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Chapter Text

Shadow woke up first, his sleepy gaze landing on his husband asleep beside him. The blue hedgehog had his mouth part way open and was drooling on his pillow in that adorable way with both their stuffed versions from Craft-A-Stuffy tucked under his arms. Good. All the better. Shadow slid out of bed and padded down the hall to the kitchen, mind running through his plan eagerly.

It was routine for Shadow. He opened up the pantry and pulled out the red coffee bean bag. Salted Caramel, Sonic’s favorite fall flavor (learned from the history they had). He scooped a handful of beans into the grinder and after making sure their bedroom door was shut tight, he turned the grinder on. It whirred and hummed to life with efficiency, blending everything down. Normally, Shadow ate his coffee beans raw, but he’d been practicing some things online and he wanted to surprise his husband. After it was done, he prepared the coffee maker and turned it on. With the rumble of the coffee pot in his ears and the dripping of the coffee, Shadow reached in the kitchen for the milk, apple juice, and whipped cream. After closing the fridge, he reached next to the stove for the clear container containing the brown sugar syrup he’d made the day before.

Now, for the fun part.

Shadow reached into the cupboard above the sink and pulled out Sonic’s favorite mug, a white one with a Chao hanging from a palm tree. It was corny, but Sonic loved it all the same. Shadow set the mug on the counter and started with the apple juice. Not much – just enough for a third. Then two spoonfuls of the brown sugar syrup. Then he set it aside and got to work assembling the rest of the meal. He cracked a couple of eggs, scrambling them with ease while he reheated some of the apple pie cinnamon roll bubble up from yesterday’s picnic. Two pieces of cinnamon sugar bread sank into the toaster like perfect three-point shots.

The coffee pot dinged with completion. Shadow smiled and carefully poured the coffee into Sonic’s mug, adding in the milk. He opened up the kitchen drawer and grabbed the milk frother. He planted that into the mug and turned it on, churning the milk into a rich foam. With a toothpick, he carved out a heart in the foam, smiling. “Sonic will love this.” Shadow wished he had some more intricate tools to really hone in that coffeeshop appearance, but he also knew that Sonic loved that equally charming handcrafted look.

By that point, the eggs and toast were ready. Shadow readied them onto a plate, humming an old tune as he added a second plate (also loaded with food), the coffee, and the bubble up (which he neatly spooned into two glass bowls. He shifted the tray to his hands and padded back down the hall, nudging open the bedroom door with his foot.

Sonic had rolled over so that he was facing Shadow in the doorframe, eyes scrunched up tightly within a dream. Lil’ Shadow was still in Sonic’s arms while Lil’ Sonic was dangling by a paw. It was very precious for Shadow, seeing his husband sleep so soundly. But if he wanted to see the surprise, then Shadow needed to wake him up.

“Sonic,” Shadow cooed, shifting the tray to one arm and gently shaking Sonic with his free hand. “Sonic, wake up.”

The blue hedgehog let out a soft hum, sniffing the air briefly. “What’d you say, sugarplum?”

“Wake up before I eat your chili dogs,” Shadow huffed affectionately, unamused by Sonic’s latest attempt at a pet name. “And I kidnap Lil’ Sonic and Lil’ Shadow.”

This, of course, got Sonic upright and wide eyed in no time. “Don’t touch my-” his face faltered when he spotted Shadow. “Oh, hey Shads. Sorry bout that.”

“Works every time,” Shadow smirked, adjusting his hold on the tray. “Breakfast is served.”

Sonic’s eyes got round. “Really? In bed? With your good sheets?”

“For you? Yes.” Shadow handed Sonic the mug and set the tray down on his lap.

Sonic’s eyes lit up. “You didn’t have to!”

“I wanted to,” Shadow smirked. “And I brought enough for both of us.” He gestured to the extra plate of food. “Just don’t make a mess.”

“You’re the best husband ever,” Sonic beamed, sipping his coffee.

“I’m your only one, hopefully,” Shadow rebutted.

“You and me forevermore,” Sonic promised, flashing his wedding ring. He leaned forward and kissed Shadow’s cheek. “Are you off today? Is that part of the reason why you’re spoiling me?”

“Maybe,” Shadow smirked. “Or maybe I just wanted to enjoy my morning with you.” He settled back in bed, the two of them balancing the tray on their laps. They laughed as the autumn morning streamed through the air, talking about their plans for the day. Sonic suggested they go to the Chao Garden today and have a picnic, to which Shadow agreed on the condition that they make it back in time to shop for outfits – they had tickets for Taylor Swift’s new era theater showing for later in the year and Shadow wanted to look amazing for the event.

Finally, after much anticipation, Sonic sampled his coffee. Emerald eyes widened sharply. “You righted a wrong,” he stated.

Shadow tilted his head to the side. “I did? What did I do wrong?”

“Oh, don’t worry, it wasn’t you,” Sonic clarified. “Our coffee shop isn’t doing the Apple Crisp Macchiato this year and I was devastated. That Pecan Oatmilk coffee is NOT going to cut for us anti-pumpkin spice people. This,” he gestured to his mug wildly. “This is just as good, no, better than our regular coffee shop!” He lunged forward and hugged Shadow tightly, careful not to knock the tray over or spill his coffee and his tail wagging a mile a minute. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“Of course, darling,” Shadow purred, his own tail wagging happily. “Anything for you.”

“Will you make my coffee more often?” Sonic asked.

“I will,” Shadow grinned. “There’s no greater joy than making my husband happy.” They spent the rest of the morning curled up in bed, savoring their coffee and enjoying each other’s company. Shadow made a note to get some more fancy café tools and to practice more skills.

Sonic was about to become a very well-loved, if but highly caffeinated, hedgehog.

Chapter Text

“And then I walloped Eggman like PHHEWWW!” Sonic giggled, smashing his fist into his palm.

Shadow chuckled, the picnic basket swinging from his arm. “Exactly like that?”

“Exactly,” Sonic giggled. The colorful leaves crunched beneath their feet. It was a beautiful autumn day and the perfect day for a picnic. With Soleanna’s apple festival in full swing, the orchards just outside Castle Town were the perfect locale for the event. Shadow, to the occasion, had baked a healthy fall-themed lunch to share. He’d only been to Soleanna a couple of times, but this was the first time he’d been with his husband.

The wind picked up, swirling the carpeted colors around the two hedgehogs. Sonic giggled from ear to ear, playfully grabbing at the leaves. Shadow shivered in response. Not a full-body shudder, but enough for his body to react.

“Are you cold?” Sonic asked, hands flying to his navy blue zip-up and dropping the leaves he held. He started to peel off the layer.

“What? No, of course not,” Shadow stated gruffly. “I’m the Ultimate Lifeform. I don’t get cold.” As if to challenge this, the wind blew back over, making him shiver.

Sonic shook his head and removed his zip-up, wrapping it about Shadow’s shoulders. “And you’re my husband. I support you in strength and weakness.”

“It doesn’t make sense,” Shadow argued. “I was designed to have a consistent body temperature. I shouldn’t be cold like this.”

Sonic looked thoughtful. “On the ARK, maybe.”

“What are you saying?” Shadow asked, head tilted to the side.

“I’m saying,” Sonic smiled. “Maybe now that you’ve been on the planet for a few years, your hedgehog side is finally adapting to the weather and the natural cycles of the planet. I know that’s how it works for me.”

Shadow blinked, surprised at his husband’s thoughtful reflections. “Like you’ve never been cold,” he teased. “You’re always moving so fast I always assumed you didn’t get cold either.”

“Ha!” Sonic laughed. “I just about froze my butt off in Holoska even at top speed! Just ask Blaze and Tails about every trip I’ve made up there.”

“But Holoska’s always cold,” Shadow remarked. “What about other, mildly colder places?”

“Same thing,” Sonic answered. “Tails will tell you that my snowy encounters with Eggman always end with me in front of the fireplace under a minimum of twenty blankets and a mug of hot chocolate.”

“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me,” Shadow laughed. How often had he caught Rouge doing the same thing?

“My point is,” Sonic continued. “We Mobians can still get cold, even if one of us is a bioengineered one.”

Shadow considered this for a moment. “Alright then.” He adjusted the zip-up carefully, smiling at the warmth and the familiar smell of fresh grass that was distinctively Sonic.

“Warmer?” Sonic asked. Shadow nodded right as another breeze whipped up. This time, it was a blue frame that shuddered.

“Not. One. Word,” Sonic growled, catching sight of Shadow’s smirk.

Shadow shook his head. “Chaos Control!” He warped away in a flash of light, leaving the picnic basket and Sonic behind. Ten seconds later, he appeared again, this time holding out a red and black sweater. “Here.”

Sonic blinked. “Holy crap, Shadow. You never share clothing.” Like ever. Even after they married, Shadow was very picky about his wardrobe.

“I share it with a select few,” Shadow explained. “My husband is one of those few.” He carefully pulled the sweater over Sonic’s head, minding the quills so that they didn’t get stuck in Sonic’s quills. “Better?” He asked.

“Yes, much,” Sonic beamed. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, darling,” Shadow beamed, giving his husband a peck on the cheek. “And you look amazing in red and black.”

Sonic giggled. “And I need to put you in blue more often.” He turned this way and that. “And I need more sweaters. I look good.”

“That you do,” Shadow agreed. The wind whipped up again, but this time, the leaves swirled to reveal a perfect picnic spot under an apple tree. Sonic and Shadow grinned and spread out under the tree, their respective sweaters keeping them warm.

Chapter Text

Sonic’s nose tickled him awake. He sat up, yawned, and stretched, a clicky purr leaving his throat. The spicy aroma danced in his nose.

‘Mmm, cinnamon! Shads must be making sticky buns for breakfast!’

He swung his legs out of bed when he heard the mixer roar on and another smell entered his nose. Cream cheese from the guess.

Sonic’s eyes widened as he sped out of the room, just barely remembering socks and the rule about running in the apartment. He was drawn to the kitchen like a magnet, the delicious smell like the force needed.

After all, cream cheese and cinnamon meant one thing.

Sonic burst into their living room and peeked over the divide between this room and the kitchen. “That’d better be what I think it is.”

“And what do you think it is?” Shadow inquired, eyes fixed on the mess of dough, spices, and flour on the kitchen counters. His quills were tied up high above his head in a way that made him look amazing. And that wasn’t the only good thing that was cooking.

“Cinnamon rolls!” Sonic whooped. His tail wagged a mile a minute. “Homemade cinnamon rolls!” He bounced from one foot to another like a squirrel on coffee. “How soon will they be ready?” Shadow baking anything was amazing (especially given his origin), but his cinnamon rolls could put Amy’s to shame (a fact that she’d admitted to at last year’s holiday party).

“Not for a little bit yet,” Shadow laughed, rolling the log of dough up tenderly. “I have to bake the pie yet.”

Sonic’s brow furrowed in confusion. Pie? But that was the distinctive cinnamon and cream cheese combo that always blessed Shadow’s cinnamon rolls. “I thought you were making cinnamon rolls?”

“I am,” Shadow answered. He rinsed his hands briefly, eyes sparkling. “Love, do you remember when we went out to that country restaurant last year for breakfast?”

“The one with the wooden games at the table, the gift shop in front, and the wagon wheel decor?” Sonic asked, scanning his memories. “The one with the amazing biscuits and gravy that they said was so good I could slap my mama?”

“That’s the one,” Shadow acknowledged. “Remember that cinnamon roll pie you got with your eggs and potatoes and fried apples?”

Sonic smacked his lips together as he remembered. “Now I do. Why? Is that what you’re making?”

“I found a recipe for it online so I can make it all year,” Shadow smiled. “And now that it’s getting chilly out, it’s the perfect time of year to make it.”

“YES!” Sonic whooped, leaping a full five feet in the air, fists pumped and legs tucked under him. Shadow chuckled and turned back to the rolls, carefully slicing them with surgical precision.

“Yeah boy, yeah boy, YEAH BOIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!” Sonic squealed, bouncing off the living room walls. He was so excited for this delicious treat.

“Settle down!” Shadow lovingly chastised. “We don’t want the landlord pounding on our door with a noise complaint AGAIN.”

“Sheesh,” Sonic pouted. “You beat up one package pirate for a package that has the most important thing ever and you get a noise complaint.”

“You’re lucky the security confirmed that he was in the wrong,” Shadow remarked. “At least as far as the assault charge went.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Sonic stood on tiptoe and made a swipe at the log of dough.

The rubber spatula came down on his hand, sharp and fierce. “Nice try,” Shadow remarked. “No swiping.”

“Owie.” Sonic held out his hand, a bright red mark square in the middle of his left hand. “Kiss?” He asked, putting on his most pathetic puppy-eyed expression – big eyes, flattened ears, slightly wagging tail, and the occasional hairline sniffle.

“Let me think about it.” Shadow made a show of pondering for all of thirty seconds before he wiped his hands on his apron and took Sonic’s hand. He kissed it gently, a soft “chu” in the wake. “Now, let me finish the pie, otherwise Rose won’t have it for the bake sale.”

“That’s right!” Sonic beamed. “Amy’s bake sale is this weekend!” His foot tapped eagerly. “Silver’s participating this year, right? I wonder if apple pie has changed in two hundred years.”

“Somehow I doubt that.” Shadow slid the pie into the oven.

The community center was crowded with tables lined with pies and other baked goods. Shadow placed the cinnamon roll pie next to Silver’s apple pie, the golden hue a perfect shade. Next to it was a charred pie plate.

“It was supposed to be chocolate cream,” Blaze admitted nervously, catching their surprised expressions. “I’m…not fantastic with cooking.”

Sonic promptly took a bite. “Still is edible,” he grinned. “Ames make her cherry pie?”

“She did and her shortcake,” Silver grinned. “But the real stand out is Vanilla and Cream – their chicken dumpling pie is amazing!”

“Ooh, I’d love to try that,” Sonic grinned, practically salivating over the idea.

“They already sold that one,” Silver sadly commented. “And the triple berry.”

“That’s a shame,” Rouge remarked, holding a pristine pie plate. “I like her triple berry.”

Shadow eyed the pie plate. “Please tell me you didn’t just come from the grocery store with that.”

Rouge looked appalled. “Me? Never!” She leaned in close with a smirk. “It’s from that new bakery down the street.” Shadow groaned.

“Shadow! Sonic!” Amy hurried over, sporting a pink plaid dress. “Oh, this looks amazing!” She beamed.

“Yeah, I’m tempted to buy it back,” Sonic grinned, nudging Shadow playfully.

“Don’t get ideas,” Shadow warned.

“You can't buy your own pie back!” Any exclaimed. “That's not fair to everyone else.”

“I know,” Sonic sighed. “But it's so good.”

“I'll make you another one, don't worry,” Shadow promised.

Sonic gazed upon the pie and let out a soft sigh. “Alright. But let's find an equally delicious treat to make up for it.”

“I think we can arrange that easily,” Shadow smiled. “Come on, let's see what we can find.”

“Alright,” Sonic agreed. They left the pie table, their eyes fixated on all the treats. Cookies, turnovers, breads, and cakes ruled the space. Shadow picked out some little apple pastries while Sonic chose a loaf of honey wheat bread.

“Hey, there you are!” Tangle whooped as she approached them. In her hands was a plate of sugar cookies decorated to look like fruity pizzas. “I heard you guys had that amazing cinnamon roll pie.”

“That's more Shadow than me,” Sonic answered.

“Still!” Tangle grinned. “It's delicious! Whisper and I bought it for our picnic and I thought that you both deserved a treat that tasted good as a reward, so here!” She held out the plate.

“Tangle -” Sonic started.

“No worries,” Tangle grinned. “It's a gift.”

“Thank you,” Shadow spoke, accepting the plate.

“Thanks Tangle!” Sonic added.

“Anytime,” the lemur grinned, zipping off. Sonic and Shadow grinned before resuming their browsing. In addition to their original purchases, they bought some sugar cookies and checkerboard cookies for homemade ice cream sandwiches. Nothing fancy, but still delicious.

Sonic awoke the next morning, cinnamon dancing in his nose again. Was Shadow actually making sticky buns this time? On autopilot, he padded down the hall, nose twitching as he reached the main room. He rubbed his eyes sleepily and yawned again. “Morning, Shad.”

“Good morning,” Shadow called as he grabbed the orange juice from the fridge. “Breakfast is ready.” At the table was a plate full of eggs and bacon, biscuits and gravy, and (sitting smack in the middle of the table) a freshly frosted cinnamon roll pie. Evidence of its creation were in Shadow’s tied-up quills and the flour smear across his cheek.

Sonic’s eyes widened in surprise. “You didn't-” 

“I know,” Shadow replied. “But I like caring for my husband and seeing him happy. And I promised you a new one.” He pulled Sonic into a hug, kissing his forehead. “Now, let’s eat. I know you’ve been craving this.”

“That I have,” Sonic agreed as he sat in his chair. Shadow cut him a big piece of pie and love never tasted better.

Chapter Text

Shadow was cursing like a sailor by the time he pulled into the parking garage. He was cold, wet, and hungry (though the latter was his fault, since he never really packed rations before deployment – old habits from his many years at GUN). The October rain had washed out the three-week mission entirely and Director Rockwell had been a royal pita throughout all of it. Chaos almighty, Shadow unadulteratedly loathed that woman. Fortunately, Commander Tower had chewed her out before Shadow could throw the first punch and had given him the weekend off in a moment of good nature. Unfortunately, the pelting rain still made for a wet ride home. Normally, he'd teleport home, but once again, GUN refused to return the Chaos Emerald with a lazy excuse of “security”.

Yeah, he was in a very bad mood. The kind of mood where he’d go find a solitary place and brood for several hours on a normal day. But all of his usual brooding spots were wet, so Shadow had to go home. Hopefully, Sonic would give him some space.

Shadow parked his bike and trudged upstairs. He passed by several of their neighbors, who greeted him. Shadow waved in response. His social battery was too low for much more. He soon reached his apartment and unlocked the door. Hopefully, Sonic was home.

The apartment was amazingly warm as Shadow kicked off his air shoes. “Sonic!” He called. He shrugged out of his wet clothing, tossing them into the washing machine in the corner. “I'm home!”

“Just in time!” Sonic grabbed Shadow by the hand and dragged him into the bathroom. The whole room was warm and smelled like lavender. A bubble bath sat in the tub with Shadow’s many, many beauty supplies scattered about.

“Now don’t come out until you’re done,” Sonic warned, closing the door. Shadow blinked before realizing what this was. A warm, soothing bath. Carefully, Shadow stuck a paw in and groaned in relief before sliding completely in. Strings hummed through the bath speakers and the entire bathroom was lit by a scented candle, giving an atmosphere of comfort. Shadow noted that Sonic had chilled his eye mask and left out his favorite charcoal and mint face mask tube within easy reach right next to his favorite lavender body scrub. Shadow applied these easily and leaned back, the bubbles tickling his jaw.

“Ahhh….” Shadow hummed, sinking deeper into the water and his heavy eyes sliding shut behind the mask. There was Epsom salt and lavender oil in the tub in addition to the bubble bath, making it extra cozy.

He registered Sonic slipping into the room and slipping out, setting something on the white marble counter. Shadow opened his eyes slightly and lifted up the eye mask to check what it was. On the counter was one of their oatmeal-colored towels, a fresh pair of gloves and socks, and Shadow’s bathrobe (a navy blue one with golden stars – a gift from Rouge). Shadow smiled at that. What a thoughtful husband he had.

He stayed in the water until it got cold. He normally didn't take baths, but he had to admit that this was nice. He quickly washed up, rinsed off the soaps, and grabbed the towel, the water gurgling down the drain.

Oh, the towel was warm. Like fresh from the dryer warm (Sonic must’ve been doing laundry). Shadow melted into this, too, purring the whole time. He dried himself off and wrapped his quills in the towel. Then he shrugged into the bathrobe and his gloves and socks before exiting the room. His steps were quiet as he reached their living room. He could see Sonic bustling about the kitchen, not looking Shadow's way, but he'd heard Shadow if the flick of his ear said anything.

“How was your bath?” Sonic asked, closing the washing machine lid.

“Amazing,” Shadow replied. “Thank you.”

“Excellent, but I'm not done yet,” Sonic hummed. “Sit down on the couch with a blanket in front of the fireplace.”

“The what?” Shadow blinked. “Sonic, we don't have a-” That was when he noticed the TV had a fireplace ambience playing. “I see.” Without hesitation, he plopped down on the couch, grabbing a fluffy red and black plaid blanket from the basket beside the couch.

“Alright,” Sonic reappeared with their plush counterparts, a mug of hot tea, a bottle of water, a plate of snacks (consisting of peanut butter crackers, some apple slices, and some Tiramisu Oreos), one of Shadow's favorite novels, and a big bowl of coffee beans. “All toasty?”

“Yes,” Shadow smiled. He patted the spot beside him. “Care to join me?” Sonic nodded and curled up on the couch, the plushies on their laps with the snacks on Shadow's right.

“Thank you so much for this. You didn’t have to do this,” Shadow smirked.

“You spoil me so often,” Sonic shot back. “You were overdue for a spoiling of your own.” Shadow chuckled and tucked the blanket over the both of them. The crackle of the fireplace on the TV hummed casually as Shadow sipped his tea and ate some of the snacks while Sonic ran his fingers through Shadow’s chest fur. Shadow breathed in deep, the warmth of the place deep in his bones and letting his body recharge. He let out a quiet, happy, clicky purr, his husband responding in kind.

It felt good to be home.