Chapter Text
“Do you think I should go get him?” Tom asked his lovely wife. The wife in question was almost done with making the pancakes. The him in question, was the little alien that asked them for help yesterday. Tom already ate because he had work in a little while, and they decided that Maddie would stay home today.
“I would say so. That way his pancakes won’t get cold. And you can finally understand why he calls you ‘Donut Lord’.” They also decided to ask some easy and light questions. They would save the more… complicated ones for later.
“Okay, ‘Pretzel Lady’.” Tom didn’t wait around for a reply. He hurried up the stairs and walked to the guest room, pausing before he opened the door. He then knocked on the door, “Sonic? Breakfast is ready.” When there wasn’t a response, he opened the door. He saw a small lump under the blanket. “Sonic. Get up. Time for breakfast.” All he got back was a small groan. Tom was ready for what was about to happen next. He has always wanted to do this but has never really had the opportunity before. He grabbed the edge of the blanket and yanked it, intending to just pull the blanket off Sonic. However, what Tom didn’t know was that Sonic wasn’t just under the blanket, the hedgehog had cocooned himself with the blanket. With Sonic’s short stature, it was rather easy, and easy for Tom to miss. So, when pulled the blanket towards him, Sonic followed and was flung off the bed onto the wooden floor. Sonic hit the floor with a small thump. Tom cringed when he realized what had just happened.
“Owww.” Sonic did not think Donut Lord would have thrown him off the very comfy bed if he didn’t get up in that moment. If he did, then he would have gotten up pronto. Sonic was sprawled out on the floor; he looked up at a blanket holding Donut Lord.
“I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”
Sonic sat up, and shook his head to get rid of his remaining drowsiness. Quills swaying with the head. “You attacked me!”
“What! No I didn’t.” Tom stared at the unkept alien. He heard of bed hair, but the little hedgehog had bed fur and quills. Sonic crossed his arms. “Okay. I might have accidentally pushed you out of the bed.”
Sonic narrowed his eyes, “How did you ‘accidently’ push me off the bed?”
Tom just shrugged. “There’s no time for that. Your pancakes are getting cold.” That got Sonic’s attention as he scrambled up off the floor. He is excited at the prospect of food, so he’s willing to let justice go unsolved for now.
“Lead the way Donut Lord.”
Tom started to walk with Sonic following. “What’s up with ‘Donut Lord’? You know my name is Tom, right?” Tom looked back at Sonic when he reached the stairs.
Sonic remembers hearing something about Donut Lord’s name being Tom but hasn’t really put much thought into it. Besides, Sonic much prefers Donut Lord over Tom. But, Sonic didn’t want Tom to think that he didn’t care about his actual name. “Of course I know that!.
Tom smiled as he put out his hands in a placating manner. “Okay, Okay. Just asking. But what does it mean?”
Sonic rolled his eyes, “You know what it means. Don’t act silly.”
Now Tom is a little scared, “Uhmm. No, actually. I don’t know.” His stepped off the last stair, “Tell me.” The slight whine in his voice would have one question if he really is the adult here.
Now Sonic could get his revenge, “If you don’t know then I won’t tell you.” If Tom thought it was okay to throw him on the floor then he doesn’t deserve answers.
Tom couldn’t believe it. “Aww. Don’t be like that.” He really was curious.
“Hmphf.” Sonic, with his head straight ahead, walked past Tom into the dining room. Where he was greeted by Pretzel Lady.
“Good morning, Sonic. How did you sleep?” Maddie already put the pancakes on the table, in front of the chair that Sonic sat on yesterday. It still had the pillow on it. She was currently in the process of making pancakes for herself.
Sonic lit up, “It was amazing. I think it was the best sleep I’ve had in forever!” Sonic really, really enjoyed the bed. It was like his bean bag, but a thousand times better. He’ll definitely miss it when he goes back to his cave. His cave. Sonic’s smile died and his mood soured, as he thought about his cold and empty cave. He really didn’t want to go back. But he knows that he doesn’t have a choice. It was hard to gain enthusiasm after that, but Sonic tried. “I don’t remember the last time I slept in a bed.” Sonic, of course, didn’t understand the implications of it, but Tom and Maddie did. Evident as they looked at each other.
“Right. Uhm. Well I have to leave for work right about… now.” Tom walked past Sonic to give Maddie a goodbye kiss.
“You’re leaving?! Why?!”
“I mean… I do have a job.” Tom then added, “Don’t worry, I’ll be back for lunch.”
Sonic crossed his furry blue arms, “Why does that matter, when I’ll be gone?”
Maddie looked at Tom with a face that said, ‘what did you do?’. She then looked down at the alien, “Why do you say that?”
“I didn’t say anything.” Tom interjected to save himself.
Sonic just shrugged, “Well it’s not snowing anymore so…”
Maddie walked around Tom, and then kneeled to be on Sonic’s level. “Did you think that we are just going to kick you out?” Honestly, Maddie thought that she and Tom did a good job with Sonic last night. But maybe it wasn’t good enough if he thinks he’s about to be cast out.
Sonic didn’t sound upset or mad, just resigned. “Yeah.”
“Well, get that out of your head. I don’t know what we are going to do, but we’re not just going to kick you out to the cold.”
Sonic only took one thing from what she just said, “So you’re going to wait until it gets warmer?” He didn’t buy it, he doesn’t understand why they would want to put up with him for that long.
“What? No. Just-“ She gave Sonic a tight smile, “We’re worry about it later. Right now, you need to worry about eating your pancakes.”
Tom walked around to be by Maddie, “Besides, there are so many questions I need to ask you about the mysteries of the universe.”
Sonic tried to not smile, but he couldn’t help it. Donut Lord wanted to ask him, questions. “Well. For starters, I think you need to lay off the donuts.” Sonic raised an eyebrow as he looked up at Tom. It was true, Sonic, when ‘hanging’ out with Donut Lord, would see the cop eat way too many donuts.
Maddie laughed as she got up, “You really are wise.”
Tom raised his own brow, “Alright, simmer down.” He ‘joked’ backed with Sonic, but he did bring his hand down to his stomach to feel against it. Tom’s not going to take that laying down, “Aren’t you like 3 feet tall.” Not really a roast, but it’s not like he actually wants to offend Sonic. Well, Sonic did take offense.
Sonic’s smile turned into a frown, and he turned away from Tom. He then started to climb up the chair to sit down. Tom, seeing this, didn’t feel bad. Despite the look from Maddie. If Sonic can’t handle it, then he shouldn’t dish it. “Here, let me help you up.” He moved his hands towards Sonic but was stopped by Sonic.
“No! I can do it myself.” It was true, after almost knocking the pillow out of the chair, Sonic finally sat down. Luckily, he had fur, or they would see how red his face was. He couldn’t believe Donut Lord said that to him. It’s not his fault he’s not tall. But it’s Donu- Tom’s fault that he eats too many donuts. At least, that’s the way Sonic sees it.
“Well, I have work to get to. See you later honey. Sonic.”
“See you at lunch babe.” Maddie said goodbye while Sonic remained quiet. She watched as he turned and walked towards the door. There was a slight pause as he bent down to give Ozzie some pets. The dog had just finished eating. Soon after, the door opened and closed. Which just left her, and -judging by the body language – her grumpy guest. She heard a gasp and was immediately on the move. “What is it? Are you okay?” She hurried over to look over Sonic, but was quickly dealarmed . He had just taken a bite of a pancake.
Sonic brought another piece to his mouth. Perhaps a little too big, but he didn’t have time to cut it. “This is amazing!” His voice was distorted and muffled by the amount of pancake in his mouth. His chewing filled up the silence after his declaration. Sonic never tasted anything like it before. It was warm and spongy. It tasted a thousand times better than those little cake things he would find in the garbage behind that one store in town. He already moved his fork down to his plate, where the golden-brown disc of deliciousness were, while he still had a mouth full.
Maddie had to swallow back a laugh so she could tell Sonic to slow down. She didn’t want the hedgehog choking. She put her hands down on his shoulders, without really realizing it, “Hey, slow down there. I don’t want you to choke.” She noticed how he tensed, felt, really. That is when she realized she put her hands on his shoulders. It just felt like the natural thing to do, so she did it. At least he stopped shoveling pancakes into his mouth. She took her hands off his shoulder, cringing slightly. Maddie knows she pulled Sonic into her side last night without asking him, but to be fair, he was having a breakdown. Maddie thinks that Sonic doesn’t mind the contact, but she is going to let him come to her. She is also not an alien psychologist, so she supposes she doesn’t actually know what Sonic wants. She then walked around and took the seat across from him. With her own plate of pancakes piled high. She caught his gaze but when he realized he quickly looked away, and she could have sworn his ears were pink. The triangular appendages were just too cute.
Sonic needed to come up with something quick to escape his embarrassment. What embarrassment? He’s not sure, but there’s a reason his muzzle is melting. “I’m sorry.” Sonic thought he kind of nailed it.
“You don’t have to be sorry. Just don’t eat as fast.” Maddie started to cut into her own food and eat. They eat in silence for a little bit, but Maddie is curious, rightfully so. And she has one question that is nagging her. “So Sonic.” She put her fork down as he looked at her. “Last night. You said something about powers. Is that the little blue sparks that shoot off you?”
A frown etched itself across Sonic’s tan muzzle. He had no idea what she was talking about. “Uhmm, no? I’m just super-fast. Like, faster than the flash.” If Sonic wants to put himself on a pedestal, then who’s going to stop him?
Maddie blinked. She couldn’t tell if the furry alien across from her was joking. “I’m not too sure I understand.”
“I’m just fast. That’s the power I was talking about.” Sonic got another fork full of pancake.
“Ah. Okay.” She nodded to herself. “But like, how fast?” Sonic had a full mouth but opened his mouth to speak. “After you swallow.” And as an afterthought, “You really shouldn’t talk with your mouth full.”
Sonic was about to apologize but stopped himself and just focused on chewing and swallowing. His legs feet dangled, not quite touching the floor. Now Sonic had to think about how fast he really is. He didn’t know. It really hasn’t been that big of an issue for him. His face scrunched up in concertation before he looked across the table at Maddie. “Very fast.” In his experience, he goes as fast as he needs too.
Maddie gave up. “That’s… cool.” Sonic nodded at her words, the tips of his quills bounced up and down along with his head. “But what about the blue sparks?” Maddie knows there were blue sparks, and she finds it unlikely that Sonic didn’t know.
“No.” Sonic tilted his head, “Well, sometimes when I run there’s like some blue stuff, but not when I’m not running.” Sonic’s pretty sure he would know if he had blue sparks shooting off him.
“Neat.” There was some silence after that. Sonic, while usually a chatter box, was too focused on his food for discussion. Maddie ate but mostly watched Sonic eat. Taking in more details. He really was adorable, she tried not to think about it since he was some random alien, but she couldn’t deny the facts. “Say Sonic. What’s up with pretzel lady?” That was also bugging her. To her shock, Sonic just rolled his eyes.
“Not you too.”
“Not me ‘too’ what?”
“First Donu- Tom-“ The tone he used had Maddie raising a brow, “-now you. You have to know why you’re pretzel lady.”
Maddie opened her mouth, but didn’t know what to say. Surely it’s not because of her skin color, because Tom being donut lord would make no sense. But she did want to know, “Is it because, you know, I’m black.”
“Ughh. What would that have to do with anything? It’s obviously because you can twist your body like a pretzel.” Sonic’s face was completely series. Lips in a line.
“Huh.” Maddie nodded; she didn’t think Sonic was missing with her. There wasn’t a hint of a smile on his furry face. “Obviously.” She had no clue what he was talking about or meant. She didn’t even know… she just didn’t. “What do you mean twist like a pretzel?!”
“It’s exactly like it sounds! Your body can twist like a pretzel!” Sonic was getting a little riled up. He was tired of his two favorite humans not getting his names for them. “It’s not that complicated.”
Maddie crossed her arm. She didn’t know where Sonic got this attitude from. “Okay then. Explain it to me.”
Sonic copied her and crossed his own arms, though it wasn’t effective. “When you are outside, sometimes I see you twist your body like a pretzel. Honestly, it’s like you don’t even have bones.” Sonic himself is super flexible. He can curl up into a ball! But when he tried to move his leg behind his back, he just couldn’t.
She let her crossed arms drop, “You mean my yoga?” She doesn’t see it, but she can’t think of anything else that he could be talking about.
Sonic blew air out of his nose, “No! Not yogurt.” It’s not even close to what he was talking about.
“What? N-No-“Maddie smiled. She couldn’t help it, at least that’s one mystery solved. Though, it does raise some concerning questions -but that’s for a later time-. “Not yogurt, yoga. It’s an exercise.” It’s more than that, but she doesn’t want to confuse her little house guest anymore.
Sonic looked down at his empty plate. He guesses that makes sense. “If you say so.” He didn’t know what to do now that he was done eating. He looked up and saw that Pretzel Lady was done too. “What- What’s going to happen now?” His voice was low, rather timid. A direct opposite of what he just sounded like. Which Maddie almost had whiplash at.
“Well, I’ll put these dishes in the washer, and we’ll see from there.” She stood up and reached across the table to grab Sonic’s empty plate and cup. She stacked the plates and drinks together then she shot Sonic a smile. Which, Sonic sorta recuperated, with a toothless smile. When she turned and started to walk, she heard the smallest of thumps and turned her head slightly to see that Sonic had gotten of the chair and was walking towards her. She made her way back to the kitchen, and Sonic was right behind her. “You really are fast.” She then tapped the dishwasher with her foot. “Will you open that for me?”
“Sure!” Sonic, happy to help reached up to the handle, or, at least he assumed it was the handle and pulled down. The ‘door’ came down, and Maddie quickly put the dishes in there, and then gave Sonic the green light to close it. Which he did. “What now?”
“Now I-” she put emphasis on the I, “-will answer some emails. You can watch tv or-“ She paused. Maddie didn’t know what Sonic could do. She didn’t want to bore him by making him watch tv, but she did want to keep him in her sight. “-watch… tv.” Yeah, that sounds good. “Just go sit on the couch and I’ll join you in a second when I grab my laptop.” She said that, but Sonic didn’t move an inch.
“It’s okay, I’ll go with you to find your laptop.”
Maddie corrected him, “I know where my laptop is. You don’t have to help me but thank you for asking.”
“Oh. I’ll still go with you.” Sonic didn’t mind.
Maddie drew her lips into a line. It’s not that she didn’t want Sonic to walk with her, just, it was completely unnecessary. And she already told him what to do and he’s technically backtalking. She shouldn’t care, Maddie knows this. He’s not her kid, but he is still a kid, a kid that is her a guest. “Sonic, sweetie. It’s fine. You can go sit on the couch. It will be like 2 minutes.” Sonic crossed his arms, and despite not knowing him all too well, she already knows he’s about to argue.
“But why?” Sonic tried to work through this problem. “If it’s just two minutes then why does it matter if I sit on the couch or be with you.” He didn’t understand why she cared if he sat on the couch or went with her.
Maddie was not about to argue, “Just go sit on the couch. I don’t want to ask again.” Now, it was more about the principal then the actual logistics. She knows there isn’t an actual problem, and it doesn’t matter if Sonic follows her or not. But she does want her little guest to respect what she says. “Just listen to me.” She didn’t bother waiting for his reply. She turned and begun to make her way towards the stairs. Her laptop was in her bag in her room so she didn’t have to think about where it was specifically. As she was walking, she looked back and saw Sonic trailing behind her. He had a slower gait, as if he was afraid to be caught. Her eyes meet his and Maddie had a feeling that Sonic knew he was busted. The way he instantly averted them and stopped walking. She just let out a sigh. She didn’t want to reprimand or get upset over such a small thing, but she didn’t want Sonic to think he didn’t have to listen to her.
Sonic knew what Pretzel Lady said, and he felt a little guilty for following her when she told him to go to the couch. But not guilty enough to actually listen to her. Now Sonic was about to face the music, as Maddie realized that he wasn’t following her orders. When Pretzel Lady looked back, Sonic knew he was busted. For a second, he thought that she wouldn’t care. But when she turned fully and started to walk towards him, the butterflies in his stomach felt more like hornets. She didn’t look mad, at least, she wasn’t frowning, but she didn’t look happy either. Sonic took a couple of little steps back, he looked down. When she was next to him, Sonic muttered out, “I’m sorry.”
Maddie didn’t acknowledge him, “Follow me.” She walked past him, but after she made it a couple of steps. She looked back at Sonic, and he didn’t move, he was still looking at the ground. “Don’t stop following me now.”
Sonic’s ears folded back. He was about to be kicked out, he was sure of it now. Why couldn’t he just listen to her? It felt like his chest sunk into his stomach. He slowly shuffled after her. Socked feet gliding more than dragging. He didn’t even have shoes. Maybe he could try pleading with her. “I’m really, really, sorry. Truly. I promise I’ll go sit on the couch right now.” When she didn’t respond, he added, “Please don’t kick me out.” When she still didn’t respond he felt like he was about to cry. It wasn’t fair that he made one mistake, and she is about kick him out. But when she walked right past the door and into the living room, his ears unfolded and stood up. When Sonic came to a stop beside Maddie, he ignored the dog who was laying down and he peeked up at her. His green eyes meet her hazel ones.
Maddie motioned to the couch while she said, “Go on. Take a seat.” Sonic looked at her, then the seat, then her again. Before he finally moved to go sit down. Once the alien was sitting, she told him what was about to happen. “I’m going to go grab my laptop and come back down. You will not move from this spot to follow me.” She watched Sonic quickly nod. Maddie smiled; lips turned upwards at Sonic. “Great.” She would reassure him later about his earlier comments about being kicked out. She pointed to the remote on the coffee table, “Go ahead and find something you want to watch on tv.” She turned and started walk away, before she paused and added, “Nothing r rated. In fact, nothing pg-13 either.” This would be his punishment for not following her directions. Of course, not letting him watch anything would be better, but it’s not like he did anything bad. And she didn’t want to bore him to death.
Sonic was super relieved that he wasn’t getting kicked out. The hornets in his chest calmed, but it was replaced with another feeling. Irritation bubbled up in his chest. Who was Pretzel Lady to boss him around? He would stand up for himself, but he doesn’t want to make her more upset. “Okay. I’ll be amazing at sitting on this couch and picking a movie!” At least he could actually get the full movie experience. He couldn’t wait to watch Speed, where he could finally hear the movie. Of course, when she left, he didn’t actually know how to find the movie. Or, in fact, use the remote. A fact that he soon realizes. Sonic was pressing the buttons, but he kept opening menus. “Come on. Work you stupid thing.” He pressed the power button, and once he saw the screen turn off. Sonic decided he had enough as he put the remote down. He looked down and saw another ‘problem’, “Uggh. I almost forgot about you.” The dog was sitting now, looking at him. Sonic wouldn’t be surprised if the creature was evil. Apparently, Sonic addressing Ozzie had the dog believing that the new furry creature that its owners had wanted to mingle. “Stop it!” Sonic’s words had no affect as Ozzie brushed against his knees, looking for pets. Sonic pulled his legs up, and laid down, that way, the dog couldn’t get him. The hedgehog thought he was in the clear. He was quickly proven wrong as Ozzie jumped up on the couch, and immediately sat down. Which trapped Sonic against the back of the couch and the dog that probably weighs more than he does. His azure quills bristled slightly. He wasn’t scared of the dog, but he wasn’t a fan. “Get off.” Sonic pushed against Ozzie; however, the pushes became pets as Sonic ran his gloved hands back and forth on the dog’s side. Sonic supposes it isn’t as terrible as he thought it would be. “I guess you aren’t that bad.” The dog’s warm and furry body felt nice, even through his gloves. Sonic’s lips turned upwards, as he moved both hands to pet the dog. The irritation in his chest almost melted, he was still mad that he couldn’t find Speed and put it on. But Sonic figures Maddie can do it for him. He was unaware of how movie ratings work, so he is about to be in for an unpleasant surprise.
When Maddie walked back in the living room, her heart melted at the sight that greeted her. There was Ozzie on the couch next to Sonic. With Sonic petting the dog. It was a mixture of blue and tan fur. It was just so cute, that she couldn’t remain ‘upset’ with Sonic. She walked around the couch and sat down on unoccupied side the couch. “I see you made a new friend.”
Sonic internally cursed his ears. It wasn’t just now, but last night where they didn’t warn him of his humans approaching. humans approaching. He doesn’t get why they suddenly don’t seem to work, when he was in his cave or out, they were picking up every little sound. “I guess he’s not too bad.” His opinion quickly changed with Maddie’s next words.
“I wasn’t talking to you. “ She then patted the spot next to her, and Ozzie got up and walked to sit by her. Completely abandoning Sonic, which he did not like in the least.
The irritation Sonic felt earlier made its return along with another feeling. Jealousy. The hedgehog’s tan muzzle curved downward as he stared at the traitors. He didn’t know what he was jealous of. The dog leaving him, or that Maddie was giving the dog all the attention. Which Sonic thinks is ridicules. He’s not some dumb dog that needs constant validation and to be petted. No, he’s a hedgehog, and he does not want or need to be petted. No matter how nice it felt, and how every problem seemed to melt away when he was in her arms last night. Nope. He was too civilized to want to be ‘petted’. “Whatever. I didn’t want the stupid dog by me anyways.”
Maddie raised her brow at that. She was not about to let Sonic talk about Ozzie like that. “Nu-uh mister. You do not talk about Ozzie like that.” Her tone was sharp, but she was defending her dog.
Sonic did not like that tone at all. He looked down at the ground and his ears tilted down. She didn’t have to talk like that to him. His cheeks burned and his fur prickled, “I’m sorry.” In Sonic’s very limited experience so far. Saying sorry is a good way of making Maddie not upset at him.
It does work. “It’s okay. I’m sure Ozzie forgives you,” With that out of the way, Maddie looks at the tv and sees that it is turned off. She shoots Sonic a questioning look, “You don’t want to watch anything?”
“Oh. Well, the remote wasn’t working.”
“It was working last night. Here let me try.” She put her hand out for Sonic to put the remote in. Which he did. Maddie then turned the tv on with no problem. “It works just fine. What are you talking about?” She still had a questioning look on her face.
“I mean- I don’t know how to use it.” Sonic was looking down when he said that. She probably thinks he’s stupid now. And why wouldn’t she? He couldn’t even use a remote!
Maddie’s lips made a O as she realized what he meant. She didn’t even think about that. About how he probably doesn’t even have a tv, so it stands to that he doesn’t know how to use a remote. “Right. Well, tell me what you want to watch and I’ll try to find it.” Right after she told Sonic that, she realized that he is probably about to run into the same problem. He doesn’t even know what movies there are. However, he surprises her by naming one.
“Speed! I want to watch Speed.” Sonic looked up when he said that. Suddenly, everything felt better. He could finally watch his favorite movie fully, and his favorite actor too.
Maddie was definitely a little surprised at that. Though, she guesses it makes sense. After all, the hedgehog did say he was fast, and the movie title was ‘Speed” so she can kinda see the connection. However, she did say no pg-13 movies and she isn’t going to back down. “Sorry Sonic, but that is a pg-13 movie, and I did say no pg-13 or r rated movies.” She didn’t think it was that big of an issue. Boy was she wrong.
“I don’t want to watch this pg-13 or r movie. I want to watch Speed!” Sonic got up from his laid down position so he could sit. He then crossed his arms. A little bit of frustration bubbled up within him.
“Sonic, that’s not-.“ Maddie was about to tell Sonic again but paused. If Sonic didn’t even know how to use a remote then she doubts he knows what ratings are. Though, Maddie thinks it’s a little strange that he knows what Speed is. “Pg-13 and r aren’t movies. They just tell how mature the movie is. Does that make sense?”
Sonic uncrossed his arms. “I guess. So can we watch Speed now?”
Maddie rubbed her forehead. “No. Speed is rated pg-13. And I did just say no pg-13 or up movies.” She felt like a broken alarm today, constantly repeating.
Sonic opened his mouth then closed it. His eyes narrowed in concertation before they relaxed, “But why?”
Maddie bit her lip. She is trying to be patient. She really is. “Because I said so. So stop arguing” God, she sounded just like her mother.
“I’m not arguing. I’m just asking a question.” Sonic was not liking this one bit.
“Because this is your punishment.” Maybe she should have just made him sit on the couch in silence. Maddie would have if she knew that Sonic was going to act like this.
Sonic’s ears folded back at the ‘p’ word. “Punishment? W-What did I do?!” The frustration became stronger now that he knows she doesn’t even have a reason. Sonic thinks that he’s been punished enough.
“Because you!-.” Maddie breathed out and collected herself. She was not going to let her little guest get her riled up. “Rember in the kitchen. Where I told you to go sit on the couch, but you didn’t listen. You just ignored me and followed me anyways.” She hoped he would just let it go already.
Sonic did remember that. However, he wasn’t a fan of her using that to ‘punish’ him. So with a scowl, “Well. I don’t have to listen to you.” He lived for 10 years without being told what to do. And Maddie didn’t care then, so she shouldn’t get to care now.
A forced smile appeared on her lips as she looked down. “Whatever.” She put her hands up, “You don’t have to listen to me.” She was not going to deal with this now. She put the laptop on her lap and opened it.
His ‘victory’ did not make him feel good at all. The frustration left, but he didn’t like what took its place. Sonic waited like 30 seconds, but when Maddie didn’t put Speed on. He didn’t know why. “Uhmm. Pretzel Lady.” When Sonic saw her glance at him, “Can you put speed on now?”
“No.”
Sonic’s next words got stuck in his throat. What did she mean by ‘no’? “B-But you just said-“
Maddie didn’t even let him finish, “I know what I said. You don’t have to listen to me, so I don’t have to listen to you.” She didn’t wait to see his reaction before she went back to her emails.
Sonic’s ears are still folded down. He brings fidgets with the helms of his gloves. “You can’t do that.”
Maddie shook her head. She wanted to just ignore the alien, but she knew she couldn’t. She knows that he lived alone for far too much time, so she needs to try a different approach now. “I know that you lived alone for a long time.” She put her laptop besides her and turned to face Sonic. “And I know that you didn’t listen to anyone but yourself. Let me finish” She had to quickly say as Sonic opened his mouth and was about to speak. “You are a guest in my house. I have zero problem with that. But you need to listen to me and Tom when we tell or ask you something, and do not argue about it.” Halfway through what she was saying, Sonic put his head down. As an afterthought, “Unless, it is actually something you know that we don’t. Like your health or something similar.” Maddie didn’t see Sonic’s face, but she thought she did a good job. She thought she was clear and precise.
Sonic stared down the rug on the floor. This was totally unfair. Though, Sonic thinks that he shouldn’t be surprised. Of course they would try to use the fact that they are letting him stay against him. He also thinks that he should just agree because she is right, and he should be super grateful. He is grateful, but he really wants to watch Speed and Maddie’s so-called ‘rule’ is dumb. He doesn’t know what to do, but with his heart pounding in his chest, he makes a decision. “I don’t care what you think! I should be able to do what I want to!” Sonic stood up after he said that. Little gloved fist clenched at his side.
Maddie is not getting anywhere with this, and she’s not going to try anymore. “Sonic, go to your- the room you slept in and don’t leave until I get you.” If Sonic wanted to act like a 8 year old, then she would treat him like one.
“You-I-“
“Now!” When he still didn’t move, she stood up, which caused Sonic to take a couple of steps back.
Sonic lost the battle of wills. He looked away from her. “Fine! I didn’t wan- I didn’t want to be near you anyways!” Sonic was so upset. He was fighting a war within on multiple fronts. He wanted to apologize and beg for forgiveness. He wanted to cry from her raised voice, so he was battling tears. He just wanted everything to be perfect. To be what it was supposed to be. Pretzel Lady and Donut Lord both here with him. No arguments and definitely no raised voices. He turned around and without really thinking, activated his speed. Sonic just wanted to get away as fast as possible. It didn’t occur to him that he didn’t have shoes for traction. That socked feet slide super easily on hard-wood floors. A lesson that would have to be learned the hard way for Sonic.
As he stepped off the rug, traveling at a neck-breaking speed. His left foot hit the wooden floor but when he went to pick it up, he slipped. His left foot went backwards as the rest of his body went forwards. Sonic really only had a split second to realize something was wrong before he lost his footing and was falling to the ground. Hard, and very, very fast. He brought his left arm out to stop the fall, but he was moving so fast, and his entire weight was behind his fall. He put his left hand under his chest, wasn’t the best placement but he had no time to pick. As his left hand reached the floor. His chest reached just above his wrist and connected with it but didn’t stop. The little hedgehog had to time to lower his arm to the floor, so when fell into his own arm, with a sickening crack, he snapped it like a twig. Right in the middle of his forearm.
Sonic hit the ground with a hard thump. His head banged against the floor which dazed him. His very first incoherent thought was how embarrassing it was that he just fell. Then he moved his eyes down and spotted his arm. He blinked at his arm; it was almost at a right angle. In the back of his mind, he thinks that Maddie just said something, but everything was drowned out by the searing pain that just ran through his body. As if he was just struck by lightning but instead of passing through him, it kept bouncing up and down his arm. In constant, agonizing, pain. Which had just become his current world. And Sonic’s world turned black after that.
When Maddie saw Sonic seemingly disappeared and then reappear with a loud crash and a crunch. She was already walking over to him, but when he let out a wail. She made it to him in like 2 steps, which was very impressive. She had a sinking feeling in her gut, the kind where a problem is about to happen and there is nothing that can be done about it. She dropped to a knee by the downed hedgehog who was currently sitting up with his chest away from her. “Sonic! Sonic are you alright?” He didn’t respond, but after a super quick glance over, nothing seemed to be sticking out. But she knew that couldn’t be the case, Sonic’s sobs are filling the room, and his entire body is shaking. “Sonic?” She asked again but all she gut was gut-wrenching sobs. Whatever feelings of ire she had earlier were completely evaporated. Maddie shifted so she was facing Sonic’s front and very quickly found the problem. “Oh boy.” Her eyes widened as she stared at the poor things arm. That… was not good. But she needed to get control of herself. Sonic needed her right now. “Okay. Okay.” She breathed out. “Think Maddie.” Hands hovering around the alien, she came up with a idea. She would take him to the clinic where she worked and at least do something to ease the pain. Plan decided, she needed to act. “Okay Sonic. Let me help you.” But Sonic wasn’t listening, the shock and pain made him kinda… feral. Maddie caught his eyes and was caught off guard, his pupils were almost entirely black, completely dilatated. Then, he finally noticed her, but in Sonic’s hazed mind, all he could see was a threat. The pain was so intense that Sonic’s consciousnes mind left and was replaced with feelings of pain and fear.
He tried to stand up, but couldn’t make it and fell back down, on his arm. Maddie winced at the high-pitched whine, “Come on Sonic. I need you to calm down.” She got a little closer, but Sonic started to scoot away, hurting himself along the way. He wasn’t quiet about it either, constant howls and yelps filled the room. Heart breaking sounds for Maddie. “No, no, no. You’re hurting yourself.” Sonic, of course, didn’t really hear her. All he wanted was for the pain to stop. Eventually, he was backed against the wall. Maddie approached slowly and held her hands out, “Snap out of it Sonic. Let me help you.” Sonic’s arm was cradled into his chest, his feet pushed against the floor, but he was against the wall. Realizing there is no escape, Sonic turned towards fight. Maddie reached her hands out but was stopped. Sonic’s ears were pinned back, and his mouth was open in a snarl. Also, he was growling at her. Like actually growling, she didn’t even know he could do that. Well, Maddie does suppose she has only known Sonic for like a day, so she shouldn’t be too surprised . “Okay. Okay.” Maddie took a couple of steps back, the growling stopped but his ears were still back, and his teeth were bared. One breath, two breaths, she could do this. She approached again, this time much slower. “Hey it’s okay.” Her words had no calming effect, as when she got to where she previously was. The growling started back up. She looked at his damp furry cheeks, the way he was shaking. She really didn’t know anything about the animal alien. But if he regressed to baser instinct, then he must have been in so much pain. Which broke her heart so much, that she would risk getting closer. She took another step so that she was basically right Infront of him. The growling got lower, Maddie cringed as she moved her hands closer, if she could just pick him up, then she could put him in Ozzie’s carrier crate. Then bring him to the clinic and try to get him lucid again. She just had to not get bitten, speaking of which, Maddie paused as she saw Sonic tense up. Maybe she could try to… whatever she was planning was cut short as a searing pain made itself known on the area just below her thumb. Like she shoved her hand into a cup of tacks. Sonic had- is biting her. She didn’t even see him move. Maddie pulled her hand back and luckily Sonic let go of it, but did it hurt. Maddie’s eyes squinted, her lips were drawn into a tight line, and she was shaking her hand. “Damn it.” She followed that with a lot more colorful language. She checked her hand, and it was bleeding, little dots of red started to drip from the marks. In the back of her mind she thinks that Ozzy has never bit her before. She stared at Sonic, who was still growling at her. Maddie has had enough; Sonic is not just a threat to himself right now but also her.
A metaphorical lightbulb went off in her head. A slightly morally dubious idea, but it is what needed to be done. “You stay there.” After that, Maddie turned on her heels and walked towards the kitchen. When she arrived, she first grabbed some paper towels and wiped up the blood. Maddie doesn’t think she’ll need stitches, but it was a nasty bite. After she gave her wound some slight attention, she opened the drawer that had her tranq gun. Now, it is for a bear, but Sonic is an alien so it’s basically the same thing. Maddie opened the chamber to make sure it was loaded before she walked back into the living room, where the injured hedgehog was back to sobbing, but quickly became defensive when he noticed her. The veterinarian didn’t want to do this, but Sonic left her no choice; he needed to be knocked out so she could help him. With Sonic Infront of her, she had to decide the best spot to shoot him. Obviously not the face or arm. She would aim for his thigh but it’s so small that she’s afraid she’ll miss. So, the right shoulder is the target, luckily for her, Sonic didn’t seem to know what the tranq gun was. He went back to his defensive state, but that did him no good as Maddie pulled the trigger and the dart shot out of the gun and hit him on the right shoulder.
After a couple of seconds, Maddie thought it wasn’t going to work, but it did. Sonic stopped growling and started to rapidly blink before his head lolled to the side and he entered unconsciousness. Maddie let out a large sigh of relief. She is so glad that worked because she honestly didn’t know what to do if it didn’t. Now that the blue alien wasn’t going insane, she was able to get a closer look at his arm. Maddie quickly turned her head, to be honest, she didn’t blame Sonic for going crazy because if her arm was at an almost 90 degree angle, she would too.
“Alright. Let’s get you up.” Maddie very carefully put a hand under the unconscious aliens’ knees, then one just under his spikes. She then stood up and held Sonic bridal style, which was quite easy given the hedgehog’s weight. She managed to get her keys and get to the car without having to put Sonic down. She had to listen to his pitiful whimpers but that only broke her heart more. Once Maddie had Sonic secured in the passenger seat, she climbed into the drivers seat and started the call. “Let’s do this.” The drive was only like 10 minutes, but she really hoped that Sonic wouldn’t wake up. She did use a bear tranquiller on him, but it was the only one she had. Logically, Sonic should be asleep for a long time, but Maddie just doesn’t know with the alien biology and whatnot.
“Just hold on.” She might have been going 15 over but there are some advantages to having a cop husband. Especially when there’s only like 3 officers in town. Maddie quickly arrived at the clinic but realized a oversight she had. Well, more like a couple. For one, she called in. For two, how was she supposed to get Sonic in? He didn’t look like the local wildlife. Three, she’s not even sure she’s capable of setting his arm correctly. Maddie has had experience with broken pet bones before, but those were pets. This is Sonic, and while he is sorta an animal, he’s still a person. A little whimper and shift from her passenger had Maddie working overtime. She looked behind her and saw a blanket on the back seat. That’s good, problem two is solved. The other 2 problems could be solved along the way. Maddie reached back and grabbed the blanket; she then put it on the middle console and got out of the car to walk around to the passenger side. Where she opened the door and watched the sleeping boy. “Just a little bit longer.” She murmured more to herself then Sonic. Maddie picked up Sonic, very mindful of the arm, but he still let out a whimper. “I know. I know.” Soon, the blanket went over him and while it wasn’t the best ‘disguise’, it would have to do for now. With Sonic secured under the blanket, she turned towards the clinic entrance and began to walk. After she took a couple of steps, she paused and put the hand that was bitten under the blanket to support Sonic. Maddie really didn’t need more questions.
The door opened with a jingle. There was only like one person in the lobby. Good. She caught the eyes of Brenda, the receptionist. Who had a confused look on her face. She opened her mouth to ask but Maddie quickly interrupted, “No questions.” That got a shrug out of Brenda, she wasn’t paid to deal with stuff like this. Thankful for the apparent lack of caring, Maddie walked through the doors and went into the room that had the x-ray imaging. She heard him mumble something about an emerald but that wasn’t important right now. Maddie gently laid Sonic down on the table and put the machine over his arm. Maddie isn’t terrible at using the machine, but that’s not really her specialty. There is another vet that does more specialized work in x-ray imaging and actual broken bones. Maddie does believe he is working today, but she doesn’t really want anyone to know about Sonic given that he is an alien. But she is afraid that she’ll have to get him to help because she has dealt with broken bones before, but nothing as serious as this. And she knows how important setting the bone correctly is. Maddie’s teeth gritted against each other as tried to make up her mind. However, that decision was made for her as Mike, the other vet, walked in to set up the machine for his next patient. He paused when he saw his coworker.
“Maddie? What are you doi-“ He trailed off as he looked past her and saw something on the x-ray table. That was no dog. Maddie shot Mike a forced smile. At least she doesn’t have to make a decision anymore.