#sth-askverse

Sending a blanket nest for anyone who needs it! And plushies. Lots of Chao plushies.

*Shadow returned to his room to find a nest of cushions and blankets waiting for him, as well as Chao plushies. One fluttered above the bed in digruntled confusion- or, rather, one very much alive, real Chao.*

Shadow: Riot, they're stuffed toys, it's alright.

*The dark-running Chao made a few unhappy grunts before landing on the end of the bed and blinking uncertainly at Shadow. The hybrid sat down and sighed contently as he nestled down into the blankets and pillows.*

Shadow: ... Thank you, the nest is... very soothing. The Anons can try as they like to reach Eve in Sol, but, the Rifts can't open there. She's... she's safer there. My heart aches to be so apart, but, Amy and Blaze are right... I'm not enough to protect her, here.

Sonic: Hey, heard that- don't do that.

*Sonic appeared, carrying two plates. He stopped to survey the new nest, Shadow's face flushing but a challenge in his eyes for the hedgehog to make a comment.*

Sonic: ...I like it. Cozy- anyway, none of us can protect anyone against the Rifts, not really. We don't know enough about them, yet. Don't go down that road, Sunshine.

*Riot eyed Sonic suspiciously for a long moment before charging to the head of the bed and snatching a piece of toast off a plate. Sonic frowned, and Shadow snorted at the display. The chao flew away, to a bench seat on the window made up into a small bed for him. They eyed Sonic with a narrowed gaze as they munched.*

Sonic: ... Why does your chao hate me? Chao love me-

Shadow: They sense fear.

Sonic: ... I can't even deny that one, after they fucking bit me that first time-

Shadow: A test bite, which you failed.

Sonic: Take your plate and hush.

*Shadow snorted but sat up and accepted a plate, taking the one down one toast in some small, silent consolation for his chao being a chronic thorn in Sonic's side. Sonic sat his own plate on the end table for a moment, disappearing down the hall, before returning with two glasses of water and handful of pills.*

Shadow: ... You really didn't have to- if I'm late taking them it's fine, it's just-

Sonic: You'll be in more pain for longer, and that's without a hangover headache. Take 'em, I gotta take mine too, it's fine.

*Shadow took a glass from Sonic and the pills, taking them all down easily. Sonic produced a small bottle from his quills that Shadow recognized as his ADHD medication. He took two pills from the bottle- Shadow snorted at the realization the hedgehog had decided to mix his anti-hypertensives in with the stimulants, he supposed for easier transport- before tucking it back in his quills, then settled down beside Shadow and picked his plate back up.*

Shadow: If you ever get searched, they're arresting you for having your drugs mixed and not having a prescription on hand, you realize.

Sonic: Pfft, what? S'why I keep the bottle for the controlled one. They gonna arrest me for telmisartan, Mr. GUN Agent?

Shadow: Eat your breakfast and hush.

Sonic: Hey, you never have to tell me to clean my plate- you think you can stomach yours? I was going for greasy 'cause hangover, but then I remembered your stomach's not really good with anything heavy in the morning-

Shadow: It's fine, it's- I can eat it, just slowly. I... I appreciate the thought.

*They both tucked into their breakfast, Shadow more slowly than Sonic. When they were finished, or, at least, when Sonic was finished and Shadow had tested his stomach as much as he was willing, they set their plates on their respective end tables. Shadow stifled a yawn.*

Sonic: ...Hey, c'mere.

Shadow: Hmm?

*Sonic nestled down into the blankets, settling on his back and opening his arms. Shadow blushed and slowly, tentatively, curled against Sonic's side. He tucked his nose beneath the hedgehog's jaw and set his hand on the fluff of Sonic's chest. Sonic pulled more blankets over them both and then wrapped his arms around the hybrid, drawing him all the closer. Shadow hooked a strong leg over Sonic's, locking them together and drawing a blush from the hedgehog to match his own. A warm contentment settled over them both in the late morning hour.*

Sonic: ... Guess we can make use of this nest for a while, you think? Little post-breakfast nap never hurt...

Shadow: Hmm... too comfortable to move, anyway...

*Sonic shifted them both further down, curling around one another protectively as if on instinct.*

Sonic: Sleep then, Sunshine. You need to sleep off that hangover, and I need to sleep off attempting to sleep on your couch last night. Promise I'll.. I'll be here when you wake up.

Shadow: ...promise?

Sonic: Promise. Swear it, forever, Sunshine. No more... no more running.

Shadow: Can run all you like... I c'n keep up...

*A soft smile touched Sonic's lips, and a light, giddy feeling filled his heart. Shadow was right; he could. Sonic began to purr softly, and Shadow matched the sound with his own low clicks.*

Wheww! Little late to this BUT I wanted to share anyway! I've never draw enough in a year to have something for every month, and this year I was struggling to decide what got to go in a slot! Thank the STH hyperfixation for that lmao

BUT! Big reason I wanted to share this is just like. Damn. My style changed so much- at the beginning of this year, I didn't really feel I HAD a style to begin with. Now I feel like the way I draw them is very much me, and distinct from other artists enough that it might even be getting to the point of folks being able to go "oh yeah that's that one sonic artist-"

In addition to finally gaining what's starting feel like my own style, this is also the year I started really accepting my own body image- it hasn't bothered me persey in a long time, but this year was the first year I looked at myself, as a I am right now, and said "DAMN. Yeah. I'm pretty hot, just like this actually-", which is. A feat, I think, given I'm working against 27 years of Nasty No Good Thoughts. And my art is reflecting that; I chose the shadow sketch as my spotlight not because it's my most detailed render or some great piece, but, it's a representation of where I am now as a person, as an artist- my characters get to be soft and have real world proportions and they are still beautiful and I can be so proud of those sketches, because I can be proud of me. And growing up the way I did, being able to just be proud of something I created is a new feeling for me, and one I'm excited to continue feeling.

Anyway! You guys have been popping up from time to time on the TV, so I've seen some of the stuff you're going through- reminds me of my dads a lot. Oh, that's- uh, that's you guys, by the way- not! I mean! Not you guys, specifically-! Heh, um, but, my universe's Sonic and Shadow... that's my Dad and Pops! Think I heard Shadow say he could have kids? So can my Pops, thats how he and Dad got me and Ciph! Eve was... a different thing. From before. But whatever, right, 'cause thats mad cool! I know other Shadows have kids too, with their Sonics, 'cause Dad and Pops talked to at least one before.

Just! Wanted to check in! When I realized I could send a message across the Rift I kinda had to jump at it, you know? Oh, uh, front door just opened, I think Dad's home- yup. He's here, can hear him singing along to the jazz track Pops had playing on the old brasshorn, heh, he's doing a pretty good Nat King Cole, actually. I should go wash up, just about dinner time- plus if I go now, I might miss having to watch Dad hugging up on Pops while he finishes up in the kitchen and that is always preferable... eugh, they're so touchy all the time. Hope we're eating outside under the big willow by the stream again, that was fun last night... Anyway. Good luck! Bye!!"

-Rune Robotnik

Oh hey, you’re…another kid of ours from an alternate universe! And you’re a twin? That’s so cool! Shadow, come and see this!

*Shadow comes back to look, staring at Rune intently* Hello.

This is Rune! He’s our kid…sort of! From another universe.

And you said you are experiencing rifts in your universe?

Yeah! He’s been watching our show…somehow?

Ah. And your parents are…happy? And you have your own home?

*Sonic frowns at Shadow slightly, then turns back to the screen as Rune exits*

Oh, uh, bye! He was adorable!

*sad whine*

Him...? So it really is...?

Even the scars are the same... Sonic-! What in the Chaos is this? A new form? Is this part of Sage's illusions?

*shakes head*

... Then.. the Anons did this?

... *shakes head, slower*

You've... always been able to do this?

*slow nod*

And you just didn't ever think to mention-?! How long have we known each other now?! Since we were 15! You realize if I'd been in a different state of mind I could have speared you?! All it would have taken is a mention! Like you don't know about my Doom forms? Like I didn't tell you first thing to ensure we kept our advantage in battle?!

... to make sure you knew I trusted you enough to tell you... You want to keep me at arms length when we aren't meeting one another, fine, but keeping this from me put you in extreme danger, idiot hedgehog-

Oh-

Dear Gaia that's soft...

...?

Shadow: HARDLY THE TIME-

Shadow: But yes, obviously- I'll pass on the message once we aren't in the heat of battle!

*Shadow wakes late the next morning, quills a mess and in his own bed. He has vague memories os Sonic being nearby the night before, but, little else. His head is pounding.*

Shadow: Fucking Chaos, what the hell was in that...

---

*Sonic is in the kitchen, trying to bury the vice-grip-feeling around his heart by making himself and Shadow something to eat.*

Sonic: No Rifts, texted Tails to make sure everything was okay over there. Little guys are doing alright; apparently King A is bonding with them. Go figure, guy's actually not half bad when not consumed by Dark Chaos.

*A shuffling at the entry to the hall brings Sonic's attention away from the pan. He takes it off heat, the eggs finished anyway, and raises a brow at the rather-less-put-together-than-usual Shadow that appears.*

Sonic: Mornin' Su-Shad. How are we liking our choices from yesterday evening?

*Shadow blinks, eyes narrowed against the morning light and a soft blanket hooded over his quills. His hands clasp it at the front.*

Shadow: ... why are you here?

Sonic: Wow, yeah, no you're welcome, for breakfast, I mean.

Shadow: ... Where did you sleep?

Sonic: On the couch, where else? Woulda been in your bed, if you'd had it your way-

*Shadow's ears pinned, no more than a shifting beneath the blanket hood, and the hybrid looked away. Sonic took the opportunity to get a better look at him. His pelt was dull and unkempt, his eyes lacking their usual clever light. It felt like this was consequence of more than just whatever hell drink the Anons had given him the night before. A pang of guilt lanced Sonic's heart, and he moved the pan off to let the eggs cool for a moment. Shadow did not look up as he approached.*

Sonic: ... I do want all that, by the way.

Shadow: ...?

Sonic: With you. What the Anons said last night; us. Together. A real relationship- one everyone knows about. I'm not ashamed of being seen with you, I'm not- I... it's hard for me. I remember how they all looked at me, before, and, it's... it's hard.

*Shadow looked back to the hedgehog, letting the blanket drop back from his quills. Tired eyes met Sonic's and softened.*

Shadow: ...I know. That's why I've never.. I've never minded waiting. Until you were ready, it's just- the push and pull of it all, I can't keep doing that, Sonic. Either you're ready, or you aren't, and if you aren't that's fine just-

Sonic: I'm ready.

Shadow: -Tell me so- I. You- you are?

Sonic: I know this is the worst time, believe me, I get it, I mean- the Rifts? The whole mess with Eve and- and your fucking back, Shadow, don't fucking think you're getting away without telling me about that- And the littles showing up again, I- this isn't the time to be starting a relationship. I know that. But I also know our lives are insane, and I'm... I see you. I see what I'm doing to you and I never, ever want to cause anyone that kind of pain, but- but least of all you. Because I meant it.

Shadow: Sonic-

Sonic: I love you.

Shadow: ...I love you. Still not... still afraid, of that?

Sonic: I lied, last night. I'm actually terrified-

Shadow: I did figure-

*Sonic pulled Shadow close the next instant, holding him tightly against him and burying his nose in Shadow's quills. Shadow melted against him easily and wrapped his own arms around him, nuzzling under Sonic's jaw.*

Sonic: ...I made us breakfast...

Shadow:I did notice that, it smells wonderful-

Sonic: Didn't even burn down the house...

Shadow: I'm proud of you, Angel-

*Sonic purred at the name and nuzzled Shadow's quills again.*

Shadow: We can eat in my room, if you're comfortable?

Sonic: ...just eat?

Shadow: I think it best if we...

Sonic: Ease into things, yeah. I agree. Okay, I'll grab plates, you go get comfortable. I'll bring you medicine in, too, I remember what you take in the morning.

*Shadow hummed and pulled Sonic down to kiss his cheek lightly before turning and heading back for his bedroom again.*

Sonic: Trust me, it ain’t easy! But if that’s the last sight I get before the big game-over? Well what a way to go!