#moustacheless

*Shadow glares in his sleep as his phone buzzes. He sighs and grabs it from his side table without moving too far from Sonic. He checks it, squinting at the bright light. He stares at each photo for an extended moment, taking his time scrolling through them. His expression doesn't change, but he frantically taps Sonic's hand, his shoulders shaking as he holds in laughter. He coughs as a laugh tries to escape*

Agh... *Sonic groggily opens his eyes* ... Babe..? Where's the fire..? *He blinks rapidly as Shadow shoves his phone in Sonic's face, scrolling through the pictures. Sonic's eyes widen. A grin slowly appears on his face. He giggles, then winces as it hurts his ribs. He doesn't stop smiling, though* ..... Oh. My chaos. Is it my birthday?

Not for a bit over a week, my love.

Oh jeez, I love you. Can you send me those?

Yes. *Shadow starts sending them to Sonic and everyone else for good measure. He doesn't look up as Sonic takes his hand. He just laces their fingers together*

.... Thanks for saving me..

Hm. We need to talk about your hero complex tomorrow.

....... Right... Yeah.... Okay.. *He sighs and kisses the back of Shadow's hand* I'm gonna go back to sleep. You should too.

Mhm. *Shadow puts his phone down and snuggles back in next to Sonic, kissing him goodnight before closing his eyes* I love you too, blue..

Maybe my plan was flawed…

- EVIL ANON

I did. The net failed to keep me captive. It only succeeded in briefly disorienting me. *He picks up Bean and uses his rockets to fly up and place him on the overhead lamp hanging from the ceiling* Stay.

*Bean clings to the cord for dear life when Metal moves back away from him* Wh?? Hey!! Not like I have a choice!! Stop putting me in high places, you big metal jerk!!

....... *Metal beeps softly as if amused. He then turns and flies down toward Amy. She reaches through the net toward him. Fang stands in his way. Metal lets off a puff of air, exasperated. Luckily, Silver swoops in to save the day*

I got you, Amy! *Silver levitates both Fang and the net high into the air. He spins Fang around, giggling when he yells in terror*

Thank you. *Metal walks forward and helps Amy stand, holding her hand as she wobbles to her feet*

I think my foot's asleep.. Agh..

I have you. *Metal puts his arm around her*

Hey!! Not so fast! *Eggman was at the door, talking to someone in the hallway. He hurries over and grabs Amy's free arm*

Ow! Hey! *She tries to tug it back, but his grip is firm*

*Metal's eyes lock onto Eggman* Let go of her.

Not until you have a civilized conversation with me, my boy!

I am not your boy. *He steps forward, trying to shove his way between Eggman and Amy*

Yes you are! I built you! I raised you! And if this is the only way to get you to listen, well then it's happening!!

I would not have left had you listened to me even once.

I don't have to listen to you!

Which is why I am no longer affiliated-

With the Robotnik family name, I get it. But listen! *He raises a hand as if he were a boy scout* I promise you... Swear on Mombot... That I will never ever launch an attack on your friends that may cause them physical harm. Scout's honor.

You specified "physical."

Oh, I assumed psychological damage was a given in my presence.

*Silver floats by, still spinning Fang* Actually, he has a point there..

Silver!

.... I will not be returning to the lair.

Yes, buuut~?

But nothing. Release my girlfriend.

No! Not until we make a truce!

*Metal looks at Amy. Then at Eggman. Then Amy again. She shakes her head, then winces at Eggman's grip tightening* ...... *Metal turns to Eggman and nods*

*An evil yet delighted grin spreads across Eggman's bald face. It's been so chaotic no one's had a moment to bask in the horror* Excellent!!! Ooh, let me get the camera! This one is for the scrap book!! *He takes a camera from his pocket and snaps a selfie with the flash on. Everyone looks terrible. Eggman's lip shines from lack of hair. Metal looks murderous* ..... Well. Scrapbooks are about the experience, anyway. Oh I'm so happy you decided to rejoin the family, Metal! What a happy day!! *He lets go of Amy and heads out of the room*

*Amy holds her wrist as if it's sore. She gives Metal a hurt look* Metal, what was that?? Why didn't you stand up to him?

...... He was hurting you. *Metal's voice is quiet. He doesn't look happy about it either*