Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Maria’s gentle arms draped the blanket over Shadow’s form, his eyes already beginning to fall closed from exhaustion. The scientists had demanded a lot from him today. More than he was ready to give.

Shadow’s hand reached out, but it fell limply to the mattress. Maria took it in hers anyway.

“You can sleep now, Shadow,” she murmured softly. Her smile was warm at first, but the corners of her mouth dipped further with every weary breath Shadow drew. “I’ll talk to Pop-pop. I’ll convince them to go easier on you.”

She adjusted the blanket again, hugging Shadow through it and wrapping it snugly around his body. “I promise.”

These moments made everything worth it. The warmth, the weight, the gentle voice of his only friend lulling him to sleep after another day as a glorified lab rat. It was Shadow’s only reason for being. In her embrace, he slipped into a peaceful sleep, held close in her arms, and her heart.

It would have been an alright last memory. The layer of snow covering him now almost felt like her blanket, and the gentle howling of the wind reminded him of the lullabies Maria would hum when sleep wouldn’t come.

But this is not what she would have wanted.

Shadow sat up, every movement slow and heavy. His body ached in ways he could never have imagined. The pain was dull yet intense, like someone had punched him with the force of a mountain. A small price to pay for falling from orbit, he figured.

As he clambered to his feet, brushing the snow from his fur, he noticed the burn marks. Singed fur, charred skin, bald spots… all of it evidence of what transpired. Shadow only sighed at the sight. He’d been through worse.

The raging inferno of chaos energy that boiled in his core—the very force that saved him from nuclear immolation, plummeting through the atmosphere, and impacting the earth with enough force to form a crater…

It was a gentle simmer now. Barely enough to keep him alive, nowhere near enough to draw on.

He picked up his rings, fastening them as Gerald had shown him.

As he analyzed his surroundings, he saw nothing but wilderness. Snowy trees and powdered hills shrouded in moonlight stretched as far as the eye could see.

But there was something else. A pull, faint but unmistakable. The presence of chaos energy, far off in the distance.

Shadow’s forlorn expression brightened, if only slightly, with the faintest glimmer of hope.

Sonic.

He set one foot in front of the other, slowly relearning how to walk. Each step was unsteady, the lingering weakness in his muscles a stark reminder of his ordeal. He wasn’t particularly looking forward to seeing his cobalt counterpart, though not because of Sonic. Shadow had no right to ask anything of him. He had threatened everything Sonic cared about. He’d hurt him, hurt his friends, his family. Undoing what he had set in motion—it didn’t make what he did any less wrong.

But he followed the pull anyway. Because… where else would he go?

Shadow had nothing. No one. The last person he had called family… wanted to desecrate Maria’s memory, blinded by hatred and vengeance. The same hatred that consumed him and that he himself had nearly fallen victim to, were it not for… Sonic.

The pangs of guilt hit hard, intensifying as the hours dragged on. The cold of the night, the bite of the wind… None of it hurt more than being left alone with his own thoughts. The weight of his actions bore down on his shoulders, forcing him to his knees more than exhaustion ever could. His memories haunted him every step of the way.

But Shadow pressed on.

The sun rose, and set again. The moon, what remained of it, shone its light through the pines, serving as a constant reminder of the consequences of his actions.

At least it wasn’t much further now. The pull of chaos was stronger.

It was his gift, and his curse. This energy coursing through him… It had saved him from certain death, healed his wounds. But it was this power that allowed him to be used for destruction—a weapon to inflict pain on others.

As he battled with himself, the forest thinned. In the distance, Shadow could perceive the occasional whir of an engine as cars passed by. Before long, he reached the threshold of the treeline, standing across the road from his destination.

A house, suburban and welcoming, decorated with red and green streamers, illuminated by light strips in every primary color. It was nestled safely in an alcove of trees, some of which had shed their leaves, others evergreen and dusted in snow, just like the home itself. Warm orange light spilled from its windows, casting a glow on the yard out front. In it, five snowmen stood watch, each one carefully decorated with clothes, sticks, and pinecones, modeled unmistakably after Sonic and… his family.

Pain struck like a hammer. Hesitantly, Shadow peeked left and right, ensuring he was alone before crossing the road. He moved silently across the driveway, momentarily hiding behind the truck and perking his ears for any sounds or signs he’d been discovered. When the coast was clear, he darted across the property, pressing against the wooden siding. The moist wood was uncomfortable, but that didn’t matter. The living room window was so close now, he could hear muffled chatter inside. Sonic’s voice was among them, as cheery as he remembered. Shadow took a deep breath to collect himself. He reached for the windowsill and pulled himself up, peeking through the corner of the glass.

What he saw left him speechless. The five-headed Wachowski family sat beneath a towering pine, decorated immaculately to match the house. A shining star adorned its tip, and scattered beneath it were boxes of all shapes and sizes, wrapped in colorful paper. Everyone wore smiles as they talked, laughed, and hugged each other.

Tom, even with one arm cast in gypsum and secured in a sling, reached for one of the boxes and handed it to Sonic.

In that moment, Shadow’s doubts welled again. He had no business being here. Not after everything he’d done, after what he did to Tom. His eyes glossed over with guilt and self-hatred, but he couldn’t help catching another glimpse. The scene reminded him too much of what he once had, what he had lost.

His mind conjured images of himself, Maria, and Gerald. Sitting together under a tree just like this one, sharing stories, laughter, and love…

Being a family.

Shadow’s eyes screwed shut, a deep sorrow building in his chest. When he reopened them, his gaze landed on Sonic. The hedgehog’s tail wagged furiously as he tore the wrapping from his gift, revealing a sleek jukebox of sorts. Sonic’s excitement lit up the room as he threw his arms around Tom’s neck in a heartfelt embrace.

It hurt. Shadow’s longing surged, raw and desperate. He wanted to feel that kind of love again. To have a family. A place to call home. Someone to call friend.

But that ship had sailed. The world thinks he’s dead, and better off for it. If GUN found him, he’d be faced with an impossible choice. To do the unthinkable, or be forced back into that tube, never to wake up again. And the only person who might understand… was surrounded by people Shadow had hurt, who had every right to hate him, to be afraid of him.

Defeated, Shadow climbed down from the window. He trudged across the driveway, his thoughts dark and heavy. Perhaps he could settle in the woods. Find a cave. Live off berries or scraps. Stay close enough to pretend… Pretend that he still had someone. Anyone.

Shadow stopped dead in his tracks. The weight of the world, it finally proved too much. His knees gave, and he fell to his hands. The emotions poured from him in waves, his teeth crunching against each other, his fists clenching into tight balls as he fought for his life to hold back the tears.

Dark thoughts clouded his mind. They were the kind of thoughts Maria would not have approved of, the kind that left him scouring through all the possibilities. But Maria was gone, right? Why should she even care? 

Shadow’s breath hitched. There was a hand on his shoulder, squeezing. Bleary crimson eyes glanced at the white glove, then over his shoulder at a furry blue arm. Sonic circled around, kneeling on the wet asphalt, emerald greens staring right into Shadow’s eyes with the most heartfelt of smiles on his face.

“Thought I saw something.”

Shadow tried to speak, but the words caught in his throat. Before he could find them, Sonic pulled him into a tight embrace, pressing his head into the crook of Shadow’s neck. His voice trembled, thick with emotion.

“I’m so glad you’re alive.”

Shadow clung to Sonic as if letting go would spell his end. The blue blur stood, offering his hand, his tone easy and gentle. “Come on, let’s get you inside. It’s freezing out here.”

Shadow’s ears perked, his eyes widening with disbelief. How could Sonic possibly invite him into his home? “I… I can’t come inside.”

“Nonsense you can’t. Up up,” Sonic insisted with a reassuring grin, waving his hand. “We were just about to eat. There’s room at the table for one more.”

Tentatively, Shadow accepted Sonic’s hand, and before he could second-guess himself, Sonic was pulling him to his feet and leading him to the front porch. As the chatter from inside grew louder, nervousness took hold. “Sonic, are you sure this is a good idea?”

The cobalt male stopped, eyeing Shadow curiously with a brow furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean?”

Shadow’s hand slipped from Sonic’s grasp as his shoulders sagged. His voice was laden with guilt. “Your family… They must hate me. After everything I did… How could they not hate me?”

“Shadow, nobody hates you,” Sonic said, his voice calm and reassuring. He placed a hand on Shadow’s shoulder, squeezing gently. “I told them about what happened to you. I don’t know the whole story, but I know enough. I’m speaking from experience here. We all understand your pain.”

Shadow searched Sonic’s face, finding only sincerity in his expression. “Tom was a bit harder to convince, but… He came around. He’s a big softie. You’ll like him.” Sonic underscored with a grin. “Come inside?”

Any remaining uncertainty was melted away by the warmth behind Sonic’s eyes. Shadow mustered a meager smile, the spark of hope igniting in the darkness of his mind. With a nod, he agreed, “Alright.”

He was not prepared for the love he was about to receive. After Sonic’s introduction, every member of the family greeted him with open arms. There was not a hint of fear or disdain—only acceptance. Knuckles even joked about getting back at him some time, asking for a spar in the morning.

Shadow was overwhelmed. It was like he’d known these people his whole life, like all the things he’d done simply never happened. At dinner, Maddie set the table for him, serving up a generous helping of her baked ham. It smelled divine—rich and aromatic. As everyone around him chatted and laughed, he couldn’t help but feel out of place. Maybe this wasn’t real at all. A figment of his mind—some side effect from a massive concussion. Or maybe he really was dead, and this was all a dream.

But Sonic’s hand on his arm felt real enough. “C’mon, Shadow. Eat up,” he encouraged before taking a bite himself. He grinned through a full mouth. “It’s so good.”

Tentatively, Shadow took a bite. It had been fifty years since he had a home-cooked meal. The first bite already triggered a flood of memories. He saw Maria in the kitchen teaching him to cook, her laughter bright and vivid. He remembered his first humble attempt, and how she pretended it was the most delicious meal she’d ever eaten.

As dinner progressed, Shadow began to relax. The Wachowskis made every effort to include him in their conversations, steering clear of painful subjects and focusing on lighter, happier topics. Slowly but surely, he found himself opening up.

After dessert, as the family dispersed and prepared for bed, Shadow was once again overcome with a sense of uncertainty.

He knew what he wanted, but he couldn’t bring himself to ask. It was one thing to be invited for dinner by the very family he almost tore apart. It was another thing entirely to ask to be a part of it.

Tom’s voice broke through his turmoil, and it was then that he truly began to grasp the depth of Sonic’s offer. “Sonic, do you mind if Shadow crashes with you for a couple nights?” His gaze turned to Shadow, his unbroken hand settled nonchalantly on his hip. “I’m gonna need a few days to clear out the junk in the storage room and get it furnished for ya. Hope that’s not too much to ask, he can be a bit energetic.”

The weight of Tom’s offer hit Shadow like a tidal wave. “You… you want me to stay?” His voice trembled with emotion. “After what I did?”

Tom crouched to meet Shadow’s gaze, his expression soft but firm. “Sonic told me what you’ve been through. It’s the least I can do.” He smiled, breaking the tension with a lighthearted quip. “Besides, taking in alien hedgehogs is kinda my thing, right buddy?” He glanced at Sonic, who shot him a playful grin. “No more punching, though, alright? I need a good arm.”

He extended his hand. It was an offer to make amends, just like that, no strings attached. Forgive and forget. Shadow could hardly believe it as he took it, trembling with gratitude. 

“Welcome to the family, Shadow,” Tom said warmly.

Those words hit him like a truck, only intensifying when Maddie uttered them again seconds later, followed by Tails, each time tearing a bigger hole into the emotional wall he’d built around himself.

Knuckles squeezed particularity tightly, stating proudly. “You will make a formidable ally in the battles to come! I am honored to count you among our ranks.”

Sonic was the last to approach, skipping formalities to envelop Shadow in a tight hug. The room filled with soft “awws” from the others. “Welcome to the family, Shadow,” Sonic said quietly, his voice thick with emotion.

It was a hug Shadow was eager to return, his own arms wrapping securely around Sonic’s torso. It filled him with warmth he never thought he’d experience again, a distinct sheen covering the whites of his eyes.

“Thank you…” he muttered into Sonic’s fur, holding on to him like an anchor in turbulent waters. “Thank you so much…”

“Come on,” Sonic pulled away, tugging at Shadow’s arm. “Let’s make it official!”

Before Shadow could react, Sonic dragged him into the garden, where the glow from the house just barely illuminated the five snowmen. Sonic got to work, flashes of blue mingling with the warm orange as he dashed through the yard and collected snow, sculpting it with practiced motions. Shadow watched, his breath clouding in the crisp night air, until Sonic stepped back, revealing his creation.

The snowman was unmistakably Shadow. The sweeping quills, the confident stance—it was all there. But Sonic furrowed his brows. “Hmm… Something’s missing.” He gasped, then snapped his fingers. “Oh, I know! Wait just a sec!”

He disappeared in a flash, returning moments later with a red scarf. Carefully, he wrapped it around the snowman’s head, perfectly capturing the crimson highlights that adorned Shadow's ebony fur. Sonic turned to him, eyes sparkling with pride. “Ta-da! What do you think?”

Shadow studied the snowman, its presence among the others filling him with a quiet sense of belonging. A smile spread across his face, genuine and vulnerable. “It’s perfect.”

Sonic pulled him into another hug, the warmth of his body a stark contrast to the cold of the night. They shared no more words, their embrace more than a testament of all that could be said. Shadow gazed up at the star-filled sky, memories of nights spent in the observatory with Maria washing over him.

The light still shines, even when the star is gone.

The wall finally crumbled, and a single tear rolled down Shadow’s cheek. He broke their embrace, quickly wiping it away. His eyes met Sonic’s, the blue blur’s expression soft and sincere.

“I know I can never fix what happened to you. I lost someone close to me too, and… that pain never goes away.” Sonic took Shadow’s hands in his own, his grip grounding and warm. “But you don’t have to deal with it alone. We’re here for you. I… I’m here for you.”

In that moment, Shadow was met with kinship, and something deeper. Behind those gentle emerald eyes, there was the promise of a future. A family, a home, all he had thought lost, and more. It was all right there. 

The light from a star.

Chapter Text

There were certain implications that came with being locked in stasis for half a century.

First and foremost, there were the nightmares. When the brain is kept at an artificially low level of activity—riding the edge between death and sleep—it does things to you. When you are forced to relive your worst memory over and over again, like a film reel stuck on a harrowing loop, the mind twists in ways that aren’t easily mended.

But Sonic was there for those.

The first night was the roughest. Shadow woke in a cold sweat, clawing at the sheets and gasping for air. Sonic, startled awake, scrambled to Shadow’s bedside—the one they’d set up for him in the attic while Tom furnished his permanent home. He stammered out questions, his voice tinged with worry: Was Shadow okay? Did he need help? Yet it turned out that just talking was enough. Sonic’s presence, his calm and persistent chatter, was all the help he needed. Slowly, Shadow’s breaths evened out, and though he was still shaken, he found a dreamless sleep for the rest of the night.

From then on, Sonic came more prepared. In the nights that followed, when the terrors struck again, he’d have a glass of water ready, a spare dry pillow, and—most importantly—a silly joke or story to distract. It was a small solace, but Shadow appreciated it. More than he ever said aloud.

Then there was the constant, incessant voice in the back of Shadow’s head—the one whispering lies and deceit, working up guilt and regret. It tried to convince him it was all his fault, that everything could have been avoided if he had just acted differently. That her blood was on his hands. Those thoughts clung like tar, suffocating and persistent, poisoning his mind.

But every time they surfaced, Sonic was there to counter them. He couldn’t fix what was broken—both of them agreed on that—but he had an uncanny knack for saying the right thing at the right time, a sixth sense for knowing what Shadow needed to hear. His words were like a hand pulling Shadow back from the edge.

The most jarring implication of all, though, was the fifty years of progress and change Shadow had missed. It was a realization that hit unexpectedly during movie night. Out of the blue, Shadow wondered why the television was suddenly in color, his tone genuinely perplexed. Needless to say, heads turned.

Naturally, Sonic was drawn to that revelation like a moth to a flame, eager to uncover all the gaps in Shadow’s knowledge. With every question he asked, they went deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole. It started with mundane discoveries, like how Shadow had never tried some of Sonic’s favorite foods. Chili dogs, pizza, hamburgers… Anything greasy or fried, really.

But as the interrogation continued, it became clear just how much Shadow had missed. He’d never been on the internet or played a video game. He didn’t even know what they were. The last music he listened to played from a vinyl record, and the last movie he saw was the original Godzilla.

What shocked the Wachowskis most, though, was when Shadow timidly asked about the big tree in their living room. It happened just as they were taking down the tinsel and baubles, stashing them for next year. They’d celebrated Christmas as if it were a given, something universal—yet Shadow had no idea what it was. Sonic explained everything in his usual breezy way, though Shadow remained baffled by some of the details. Decorating a pine tree didn’t seem to connect to anything he’d just learned. Sonic shrugged and admitted he didn’t fully get it either, which seemed to put Shadow at ease.

But Shadow’s ignorance of Christmas had less to do with his stasis and more with his upbringing. Growing up in a research lab left little room for festivities. His daily routine was chiseled in stone: wake up, check in with medical staff, run tests, endure hours of data collection, and spin endlessly on two hamster wheels—the literal ring that spanned the entire circumference of the facility, as well as a more abstract one. A hamster wheel of purpose, one he couldn’t quite grasp. Again and again, he’d ask himself the question: Why was he here? Why was he doing this? What was it all for? In the evenings, he found the answer when he spent what little energy he still had on his best and only friend, before collapsing into bed to repeat it all the next day.

It was no wonder Shadow wasn’t the most outgoing or trusting person.

The morning after, Sonic presented him with a list. It was hastily scrawled, the ink smudged in places, with empty checkboxes beside each entry and little doodles of a black and blue hedgehog in various scenarios. The smile on his face was so radiant and infectious, it rivaled even the sun.

Shadow’s first reaction was apprehension. The thought of leaving the house brought a familiar fear: being discovered, sent back into that tube, back into stasis. Even when Sonic promised he’d never let that happen, the anxiety lingered. But with his help, Shadow took the first steps. Hour by hour, day by day, they started ticking boxes off that list.

Sonic’s energy was overwhelming and near endless. Yet with every new experience, every box checked, the bond between them grew stronger. 

The two were polar opposites in almost every way. Sonic was a walking ray of sunshine, brimming with optimism and eager to connect with the world. Shadow, in contrast, was quiet, more cautious and reserved—a product of his past. But as they spent more time together, Shadow began to open up. Slowly, painstakingly, but steadily . Sonic could still count the times Shadow laughed on one hand, but each one felt like a monumental leap.

Shadow started smiling more, too.

His first week as a Wachowski was eventful. Exhausting, but in a different way—one entirely incomparable to how he felt after a day in the lab. It was the kind of exhaustion that brought peace, not despair. The one that left him drifting off to sleep looking forward to the day ahead, instead of dreading it.

By the end of the week, even the ultimate lifeform was ready for a break from Sonic’s relentless schedule. The opportunity came when Tom and Maddie, along with Tails, Knuckles, and Ozzy, decided to spend New Year’s Eve with Maddie’s family in San Francisco…

“Bye you guys, have a safe trip! Happy early New Year’s!” Sonic hollered from the front porch, waving at the vehicle in the driveway as the engine whirred to life. Shadow joined in, waving somewhat less enthusiastically, but with a relaxed expression.

Tails and Knuckles sat in the bed of the truck, sacrificing safety for comfort and thrill. They waved back, the young fox shouting, “Later you two! Have a happy New Year’s!”

Tom poked his head out of the driver’s seat window, pointing at the blue blur. “Don’t go causin’ any trouble, you got it?”

“Yes, sir!” Sonic replied, raising his hand to his forehead in a mock-salute. “We’ll be as tame as two house cats!” He lowered his voice, playfully nudging Shadow’s side. “Won’t we, Shadow?”

A disgruntled “Hmph” was his only response, but the faint smile tugging at Shadow’s muzzle was everything Sonic needed.

Tom rolled his eyes with a smile, shifting the vehicle into drive. Maddie called out one last time, “Have fun, you two!”

“Thanks, Maddie! We’ll see you next year!” Sonic hollered back. The last thing the hedgehog pair saw before the truck disappeared behind the trees was Knuckles’ shocked expression as he turned to Tails for guidance, murmuring, “Next year?! I was told this was a day trip!” The fox pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation, much to Sonic’s amusement.

Left to themselves, Sonic turned to Shadow with his ever-present enthusiasm, practically bouncing in place. “Okay, I was thinking we could start today off with a thrill. How about skiing? Or maybe a snowball fight? Or we could build snow forts! Oh, oh! What if we had a snowball fight in our snow forts? Or we could head into town and–”

Shadow raised a hand, interrupting the flurry of suggestions. “I was thinking we could… maybe take a day off?” His words carried a calmness that slowed Sonic’s energetic pace. “Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed going through the list so far, but this past week has been… a lot.” He sighed softly. “I’m still getting used to having a family again. I wouldn’t mind a day to just… process.”

Sonic hesitated, visibly disappointed. “Process,” he echoed, his tone flat. Then, forcing a smile, he relented. “Yeah, no, I get it. We can… process.”

Sonic’s puppy eyes were rather telling. Shadow crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. “Fine,” he conceded after a beat. “Pick one thing from the list.” He held up a finger before Sonic had the chance to ramble about more ideas. “One.”

Beaming, Sonic considered his options, finally pointing to an entry with pride. Shadow glanced at it, his brow furrowing. “Ice skating?” He tapped his air shoes against the wooden porch. “I already know how to skate.”

“Ah, but I don’t!” Sonic shot back with a playful grin, rolling up the list and tucking it into his quills. “And I’d like you to teach me.”

Shadow blinked in surprise. “Teach you?” The idea seemed foreign to him, as though he couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to learn from him.

“Yeah!” Sonic insisted, using his hands to mimic the way Shadow glided on his air shoes. “It looks so cool when you do it. And you’re fast—like, you can keep up with me! Nobody keeps up with me.”

Shadow’s gaze softened as he considered the request. Sonic had already shown him so much. If this was something Sonic genuinely wanted, it was the least he could do. “Alright,” he said with a faint smile. “I’ll teach you.”

Sonic’s face lit up. “First of all, you’ll need—”

Before Shadow could finish, Sonic vanished in a blur, reappearing moments later wrapped in a scarf and wearing earmuffs, holding another set for Shadow. His sneakers had been swapped for skates, though his footing was already… precarious. “Way ahead of you, Shads!” It was a nickname that Shadow merely permitted at first, but quickly grew fond of—though he would never admit so aloud.

Shadow eyed the offered apparel. “That won’t be necessary,” he said simply.

Sonic furrowed his brow. “Dude, we’ll be out there for hours. Aren’t you gonna get a cold?”

Shadow hesitated before explaining. “I don’t… get colds. Or cold.” He paused, noting Sonic’s confusion. “It’s part of my physiology. Chaos energy enhances my metabolism and immune system. Cold doesn’t really affect me. Neither does sickness.”

Sonic’s eyes widened in awe. “Whoa… so you’re like Superman?”

The comparison stirred something in Shadow, a fond memory of Maria sharing comics with him. She’d loved Superman, and was always eager to read the latest issues with Shadow whenever Gerald brought some from his seminars. For the first time, instead of shying away at the thought, Shadow let himself embrace the parallel. “Yeah,” he said softly, his smile growing. “Like Superman.”

For a brief moment, their gazes met, and a warm understanding passed between them.

“So… where do you want to go?” Shadow asked.

Sonic perked up, setting the spare gear on the porch. “There’s a beautiful lake in the mountains to the east. Found it on one of my runs. It’s big, quiet… perfect for skating. It’s only about a ten-minute run.”

Shadow nodded, scanning the eastern horizon. “Ten-minute run, you said?”

“Yeah… wait,” Sonic started, his eyes widening. “You’re not gonna—”

“Chaos control!”

Reality folded around them. An eternity passed in an instant and before Sonic knew it, they were ankle-deep in snow on the shore of a frozen lake. Bedazzled and disoriented, he spun on his heel, falling backwards into the white powder.

Shadow’s quiet chuckle made it worth the dizziness.

“Next time,” Sonic grumbled, still reeling from the sensation, “warn me.”

Shadow extended a hand, pulling Sonic to his feet. “On your feet, hedgehog. We have work to do.”

Sonic grasped Shadow’s arm as they dredged through the last couple meters of snow separating the shore from the ice, finally turning around with a flourish and a little mock-bow. “Alright, master Shadow… What will be your first lesson?”

“Your first lesson,” Shadow replied with a smirk, “is to never call me that again.” He stepped onto the ice with effortless grace, his air shoes humming faintly. “Your second lesson is to stand next to me without falling on your face.”

“Aye-aye, Capt—” Sonic began, only to land face-first on the ice the second his blade contacted the slippery surface. “-tain…”

Shadow crossed his arms, watching Sonic’s repeated attempts to stand, always slipping just as he seemed to regain his balance, mumbling to himself how close he got that time. Each slip drew another quiet chuckle. This would be a long day, but for once, Shadow didn’t mind.

It was going to be a fun day.

Finally, the dark hedgehog put Sonic out of his misery, taking his hands and helping him to his feet. He held him steady until he could stand on his own, still a bit shaky in the knees, but steadfast enough to let go.

“Alright,” Sonic’s voice trembled with eagerness to learn. “What’s next?”

“Next, you just… glide,” Shadow instructed with deceptive simplicity, taking his place by Sonic’s side and gliding effortlessly on the ice, his movements smooth and precise. He circled around Sonic with practiced grace, his feet crossing over each other in perfect symmetry. “Like this.”

Sonic watched, mesmerized, determined to mimic Shadow’s motions. “Okay… I got this…” He hyped himself up, mustering his courage to lift his foot and… take a single step. With proud eyes, he looked up at Shadow as he came to a halt in front of him. “Like that?”

“Uhm… Sort of,” Shadow said diplomatically, clearly holding back a more critical response. “You’re not trying to walk as much as you’re trying to glide over the ice. Here, I’ll show you.”

He repeated the motions as he explained them, slower this time and more deliberate. “You want to move your foot like this, in an arcing sweep… When you feel like it’s about to slip away from you, the other foot takes over. And when that foot slips away…” His gaze met Sonic’s as he demonstrated the intricate footwork, making it look as natural as breathing. “That’s how you build up momentum. It’s… a bit of a dance, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly.”

Sonic watched in awe, taking a deep breath and nodding in determination before attempting again. He steadied himself, lifting his foot to his side and sliding it forward as Shadow had shown. His eyes lit up when he began moving, instinctively switching feet as one began to slip. “Whoa…” he whispered, gliding in a choppy straight line. “I’m doing it, Shads! I’m doing it!”

But the tiny lapse in concentration proved to be his undoing. With a dramatic split, Sonic fell onto his butt, his inertia carrying him a few meters before coming to a stop. The expression on his face was priceless—a mixture of pride and disappointment that only he could pull off. “I was doing it.”

Shadow slid to his side, stopping elegantly with a smile he barely bothered to hide. “Yeah, you were,” he said, reaching out to help Sonic up. “Not bad for a beginner. Try again.”

Encouraged by Shadow’s words, Sonic got back to it. He tried, fell, and tried again, each time getting a little farther, a little smoother. Each fall marked progress, and Shadow made sure to remind him of that whenever frustration set in.

After about an hour, the ice was a patchwork of gashes and grooves—a testament to Sonic’s tenacity. Then, without warning, it clicked. Everything just made sense to him. He could hardly believe it himself, but now his feet were gliding over the surface as if they’d always known how. He didn’t even have to think about his movements any more. “Shads! Shads, look!” he exclaimed, his voice overflowing with joy as he picked up speed, his scarf fluttering behind him. “I’m skating! I’m skating!”

Shadow watched, arms crossed, as Sonic circled him in wide, graceful arcs. “You are,” he acknowledged, his voice tinged with pride before dropping in volume. “And quite well, at that.”

Sonic pushed himself further, trying twirls and even skating backward. He laughed and cheered, his confidence growing with every loop. It was as though he’d been skating his whole life.

He ventured far out onto the lake, shrinking to a blue speck against the vast frozen expanse. Then, he hitched a sharp ninety and barreled back toward Shadow at the speed of his namesake. That’s when realization struck—he didn’t know how to stop.

“Uh-oh,” he murmured, his confident expression morphing into panic. Straightening to bleed off speed, he shouted, “Shadow! How do I stop?!”

Unfortunately, at this distance, Sonic’s voice blended in with the breeze. Shadow didn’t catch his call until it was too late. His eyes widened in alarm as the blue blur hurtled toward him. “Sonic, slow down!”

“I don’t know how!” Sonic yelled one final time, screwing his eyes shut.

Then, there was an epic crash.

The impact sent Shadow onto his back and forced the breath from both their lungs. Sonic laid sprawled over Shadow, both groaning in unison. Sonic’s muzzle was buried in Shadow’s chest fur, and their legs were a chaotic tangle. After a moment, Sonic freed himself and rolled onto his back beside Shadow, dazed and with a dull thrum in his head.

Their gazes met, and a low chuckle emanated from Shadow’s core. It was infectious, and Sonic quickly joined in with his own chortling, working up to a full laugh. Before long, they were guffawing in the snow, holding onto their bellies until they hurt.

Eventually, Shadow sat up, offering Sonic a hand. “I should’ve shown you how to stop,” he admitted, his eyes still glossy from laughter.

“Yeah,” Sonic agreed, wiping tears from his eyes. “Would’ve been helpful.”

They shared a look, the camaraderie between them palpable, before standing. “You’re a great teacher, Shadow,” Sonic said, his tone sincere. “Thanks for this.”

“Hmph,” Shadow replied, his go-to response for moments he couldn’t fully articulate. But the small smile on his face spoke volumes. “You’re welcome. This was… fun.”

“It was,” Sonic agreed, glancing at the serene surroundings. He hesitated, not quite ready to leave, but honoring Shadow’s request nonetheless. “Alright, let’s head home.”

Shadow lingered, taking in the tranquility. The lake was nestled between snowy peaks, encircled by towering evergreens. “Why don’t we stay a little longer?” he suggested with a comforting smile. “You just learned to skate. You should enjoy it.”

Sonic’s eyes widened in surprise. “I… Yeah. I’d like that.”

With a mischievous smirk, Shadow assumed his stance. “Hmph. Then try to keep up, slowpoke.” In a flash of red, he was off, and already a quarter of the way around the lake.

“Oh, I’ll make you eat those words!” Sonic shouted, disappearing in a blur of blue.

The race was hardly fair, but Shadow held back a bit to make his advantage seem smaller than it actually was. After the rematch went similarly, Sonic was content to call it even, earning an eye-roll from his dark counterpart. When they grew tired of racing, they opted to enjoy the scenery instead, leisurely skating along the lake edge and basking in the crisp headwind. They chatted idly about everything and nothing at all, and when there was nothing left to chat about, they enjoyed the peaceful quietude. Minutes turned into hours, and time seemed to not matter, even as the sun passed its highest point in the sky.

It was during this calm, skating beside Sonic in shared silence, that Shadow was overcome with a feeling that was somehow familiar, yet so strangely foreign. He couldn’t quite place it, but he knew that when he was with Sonic… He felt at home. Like that void in his heart, that never could be filled… Maybe, just maybe…

“Shads, watch out!”

“Hm? Gah !” Shadow stumbled over a partially submerged branch, crashing to the ice. Sonic skidded to a halt, just like Shadow had shown him, stricken with worry.

“Are you okay? That looked bad,” Sonic said, helping him up. “What happened?”

Shadow, still half-lost in his daydream, met Sonic’s eyes for just a moment. They were full of such genuine concern and care, it made him feel… warm. 

Why were his cheeks suddenly so warm?

Shadow avoided Sonic’s gaze, downplaying his fall. “I was distracted,” he muttered.

“Distracted? By what?” Sonic teased, laying his hand on his hip after a little flourish. “My dashing good looks?”

Shadow scoffed, brushing the snow off his fur. “Don’t flatter yourself.” He earned a chuckle from the blue blur, before gazing skyward and noting the position of the sun. “How long have we been here?”

“Dunno,” Sonic answered with a shrug. “Couple hours, maybe? I’m ready to head home though. Getting cold.” Sonic hugged himself for warmth, a smile softening his face. “Thanks for staying, Shads. This was really nice.”

Shadow nodded with a smile of his own. “Yeah, it was. Do it again sometime?”

“You bet.” Sonic took Shadow’s arm, ready to leave, but paused. “Hey, uh… wanna grab hot cocoa first? There’s this café in town. It’s good, but… might be an awkward reunion. Right on Main Street. Wanna take us there?”

Shadow, intrigued and convinced by the idea of a hot beverage, smirked. “Sure. Why not.”

“Chaos control!”

Chapter Text

“Chaos Control!”

Once again, the world blurred and reformed in a heartbeat, making Sonic’s stomach churn. In the blink of an eye, the pair found themselves squarely in the middle of Green Hills, right on Main Street. Shadow’s accuracy was nothing short of astonishing.

“Ugh, how do you even get used to that?” Sonic groaned, clutching his stomach and swaying slightly.

“Repetition,” Shadow replied, carrying a foreboding smirk.

“Great,” Sonic muttered, rolling his eyes as he tried to catch his bearings.

The streets were uncharacteristically busy this time of year. Residents hurried about, their arms laden with bags and their voices raised in cheerful anticipation of the New Year’s festivities. Amongst the organized chaos, Shadow’s attentive gaze fell on the corner building adorned with neon lettering.

“The Mean Bean Café?” he read aloud, his tone dripping with skepticism. “Seems a bit… tacky.”

“Hey, don’t knock it ‘fore you try it,” Sonic quipped, striding ahead with contrasting enthusiasm. “Best café in town.”

Shadow’s eyes flicked around the street, taking in the… modest charms of Green Hills. “It’s the only café in town,” he countered with a sassy smirk.

“Details,” Sonic chirped, taking Shadow’s arm and guiding him across the street with a spring in his step. Reaching the double doors, Sonic swung them open with grace, a tiny bell above jingling softly. 

Shadow analyzed the interior with a critical eye. The design was surprisingly tasteful. Maple wood and powdered black aluminum accented the walls, while a row of elegant bar stools lined a bar that stretched the width of the room. A cozy brick aesthetic filled the back wall, brightening the interior. It wasn’t particularly spacious, but charming in its own right. Only a young couple occupied one of the two booths, quietly chatting away.

Sonic removed his scarf and earmuffs, hanging them on a hatstand by the door. “‘Sup, Stone! Table for two?” He called out cheerfully, his voice cutting through the quiet atmosphere of the café.

The barista’s back stiffened at the familiar voice. He turned to face his patrons, his friendly expression quickly replaced by shock and awe as his eyes landed on Shadow. “Wait… you?”

Shadow’s crimson gaze locked onto the man behind the counter. Recognition flared, but it wasn’t friendly. His lips pulled back slightly, baring a hint of canines as he consulted Sonic. “ Him ?”

Sonic raised his hands in mock surrender, a sheepish grin plastered on his face. “Long story… Shadow, meet Agent Stone. He, uh… He owns the Mean Bean. Stone, this is—”

“Yeah, we’ve met ,” Shadow cut in, his tone sharp. He clenched a fist, taking an imposing step forward. “You worked with Robotnik . You tried to destroy the world!”

Stone flinched but held his ground, though his face paled. Sonic quickly stepped between them, lowering Shadow’s fist. “Hey, easy,” he said soothingly. “He’s… a friend.”

Shadow raised a brow in disbelief but remained still, willing to hear an explanation. Stone, slightly intimidated, threw his hands up. “I-It was never about that for me! I never cared about ruling the world or blowing it up, or anything like that.” His expression softened as he gestured toward a framed picture of Eggman on the back wall of the bar, hanging above the espresso machine. Its gilded plaque read: In loving memory of Dr. Ivo Robotnik. “I just… wanted to be by his side, wherever that took me.”

Shadow’s scowl faltered, replaced by confusion. Stone continued, “I want to honor his last wish. His final act was to save the planet. I have no intention of desecrating his sacrifice.”

When Shadow’s posture finally relaxed, Stone also seemed more at ease. “I run a coffee shop. All I want is to keep the doctor’s memory alive serving people his favorite drink. That’s all. And hey, you worked with him too, right? You came around.”

Shadow remained skeptical. While it was far more complicated than that, the parallel wasn’t lost on him. He stood tall, critically eyeing the former agent before turning to Sonic for guidance. With a comforting smile, Sonic assured him, “He’s a bit of a nutcase, but he’s one of the good guys. Promise.”

“Uh… I’m right here,” Stone remarked dryly. Shadow crossed his arms, giving Sonic a skeptical grunt. Even in London, Stone had seemed non-threatening, and now even less so. Still, he chided, “You’re far too trusting.”

Sonic’s expression softened. Laying a hand on Shadow’s shoulder, he said, “Hey… That trust is what made all of this possible, right? Sometimes, you just need to take a leap of faith. Things’ll work out in the end.”

Shadow’s eyes widened. Sonic was right, as always. With a small smile, he walked up to the counter and hopped onto a bar stool. Locking eyes with Stone, he extended a hand. Somewhat surprised, Stone gladly shook it. 

“Alright! Friendship!” Sonic declared with exaggerated enthusiasm, drawing a few amused glances from the other patrons. He slid into a booth, grinning as Shadow followed.

As Stone circled the bar to take their order, a waitress walked past with a tray of drinks, catching Shadow’s eye. Two wide glass cups, filled with hazel-brown liquid and topped with thick white foam, piqued his interest.

Leaning over the table, Shadow whispered, “What’s that?”

Sonic followed his gaze. “Coffee?” he said quizzically. “I don’t think you’ll like it. Way too bitter for me.” He shrugged. “But hey, you’re welcome to try.”

Despite the warning, Shadow felt adventurous. When Stone arrived at their table, Sonic ordered eagerly, “One hot chocolate, please! Extra whipped cream.”

Stone nodded and turned to Shadow. “And for you?”

Shadow hesitated before answering, “I’ll have a… coffee. Please.”

“Sure thing,” Stone said. “Espresso, latte, cappuccino…?”

Shadow glanced at the couple enjoying their drinks. “What they’re having.”

The agent’s face lit up. “Latte with steamed Austrian goat milk! Great choice. Coming right up.”

As Stone retreated, Sonic leaned over the table with a teasing smile. “Feeling daring today, Shads?”

Shadow retorted with a smirk of his own. “Sometimes, you need to take a leap of faith.”

Sonic chuckled. “Touché.”

Stone returned minutes later, carefully setting their drinks on the table. “One hot chocolate for you, and…” He placed Shadow’s cup with reverence. “A latte for earth’s latest hero.”

Shadow’s eyes widened at the foam art etched into the top of his latte. It was a crude yet recognizable likeness of his face, quills and all. Looking up at Stone with a raised brow, Shadow saw only a satisfied grin as the agent walked away.

Sonic leaned over, stifling a laugh as his gaze met the cup. “Looks like you’ve got a fan,” he teased, raising his hot chocolate for a toast.

“Seems that way,” Shadow said, his grin dry but genuine. Carefully, he lifted his latte to clink it against Sonic’s cup.

“To friendship,” Sonic declared with a warm smile.

“To friendship,” Shadow repeated, his voice tinged with emotion. Taking a cautious sip, his eyes widened in amazement. The creamy goat milk balanced perfectly against the coffee’s earthiness, its bitter overtone stimulating his palate and leaving him wanting more. His tail thumped against the bench in delight.

Sonic grinned. “Well?” he asked knowingly.

Shadow set his cup down, staring at its contents. “Coffee,” he murmured, his expression uncharacteristically care-free. “I like coffee.”

Sonic chuckled. “Welp, guess I’ll be making less hot chocolate.”

Shadow’s gaze snapped to him, alarmed. “That’s not—”

“Kidding! Kidding,” Sonic assured, laughing. “Relax, Shads. They’re not going anywhere.”

Shadow huffed softly, his smile returning as he swirled his latte. He grasped the cup in his hands, feeling its warmth. He felt safe, at ease, and… at home. Curious, he asked, “What’s it made of?”

“Coffee?” Sonic repeated. “Uh… beans. Tom has a machine at home. Beans go in, coffee comes out. Pretty magical, huh?”

Shadow tilted his head. “Coffee… beans?” The idea seemed absurd. Do they sprout from the ground with massive stalks? He sank into thought before asking, “What do they look like?”

Sonic, intrigued by Shadow’s sudden curiosity, called out, “Hey, Stone? Could we get some coffee beans over here?”

The proprietor looked up from polishing a glass, his brow slightly furrowed. “Uh, sure? You mean like, a custom blend?”

Sonic shook his head. “No, no, just… some beans. Like, a handful.”

Stone had an unreadable expression on his face, but nodded. Shadow shifted slightly in his seat, his posture awkward yet intent. Sonic offered him a reassuring shrug, and soon enough, Stone returned with a saucer holding exactly nine coffee beans. “Your, uh… beans,” he said, setting the plate down, deigning not to investigate further before retreating to the counter.

“Ta-da,” Sonic said with a little flourish, gesturing to the saucer. Shadow eyed the beans curiously, pinching one between his fingers and lifting it to his nose. He took a cautious sniff, the roasty aroma spurring his interest. 

Then, without hesitation, he popped it into his mouth.

Sonic stiffened. “Uh, I don’t think you’re supposed to—” Shadow’s sharp teeth crunched through the bean, silencing him. The sound was jarring, making Sonic wince in sympathy. He expected some kind of adverse reaction, but to his surprise, Shadow seemed entirely unbothered. In fact, he seemed to like it. His crimson eyes narrowed in thought as he chewed deliberately, his lips curling into a small, satisfied smile.

Sonic blinked, baffled. “You… like that?” he asked incredulously.

Shadow nodded, reaching for another bean. Intrigued, Sonic decided to try one himself. As soon as he cracked the hard shell, however, the overwhelming bitterness hit him like a brick wall. His muzzle scrunched up in disgust, drawing a chuckle from Shadow. Despite the unpleasant taste, Sonic forced it down, shaking his head vehemently. “Nope. Nu-uh. Not for me.”

Shadow smirked, unfazed as he reached for a third bean. Sonic leaned back with a shrug. “Well, if it makes you happy, I’m not complaining.”

They fell into easy conversation, reminiscing about their day on the ice and speculating about what their family might be up to. They watched people pass by the window, rating outfits and discussing the remaining items on their list. Moments like these felt precious to Sonic. Shadow seemed at peace, and it warmed Sonic’s heart to see him like this. What he didn’t realize was that he was the reason for Shadow’s newfound tranquility.

Shadow lifted his cup for one last sip, tipping it back far enough for Sonic to see the bottom. Setting it down with a contented smile, he sighed in satisfaction.

“Hey, Shads?” Sonic’s voice carried a teasing undertone. “You, uh… got a little something.”

Shadow raised a brow. “What?”

Sonic gestured vaguely at his own upper lip. Shadow’s eyes crossed as he realized the slim foam mustache that adorned his. With a huff, he wiped at it with his finger, then resorted to licking away the remnants of his drink. Sonic’s heart melted at the sight.

The way Shadow’s little pink tongue flicked out in measured, deliberate motions captured Sonic’s attention in ways he didn’t fully understand. Shadow’s crimson eyes glimmered in the late afternoon sun, his ebony quills enchantingly catching its golden rays. His ears were relaxed and angled to the side. They looked so soft… The whole picture was simply perfect. Sonic’s thoughts wandered: Shadow was… striking. Beautiful, even.

His stomach flipped. Heat flushed his cheeks, and he quickly dropped his gaze, staring holes into the tabletop. His thoughts tumbled over each other. Shadow was family, wasn’t he?  And they were both guys. Wasn’t this strange? But the more Sonic dwelled, the more the feelings refused to be ignored.

“Did I get it?” Shadow’s voice broke through Sonic’s spiraling thoughts.

“Huh?” Sonic blinked, startled.

“The foam. Did I get it?” Shadow repeated, motioning to his now-clean upper lip.

“Oh.” Sonic forced a smile. “Yeah. All gone.”

Shadow tilted his head slightly, concern flickering across his features. “You seem… distracted. Is something wrong?”

Sonic hesitated, his emotions churning. “Nah, I’m alright,” he lied softly. “Just thought about something. Doesn’t matter.”

Appeased, Shadow relaxed marginally, but Sonic’s inner turmoil lingered. Desperate to redirect the mood, he spoke up. “Hey, uhm… Do you wanna watch the New Year’s celebration together?”

Shadow’s ears twitched. “There’s a New Year’s celebration?”

“Yeah,” Sonic replied, his expression brightening. “When the clock hits midnight, everyone—” He stopped, his smile softening. “You know what? I think it’s better left as a surprise. I know a good spot up in the hills where we can watch.”

Shadow didn’t hesitate. Even if the event turned out to be a dud, he’d be spending it with Sonic, and that alone made it worthwhile. “Yeah, that sounds nice. I like surprises.”

The way Shadow’s gaze met his made Sonic’s heart stutter. In that moment, everything suddenly felt clear.

But it was not meant to last. Shadow’s attention shifted when the café doors swung open. A woman entered, flanked by two men in uniform. His smile quickly vanished, replaced by a fierce snarl. His quills bristled, his teeth bared. His eyes burned with rage, but beneath his anger lay an emotion far more telling:

Fear .

Sonic twisted in his seat, immediately understanding Shadow’s visceral reaction. His own muzzle scrunched when he recognized the woman in blue, adorned with four stars on each shoulder and a GUN badge pinned to the lapel of her suit.

“Rockwell…” Sonic growled, sliding out of the booth and placing himself protectively in front of Shadow. He extended his arm, shielding him as faint wisps of lightning danced along his fur. “If you so much as look at him wrong, I swear I will—”

“Stand down, Sonic,” Rockwell replied, her tone cold and professional. “We’re not here to retrieve Shadow.”

Shadow shifted toward the edge of the booth, his muscles tense, ready to bolt or fight. He wished it wouldn’t come to it, but the thought of returning to stasis made his blood run cold.

Sonic’s stance didn’t waver as he demanded answers. “Then why are you here? And how did you find us?”

“Shadow’s energy signature is unique. After the Eclipse Cannon was destroyed, it wasn’t hard to pick up his signal. As for the purpose of our visit… We’re here on behalf of Commander Walters,” Rockwell explained.

The mention of that name made Shadow’s growl deepen, and Sonic stepped closer to him in solidarity.

“There’s nothing he can say that I want to hear,” Shadow spat with venom.

“The nerve of you showing your face here after everything you did to Shadow,” Sonic snarled, his voice rising. The tension in the café was palpable as patrons glanced nervously at the escalating scene. Rockwell’s escorts reached for their belts, but she calmly raised a hand, stopping them.

“I believe we got off on the wrong foot,” Rockwell said, her tone softening. “Nobody is threatening you. Shadow will not be returned to stasis. We’re… here to deliver Commander Walters’ legacy.”

Sonic’s eyes widened, and even Shadow appeared caught off guard. Still, their distrust remained evident. “Explain,” Sonic demanded.

“After the Commander’s passing, we found several items in his office related to you, Shadow. He spoke… very highly of you in his records.” Her voice carried an uncharacteristic vulnerability. “He wanted you to have this.”

She retrieved a weathered envelope from her pocket, placing it gently on the table. The paper was yellowed and stained in places, however the wax seal remained unbroken. Shadow’s gaze lingered on it, his hardened exterior cracking ever so slightly.

“Shadow,” Rockwell continued, “as commander of the Guardian Units of Nations, I would like to formally offer you an apology. Beyond that, we offer you a permanent position as an agent.”

Shadow scoffed, his eyes widening in disbelief. He just barely managed to stifle a bitter laugh at the absurdity of the offer. Sonic, however, made no such effort, openly snickering. “You’ve got to be kidding. After everything you’ve done, you want him to work for you?!”

Shadow’s expression darkened, his voice laced with spite. “You think a simple apology is going to right the wrongs GUN has done? She was a child !” His voice cracked slightly. “She was—”

His outburst cut through the air like a blade, and Sonic’s gaze snapped to him, etched with deep concern. Rockwell remained composed, raising a hand in a gesture of calm. “I understand how you feel.”

Shadow’s burning glare met Sonic’s steady emerald eyes, and, as if by some unspoken magic, his anger ebbed slightly. He scoffed again, sinking back into the booth cushions. “You have no idea how I feel.”

Rockwell nodded, her tone softening. “You’re right. I chose my words poorly. I can’t pretend to know how you feel. But I understand your apprehension. Still… I believe reading that letter might offer a new perspective.”

Shadow’s eyes flicked to the letter on the table, his gloved fingers hesitating before sliding it closer.

“Read it,” Rockwell urged gently. “Take your time. Sleep on it. The offer won’t expire.” She reached into her suit pocket, placing a card next to the envelope. “Here’s my contact information. When you’re ready, reach out. Or don’t. The choice is yours. We would be honored to have you.”

Shadow picked up the card, turning it over in his hand, only to raise a brow in confusion. “The Olive Garden?”

Sonic let out an exasperated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You too with this?”

Flustered, Rockwell quickly swapped the voucher for her actual business card. “My apologies,” she said with a nervous laugh. “A small mix-up.”

Shadow and Sonic exchanged a tired glance before Rockwell cleared her throat, regaining her composure. “That will be all,” she concluded, stepping away. Her gaze fell on Stone, who stood behind the counter. “Agent Stone. Doing well, I see. Have you been in touch with your parole officer?”

Sonic’s eyes blew up in surprise. “You’re on parole?!” he blurted out, drawing a quiet chuckle from Shadow.

Stone, unfazed, shrugged with an awkward grin. “Every day, as required.”

Rockwell turned back to Sonic with a faint smile. “What? You didn’t think we’d let the accomplice of one of the most erratic personalities the world had ever seen roam around unsupervised, did you?

Sonic blinked slowly, the logic dawning on him. “Yeah, okay, fair point.”

Satisfied, Rockwell addressed Stone one final time. “Agent Stone,” she said curtly, before heading for the door. Stopping briefly, she turned back to the hedgehog pair. Her voice softened. “Sonic. Shadow. Please think about it. With Shadow’s abilities, we could do a lot of good for this world.”

Her words lingered as she exited the café, disappearing down the street. Sonic kept an eye on her until she rounded the corner, then turned to Shadow, who sat staring at the letter, lost in thought.

“What was that about…” Sonic wondered cautiously.

“I don’t know,” Shadow murmured, his voice distant. He rolled the envelope between his fingers. Sonic followed its hypnotic movement for a moment before sliding into the booth beside Shadow. He scooted closer, their shoulders almost touching.

Shadow turned to face him. This had been a painful reminder, one that he could have done without. He was already dreading going to bed tonight. The nightmares had gotten better—less intense. But now, everything was fresh in his mind again. Like on the day it happened. It was written plainly in his crimson eyes.

And it broke Sonic’s heart.

“Hey… Are you okay, Shads?” Sonic asked softly, his hand hovering just inches from Shadow’s arm before he hesitated and pulled back.

“Yeah,” Shadow lied, his tone pensive. His gaze fell back to the letter, fixating on the GUN seal imprinted into the wax. “I’m just… not sure if I’m ready to read this.”

The silence between them was deafening and heavy with unspoken words. Finally, Sonic broke it with a gentle suggestion. “How about we head home? Take a walk, clear your head. You can always read it later.” A small smile crept onto his face. “Maybe grab another coffee to go? My treat.”

Shadow sighed, the gloom in his mind lifting as Sonic’s voice ripped through it like a beam of sunlight. He allowed a faint smile to creep onto his muzzle. “Mh,” he murmured, nodding. “Let’s do that.”

Sonic’s plan worked wonders. The cool breeze cleared Shadow’s head, while Sonic’s cheerful chatter filled the silence, leaving no room for brooding. The crunch of snow beneath their feet added a calming rhythm to their walk. When they reached the suburbs, Sonic nudged Shadow’s side and proposed a detour, turning their leisurely stroll into a race through the hills. Shadow agreed, and their friendly competition led them to a scenic overlook—the spot Sonic had chosen for the evening’s New Year’s celebration.

They lingered there briefly, taking in the view of their quaint home town nestled safely in the valley below. The setting sun bathed the streets in a warm, orange glow—a tranquil contrast to the eventful day. For Shadow, the moment was soothing. After being so cruelly reminded of his past, he found solace in what he now had.

Shadow sat down, removing his gloves to feel the snow on his fingers as the wind gently ruffled his quills. The cool texture grounded him, pulling him further into the present. He glanced at Sonic, whose radiant smile seemed to outshine even the setting sun. The wind played through his azure fur, and his relaxed, shimmering eyes mirrored the peaceful glow of the horizon. 

Shadow’s chest constricted, his heart beat erratically. The sensation unnerved him, a mix of tightness and unease unlike anything he’d experienced before. His stomach felt light, as though he was about to throw up. But he’d never thrown up. He wasn’t even sure he was able.

He couldn’t make sense of any of it. Shaking his head, Shadow directed his gaze forward, trying to shake the peculiar feelings. On the walk home, he was quieter than usual, his mind swirling with thoughts he couldn’t quite grasp. He found himself stealing glances at Sonic—the way his lips moved when he talked, the sway of his quills with every step, the slow wag of his tail whenever Shadow reacted to something he said. Each detail made the short journey feel inexplicably long.

When they stepped through the front door, the events of the café seemed almost distant—though now Shadow was otherwise preoccupied. He was so lost in thought he almost didn’t register Sonic’s voice.

“Feelin’ better?” Sonic asked, his tone gentle as ever.

Shadow blinked, snapping out of his reverie. A grateful smile tugged at his lips. “Yeah. I needed that. Thanks.”

“That’s good to hear, Shads,” Sonic replied, his grin broad and genuine. He laid a hand on Shadow’s shoulder, sending a pleasant tingle up the dark hedgehog’s spine. “Anything you wanna do?”

Shadow hesitated, his brow furrowing briefly. “I… I think I want to read that letter now.”

Sonic’s eyes widened slightly, surprise giving way to quiet pride. “Sure. I’ll be in our room if—”

Before Sonic could step away, Shadow reached out and gently took his arm. His crimson eyes met Sonic’s, steady and sincere. “With you.”

Sonic’s heart skipped a beat. The letter was undoubtedly deeply personal, tied to a history only Shadow and Walters fully understood. Shadow’s request to share this moment was a testament to the trust he held for him—a trust that was earned, and shared. Sonic’s eyes glistened as he gave Shadow a determined nod. “Okay.”

They settled on the living room couch, huddling close. Shadow sighed deeply, hooking a finger under the envelope’s lip. Glancing at Sonic for reassurance, he found the familiar comforting smile he’d come to rely on. Gathering his resolve, Shadow tore the seal and unfolded the letter. The faint scent of aged paper and wax rose as he did so. Sonic’s arm rested lightly over Shadow’s shoulders, steadying him as they began to read together.

Shadow,

If you are reading this, it means I have passed. I had hoped that perhaps one day, I would have had the opportunity to speak to you again face to face. I… doubt you would have wanted to hear what I had to say, but for that I have only myself to blame. Unfortunately, it seems fate has chosen a different path. It is for this reason that I have prepared this letter. Please, despite the hate you feel toward me, I urge you to read it in its entirety.

I have made many mistakes in my career, both as a soldier and as a leader. But there is nothing I regret more than what happened that fateful night.

I adored Maria as much as you did. She was a beacon of hope that brightened that drab facility like a second sun. She’d bring us soldiers snacks sometimes when we had lunch in the cafeteria, because she knew the food in there was passable at best, and an imposition at worst. She’d visit us on guard duty, cheering us up with jokes and stories. Naturally, all of them were about you. Yes, cleaning up after your messes was not always my favorite activity… But the bustling life the two of you brought to the lab every day was worth a thousand demolished food carts.

…I remember vividly that time when she came to me with tears streaming down her face. They were running one of their experiments on you. She begged me to stop them. On her knees, pleading, she begged me to shut it off. I tried explaining that there was nothing I could do, that it wasn’t in my power… It broke my heart.

She loved you more than anything in the world. I’m fairly certain she loved you more than her own grandfather.

…I was not informed of the government’s plan to raid the facility. None of us were. We received our orders hours before it was supposed to happen. Most of us were shocked. We didn’t understand how anyone could see you as a threat. They didn’t know you. They didn’t see you for who you are. We were appalled.

But we were soldiers, so I had to make a choice. I could do what was right, sacrifice my career and my freedom to sneak you out of the facility and face life imprisonment as a traitor to the state. Or I could follow my orders.

I chose poorly that night.

I tried so hard to save her life, but I failed. As a “reward” for my “loyalty”, they promoted me to director. When I had you captured and put into suspended animation… I was following orders. I knew it was wrong. I knew it went against everything I stood for. Yet I did it anyway—because I am a coward.

Nothing can right the wrong I’ve done. Maria’s blood will forever be on my hands, and mine alone.

Shadow—I am writing this because I know one day you will escape that prison. I know you will not seek vengeance on humanity for what I took from you. I know you will stay true to yourself and not let hatred blind you from sparing the innocent. I know this, because I’ve seen you.

I will not ask your forgiveness, because I do not deserve it. I have had to live with the consequences of my choices since that night, and I will continue to live with them until the day that I leave this earth. I hope my death brings you some semblance of closure, as does this letter.

You carry a strength few can comprehend. It is my deepest hope that you will allow that strength to guide you toward the bright future Maria always envisioned for you—a future of prosperity, love and happiness.

Commander Abraham Walters, December 12th, 1978

Sonic’s stomach churned as he finished reading. A teardrop slipped from Shadow’s muzzle, soaking into the paper. Sonic reached out tentatively, his voice trembling. “Shadow?”

Shadow turned to him, his crimson eyes welling with unspilled tears. His mouth quivered, his ears pressed flat against his head. Without hesitation, Sonic pulled him into a tight embrace. Shadow nestled into the crook of Sonic’s neck, his tears soaking into Sonic’s fur. He clung to Sonic like a lifeline in a sea of turmoil.

He did not want to be let go.

“Shh… I’m here, Shads. It’s okay,” Sonic whispered, his own tears threatening to spill. He wanted so badly to help, but he didn’t know how. Shadow’s stifled sobs wracked through him, each one like daggers to his heart. He tightened his hold.

He did not want to let him go.

“I’m sorry,” Sonic murmured, his voice breaking. He swayed gently, offering what comfort he could as fifty years of pain and anguish poured forth all at once. For the first time, Shadow allowed himself to cry freely, finding solace in Sonic’s presence.

It felt liberating to cry on his shoulder. 

It felt good to be held in his arms.

In that moment, Shadow understood the truth he’d been avoiding. The warmth in his chest, the flutter in his heart—it wasn’t just admiration or gratitude; it was something far deeper. Ever since he was set free, Sonic had been his anchor, his guiding light that shone brightly—even when the night was darkest. He could no longer deny what that meant. 

It was him. Sonic was that missing piece. Sonic was the future Maria envisioned for him, and with that came the startling realization: 

He loved him.

As the tears subsided, Shadow’s breathing steadied. His eyes were red-rimmed, but his expression was peaceful. He looked at Sonic, a faint smile breaking through the exhaustion. “Thank you.”

Sonic shook his head, his hands resting gently on Shadow’s shoulders. “I didn’t do anything. You worked that out all on your own. I’m proud of you, Shads.”

Shadow’s smile grew faintly. “You’ve done more than you realize.”

They gazed at each other, something ethereal passing between them. For a while, neither wanted to move. Finally, Sonic broke the silence, his voice tinged with hope. “We… still have a few hours to kill before midnight.”

Shadow smiled softly. “Movie night?”

Sonic shot up from the couch, beaming. “I love it! Your pick. There’s… something I gotta do first. Give me fifteen?” His tone carried a hint of secrecy, but Shadow didn’t wish to pry.

Shadow nodded, rising to his feet. “Sure. I’ll wait for you.”

With a two-handed thumbs-up, Sonic dashed upstairs. Left alone, Shadow scanned the space thoughtfully. His gaze settled on a few key items: chairs from the dining table, blankets from the couch, and maybe a cushion or two. A small, satisfied smile formed on his lips.

This would do nicely.