much but it's for our son's safety isn't it? Especially since we got you know a special guest upstairs."
"Yeah I know. I just hope they will back off soon but I have a feeling it will stay like this a little longer since they are actually unsure if Shadow is really dead."
"That sounds like them but we shouldn't worry so much. G.U.N knows they get in trouble if they harass us or storm our home."
"Yes I know..."
"Let's just get inside and spent some time with our boys okay?"
Tom nodded and opened the door. They were greeted by knuckles who looked like he was out in the woods...again. Not to worry though, Knuckles knows that he has to stay hidden and not distance himself too much from his home. According to the Unite he could be seen by others if he 'wanders too far and scare them.' Pretty sure the whole planet knows he and his brothers exist by know but what does Knuckles know, he's just a 'dangerous creature' (yeah one time G.U.N went that far).
Anyways back to Knuckles and his parents. Tom and Maddie sat down at the table with their son. The red echidna was just telling him what he did all day in the woods and how much fun he had. Soon Tails was joining him, trying to explain his new devices as best as he could. The family tried to understand but in reality they had no idea what the little fox was talking about.
"Sonic is still upstairs?"
"Yeah, I talked to them earlier and Shadow seemed tired. Maybe Sonic joined him and is also sleeping"
"I see. Tails, do you think Shadow is doing better?"
"I think so but I'm not sure how his walking practice is going. A check up should be done."
"I agree. I'll make some sandwiches, we eat and then check on the boys."
Upstairs Sonic and Shadow had woken up from their nap 20 minutes ago. They were talking and reading comics to keep them entertained until they heard Tom and Maddie come back home. Why did Sonic not go downstairs and greet his parents? Well maybe he was a bit lazy and distracted by Shadow but he would never admit it. Suddenly there was a knock on the attic door and after Sonic said 'Come in', the rest of the family joined the two hedgehogs. Maddie brought some sandwitches aswell. She wasn't sure what kind Shadow likes so she brought two different ones for him.
"Hello boys. How are you?"
"We're good. Shadow managed to walk on his own today!"
"Really?"
"Yes, although I think it took him a lot of energy."
The black hedgehog was still getting used to making smalltalk with the other family members. That resulted in Sonic speaking for him most of the time but he still tried to answer for himself.
"I can walk on my own now but the wound still bothers me."
"I thought so. Do you mind if I take a look at your stitches?"
Shadow shook his head and sat up, waiting for Maddie to do the checkup. The vet walked up to him, crouched down and slowly removed the bandage. The hedgehog raised his left arm so Maddie would have better access to the wound. She carefully inspected the stitches.
"The injury is healing quite well. Does it still hurt?"
"Sometimes but it's not really pain only discomfort. The wound is also very itchy
"That just means your body is closing the wound. It is a good sign. Maybe I can remove the stitches now."
"Really?"
"I think so but the bandage still stays on for a more couple of days. Just in case the wound reopens. Are you ready for me to remove the stitches or do you still want to wait
"Im tired but...I really want them out. It means I can get closer to using my chaos energy again."
"If that's what you want, I'll quickly get everything I need and we can start right away. It won't take long."
"That would be great, thank you."
"No need to thank me. You are my patient and I will make sure this injury gets treated right. Although I can't promise it won't leave a scar but I think you already knew that."
"Well I was hit with a laser that contained pure chaos energy and can blew up a whole planet so yes it might leave a scar."
Sonic, who was still sitting beside him, started laughing.
"Oh chaos Shads! I didn't know you were this good as sarcasm. That was so funny."
The blue blur couldn't stop laughing and the rest of a family couldn't help but giggle, even knuckles.
"I'll be right back."
Maddie left the attic. Tom, Knuckles and Tails made some small talk with the hedgehog, mostly Shadow. It could never hurt to get to know someone better, especially if that person is living with you.
Some minutes later the mother of the family came back upstairs and took a little scissors in her hands to start the process.
"This won't take long but it will feel a bit funny and maybe uncomfortable. Please lay down so I can work properly."
Shadow did as he was told and as always Sonic was by his side to provide comfort when needed. The blue hedgehog tried to distract his friend by telling him another story. It kind of worked. Sure, Shadow was listening to the tale and intrigued but he still felt every touch of the scissors when they touched his sensitive flesh. The contact didn't hurt per se but as Maddie said it was uncomfortable when she pulled out the stitches. As the vet finished the procedure, she wrapped another bandage around the black hedgehog.
"Okay, I'm finished you can relax now."
Shadow let out a breath he didn't even noticed he was holding. The procedure was short unlike the removal of the chaos crystals. Still...the black hedgehog felt uncomfortable both times. Luckily for him, his wound was closed now and the worst part of the injury was already healed.
"You are feeling okay?"
"Mhm... I'm glad I don't have to do a third 'operation'...Even though I didn't feel a thing, it still makes my skin crawl every time I think about it."
Sonic just nodded and silently put a hand on Shadows back, slowly stroking his quills.
"Not a fan of needles huh?" Tails asked. Shadow chuckled sarcastically.
"No not really. I think you know the reason."
Knuckles nodded and joined the conversation "The scientists were mean to you. They made you uncomfortable and hurt you on a daily basis, or thats what I assume. Of course anything that makes you remember those moments brings back those haunting memories. It is completely understandable."
The black hedgehog was unsure if the Echidna wanted to reassure him or if he was just stating his opinion. Sonic on the other hand smiled at his big brother. Maybe Knuckles didn't realise it but he was getting better at comforting other people. Sure some probably wouldn't understand him completely but it at least made them feel better. The little smile on Shadow's face proofed it.
"It's good that you are feeling a little bit better Shadow. I'm positiv that your wound will be healed in no time."
"Thank you, Tom"
The dad of the family smiled at their guest.
"Okay! Is anyone interested in going outside? It is around 1pm and the sun is still shining. Maybe you boys want to play a game outside?
"I would love to but..."
The blue blur turned to Shadow. He just couldn't leave him...even if he was just outside in the backyard. The black hedgehog broke eye contact and looked down at his feet. He felt so guilty. Sonic was up here because of him...because he cared so much. If he just could go downstairs then the blue blur could go outside and Shadow also could use some more freedom. Wait....wait. That was it! The solution was right before his eyes! His shoes, his air shoes! He could float with them! That's the key to the door that keeps him from his freedom.
"Don't worry bud we understand. You can stay inside with Shadow and we-"
"Wait!" The black hedgehog cut Tom off mid sentence. Everyone looked at him.
"Maybe...Maybe I could go downstairs...with the help of my shoes. They make me float so that way I wouldn't have to use the stairs..."
"Don't you need your chaos energy to activate them?"
"I don't think so...I really want to go outside"
"What do you think, dad?"
"Hmmm...I'm not sure...Tails told us that the chaos energy should wait until the stitches were removed and now they are but it doesn't mean you should start right away. Still...I understand that stuck being in room for days on end is frustrating, especially with the amount of energy you used to spend. In my opinion...you should give it a shot."
"Really?"
Tom nodded "Sooner or later you can't stand being stuck in here anymore. That's not something we want. This should be a safe place, not something that feels like a cage."
Shadow looked at Sonic, silently asking for his opinion. The black hedgehog already knew what he wanted but still Sonic's opinion was important to him. The blue blur tightly grabbed his hand and said:
"You do what you think is right"
"Are you sure? What if-"
"Shadow. If you want to go outside then that's what we will do."
The black hedgehog looked back at his shoes. Everyone said he should go but if- no. No! No more ifs! He was tired. Tired of being stuck in one room, tired of feeling guilty that Sonic is stuck here because of him, tired of being useless and tired of being not to use his chaos energy.
"Okay, I'll try."
Sonic smiled at him and gave his hand one more tight squeeze. Shadow stood up and tried to turn all is attention to his shoes. Moreover, he didn't think about his chaos energy, only imagining that his shoes will turn on and then let him float. After a few minutes of pure concentration...worked! Shadow was floating! The black hedgehog was so happy that he didn't check if he was in pain or if he used his energy.
"Oh my chaos! Shadow look at you!"
"It's really working! My shoes are working!"
"You are really floating Shadow! That's so amazing!"
While the two hedgehogs were over the moon, Knuckles, Tails and Tom were also very happy. Although the father still had to keep the possible risk in mind and it was his job to remind the injured hedgehog that his wound was still not fully healed.
"Careful Shadow. You are still not fully healed remember?"
"Oh right! Sorry!" The black hedgehog carefully landed on his feet. He didn't completely forget but it slipped his mind for a second.
"How does your injury feel?" Sonic asked after he calmed down as well.
"Fine? Well nothing has changed. No pain, no discomfort. Feels normal."
"Great! Got scared for a second."
"I'm really fine, I promise Sonic."
The blue blur leaned his forehead against Shadow's.
"That's Good. You might have notice that I've been a liiiittle overprotective the last week..."
"A little? Sonic you almost get a panic attack every time I breathe the wrong way"
The blue blur blushed all over his face and quickly responded:
"What?! I do not-"
Shadow's chuckle interrupts Sonic.
"Sorry... I just like teasing you"
The blue hedgehog face was red as a tomato, so he tried to get out of this situation.
"Can we just go downstairs, please?"
"Of course but I have to admit, your reaction was really funny to watch."
"Dad!"
"Okay, okay I'll stop. Come on boys, let's go outside."
The family walked to the stairs of the attic that lead down to the main area of the house. Tom, Tails and Knuckles went downstairs while the two hedgehogs stopped at the exit.
"I'll go downstairs in case you fall, okay? Just go slowly"
"I will and thanks."
Shadow took a deep breath. He could do this, just gotta be careful. First step, turn on the air shoes and get himself floating. Turning on...will take a minute...okay they are turned on and he starts to float. Now he is stable in the air. Second step, he leans his upper body forward and he stretches his legs so the shoes will make him float above the exit. Now he is right above the staircase. Slowly...very slowly he reduces the power of his air shoes and with that he floats to the ground, where the staircase ends.
"You did it! You are really downstairs!"
"I did it...I'm not stuck in that room anymore!"
"Yes, amazing! How do you feel??"
"Like crying!"
"What?! Don't cry please!"
"Just give me a hug??"
"That I can do!"
Sonic practically jumped into Shadow's arms. The two hedgehogs wrapped their arms arms tightly around each other. The blue blur presses his nose into Shadow's quills and inhaled his scent. (man that boy has fallen hard...)
"I really can't thank you enough...for anything you did."
"No need to thank me, Shads. You deserved every little thing and so much more."
"You are really going to make me cry Sonic."
"Will they mostly be happy tears?"
"They only will be happy tears."
"Good. Wanna go outside instead of standing here and crying your eyes out?"
"Please!"
"You wish is my command."
And with that, the two hedgehogs intertwined their fingers and joined the others outside.
"By the way what is the matter with this nickname you gave me?"
"Nothing really. I just think it has a nice ring to it."
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