HHHHHRRuuggghh…. So sorry for the boop booth delay but with the recent heat heaves and weather heating up where I live, it puts a toll on my energy levels and drawing mood 😓
Anyways, it’s good to be back! I’ve got some other fun things once the boop booth is finished so stay tuned! :3
The afternoon sun had dipped low long before Shadow had decided to come outside; the big star casting gloomy and strangely shaped shadows as a soft breeze rustled through the grass, the trees and his black and red quills.
The black and red quilled teenager in question closed his eyes as he sat slightly in front of a tree not far from the Wackowski home, feeling the wind brush against his entire body.
And just for a small moment, all the buzzing chaos and never ending uncertainty in his mind slowed and came to a stop.
The steady whisper of the wind felt like a gentle hand, wiping away the fear that coiled inside of his chest, booming and projecting like a loud bongo drum.
The hand felt soothing, grounding, and comforting.
It didn’t feel like the hedgehog was being enclosed with the same air that filled his lungs, rather, a warm and steady hug with a breeze that seemed to carry the heavy weight that was his memories.
The small gust of wind felt like familiarity.
The small gust of wind felt like home.
The small gust of wind felt like…her.
Shadow hugged his knees to his chest at the thought, not looking at anything entirely specific as he stared off into the distance that was The Wackowski residance.
It’s funny in a way; really.
A months days ago…he was wondering if he’d even survive to see another sunset.
Now, he was staying at his rival's home…experiencing one...
…Guess life was funny like that.
“‘Thought I’d find you out here.” A blue hedgehog said way too casually as he walked up to the teen underneath the tree, a bag of jellybeans in his hand as he smacked on them like they were going to disappear at any moment.
Speaking of the devil...
“What is that supposed to mean?” Shadow glared defensively almost like clockwork.
“My first couple months on Earth I sat in that exact spot your brooding in right now…only makes sense you’d give it a try.” Sonic smirked as he shrugged his shoulders, his smirk widening a tad bit as he saw the older hedgehog’s eyebrows pinch together in annoyance.
The slightly taller mammal broke eye contact, looking down at the small greenery that was their lawn. “I don’t ‘brood’.” He grumbled.
The blue devil chuckled to himself, leaning his back on the tree as he crossed his arms casually, intaking the normal yet comforting scenery, “What do you call that big frown on your face then, hm? ‘Looks like brooding to me, man.”
The older teen’s eye twitched, ignoring the snarky comment as he picked at the grass below him, “Why are you here, Sonic?” He deadpanned, hugging his knees to his chest tightly, “Because if your here to tell me about those useless Christmas color coded plumber people again—”
“—The Mario Brothers.” The emerald eyed mammal corrected.
“—I don’t want to hear it.” The black and red quilled hedgehog finished. “Their names don’t even make sense.” He scoffed like the two video game characters' existence was a personal offence, “Only one of them is named Mario! So does that mean he is named ‘Mario Mario’ while the other one is named Luigi Mario or is there an actual last name the creators aren’t letting us know so we pay more attention to Mario instead of Luigi?”
“…Huh.” The slightly shorter teenager hummed, “…I…never thought about it like that.” He mumbled as he scratched the back of his neck, confused but also kind of endeared at the other hedgehog’s random revelation.
And now that he thought about it…it would be kinda interesting to see Shadow and Tails debate on that topic…
Shadow scoffed whilst rolling his eyes, “That’s your problem. You don’t think.” He said as he uselessly picked at the grass underneath his air shoes again before letting the small strands blow away.
“Yeesh…okay, honesty train coming in hot. Aaaaaall abroad.” The emerald eyed mammal mumbled as he tapped his fingers along his arm in a timely fashion, still eating his mismatched colored candies.
Tom and Maddie had always reminded Sonic to be honest no matter what; ‘Honesty is the best Policy’ if you will.
But Shadow…took that saying to a whoooooole other level.
And it showed.
“You honestly and truly think I came all the way out here just for you to find me and converse?” The antihero humorlessly snorted, (and if the situation was more light, Sonic would’ve made a comment on it…but the Chilli dog loving teen did not).
“I came out here to be alone.” The older teenager voiced in annoyance.
The speed incarnate stiffened slightly at the other’s grumbled statement, putting his crossed arms and jellybean bag in his hoodie pockets as he kicked a small portion of the dirt below him, “…Sorry.” He muttered, “You just…I-I dunno. You looked…lonely.”
Shadow sighed heavily at the other hedgehog’s sudden changed demeanor, dragging his palm along his face as he rested the back of his head on the tree bark, “I’m The Ultimate Lifeform. I don’t get…‘lonely’.”
“That’s what I used to think.” The unruly wind giggled quietly, a small smirk forming on his face due to how similar yet how different they were, “I was never ‘The Ultimate Lifeform’ like you but I did title myself as ‘The Fastest Creature’ alive…or ‘The Blue Blur’ for short.” The green eyed mammal winked as he did finger guns at the other, holding back a small snort as the antihero’s ears drooped down in disgust.
Whether the disgusted feeling was directed towards Sonic’s persona name, his finger guns or both, the blue hedgehog wasn’t really bothered to ask.
“I am not calling you that.” The older one out of the two of them said whilst rolling his eyes.
“Was worth a shot.” Sonic snickered as he and Shadow both jumped slightly as parts of the sky whitened for a second, displaying a loud crackling sound as light rain started to fall.
Sonic smiled gently, walking out from under the tree and not looking at anything in particular as he gazed into the darkened cotton candy looking fluff that was the clouds; feeling the rain cascade down his ears and onto his back quills.
And Shadow did not question it…
…Much, anyway.
“But…I do admit, as time went on, I realized that I kiiiiiinda gave that name to myself out of loneliness.” The blue quilled hedgehog admitted, “I-If that makes sense.” He laughed softly, “Like…naming myself that would give my existence a sense of purpose o-or meaning…like I had a destiny…even if I made up.” He said as he walked back under the tree, sitting next to his ‘dark rival’.
‘And just in time, too’, they both thought as the rain began to get more and more heavier.
But thankfully, the two stayed dry due to the tree’s leaves shielding them from the downpour.
“You felt…invisible and powerless; giving yourself a name such as that paved a way for you to take control and create an idea that only you could command—something strong…and heroic, unlike how you might have felt back then.” Shadow concluded.
“Exactly!”
“Well, sucks to be you then, I guess.” The slightly taller hedgehog hummed, “Unlike you, I was given my name and purpose by my creator.”
“…Good for you, Shadow.” Sonic grumbled at the older’s…gloating? Bragging? Sonic wasn’t sure what this conversation was anymore.
“Great for me.” The Ultimate Lifeform corrected.
“Great for you.” The other lifeform grumbled begrudgingly, “Look Shads, I’m just trying to give you advice and trying to help you—”
“Yeah? Well, maybe don’t.” The lone operative interrupted harshly; a bit too harshly. Suffocating silence soon followed after his uncalled for statement, the two awkwardly looking away; not knowing how to start up the conversation again as it seemed to die out almost instantly.
The silence was thick…and awkward…
Ohoooooo so awkward…
Shadow kept his eyes locked on the ground, his fingers intertwined with each other on top of his knees.
That…sharp edge in his voice still lingered in the air, curling around the tree leaves like everlasting smoke.
The wind then suddenly picked up…not loud or violent—but just enough to stir the trees in the distance and tug at Sonic’s hoodie.
The air sent a chill across Shadow’s spine; like a nudge that wouldn’t go away.
The blue quilled teen had shifted his weight, switching to sit criss-cross on the grass; clearly slightly hurt by the other’s words but not saying a word. The young teen’s hands moved slower than usual inside of his hoodie pockets; quieter.
No humming whatsoever.
No side-eyes or playful looks…just…silence.
Which honestly made Shadow feel even worse.
The black and red quilled teenager opened his mouth but…the words stalled in his throat completely.
The wind blew again, sharp and steady this time—blowing some of Shadow’s quills in each and every direction.
“Alright…alright,” The antihero muttered to no one in particular, “I get it…”
“I’m sorry. I was being a jerk.” The older hedgehog said to the blue hedgehog, his tone softer than the blue hedgehog in question had probably ever heard it, “I just…find it weird when others show that they…genuinely care about me. I don’t know how to react.” He sighed, “But you didn’t deserve that.”
The wind picked up again—gentler this time, brushing Shadow’s shoulder almost like trying to mimic a reassuring pat.
Sonic met Shadow’s eyes, morphing his face to a small yet amused smirk as the usually stoic brooder blushed in slight embarrassment, looking down again.
“Anyways…I suck. You're cool. I’m sorry.” The crimson eyed hedgehog said, trying to be casual but failing very very miserably.
“Yeah…you do really really suck.” Sonic agreed wholeheartedly, “But it's okay. I forgive you...” He giggled as the red and black quilled mammal rolled his eyes for the millionth time today, bumping shoulders with him, “…For your rude words and how much you suck.” He said more sincerely.
The world seemed to have gone still for a moment, the kind of still that made every sound feel louder than it should—the rain pitter pattering on the tree leaves, the wind rustling in absolutely anything and everything; Shadow’s own breathing.
Sonic didn’t say anything; just pulling out his jellybeans and eating them once more.
Finally, the crimson eyed teenager exhaled—shaky and barely audible, “…May I admit something?” He quietly asked.
“Sure!” The blue quilled hedgehog closed his jellybean bag to the side, giving the other his full and undivided attention.
“Although I was given my name, what I am and what I’m supposed to do…I don’t…” Shadow exhaled through his nostrils, “As ironic as it is: I-I don’t know how to execute any of those things correctly.” He locked eyes with the younger hedgehog, “You barely knew who you were when being here on Earth…and yet you still found your purpose here.”
“Ihi wouldn’t say all that...” Sonic giggled, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, “…The path to certainty is never a straight line, Shads. Purpose isn’t always a push in the right direction, y'know.” He smiled as he watched the rain fall sporadically. “Sometimes…it's an unsure but steady pull towards something that feels worth the effort—even when it seems hard or challenging.”
“I’ve known since I stepped foot onto Earth I just…wanted to help people.” The Chili Dog loving hedgehog concluded, looking at his emo counterpart, “My pull…was my family and Green Hill…what’s yours?”
The older teen’s jaw clenched slightly at the question—was this dumbass listening to anything he’d been saying for the past hour they’ve been out here?
“I just told you: I don’t know.” The crimson eyed teenager frowned.
“Then figure it out then!” Sonic smiled, practically shooting up from where he was sitting, not being able to contain himself. “Life isn’t gonna wait for you, Shads!”
The antihero pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to hide his inevitable smile at his strange counterpart’s contagious excitement, “What does that even mean?” He sighed.
“Live life! Be free! Roam! You're not gonna find your quote unquote ‘purpose’ by just lounging around looking at the grass all day. You have time…use it.” The emerald eyed hedgehog said, “Even I don’t know everything. I’m learning too…but that's what makes it all worthwhile! Don’t rush the process, man. Life is a highway afterall.” He grinned reassuringly.
“Besides…no one said you gotta figure all of that out right now.” The speedy devil said, “I know it doesn’t feel like it sometimes, but, while you're trying to survive the chore known as life…don’t forget to live through it too, yeah?”
“You are…strangely good at giving advice.” Shadow said.
“Heh…I get that a lot.” Sonic giggled, his laugh emitting in amused volumes.
The rain seemed to calm now as it gently pattered against the leaves from above; having no particular rhythm other than softness and steadiness like a snowflake dancing in a snowglobe.
The breeze once again returned, swaying the rain droplets gently down the tree bark and onto the soil.
Then, out of nowhere, a tiny ant, barely bigger than a baby's thumb, crawled up the toe of Sonic’s shoes.
It seemed to hesitate slighlty but then ducked itself beneath the shoe straps, curling its little body as if to shield itself from the outside world.
The blue devil didn’t make a sound, smiling down at the little inscent as he gently cooed the small thing, adjusting his posture so they both had absolutely no chance of getting wet.
Despite that fact, the blue quilled hedgehog carefully hovered his hand over the ant, shielding it from an imaginary droplet that simply seeped through the leaves.
Shadow watched the ant as well, a rare smile forming on his face as well as he watched the two interact.
The older hedgehog couldn’t help but feel a small sense of…deja vu? Familiarity?
…He…wasn’t quite sure. He just knew that the situation seemed so…melancholic in a way.
“…You…okay?” Sonic asked quietly, noticing the solemn yet sad look on the others' face.
Shadow’s face remained the same, his chest feeling tight but not in a claustrophobic sense as he exhaled, nodding his head as if a chained weight had been lifted off of and freed from his shoulders. “Y-Yes…” He stammered, watching as the ant happily danced on Sonic’s shoes as the wind danced around the three of them, “…Just…remembering something.”
Sonic nodded, deciding not to push any further as he saw the sky clear up slightly, inhaling the fresh scent of petrichor as the small ant hopped down from his shoe, planting a spot right next to him.
The blue hedgehog got up, stretching his arms as a loud yawn escaped his mouth, “Ready to head back inside?”
“…No.” Shadow quietly admitted, cringing at the thought of being caught in the crossfire between Knuckles and Tails’ reenactment of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul’s fight from Star Wars.
“C’moooon…I don’t want you catching a cold out here, man! We can go to the porch or something but I think my butt fell asleep!” The emerald eyed teen moaned and groaned dramatically as the small ant hopped down from the shoe to frolic around the two.
The tension in the lone operative’s face seemed to ease up, being replaced with something more playful, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly, “I say again: sucks to be you.”
“You’re mean.” The shorter mammal pouted.
“And you're annoying; guess we both have flaws.”
“But that’s what makes us super awesome.” Sonic reasoned, attempting to pull Shadow up on his feet but the other hedgehog stayed stubbornly where he was seated. “Nohow. gehet. uhuuuuup!” Sonic tried lifting up Shadow but the older one just stared at him blankly.
Sonic huffed like the other teen sitting there was a personal offence, crossing his arms as he looked away begrudgingly “You're ruining Sonic JR’s sunbathing time!”
“Sunbathing…wihith noho sun?” Shadow retorted.
“Stohop beeheeing sohoh judgemental!” The Chilli Dog loving teen laughed, grabbing the other teenager’s arms but was pulled to the ground by him almost instantly.
“Gehet yohohour dihirty mihihitts off ohof me!” Shadow grunted, half laughing whilst Sonic tried to drag him upright. The two tumbled on the grass, laughing more now.
Sonic straddled the other hedgehog’s hips and pinned his wrists to the grass with a wide grin, “Oho…nuh uh! You’ve been rude to me this entire time we’ve been out here! Isn’t that right, Sonic JR?” Sonic said, looking at, well, Sonic JR. the ant before looking back at Shadow, nodding in confirmation. “Sonic JR. agrees.”
“You two look absolutely nothing alike.” The red and black quilled hedgehog huffed.
“How dare! The resemblance is uncanny! You're just too blind to see it, faker.” Sonic dramatically said, lightly pinching the other’s right side.
Shadow squeezed his eyes tight against the action, shaking his head back and forth as he tried to break out of Sonic’s hold but to the antihero’s surprise…the younger was actually surprisingly strong,“Ihihi’m nohot the faker heeheehere! Yohou are!” He giggly grumbled through gritted teeth.
“Says the one giggling like a Teletubby...” The blue quilled hedgehog taunted while sticking his tongue out at the other in a silly manner, poking his stomach sporadically which caused the older to squirm in every which way.
“I-I pffteheh dohoh nohot gihihiggle!” Shadow denied, not even attempting to ask what in the hell a ‘Teletubby’ was.
He could honestly just look it up later on Mr. Wackowski’s computer and hope for the best that it wasn’t some dumb video game character like The Mario Brothers.
“Oho yeah, tough guy? What’s this then? Hm? Hmmmmm~?” Sonic teased, wiggling his fingers in Shadow’s underarm.
The older teen let out a loud squeal despite his lips being completely pursed, kicking his legs from behind Sonic, “Ihihi’m gohOHONNA freeheeHEEaking kihill yOHOou!!!” The crimson eyed hedgehog shouted.
“Pff…with what army, man? Your squeals and shrieks?” The younger snorted at his own comeback, letting go of the other’s wrist and he stuffed both of his hands inside of his underarms, moving his fingers at an agonizingly slow pace. “God, I’m soOoOoOo scared…what ever shall I do~?”
Shadow threw his head back in complete and utter hysteria, arching his back quills into the grass as Sonic’s stupidly unbearable fingers scratched underneath his arms…
…That smug bastard.
“PfftAHAHAH—squeal! IHIHI H-HATE YOHOHOU!” The antihero yelled in an embarrassed high-pitched shriek, much to his dismay.
“D’aww…your laugh is so stinking cute!” Sonic teased, a big, cocky smile plastered on his face as he tickled his enemy turned rival turned emo brother into pieces.
“SHUHUHUT. UHUHUP!!!” Shadow cried, his face fur slowly turning the same shade as his irises.
“Shuut uppp~!” Sonic mocked without letting a single beat pass.
“IHI hic DOHOHON’T hic SOHOUND LIHIHIHIKE EHEH THAHAT!” The other teen squealed louder than the sound barrier could obtain.
“I don’t sound like that~!” Sonic continued.
“SOHOHONIC!!!” Shadow yelled through his laughs as the speedy devil mercilessly squeezed at his hip area. Shadow pounded his fists on the floor as his other arm wrapped around his torso, trying to bat Sonic’s hands away.
Sonic snickered in amusement; it's not everyday you could see his brooding buddy completely belly laughing, y’know! “Shadow~!”
“NAHAHAH—hic! STOHOP MAHAKING FUHUHUN OHOF ME!!!”
“I’m not~!” Sonic protested.
Shadow growled lowly through his giggles, kicking the air as he let out a bone quivering squeal, “YEHES YOOHOU F-FUHUCKING AHARE!” He shouted.
Sonic, completely unfazed by the others screechy shouts, released his hands from Shadow’s arms, letting the older one breathe for a second as he dramatically cracked his knuckles and neck as he tickled Shadow once more. “Okay…that’s enough back talk from you, Mr. Ultimate Ticklish Lifeform.”
“DOOHOO YOHOHOU hic EHEVEHER hic hic SHUHUHUT UHUP???” The black and red quilled teen howled.
The speed incarnate hummed in fake thought, peering up to the iridescent thing that was the night sky, “Never tried; and don’t eeeeeever plan to.” He said as he tickled Shadow’s ribs and hips with SuperSonic Speed™, catching the older so off guard he snorted loudly before submitting into a new fresh wave of desperate cackles.
“Geez…I gotta do this more often.” Sonic beamed, “Your laugh is pure serotonin, man.”
“O-OKAHAHAY SQUEAL OHOHOKAY!!!” The slightly taller mammal cried a breathy squeal, happy tears of mirth forming in his eyes as he banged his fists on the ground and the other’s arms for one final measure, “STOHOP! STOHOHOP hic STOHOHOP IHIHIT NOHOW!!!”
“Alright, alright…I’m stopping, I’m stopping.” Sonic ceased his torturous tickling fingers almost immediately, letting the older catch his breath as he got off of him.
“You okay…?” The emerald eyed teen asked a couple seconds after, “I didn’t overstep any boundaries, right?”
“I-I’m ohokahahay.” Shadow grumbled despite the wobbly, silly little grin he was trying to wipe off his face.
Jesus…this family really made him soft as hell.
And he will admit…he kinda loves them for it. Go figure.
“Good.” Sonic nodded, putting a hand on his hip, “Now can we pleeeease go back inside?”
“Suhure, Sohonic.” The older one chuckled lightly, getting off from the ground as he dusted himself off, shaking his head fondly as the blue quilled hedgehog smiled down at the ant and scooped it up in his palm.
Shadow rubbed his arm anxiously, his eyes still on the other, “Sonic?”
“Hm?”
“…Thanks.” Shadow admitted quietly, “For the talk. And well, you know…”
Sonic smiled at the small flustered words of appreciation, “‘Course, twin. Always happy to help.” He giggled as he bumped elbows with the others, squeaking when the other in question sneakily jabbed him in the side, “AHACK! H-Hehey! Hehey!” Sonic absolutely squealed, “Yohohou're attahacking ahan uhunaharmed mahan!” He playfully scolded, “Wihith a chihihild ihin thehe vicinity!”
“You attacked me first.” Shadow deadpanned.
“Yeheah! Buhut you deserved it!” The speed incarnate huffed as he crossed his arms in a dramatic fashion before putting Sonic JR. down carefully and picking up his jelly beans, eating them directly in Shadow’s face, much much to the others dismay and disgust.
“SONIC! SONIC #2!” Knuckles’ voice came distant and sharp from the porch to the two hedgehogs. The two paused their bickering, turning towards the red echidna, “MOTHER REQUESTS YOU COME INSIDE BEFORE YOU CATCH A SICKNESS KNOWN AS THE COLD!”
“Aww man…” Sonic pouted before clutching his chest as if he’d been shot, “Hey…wAIT A SECOND…‘SONIC #2’?!”
Shadow took offense to the nickname as well, clutching his chest as he glared at the other, “I was born before you! If anything you should be Sonic #2!”
“But my name is Sonic! That makes no sense!” The shorter teen shouted in obvious disapproval.
“You don’t make any sense!” The red and black quilled hedgehog retorted.
“Your face doesn’t make any sense!”
Knuckles blinked as he watched the two hedgehog’s back and forth from a distance, “I wonder what they are bickering about…” He stood outside for one second longer, completely baffled before heading back inside, letting the screen door swing shut behind him. “…Oh well; not my problem.”
“Whatever…we can discuss that later.” Sonic huffed before pointing to the house with his thumb. “You ready to head in?”
“…Yes.” Shadow agreed, “Lets…Let's go.”
“It's: ‘Gotta go fast™’…but you'll get the hang of it.” The emerald eyed teenager smirked at the other. “Bye bye, Sonic JR!” Sonic smiled sweetly as he blew kisses to the insect, “Seeya later!” He waved as he dashed to the house with his usual speediness.
Shadow chuckled fondly, crossing his arms as he walked to the Wackowski residence. And as he did so, he looked up to the blue dusky gray/grey sky; no rain in sight.
Shadow's chest tightened—not from the cold or uneasiness, but from that too familiar feeling that crept into his heart without warning.
That…certain heaviness that felt like it was stuck to you like molasses.
Sonic came back outside after realizing Shadow didn’t quite follow after him.
But Sonic didn’t rush him, just quietly stepping towards him as he held out his hand, “C’mon, Shads…Dad popped popcorn to watch the rest of Tails and Knux’s weeb fight thinga mabobber.”
The taller mammal looked at the smaller’s hand and then took it without a word, the both of them walking towards the house now.
The wind stirred—soft and low, almost like a satisfied sigh. It brushed through Shadow’s quills, curling around his torso like a ghost of a hug.
Shadow blinked…and for the first time in years…his breath came a little—no…a lot easier.
Shadow looked back at the tree and squinted, looking at the tiny ant that was still where the two hedgehogs were sitting earlier.
“What?” Sonic asked, trying to look in the direction Shadow was.
“…Nothing.” Shadow murmured, eyes still on the ant, “It’s just…still there.”
“Guess Sonic JR. just really likes the wind.” Sonic giggled, slipping inside the house with Shadow.
Outside, the wind tapped once against the window panes, stirring at the tree leaves and making them rustle gently.
Ok so I was reading this super cute fic about Tails tickling Sonic cuz he could not shut up about his corny jokes and I HAD TO MAKE ART OF IT!!! GO CHECK THAT FIC OUT PLS AND THANK YOU
So anyway this turned out better than I expected AAAA I'M SO HYPED!!!
ERRRRRRRR what abt like, im thinking Sonic 3, Sonic hears Shadow laugh and just HAS to hear more (if you’ve heard Keanu’s laugh you’re gonna understand why 😭) and Shadow, obv fights back bcs like he gets embarrassed and all that, but then gets kinda upset when Sonic stops??????? Like he’s prob so touch starved and feels super cared for with the affection, he wants more… I think like, hedgehog traits being added on to mobians is SUPER CUTE (clicking, scenting, running circles around eachother, yk the drill)
BUT YEAH YEAH YEAH ik I always say this but I LOVEEVEVEVEVEVE your writing, genuinely get so excited and jump for joy whenever I see you post something
NO PRESSURE IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO DO THIS,, lots of love and have a super awesome day/night/ whatever
~OMFG THANK YOU??! You are so sweet ( ◜‿◝ )♡. And I've heard Keanu’s laugh clips a…normal human number of times. My fixation on Sonic stuff runs deep, and these hcs are so cute; I'm excited! Thank you for the request, and I hope you enjoy!~
(Keanu’s laugh for reference)
Lee: Shadow
Ler: Sonic
Summary: Sonic has a new shirt he wants to show off to Shadow. Unfortunately for the broody hedgehog, it requires him wearing it with the boy. After some bickering and silly fun, Sonic hears Shadow's goofy giggles and decides he must have more.
Warnings: none! This is a tickle fic, so if you don't like that, scroll away!!
Shadow’s eyes narrowed as he viewed the ridiculous scene in front of him, questioning all his life choices. Why am I here?
“Stop giving me that look! It’s fun!” Sonic huffed as Shadow gave him that judgemental look he was oh-so famous for.
The blue hedgehog was wearing a “get-along” shirt Maddie had made for them. It was a little janky, but he didn’t care; his side was red, and Shadow’s side was blue. The only issue would be getting the broody hedgehog to wear it with him.
“I don’t see how any of…that could be fun. It looks uncomfortable,” he doubted, crossing his arms. “It looks like it’d get hot, and we would each only have one arm.”
“But…but Maddie made it for us.” Sonic pouted, turning on his wounded-puppy eyes. He was actually a little disappointed, but he knew Shadow wouldn't agree immediately; the kid had to get a little devious with it.
Shadow paused upon hearing that, his ears flattening against his head. Maddie had made that thing? Since the incident with the ARK, Shadow had spent his time making things up to Maddie and Tom; after some serious conversations, the two had forgiven him and welcomed him into the family.
Despite their understanding, Shadow had still taken every opportunity to please them. The shirt…well, how could he deny something Maddie had put her time and effort into making for him?
“...fine. You get ten minutes.”
Sonic’s face lit up, and Shadow had to force down a grin of his own as he climbed into the shirt. It was…actually kind of comfortable. The shirt smelled like Tom—it was likely made of his old clothes—and the inner fabric was soft and fleecy. He could feel the corners of his mouth twitching.
“Ooo, you like it!” Shadow felt Sonic’s other arm pull him into a hug within the shirt. “I dug through Tom’s donation pile, and he said I could have these two to repurpose. Maddie taught me how to sew while she made it, too. I did the hems of the sleeves!”
Sonic was so giddy as he spoke, flapping his free hand excitedly. The happiness infected Shadow, finally forcing his hidden smile to surface, as well as a few other things.
“Pfft- kehehe…”
Sonic’s head snapped over to the source of the laughter, eyes wide with shock. No way…
Shadow immediately recognized his mistake, a glare already pointed in the other mobian’s direction. “Sonic, if you even think about—”
But, of course, the blue hedgehog was well past the “thinking about it” stage. Five eager fingers latched onto Shadow’s side, squeezing sporadically and wiggling into the dark fur.
“Noho! You— pffehehehe!” Shadow tried to squirm away from the touch, but the get-along shirt was large; he couldn’t get out of it with Sonic distracting him and tugging in the opposite direction.
“Your laugh is so cute!” Sonic gasped, surprised that such a gruff hedgehog could sound so adorable. “Literally how have Mom and Dad missed out on this?”
“Stohohop thihis mahahadness!” he squeaked out, his giggles not at all matching his intimidating, broody demeanor. With a bit of luck, Shadow managed to catch the blue hedgehog’s wrist, shoving him away.
Now, while he would always be a promoter of mischief, Sonic didn’t want to push the other’s boundaries. He knew that Shadow had been hurt before, and he didn’t want to break any of the trust he’d earned. “Okay, okay, backing off.”
A swirl of emotions rose in Shadow as his fellow mobian pulled away, the most confusing one being disappointment. He was sure the buzzy feeling was annoying him just a moment ago, but…he felt a little empty in its absence. He hadn’t truly wanted it to end.
What have these Wachowskis done to me?
Shadow let out a little hiss of annoyance, making Sonic cringe. Shoot, I messed up, didn’t I?
“Uh…sorry, did I go too far? I didn’t mean to, I just—”
“Stop talking.”
And for once, Sonic listened. His mouth snapped shut, eyes nervously trained on the other hedgehog. He was waiting for a scolding, maybe an argument.
“I’m not mad at you. Stop worrying,” he huffed, seeing the brighter boy’s clear emotion; he was never good at concealing them. “I…didn’t hate that.”
That was…unexpected. Sonic found himself grinning, realization dawning on his features. “So…can I do it again?”
“...I guess.”
With possibly the giddiest smile Shadow had ever witnessed, Sonic went back to work. Ten gloved fingers attacked the broody hedgehog’s sides as he squirmed within the shirt. He tried to hold back his laughter, but he just wasn’t used to the feeling.
“S-Sohohohonic!” Once again, bubbly giggles filled the room, and Shadow’s stomach gave a buzzy flip. It was an intense feeling, but…enjoyable. It made him feel more in place, like he was supposed to be goofing off with them. It didn’t make much sense to him, but it was nice.
“I don’t think I’m ever gonna get over this,” Sonic mused, treating Shadow’s giggling like it was the greatest sound he’d ever heard. “You’re so scary, but this is your laugh. You gotta let Maddie hear this sometime.”
Shadow felt his cheeks burn beneath his fur. Maddie, the sweet and affectionate human, hearing his childish laughter? Oh, she’d have a field day; he’d never hear the end of it.
And why did that excite him?
“Ooo, are your ears ticklish?” Sonic suddenly changed course, one hand moving up to gently scratch along the shell of Shadow’s ear. “Mine are, and it actually feels pretty good.”
The black-furred hedgehog would have argued, but the new feeling distracted him. It still tickled, but in a softer, more relaxing way. He wanted to lean into it, as odd as that thought was to him. He didn’t even realize he was making a different noise until Sonic pointed it out.
“Oh my gosh, are you purring?” he gasped, showing nothing but delight and affection on his face. He wasn’t picking on Shadow; he simply found every little quirk of the other hedgehog astounding.
Sure enough, a low, puttering purr rumbled deep in Shadow’s throat, making him blush. Little giggles floated out with the sound, only adding to the adorableness of the moment.
He wasn’t sure when it happened, but Shadow’s knees had given out at some point. Both him and Sonic were kneeling on the floor, the warmth of the soft get-along shirt surrounding them.
Carefully, Sonic pulled the giggly mobian against him, propping up his head as he continued to toy with his ears. The purr didn't stop, nor did Shadow try to pull away. It was an adorable scene.
Eventually, Shadow reached up, tugging at the blue hedgehog's arm; he’d had enough. Sonic stopped the gentle tickling in favor of petting his head, trying to help calm him down.
“Ehehe…y-you…ugh,” Shadow groaned, both embarrassed and thoroughly satisfied. He couldn't even come up with a proper argument, too exhausted and tickle-drunk.
“Okay, Shads, you have to let me do that again sometime.”
One-track mind alright, Shadow thought. Of course he wouldn't even wait for the other to catch his breath before asking that.
“I'll consider it. Now be quiet. I want…a nap.” The words felt awkward on his tongue; he'd never really asked for such childish things. But, predictably, there was no judgement to be found.
“Yes! And good idea, this thing's cozy.” Sonic immediately agreed, lying down beside the dark-furred hedgehog. They probably had about an hour before Tom and the other mobians returned from their movie day—a film neither hedgehog had any interest in.
The two got comfortable against each other, letting the warmth of the shirt and the feeling of home sink in. As they drifted off, the soft puttering of Shadow’s purrs could still be heard in the background.
TW!: SLIGHT MENTIONS OF GORE! (Not really descriptive, just a reference to a movie) Other than that just fluff!!!!!
THIS IS SET AFTER THE EVENTS OF THE FIRST MOVIE, SO BE AWARE!!! ALSO, NFSW DNI!!!! THIS IS A FAMILY. A CHILD AND HIS PARENTS.
Maddie had to admit, having a kid was an unexpected change of pace to her slower small-town life, but a welcome one nonetheless.
She and her husband, Tom, had recently adopted a young blue hedgehog, who just happened to have come from another universe. Sonic, as she had discovered his name to be, had joined their family after years of being hidden from the world. His newfound family had given him a chance to experience a safe and fun childhood- one that he enjoyed and cherished every single day.
Sonic seemed to be having a blast catching up on all of the things to do in Green Hills, and although he loved the sports, games, and foods he had gotten to try, an interest that had really stuck out among the rest was watching movies. Maddie found it interesting as to how such an energetic teen could be pacified into calmly sitting just by having a film playing in front of him.
Which, she wasn't going to judge at all. Especially when it meant a few hours of peace and quiet.
Sonic had made it a point to she and Tom that they should all watch movies together, admitting as to how he had totally-not-creepily watched a few from their window before he was discovered by the couple, but never got to finish most of them. This prompted an excited, albeit slightly concerned, Tom to insist on the three of them watching all of the classics that night, and having a bit of family time.
And just like that, the newly-made hedgehog mom was lounging on the couch, surrounded by plenty of blankets and pillows as Tom was going through their DVDs, naming them off as their blue-quilled son jumped up and down excitedly next to him, babbling about his favorite parts.
"Uhm.. Oh! How about 'Karate Kid'?"
Sonic jumped onto the couch, barely missing Maddie's leg, and did some ninja-kicks at the air, imitating some moves he must have seen in the movie. "Ohohoh! I love that one!"
Tom chuckled, flipping through another couple discs. "We also have 'The Princess Bride', have you seen that one?"
The hedgehog stopped his attack on the void, going back to bouncing on the couch cushions. "Hmm.. I didn't really understand parts of it. Like, near the end when Westley was threatening to cut off the other dude's nose and mouth and stuff, but leave his ears. Why would a dead guy be able to hear?"
At her husband's pause, Maddie laughed, shaking her head fondly. "I think it was the idea that his soul would still be able to hear things from his body's place. You don't have to look that far into it, though, hun."
Sonic shrugged, and Tom stood from his spot on the floor, carrying the selection of movies the three had agreed on, and settled them near the tv. He put one in the DVD player, and plopped down on the opposite side of the couch as his wife, leaving a bit of room for Sonic to sit once he was ready.
As the first movie's title appeared on the screen, Sonic cheered, letting himself fall onto the couch. He scooted back, then curled up against Maddie's side. "Alright! Jurassic Park sounds cool!"
"Betcha didn't know there are three Jurassic Park movies."
"And another three- don't forget Jurassic World, Tom."
The brunette smiled. "Right, can't forget those."
Sonic was practically in awe, jaw dropped as he stared at the two. "Wait, what? You're telling me there are six movies about dinosaurs?!" He sighed, flopping back onto the couch. "We have to watch them all!"
"Wohow, you're getting ahead of yourself there." Tom laughed, ruffling the smaller's head. "We can't watch all of them tonight, but I promise we can eventually. Just.. not all in one sitting."
Sonic smiled, nodding at the assurance. Tom then pressed play, and the family quieted, focused on the beginning scene in front of them.
As the movie played, Sonic had found himself deeply invested in the plot, rearranging himself every now and then into a more comfortable position. As of now, he was curled up in Maddie's lap, socked feet in Tom's lap. The teen's head was propped up in his hand as he focused on the tv screen, being caught off guard as a dinosaur screeched loudly, flinching back.
He froze, the hedgehog subtly glanced at Tom's face, hoping the Sheriff, nor Maddie noticed him jump. When neither of them had a reaction, Sonic let out a quiet sigh, trying to go back to focusing on the tense scene that was happening.
A couple minutes had passed, and he had finally relaxed again. The air in the room was peaceful, and everyone was calm. Maddie subconsciously reached a hand to gently rub at Sonic's side, used to holding hands with her husband or something of the sort when watching things together.
Nothing, though, could have prepared the small family for the noise that elicited from the blue hedgehog's mouth.
At the touch, Sonic absolutely screamed as if he had been shocked with a million volts of electricity, his head tumbling from his hand as he whipped around. The veterinarian's eyes widened, and her hand quickly pulled away from her son's body.
"Sonic! Are you okay?"
Maddie's eyes swept thoroughly over his torso, searching for any possible sign of injury. Sonic, on the other hand, was now turned to face her, looking just as shocked as she did.
"I- yeah, I'm okay. I guess you just.. scared me?"
Tom looked puzzled. "Seems that way, huh? We weren't even watching a scary movie, kiddo."
The teen shrugged. "I know. Weird."
Maddie thought for a moment, brows furrowing slightly as an idea formed. "Sonic.. Is it alright if I try that again? Just.. to make sure everything's alright."
Sonic nodded, sitting up to allow her easier access. As her hand went to gently touch his side, he glanced down with equal interest, only to jump and giggle the second her hand came into contact with his skin.
"AH! Wait- hahah!"
The green-eyed hedgehog looked up with a confused grin, head tilting slightly as Maddie pulled away again. She smiled back, laughing a bit as she spoke. "Looks like we figurehed out what 'scahared' you!"
Sonic looked back down at himself, grabbing his own side, face pinching in a perplexed expression. "What.. was that? You just- you made me laugh?"
Maddie glanced at her husband, who seemed to be shocked by this new piece of information. The sheriff's jaw dropped, and he stared at Sonic in disbelief.
"You mean you don't know what tickling is?"
When the smaller shook his head, Maddie quickly interjected. "Okay, we are fixing that right now." She straightened up in her spot, and reached for his side again.
"Tickling is when someone touches a specific part of the body that makes them laugh." She squished at his torso, gaze softening as he burst into happy giggles. "It's an involuntary response."
Sonic jerked away from the offending hand, flopping to the side as his arms went to curl around his belly. "Ahah! Snrt- Yohou mean Ihi've been wastihihing my time on johokes? This is- Snrt- ahawesome!" The teen kicked his legs out, squealing as another hand came to his knee. "HAH! Tohohom, noHO!"
"I still can't believe you had no idea what tickling is! I wonder where else you're ticklish!" Tom's excited smile morphed into something more smug, and he spidered his fingers all along the laughing teen's knees, reaching a hand up to dig into his underarm too.
A squeaky squeal escaped from Sonic's mouth, and he quickly clamped his arm down, kicking his legs out frantically. Maddie snickered, placing a hand over her husband's as she spoke. "Be gentle with him. We don't wanna overwhelm the poor kid."
Tom rolled his eyes playfully, but went back to tickling at his knees. When Sonic exploded into bright laughter again, trying to pull his legs away, he stopped, moving to instead rub at his leg comfortingly.
The hedgehog looked up as the fluttery sensation stopped, a confused residual smile plastered on his face. "Whahah.. Why'd yohou guys stop?"
"Figured you needed a break. You were laughing pretty hard there."
Maddie smiled for probably the umpteenth time today. "Unless you want us to keep going?"
She noticed a tinge of shyness in his tone, but the happy smile he wore way outshined it. "Yeah! I-If thats okay, of course. Tickling is just.. really fun!"
"We'd be happy to!" She beamed, bringing her fingers to his belly, scribbling her nails over it. Sonic's limbs flailed for a moment, then his hands snapped up, holding onto his mom's wrists, giddy laughter spilling from his mouth when Tom wiggled a finger into the crook of his neck.
The smaller cackled, scrunching his shoulders up. He wiggled about, legs instinctively kicking at Tom and Maddie's arms, though despite his half-hearted struggling, the kid looked like he was having a blast.
Maddie cooed, half expecting to be pushed away, but she never was. Sonic just held onto her, eyes squeezing shut in mirth. After a few seconds, Tom pulled his hands back once more, his son peeking an eye open through his giggles to see what was going on.
"Honey, can you get his hands? I wanna try something."
"Sure, Tom." She smiled, reaching forward a bit to gently scoop up the smaller's wriggling arms, lifting them above his head.
Sonic tugged at his hands, attempting to pull his legs up to gain some sort of protection, as he was feeling a lot more exposed now. An anticipatory smile tugged at his lips as Tom drew closer.
"Nahah! Snrk- Get awahay!" Sonic tried to kick at the elder, only to squeal in an embarrassingly high pitch as his ankle was grabbed and pulled away, being quickly pinned onto the couch. "Tohom! Whahat're yohou doihihing?"
The brunette grinned, sneaking a tickle across his son's side, prompting the younger to burst back into giggles.
"Nothing much, bud. I just wanna introduce you to tickling properly. And this is the best way to do it!" Tom lunged forward, inhaling deeply before blowing a huge raspberry against Sonic's belly.
The hedgehog shrieked, immediately tearing his arms and leg from his parent's grasp as he exploded into cackles. His arms curled around Tom's head, eyes going wide at the horribly ticklish feeling shooting through his torso.
"PFFAAHAH! SNRK- TOHOM!" he squealed, legs kicking frantically in a blur of movement. A few seconds went by, and the raspberry still didn't stop! The blue teen tossed his head to the side, cheeks growing redder the longer he laughed. "EEEAHAH! HAHAH! SNRK- OKAY OKAY OKAHAHAY! PLEHEHEASE!"
Tom pulled away, chuckling at the giggling mess of laughter on the couch. "Whahat? Too ticklish for you?"
Maddie laughed, shaking her head as she helped the younger up. "Oh my goodness.."
The blue-themed teen slumped into her, hiding his residual giggles into his hands as he recovered from the playful attack. "Geheez, I.. cahan't believe thahat- Snrk- just happehened.."
After taking a moment to catch his breath, Sonic let his arms fall from their spot over his face. He looked up at Tom with a gentle smile. "..Thanks, Tom."
The sheriff smiled back, then crashed into the two, wrapping his family in a hug. "No problem, little man."
The three seemed perfectly content, until the youngest burst into laughter again. "Pfft! Wehe- We plahanned out this whohole movie night, and didn't eheven watch a sihingle movie!"
"Ohoh yeah! We were watching a movie, weren't we?"
Maddie cracked up, shaking her head at the silliness of the situation. "Ihi don't even remember what part we were at.."
"Rihight.." The youngest thought for a minute, then shrugged. "Yeah, I don't know."
"Want to pick a different one, and go back to Jurassic park later?"
"Yeah! Oh, I know the perfect one.."
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Rahhh I finally finished it!! I really liked writing this, they're such sillies! 💙💛💙💛
