Archive of Our Own

Walking into the apartment, Sonic was smacked in the face with the scent of pastries and cooked fruit. It was enough to make him drool, even before he saw the delectable hybrid working in the kitchen. An unbidden purr began at the back of his throat when he sauntered inside.

"Is that for the food or Shadow?" Rouge questioned while she walked in front of him, heading straight toward her best friend. Crimson eyes barely offered either of them a glance before returning to the dough sat on the counter.

"Do I have to choose?" The hero grinned while he followed closely behind, eating up the sight of Shadow. His quills were pulled back with one of his inhibitor rings, it made his neck look absolutely delicious. Somehow the hedgehog managed to look more delicious than the pastry he was working on.

Behind him, Amy chimed in, "Didn't you just eat three chili dogs? Honestly, I don't know where it all goes."

Sonic rolled his eyes as he continued towards Shadow, eyeing a purple mixture next to him, "I have a high metabolism, don't be mad at me because you're too full to enjoy whatever Shadow's baking."

A snort left the dark hedgehog as he glanced at the blue hero, "Metabolism? I'm surprised you can use that word in a sentence."

"Oh, ha-ha, real cute, Shadow," Sonic pouted slightly before toying with the strings of the apron Shadow was wearing, "Almost as cute as you all dressed up like a housewife."

A white and red hand swatted his own away, only worsening the purr in the taller hedgehog's throat. There was just something so adorable about the hybrid's hands. The shorter hedgehog almost growled as he spoke, "Do not call me cute."

"Quit flirting and help me get this food unpacked you two," Rouge piped up, her voice scolding despite her smile. She placed three bags of food on the table from a ramen shop down the street.

"Let me wash me hands and get my gloves on first," uttered Shadow, shooting Sonic a final glare before moving towards the sink.

Despite moving to help the women unpack their food, Sonic continued to pester the hybrid, "What are you baking? It smells good. I didn't even know you could bake."

Before Shadow could say anything, Rouge butted in with a scowl, "Probably like five different things. He always does this."

Shadow whipped his head around to glare at his best friend and argue, "I do not. And it's only three, one of which you asked for if you'll recall."

"Uh-huh, and the other two?"

The dark hedgehog's ears fell before he turned back to the sink with a huff, "Fine, don't eat them then."

A quiet giggle left Amy while she unloaded a to-go box from a bag, "You two are really cute together."

Rouge scoffed before stating, "We spend too much time together, that's what I get for letting him move in."

A wicked grin tugged at Sonic's lips as he happily offered, "I could take him for you. I promise to take good care of him."

Before Rouge could say anything else, Shadow approached the kitchen island, his adorable hands tucked inside of gloves and his quills down. Ruby red eyes glared at Sonic while he moved to help unpack the food, "You can't even take care of yourself. It's a wonder the fox made it to his teenage years."

Sonic frowned slightly as he argued, "Hey, just because I don't use fancy quill conditioner doesn't mean I don't take care of myself. Some of us aren't so high maintenance, princess."

"Princess?" The shorter hedgehog was seething and looked ready to lunge for the blue hero. Thankfully, Rouge was there to settle the two of them down.

"Could you two just knock it off? Seriously, I can't listen to all your flirting on an empty stomach," she teased, pulling the last of their food boxes out of the bag.

"We are not flirting," Shadow spat, sitting at the bar stool farthest away from Sonic. He looked adorable with the little bit of green tinting his cheeks and his quills on end from Sonic's teasing.

Sonic was forced to sit next to Amy, not that he really minded, were he any closer to Shadow he might do something unseemly in front of their audience. Green eyes glared at him while the pink hedgehog chided, "Do you always have to tease him? You know this is why he doesn't like you, right?"

For a small moment, the azure hedgehog wished he could tell his ex-girlfriend about just how much Shadow did, in fact, like him. After a moment, he settled on just saying, "Nah, Shads just likes to play hard to get."

Crimson eyes looked at him from across the counter, but apparently, the hybrid was too interested in food to entertain Sonic. Still, Sonic enjoyed watching him as they split the food between the four of them and began to eat.

Truthfully, he had hoped that Shadow would've been a bit more surprised to see him, but he supposed that Shadow was used to his antics. When Amy had mentioned coming over to the apartment to watch a movie with Rouge, Sonic invited himself. Rude? Maybe. But Amy was more than used to his antics and Sonic knew that Rouge wouldn't mind so long as the apartment stayed clean. Besides, he knew that the hybrid was going to need some company while the two women took over the TV. Of course, he was baking, but there was no way he'd turn down Sonic.

No matter how much he liked to feign disinterest, Sonic couldn't miss how every few minutes crimson red eyes looked his way. The apron the shorter hedgehog had been wearing was folded onto the countertop next to him and he had left the dough he'd been working with on a tray. Despite how neat he normally was, a small bit of flour was dusted on his cheek, drawing attention to his tanned muzzle. Sonic had thought he'd known Shadow's face before they had become intimate, but he was sorely mistaken.

Before, he had never noticed the small piercing holes in his twitchy ears, although Sonic had never actually seen the hybrid wear jewelry. There was also that tanned muzzle, just above his nose was spattered with small freckles that underlined his eyes in the most adorable of ways. And those eyes? As mush as Sonic loved watching them get swallowed by Shadow's pupils in his lust, he must've enjoyed them when the hybrid was in his post-orgasm clarity. They were the same red he had always known, but now he understood the subtlety of them. Closer to the pupil, his eyes became a warm brown before forming a golden ring around his pupil. Sonic adored those eyes. They were his favorite color, and they just made Shadow look all the better.

But he especially adored those eyes when they narrowed in annoyance. The colors of his eyes were more noticeable and almost seemed brighter while his ears pulled down. For once, Shadow's annoyance wasn't directed at Sonic, but at his best friend.

"Rouge, I told you to order dumplings if you wanted some. Stop stealing mine," he hissed at the women. Despite his annoyance, the dark hedgehog didn't try to pull the plate of dumplings from the bat.

"Come on, Shadow, it's not like you even need to eat, plus it's my cheat day," argued Rouge, stabbing another dumpling with her fork.

"I thought Saturdays were your cheat day."

The bat fell quiet for a moment before pouting, "I can't help it, the ramen house is too good. It's like you're trying to tempt me."

"You should eat what you like, I don't see the point in denying yourself."

"Oh, do not even go there?"

Amy glanced over at Sonic, clearly unused to the bickering of the two best friends, but the hero was eating this up. His emerald eyes met with crimson while Rouge prattled on, "First off, not all of us have a perfect figure like you do, Mr. Ultimate Lifeform."

The smallest of smiles tugged at Shadow's lips, "It's not my fault Black Arms process food different from mobians."

Although she continued to rant, Rouge smiled, "Smug bitch. But that leads to my second point. You literally deny yourself all the time, it's why you own, like, zero stuff. And why you only popped your cherry a week ago."

All three hedgehog's bristled, Amy's mouth dropped open in shock while Shadow's face turned the loveliest shade of green. Sonic couldn't stop himself from snorting with laughter. The dark hedgehog tripped over his words for a moment before growling, "Don't go around telling everyone about my private… affairs."

"Oh, come on, we're all adults, there's nothing to be ashamed of," Rouge cooed, resting her chin in her her hand as she teased, "Besides, you still haven't let me in on all the juicy details."

"Some of us are too busy to discuss such things," Shadow hissed through clenched teeth, his food suddenly forgotten as he stood up from the counter. Already, he was pulling his apron back on and moving towards the oven.

"Right, your so busy filling our apartment with pastries," the bat lamented, a clear pout pulling at her features.

"I didn't know you were seeing anyone, Shadow. You must bring her around, I'm sure everyone would be delighted to meet her," the pink hedgehog chattered, seemingly hoping to alleviate some of Shadow's embarrassment.

It was a struggle to stifle his amusement. There was no need for introductions, everyone already knew Sonic, and he definitely wasn't any she. A purr rumbled in his chest when he caught red eyes glancing back at him momentarily before opening the oven and pulling out three cake pans.

"That is unnecessary, it was just a casual encounter. A one–two–time event," the shorter hedgehog seemed to be fighting the right words through his bashfulness. Almost as though trying to redirect the conversation, he informed the pink hedgehog, "There is strawberry shortcake in the fridge."

Amy practically skipped over to the fridge, pulling it open with a squeal, "Thank you, Shadow! That's so sweet!"

Rouge frowned, glaring as Shadow freed three chocolate cakes from their pans, "You made Amy a cake before me? What happened to best friend privileges?"

"They've been revoked."

"You never did answer my question, Shads, what are you making?" Sonic chimed in, a sudden swell of jealousy in his chest. Why did Amy and Rouge get their own special cakes?

It didn't seem very fair to Sonic.

"A black forest cake for Rouge and some blueberry tarts," the hybrid supplied quickly, turning back to the dough he'd been working on when Sonic had entered the apartment. He started cutting it into circles and laying it into a pan.

"Aw, you're not going to make me a special cake? That doesn't seem very fair," Sonic whined, dragging himself from his chair to lean against a small section of counter that wasn't coated in flour.

Those red eyes glared at him, before simply stating, "Rouge is already complaining about how much I'm making. If you want cake, go down the street and buy yourself some."

Sonic's emerald eyes somehow found the strength to pull away from the intoxicating hybrid, to glance at the two women in the room. Amy was busy slicing into the white and red streaked cake while Rouge had moved into the living room, setting up their movie. Lowering his voice, the azure hedgehog cajoled, "Don't you think I deserve a cake too? I mean, I've been pretty helpful lately, taking care of Princess and all."

There was something so exciting about watching the darker hedgehog bristle and glance over his shoulder in worry. His face was more embarrassed than angry as he snapped, "I told you not to call it that."

A soft laugh left Sonic as he leaned just a little closer, picking up on the scent of lavender constantly hanging on the hybrid's fur. Happily, his tail wagged behind him, "Come on, I think it's fitting. You are a total pillow princess, after all."

With a raised brow, Shadow asked, "What's a pillow princess?"

Now, a laugh bubbled up in Sonic's chest loud and jarring. The naivety of Shadow was equal parts adorable and a little laughable. Sonic thought that living with Rouge would've corrupted the dark hedgehog at least a little bit, but he was almost painfully innocent.

"What's so funny?" Amy questioned, her hands full with a plate and a fork. Her green eyes looked at the two of them curiously.

"Inside joke," Sonic lied quickly. Lying to Amy wasn't his favorite thing, but he knew better than to push Shadow too far. Like the hybrid had said, what they had was just casual. For now.

The woman didn't look convinced, but she was so used to Sonic's antics that she just shook her head and joined Rouge in the living room. When it was just the two of them, Sonic teasingly explained, "A pillow princess is just like the name. They lay back in the pillows and let their partner do all the work, just like you."

One ear gave an agitated flick, while Shadow set the temperature for the oven and moved to the refrigerator. "You're the one always leading things," he argued, his nose wrinkling, "It's hard to do anything when I'm pinned down on the bed."

"True, but that's how you like it," retorted the hero, grinning ear to ear.

Another flick of a green tinged ear, "I am not a pillow princess."

Fuck, a small argument like this should not being turning Sonic on, but he couldn't help it. For years, he had picked petty fights with his rival just to see that annoyed look on his face, but now he wanted to watch that look melt into the fucked out expression Sonic had come to love. The only problem was that they had company tonight.

Still, Sonic couldn't help but entertain his need to taunt and tease the shorter hedgehog. His voice was almost overwhelmed by his purr, "Baby, it's not a bad thing. You look gorgeous with your head in the pillows and I'm happy to be of service to the princess."

A flour covered glove pressed against his chest, pushing him away slightly. Shadow's face was flushed green as he scolded, "Don't call me that."

"Baby or princess?" The azure hedgehog moved in even closer, grabbing the hybrid's wrist to keep contact.

"Either."

Shadow glared, trying to keep up his persona of disinterest, but his body language told a different story. Emerald eyes could see the twitch of the hybrid's tail and the way his nose twitched, taking in the scent he seemed to love so much. It was all Sonic could do not to lean down and press a kiss to his lips.

As though he could read the hero's mind, Shadow pulled his hand away and pulled two bowls from the refrigerator, setting them on the counter before pulling out one more. Pushing past Sonic, he huffed, "Your petnames are aggravating."

"Bullshit, we both know you love it," the azure hedgehog retorted, breaching the hybrid's personal space. With his chest practically pressed into Shadow's back, Sonic breathed, "Every time I call you baby, you get so pliant and you just melt into my hands and I already know that your sweet cunt is probably slicking up when I say princess."

To his surprise, Shadow's body seemed to relax at his words, but it wasn't like usual. Crimson eyes were unfocused and his ears almost seemed to droop slightly, not in any expression of emotion. It was more like his ears had suddenly become too heavy to hold up. The white fur on his chest rose and fell with shallow breaths, and for a split second, Sonic worried that he may have pushed too far.

Quietly, he asked, "Shadow?"

One of Shadow's ears turned in his direction, the only indication that the dark hedgehog knew he was even there. Sonic moved to look Shadow in both his eyes, and he spoke a little louder, "Shadow, what's wrong?"

From the living room, Rouge seemed to snap to attention, "What's wrong?"

And just like that, Shadow was shaken out of whatever trance he'd been in, blinking rapidly, his ears perking back up. Still, Rouge fluttered over and practically pushed Sonic out of the way, "What happened? Are you okay?"

It was strange watching concern contort the bat's face, but when it came to Shadow, she always seemed a little protective. The two had lived together for years, so she had to be finely tuned to the hybrid and his behaviors. As well as Shadow tried to hide it, all of their friends knew that he struggled with his trauma.

Which is why Sonic didn't say anything about being pushed to the side, just allowed Rouge to assess the situation. She didn't grab for Shadow, instead, she left plenty of room between the two of them as she repeated, "Are you okay?"

"I am fine, I just spaced out for a moment, nothing to worry about," Shadow answered, bringing a hand to his nose.

"Your eyes are huge," Rouge blanched, grabbing at the dark hedgehog's face. "Did you take some pills or something?"

She was right, Shadow's pupils had eaten up his irises, leaving only a small red ring around them. They just barely constricted as the hybrid shook his head, "What? No."

Amy moved into the kitchen now, her face contorted in concern, "Our mating season is coming up, could it be that?"

Sonic gave a small shake of his head, "Shadow doesn't go into season like we do."

"I know that," the pink hedgehog snarked back, before explaining, "But you always run around reeking of pre-rut."

Rouge nodded at that, "Shadow does have a sensitive nose, he might've have smelled that."

"Shadow is right here," the aforementioned stated, his face contorting with his annoyance. Pulling the hands off his face, he affirmed, "I am fine now, just go back to your movie."

His best friend still frowned but conceded, shooting Sonic a cold look, "Fine, but you might want to put some distance between the two of you."

Sheepishly, Sonic nodded, throwing his hands up in defeat before moving to the kitchen island, leaving a good three feet between him and the hybrid. While the woman returned to their movie, Sonic chirped, "I'll just sit here on my stool. All alone."

Before sinking back down onto the couch, Rouge asked the dark hedgehog, "You sure you're okay? I can put everything up if you want to lay down for a bit."

Crimson eyes rolled while Shadow turned back to his work, not missing a beat. If the little episode had bothered him, he wasn't letting it show. Scoffing, he assured, "Like I said, I am fine now, and Sonic is right here if I space out again."

The bat sighed, "Fine, keep an eye on him, Blue."

"Aye-aye, captain," Sonic chirped, watching as the movie started back up. It was some lovey-dovey chick flick, he didn't have much interest in it. Instead, his eyes returned to Shadow.

He appeared fine, throwing what looked like a muffin tin into the oven while he started to work on the cakes he'd pulled out. Ruby red eyes glanced back at him, "Keeping an eye on me, doesn't mean you have to stare."

"What happened? Was it my scent? I mean, I don't feel like I'm in pre-rut, but it's hard to tell sometimes," Sonic rambled, drumming one of his hands on the countertop. Unlike him, his pre-rut was slow and grueling, making him suffer until he was finally hit with his actual rut. Although, he didn't feel like he was in pre-rut, it was hard to tell in the very beginning.

"It was a smell, but it's different from how you usually smell," the hybrid supplied, not bothering to look back as he filled a piping bag.

"That's normal, Amy says I smell bad when I'm in pre-rut," the azure hedgehog muttered, feeling a bit a heat flood his cheeks. He couldn't smell his own pre-rut, but it was a hit to his ego whenever his ex-girlfriend spoke about how badly he smelled before and during his rut.

"I don't think it is bad, just different." Shadow's ear twitched, while he turned around for a moment, "Leather and cedar, mixed with the usual citrus scent you carry."

A small smile tugged at the hero's face, "Really?"

The hybrid shrugged, "That is just what I could smell."

Sonic nodded, before remembering exactly why he had been asking about his scent. "Is that why you spaced out? My scent?" He asked, a bit of concern lacing his voice, "I mean, you don't go into season, so it shouldn't bother you. It hasn't before, right?"

Turning back to his cake, Shadow confessed, "Yes, it was, but it hasn't bothered until now. It could be because of the… recent development in our relationship."

Right, Sonic hadn't considered that, still he muttered, "Maybe, Rouge is right about keeping our distance."

Much to his surprise, the shorter hedgehog said a simple, "No."

"What?"

"No, you still owe me my favor after our race the other day. Do not think I've forgotten."

That was right, they had made a bet on their last race. A race Shadow had won.

"I'll still fulfill your favor, Shads. I'm just saying if my scent makes you all spacey, it's probably best if we stay away from each other, at least until I go through my rut."

"We can discuss it later, I'm sure you already have plans of staying after Amy leaves."

"You know me too well."

A quiet laugh left Shadow, while he twisted his piping bag shut and set it down next to the three chocolate cakes. Curious, Sonic moved forward, making sure to keep a bit of distance between the two of them.

"What's that?" The azure hedgehog pointed at the remaining mixture in the bowl, it looked like whipped cream.

"Whipped cream frosting, it adds a lighter taste to the cake," Shadow supplied absently. Emerald eyes watched him pipe some frosting on the cake and smooth it out before he moved to dip a finger into the bowl.

To his surprise, a hand caught his wrist, crimson eyes glaring at him before a spoon was pressed into his palm. Turning back to his work, the hybrid scoffed, "Do you not know what a spoon is?"

With a devious grin, Sonic dipped his spoon into the whipped cream and brought it back up to his mouth. A soft moan escaped him, "That's delicious. What brand of whipped cream is that?"

Shadow snorted beside him, "It's homemade, and it's whipped cream frosting, faker."

"Whipped cream is whipped cream."

There was no way of missing the soft smile that pulled at Shadow's lips, almost shy while he piped a ring around the edge of the cake. Clearly, he appreciated the praise.

Leaning against the counter, Sonic asked, "Why black forest? I thought Rouge's favorite was red velvet."

"It is, but she likes how I make the black forest cakes and she knows they're my favorite," the dark hedgehog answered, not bothering to look at Sonic.

Although, he wanted to ask more, Sonic watched idly while Shadow constructed the cake, spooning a cherry mixture into the small pool he'd made on the cake. The smell of liquor told him exactly why Rouge liked the cake so much, although Sonic was surprised it was Shadow's favorite.

Over the years, Sonic had come to enjoy observing his rival whenever he could, although his chances were normally few and far between. It was a rare sight, seeing Shadow so… at ease. That was the only way Sonic could put it. Rouge had said Shadow was stress baking, so clearly something about the hobby calmed him. But that also made Sonic wonder, what had Shadow so stressed? He could ask, but there was a good chance he'd just be shot down if he just asked outright and with other people so close by. At least, for now, Shadow seemed to be relaxed while he piled another layer of cake over the one he'd already covered.

Emerald eyes watched openly while, Shadow pushed fresh cherries into the whipped cream peaking from the side, before fixing the next cake up like he had the last. Every move was practiced, as though the hybrid had performed it dozens of times, and Sonic was sure that he had. Although, he had never known Shadow to bake before, it wasn't surprising, in fact, it seemed to fit him. Rouge always raved about his cooking and how she hated when it was her night to cook, it only made sense that he would bake as well. And truthfully, it fueled Sonic's idea of Shadow being a cute little househusband.

The idea of a litter was something Sonic brought up as a fantasy while the two of them were in bed, but still the thought overtook him at times. Especially when Shadow looked so cute in his apron, baking away. It was hard not to imagine the hybrid with a hoglet on his hip and maybe even his stomach swollen with another litter. A purr started at the back of his throat just at the thought. Only for him to be brought back to reality by two crimson eyes staring at him curiously. Maybe Amy was right about him going into pre-rut. Except, he'd never thought of things in years prior, not even when he and Amy had, briefly, dated. Then again, he had never truly thought about hoglets until Shadow had come along asking to be bred.

Yeah, it was definitely the dark hedgehog's fault and not his own. Sonic internally whined at the fact that he allowed himself to think such things, and he hadn't even asked Shadow out on a date. Thankfully, he had the sense not to ask Shadow out with his ex-girlfriend ten feet away.

Instead, he asked, conversationally, "Wanna race tomorrow? Tails is going to be testing out his new tech, and I already knew I'll be bored out of my mind."

A twitched of an ear and a crimson eye glanced his way, green flooding the hybrid's face, "Will we betting more favors?"

Sonic only had to think for a moment, "Fuck yeah, let's do double or nothing."

"What happened to keeping our distance until you're done with your rut?" Shadow asked suddenly, although it sounded sarcastic and teasing. The hero loved this side of Shadow.

"I may have forgotten, plus, you seem fine now," the azure hedgehog grinned, but he wasn't going to chance trying to get any closer.

"You're beginning to sound like Rouge," the hybrid bemoaned, pulling on an oven mitt and pulling out his muffin tray and set it out on the stovetop. The crust he had set in each divet was a nice golden brown.

"That doesn't sound like a good thing," Sonic thought aloud, watching the hybrid begin to pack away the bowls he'd had on the counter. His cake was finished, it looked rather bare bones compared to Amy's, but Rouge had mentioned that Shadow wasn't fond of frosting.

Another annoyed twitch of the dark hedgehog's ear as he pulled off his adorable apron, "It is bad enough that I was one person worrying about me throughout the day, I do not need two. I am capable of taking care of myself."

The hero frowned slightly, daring to move closer as he assured, "We know that, it's just that we care about you. Especially Rouge."

Crimson eyed him for a moment, before the Shadow quietly sighed and maneuvered around the counter. Looking towards Rouge, he announced, "Your cake is finished, I'm going to lay down for a while."

"Alright, thank you, handsome," Rouge chirped, picking herself off of the couch. While she headed for the kitchen, her eyes remained fixed on the TV.

Quickly, before Shadow could disappear into his room, Sonic moved towards him. There was no way he was going to be stuck watching whatever movie the two women were watching. "Mind if I come too?" he asked, "I'm, uh, not really interested in joining the girls."

Shadow eyed him curiously for a moment, "So long as you're quiet."

That was… surprising. Sonic doubted that this was some ploy to get him into the room, that was more something he would do, not Shadow. Still, he happily followed the hybrid into his bedroom.

Before he even had a chance to ask the dark hedgehog about while he had allowed his presence in his bedroom, Shadow was pulling off his air shoes and gloves. A bit dumbly, Sonic stated, "You're actually going to lay down."

"Yes? Did you think this was my attempt at seducing you?" Shadow looked at him with a small, amused smile. There was twitch of one of his ear as it perked up in his glee.

"No… I just–I thought–maybe, you wanted to get away from the noise of the TV," the azure hedgehog said, his words slowly turning into a murmur. He didn't even sound convincing to himself.

A quiet laugh left the shorter hedgehog, before he shook his head, "You're an idiot."

With both his ears falling back, Sonic pouted, "Oh, come on. We both know I talk too much for you to actually take a nap. Plus, do you even need to sleep?"

Climbing into his bed, and tucking himself under his blanket, Shadow's revealed, "I do, not to the extent of most mobians, but I still need a few hours to function properly."

An awful idea came to mind, one that was definitely going to get him hit, or worse depending on how much he offended the hybrid. Still, Sonic's mouth was running before he could worry about consequences, "We could take a nap together. I mean, I don't nap much, but you'd be like a nice cuddly blanket."

One of Shadow's ears, the one with a notch in it, twitched, "That won't work."

"Why not? I mean, we already have sex, what's a little snuggling? Maybe even some cuddling?"

"I cannot sleep with other people in the room. Even with Rouge, I cannot rest if there's a chance I'm being watched."

Sonic found that weird, and he almost said as much until Shadow's words rang in his ears.

"I was a lab experiment for four years."

Right. Sonic wasn't too sure he'd be trusting of sleeping around others either if he'd been subject to years of testing. Although, now he wondered if his rival had always been conscious and aware of all the tests that had been done to him. The thought sent a shiver down his spine.

"Wait." Suddenly, it dawned on him, "How did you plan to take a nap then? If you can't sleep with someone else in the room?"

"I was going to rest my eyes and relax for a while."

"If you want to actually take a nap, I can go join the ladies. I don't mind."

Not entirely true, but he didn't want to keep Shadow from getting sleep if he needed it. His eyes fought not to glance at the three pill bottles on Shadow's nightstand, it wasn't his business, after all.

"You can stay. I still need to finish my blueberry tarts once the crust has cooled."

Still, Sonic felt bad, like he was imposing. But it seemed like Shadow was full of surprises tonight, because he offered, "You can even lie down with me, if you want."

Hesitantly, the azure hedgehog asked, "Do you want me to lie down with you?"

Green flooded the hybrid's face as he gave a shy nod, falling back against his pillows and pulling the blanket up towards his chest. With a small smile, Sonic pulled off his shoes but hesitated to take off his gloves. Shadow never seemed to mind, even if it was insanely intimate in the ways of mobians, but Sonic still asked.

"Gloves on or off?"

"I don't care."

Of course, he didn't. The dark hedgehog had been raised by humans, he probably only wore gloves to maintain his decency. Since Shadow didn't care, Sonic peeled his gloves off before climbing into the bed next to the hybrid.

Shadow's body turned to look at him, laying on his side with an arm tucked under his arm while he watched the hero slip under the blanket. Quietly, he stated, "You don't need to ask me about your gloves, if you want to remove them it won't bother me."

"Yeah. Yeah, I know, I guess I'm just used to Ames," Sonic muttered, not missing an annoyed flick of Shadow's ear. He always did that when Sonic brought up Amy in these quiet moments.

"She didn't let you remove your gloves?"

"Nope, she said that it was improper since we weren't married."

"And you disagree?"

"Kind of? I mean, it's like the whole no sex til' marriage thing, like, just do it if you want to."

There was a soft hum next to him and Sonic realized that Shadow was staring at him, it felt weird. The space between them was no more than a foot, but it felt more like a hundred miles.

Scooting a little closer, Sonic asked, "What do you think?"

Crimson eyes looked down at the pillow under Shadow's head, while he pondered, "I'm not sure. The intimacy of just looking at someone's hands alludes me, so I don't see the importance in removing your gloves."

Just like Sonic thought. Someone seriously needed to teach Shadow about mobian customs and what they were for. Rouge probably had similar values, even if she dutifully wore her gloves, so Sonic guessed it fell on him.

Moving just a bit closer, the azure hedgehog grabbed white and red fingers between their two bodies. Dragging his thumb over a soft pad, he attempted to explain, "Mobian's hands are really sensitive, gloves help to dull the sensitivity a little, which is why they're so important. It's kind of weird seeing a part of someone you've never seen before."

"Is that why you always stare at my hands?"

Busted. Clearly, the hero wasn't nearly as subtle as he thought he was.

"Yeah, I didn't expect your fingers to be white or your pads to be spotted. It's really cute."

"Cute?"

Pulling the hybrid's hand towards him, Sonic noticed how Shadow flinched away from his touch and how his muscles seemed to be tense under his fur. "You know, I really don't mind joining Rouge and Amy," he started, his ears falling back slightly, "I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"I'm just not used to sharing my bed. I don't know what to do, which seems to be becoming a habit."

"Just," Sonic, finally, closed the distance between them, grabbing the hybrid and pulling him close, "Come here. Get comfy. I can shut up if you want to relax for a bit, or we could keep talking."

"You can keep talking," Shadow muttered, his body pressing about Sonic's own and his nose finding a home against Sonic's collarbone. A arm wrapped around his waist, fingers burying into the fur of his back while legs bumped against his own.

"Want me to try boring you to sleep, huh?"

The dark hedgehog made a small noise, Sonic was unsure if it was in agreement or just to get him to stop pestering Shadow. Tightening his hold on Shadow, the azure hedgehog let one peach colored hand brush through the soft fur between his partner's quills. Purring tickled his ears almost immediately.

"You know," Sonic started, ready to go into one of the many fun fact he knew. Although, he wasn't much it science or that sort of stuff, he knew a little about hedgehog's in specific. With a gleeful smile, he informed the man in his arms, "The response you have to being pet here is actually an old breeding instinct, carried over from years of evolution. Your quills lay flat for better access. It's kind of funny, you said your body was made for breeding by your alien DNA, but also with your hedgehog DNA. Seriously, you were just born to be a pillow princess."

While he spoke, Sonic couldn't stop himself from petting through feather soft fur and nuzzling against Shadow's scarred ear. If the hybrid was actually listening to his rambling, he wasn't offering any response. So, Sonic just continued on, "Really, it's a shame you don't go through a heat or rut cycle. I think it'd be pretty fun if we could share one, I've always been on my own during rut. Maybe, you could still share my rut with me, if you want."

His voice grew quieter towards the end, unsure if he should really ask that. Sonic couldn't even find the courage to actually ask Shadow out on a date, but here he was asking him to share his rut. The worry only grew stronger when he didn't receive a response.

Reluctantly, the azure hedgehog pulled away from the gentle warmth tucked against him, ready to meet glaring red eyes. But before he could even get an inch of distance between them, sharp nails scraped at his back, and a small growl left Shadow. Only when his nose was tucked against Sonic's neck and their bodies were flush with one another did he return to a soft purr. Still, Sonic pulled his head back in disbelief, barely able to get a look at Shadow's sleeping face.

Sleeping. So much for being unable to sleep with another person in the room, Sonic mused silently, before nuzzling into the fur under Shadow's ears. The hybrid must've been pretty tired to be able to fall asleep, especially so quickly. The thought made the hero's ears fall back slightly. Sometimes, when he wasn't crashing at Tails' house, Sonic would catch a moment of black fur running through Green Hills in the middle of the night. The two of them even had a few midnight races. Now, he wondered just what had kept the hybrid up so late into the night, just usual restlessness or maybe an inability to sleep. Glancing down at the sleeping form against him, Sonic was filled with a need to make his partner as comfortable as possible.

Carefully, Sonic pulled the dark hedgehog closer, his tail wagging happily when Shadow moved with him, nuzzling closer and tangling their legs. Every brush against his own made Sonic purr in delight, while he continued to nuzzle at the dark under his nose. Maybe, he was going into pre-rut, because he certainly felt that strange pull of protectiveness while he nuzzled and pet at Shadow. Slowly, Sonic run his tongue through the fur at the top of the hybrid's head, silently grooming the sleeping hedgehog. Partly, to smooth down fur mussed up by the blanket and him, but also, to ensure that Shadow was covered in his scent. Although, their cuddling had probably already drowned the hybrid in his scent. They were going to have a time explaining their mixed scents to the ladies when they exited the bedroom.

But, for now, it was just the two of them tucked into the dim light of the room, the only sound was their shared purrs, and the occasional, quiet click. Sonic allowed his eyes to close, while he lazily groomed Shadow, peppering kisses against the hybrid's forehead now and them. For a moment, he pondered if he should join Shadow in his nap, but he didn't want to miss a moment of having Shadow like this in his arms.

Sadly, the moment didn't last long, or maybe it did, Sonic wasn't sure. Three loud knocks came to the bedroom door, causing Shadow to jerk awake and for quills to jerk upward, right into Sonic's hand.

"Fucking, shit!" The azure hedgehog swore, jerking away from the warm body against his way and grabbing at his wounded hand. In his haste, he ended falling back off of the bed with a loud thud.

Beside him, Shadow looked around drowsily, "What?"

The bedroom door cracked open, turquoise eyes peering in wearily, "Is everything alright in here?"

"Yep. Yeah, totally, I've just been stabbed is all," Sonic snapped from his place on the floor. One of his legs was stuck on the bed, caught up in the blanket.

"What kind of shit have you two been up to in here?" Rouge balked, pulling the door open fulling and pushing her way into the room.

"Rouge?" A sleepy voice came from the bed above. Sonic would've killed to see the hybrid's face all cute and confused with sleep.

"Nap time," the hero supplied in annoyance. Emerald eyes watched closely as the bat moved forward slightly while he untangled his leg and picked himself off of the floor.

"Uh-huh, well, Amy is leaving. She wanted to say goodbye, but I don't think that's going to happen," a smile smile pulled at Rouge's lips while she eyed one of Shadow's bookshelves. It brought Sonic's attention to his exposed limbs.

Hastily, Sonic pulled on his gloves and shoes, "Nah, I'll say bye. You can go now."

A turquoise eye looked his way for a moment and Rouge hummed knowingly, "Alright, don't take too long."

The hero couldn't stop himself from eyeing the woman while she exited the room, fumbling with the buckle on his shoe until the door was closed and he was alone with Shadow again. When Sonic turned back to the aforementioned, he was met with half-open crimson eyes looking towards him, "Did I fall asleep?"

Nodding, the azure hedgehog sat on the edge of the bed, "Yeah, you must've been pretty tired."

"I'm sorry for stabbing your hand," the words slurred together a little. Shadow's ears were droopy with sleep and Sonic just couldn't stand it.

"Oh, please, I'm used to it by now. Stay here, pretty baby, and I'll be right back," the hero assured, leaning forward to press a soft kiss to Shadow's lips before leaving the shorter hedgehog alone.

Once he was back in the living room, Sonic scratched behind his head sheepishly, "Sorry for the wait, Ames. I kind of stabbed my hand when Rouge knocked on the door."

The pink hedgehog shook her head with a small smile, "Honestly, you're so clumsy Sonic."

After a beat, she looked behind him and asked, "Shadow isn't coming to say goodbye?"

"Poor guy, I talked him to sleep, if you can believe it," Sonic lied through his teeth. Amy didn't need to know the whole truth, Sonic feared it would only hurt her with the still lingering crush she had on him. With a shake of his head, he asked, "You going to be alright heading home by yourself? It's pretty late."

Amy scoffed, waving off the hero's worries, "With my piko piko hammer, no one is going to mess with me."

The azure hedgehog pulled her into a quick hug as he bid the woman farewell, "Well, get home safe and I'll see you later, Ames."

"You're not going home yet?"

"Nah, I might just crash here. Tails has probably locked up by now, and it was pretty cloudy out earlier."

Another lie, but not entirely. Sonic probably would end up staying the night, but not for the reasons he had listed.

"Alright, well goodnight. Tell Shadow I said bye when he wakes up."

Sonic nodded along with her words, watching Rouge while he walked the pink hedgehog out. When the two of them were gone, Sonic moved back into the bedroom with a single knock to the door, "Hey, you more awake now, Shads?"

Shadow was sitting on the bed, carefully fixing his quills back into place. Shit, Sonic had forgotten about that, his quills had probably been a mess while he spoke with Amy. Hopefully, she didn't think too hard on it.

"Yes," the dark hedgehog grumbled the single word. "Has Amy left already?"

"Yeah, Rouge is walking her out right now," Sonic nodded, watching the hybrid slip off the bed and move towards him. Sonic's tail wagged happily.

"Move."

A hand shoved the azure hedgehog out of the way of the door, and Shadow slipped out without another word. Okay, Shadow was grouchy after naps, noted. Sadly following after Shadow, Sonic whined, "Aw, I thought we were going to cuddle some more."

One of Shadow's ears twitched, but the short hedgehog continued into the kitchen, stating, "I need to get these tarts done."

Leaning against the kitchen island, a small smile pulled at the hero's lips, "Later then?"

"Maybe. If you don't pester me."

"That might be hard."

Sonic was already fighting the urge to latch himself back onto the dark hedgehog, but he didn't. Instead, he watched Shadow retrieve a bowl and a package of blueberries from the refrigerator and set the on the counter. Resting his chin against his hand, the hero asked, "How'd you sleep?"

Another twitch of a black ear and crimson eyes glanced his way before turning away quickly, "Good."

Same old Shadow, so fucking stoic. Sonic fought the urge to groan before attempting to tease, "What happened to that whole 'can't sleep with someone else in the room' thing? You seemed to fall asleep just fine with me."

Now, those red eyes looked back to glare at him, a green blush covering Shadow's muzzle. Crossing his arms over the whit fur of his chest, he sighed, "I was just tired, don't think anything of it, you're ego has already been stroked enough as it is."

Sonic snorted, fighting the urge to make the obvious joke, "Well, lucky for you, I already planned on spending the night. I can be your personal body pillow, you can even hump me if you have a wet dream."

The green of the hybrid's cheeks increased tenfold while and impossible to miss shiver ran through his body. Spinning back around to his counter, Shadow hissed, "I do not appreciate what you're insinuating."

"Why? Because it's true? Is Shadow a sweet, little pillow humper? Even with all those toys?" The azure hedgehog continued to tease, skulking towards his prey.

"Of course not, and even if it was, I wouldn't tell you."

Oh yeah, Shadow was definitely a pillow humper. The thought almost had Sonic drooling, Shadow probably even had a special pillow that was stained in his colorful arousal.

"That's so cute. When was the last time you did it? Were you thinking of me?" Sonic couldn't stop himself, it was too much fun watching the shorter hedgehog squirm while he tried to put together his tarts.

"No!" Shadow whipped around, ears pinned down and a small pout pulling at his lips, "I haven't done it in years, so, just, shut up."

A purr rumbled in the back of the azure hedgehog's throat, no one should be allowed to be this cute. "So, you were a pillow humper?" Sonic wore a devious smile while he leaned down to be eye to eye with the hybrid, "I can just imagine how cute you looked with a pillow shoved between your legs. You probably didn't even know how to play with your pussy back then."

"Knock it off," the shorter hedgehog muttered, crimson eyes falling to the floor and telling Sonic everything he needed to know.

"Fuck, you're too cute," Sonic laughed, leaning down to press a kiss to Shadow's lips, pouting when his partner turned away.

"You're making fun of me," accused the hybrid, glaring. Sonic's hands grabbed at his waist, carding through soft fur.

"Not at all. It's cute when you get all flustered, all I wanna do is kiss you and watch how green your face gets," the azure hedgehog stated, nuzzling against Shadow's cheek. He could feel Shadow relax a little in his hold.

Just as he opened his mouth to reply, a door creaked open behind them, causing Sonic to straighten and look over his shoulder. Rouge stood by the door leading into the apartment, jokingly shielding her eyes, "You two could at least wait until I'm in my room."

Shadow quickly shoved Sonic away, proclaiming, "We are not doing anything."

"Yet."

Red eyes flared with annoyance when the hybrid snapped his head to glare at Sonic, his hands balling into fists. Thankfully, Rouge butted in, "Can I get a slice of cake before the kitchen becomes a crime scene?"

"Ooh, cut me a slice too," Sonic chirped, turning away from his partner in favor of eyeing the cake Rouge was headed for.

"Me too," Shadow agreed.

The bat happily cut three pieces of cake, leaving a small portion of the black forest cake left. Popping a forkful into her mouth, the woman jested, "You two are getting pretty comfortable. It looked like you two were two seconds away from doing it on the counter."

Before Sonic could get a word in, Shadow fumed, "I would never, especially with food on the counter."

A small laugh left the azure hedgehog as he jested, "Of course not, we wouldn't want to scandalize your pastries."

From the way Rouge tittered, Sonic was sure Shadow was glaring daggers into his back, but he couldn't find it in himself to care. Once her giggles had died down, Rouge beckoned, "Come eat, hon. Your tarts can wait a bit."

Looking over his shoulder, Sonic was met with Shadow's back his muscles rippling while he spooned a blueberry mixture into each tart shell. Without looking back, the hybrid replied, "No, I would rather finish this first."

Rouge pursed her lips, but shrugged her shoulders before turning her attention back to Sonic. A wicked grin pulled at her full lips as she quietly asked, "Has Shadow shown you the gift I got him yet? I thought you'd appreciate it."

"No, he has not," the hero leaned closer, lowering his voice to pleaded, "Tell me it's the lingerie you got him. He wouldn't let me peek in the bag."

The bat nodded, her eyes flicking behind Shadow, before she spilled, "Shadow's real shy, so it might take a bit for you to convince him to actually wear it."

"Tell me about it," Sonic whined, before taking his first bite of cake. It was delicious, practically melting in his mouth as he chewed. He wasn't fond of cherries, but the whipped cream made up for it, complementing the taste nicely.

"What are you two whispering about?"

Sonic grinned at Shadow's nosiness, teasingly, he started, "I was just asking Rouge if she knew about your special pillow."

"I am going to kill you."

"He told you about that?" Rouge barely contained her laugh, "I don't think I've ever dragged someone to a sex shop so fast. My poor boy."

Shadow audibly groaned, brushing against Sonic's arm to grab his own piece of cake.

That's when Sonic noticed that Shadow's hand were bare, a wave of possessiveness washed over him, "Shadow, you're not wearing your gloves."

Shadow didn't even bother to glance at his exposed hands, just hummed, "I don't wear them when it is just me and Rouge, she does not mind."

Another twinge of possession pulled at the hero. It wasn't fair that Rouge got to see such adorable hands all the time, he nearly reached to grab the red and white hands and hide them from sight.

"I think," Rouge chimed in, grinning at Sonic while she spoke, "What Blue is trying to say, is that it's not very proper to run around with your hands bare when your boyfriend is right next to you. It doesn't give off the best impression."

Shadow's head snapped upwards, and before Sonic could hear his blatant rejection, he sputtered, "We're not–I mean, I'm not–his boyfriend. I-I-I don't think we're really putting a label on any of this just yet, y'know?"

Both roommates looked at him, one of them unbelieving and the other unreadable, but Sonic thought, for a moment, that he saw an ounce of hurt. Shadow turned away quickly, his voice firm as he stated, "Even if he was, I wouldn't allow him to control what I wear or when."

Rouge looked almost exasperated, turning to Sonic and urging, "Please, stick your dick in him or something; he's not nearly as grumpy afterwards. I will, quite literally, pay you."

A grin tugged at Sonic's face, his panic from a few moments ago rinsed away, "No need, I'll do it for free."

"I am not grumpy, and even if I am, Sonic's… phallus has nothing to do with it," Shadow blanched, green reaching the tips of his ears in his embarrassment.

"Oh, it definitely does. You were practically walking on clouds when I came home Saturday. Clearly, all that teasing Blue is doing, is making you a little tense," Rouge teased, taking a final bite of her cake. "I'm going to go to my room and put on some headphones, so you two can do your thing. Just remember how nice I am when Knuckles finally gets tired of celibacy."

"Thank you, Rouge," Sonic practically sang, while the woman placed her plate and fork into the sink.

Shadow remained silent, eating his cake angrily. Even ignoring the woman when she bid them goodnight. Only when her bedroom door shut, did he huff, "Do you have to encourage her? She already knows much more than I would like about my sex life."

"Come on, she's happy for you. Knuckles wouldn't be half as happy if he knew about all of this," the azure hedgehog uttered. He enjoyed talking with the bat, no matter how nosy she could be at times, it was nice for someone other than him and Shadow to acknowledge their relationship.

"Still, it can be overbearing at times," the hybrid continued, picking at his cake for a moment. Most of the whipped cream had been scraped off of his cake and put to the side, Sonic eyed it closely.

Sonic scooped his fork through the whipped cream and mumbled around it, "She and Knuckles haven't been intimate, she's probably a little jealous."

Crimson eyes glared at him for a long moment, before Shadow ate another forkful of cake. To Sonic's surprise, the darker hedgehog turned the plate his way before snapping, "Ask first, next time."

A wide grin pulled at the hero's face, "I can't help it, your whipped cream is delicious. Almost as good as something else."

The green of Shadow's cheeks were something to marvel at as he ducked his down and finished off the remainder of his cake. Despite being flustered, he still corrected, "Whipped cream frosting. There is a difference."

"You're still on about that?" Sonic goaded the other hedgehog, scooping up another forkful of frosting.

"Whipped cream is less stable and–"

Truthfully, the hero wasn't looking for a lecture; he had only wanted to pester Shadow enough for the hybrid to look his way. And when he did, Sonic captured his lips, whipped cream still on his tongue as he went in for an open mouthed kiss. A bit cruel, maybe, but the face Shadow made when he recoiled was so worth it.

With his ear pinned back and his nose scrunched up, Shadow stuck out his tongue, "Gross."

Sonic couldn't stop his tongue from wagging as he teased, "You really don't like it? What kind of a weirdo are you?"

Clearly, those weren't the right words to say. The dark hedgehog recoiled just barely, and his downturned ears somehow managed to fall further while Shadow glared. Before he could be scolded, the azure hedgehog amended, "I don't mean it in a bad way, it's cute! Besides, more whipped cream for me."

Still, Shadow glared at him, "Frosting."

It couldn't be helped, Sonic dipped down for another kiss, being sure to drag his tongue over Shadow's and lick up every bit of whipped cream off of his tongue. Only when he straightened up to swipe the back of his glove across his lips did Sonic notice. Shadow, who was normally just an inch or two shorter than him, only came up to eye-level. With a snort, the azure hedgehog cackled, "You're so short."

"You only noticed, just now?" Shadow demanded, annoyance clear in his voice.

"How much height do those air shoes give you? Damn," Sonic giggled, placing a hand on the shorter hedgehog's head and pulling him closer. To his surprise, Shadow didn't fight it.

"They have been altered slightly," the hybrid muttered, emerald eyes could seeing green climbing to the tips of his ears. "People don't take me seriously when I'm the height of a teenager."

"Poor baby," cooed the taller hedgehog, nuzzling at one of his partner's ears.

Sharp nails prickled at his stomach in a silent warning while Shadow pulled away to meet his eyes. Before the hybrid could snap at him, a door creaked open, "You two must love edging each other or something."

Shadow turned his head to to woman, "I thought you were going to go put on headphones."

"I am, but I almost forgot," Rouge flitted over, dropping a small plastic square onto the kitchen counter. "Safety first, boys."

Green eyes looked at the condom for a long moment while Sonic tried to think of a why to politely say that they wouldn't be using it because of Shadow's kink. Okay, maybe the kink was mutual. Sue him.

Before he could find the words, Shadow simply stated, "We won't need it."

Turquoise eyes widened and the bat quickly whipped her head to the blue hedgehog as though he had been the one to speak. With narrowed eyes, she hissed, "You two haven't been using a condom?"

Throwing his hands up, Sonic quickly redirected the woman's growing rage, "Okay, do not look at me. That is all Shadow."

Rouge turned her head to the dark hedgehog, dropping to stand on the floor as she ordered, "Blue, give me and Shadow a moment to talk."

"We don't need to talk about anything."

"Yes, we do."

Sonic didn't put up any fight, quickly grabbing the plate of Shadow's leftover whipped cream before retreating to the living room. Of course, there was no wall separating the kitchen from the living room, so he was still able to hear the two talking hushedly. Looking back, he could see Rouge with her hands on her hips, seemingly scolding Shadow about the importance of condoms.

Emerald eyes could only see Shadow's face, so he got to watch the hybrid's muzzle grow green while Shadow played with one of his inhibitor rings. Sonic could take a guess as to what he was telling the bat. Especially when she so quickly retrieved the condom with a giggle, "Alright, I see you. Have fun, you two. Try not to get too messy."

"Rouge," Shadow grated out, his face still flushed and his ears pulled back.

"C'mon, let me have a little fun. Especially if you two are so intent on making me an auntie," Rouge chirped, practically skipping to her bedroom. She shot the two a quick wink before slipping back into her room.

Sonic's heart jumped in his chest, immediately understanding what the woman was implying. It wasn't even the sex joke, but the fact that she was insinuating the two were going to… procreate. Fighting down the weird mix of emotions, Sonic attempted to be nonchalant.

"You told her?"

"She would've lectured me for an hour if I hadn't."

"Really?"

A mirthless laugh left Shadow while he moved into the living room, watching Sonic scrape the final bits of whipped cream off the plate with a scowl. Crossing his arms over the white fur of his chest, he sighed, "She knows I'm naive to this stuff and tries to make sure I know everything."

Humming along, the azure hedgehog fidgeted with his fork for a moment before he couldn't stop himself from blurting, "That auntie comment was something, huh?"

Sweat was forming under his fur while red eyes turned on him, before falling to his empty plate. Reaching a hand out, Shadow just shrugged, "Sometimes, I think she forgets how alien I am. Sadly, for her, she won't be an aunt any time soon or at all, maybe."

Tilting his head, Sonic handed over his plate, while his stomach dropped, "You don't want kids?"

The shorter hedgehog gave a small shrug before moving towards the kitchen, picking up discarded plates on his way to the sink. "It is," he started, before his ears fell a little, "Complicated."

"Come on, you can't tell me you don't want a little ball of fur clinging to you," argued the hero while he trailed behind. He was pushing, which could go either way with the hybrid, but he needed to know.

Shadow grew quiet, running water over the plates and idly rinsing off leftover frosting. Sonic couldn't see his face, so he was careful with his next words, "I mean, you always—"

"Sonic. Drop it."

There was a door slammed in Sonic's face, like so many times before. The two of them would finally make progress, and suddenly, Shadow was shutting down on him. Running away. With his ears pinned back, Sonic waited for the ball to drop, for the dark hedgehog to turn and demand he leave.

Instead, Shadow quietly dried his hands and turned to him, an unreadable expression on his face. His voice was almost inaudible as he hesitated, "I don't want to discuss it. Not tonight, anyways."

Daring to take a step forward, the taller hedgehog nodded, "Okay, we don't have to. I'm sorry for pushing."

Shadow gave a small shake of his head before asking, "Do you still want to go to my room?"

"Absolutely. If I remember correctly, I owe you a favor," Sonic chirped, already turning and rushing to Shadow's bedroom door. The hybrid followed behind him, shaking his head while Sonic held the door open for him with a joking bow.

"Yes, you do," he agreed, taking a seat on his bed. The azure hedgehog was quick to throw off his gloves and kick off his shoes before slotting himself between those dark thighs.

His hands found their home in soft black fur, while Sonic purred, "Want to tell me about it? Your wish is my command."

Green tinted the shorter hedgehog's face while Shadow turned his head to look at one of his bookshelves. Before Sonic could pull crimson eyes back onto him, Shadow uttered a single word, "Oral."

A smile split across Sonic's face. How could Shadow be so cute asking for Sonic to shove his face between his thighs? The purr in his throat grew louder as leaned down to press a quick kiss to his partner's lips, "That's all? You already know, I love tasting your sweet pussy."

Before Sonic could drop to his knees, hands grabbed at his quills, pulling harshly. Shadow hissed, his facing growing greener by the second, "I didn't mean me."

It took a moment for it to register just what the shorter hedgehog was asking for, but when it did and idiotic smile pulled at Sonic's face. He felt like a fumbling teenager again while he laughed, "Oh, okay. Cool. That's cool."

"If you don't want to, I understand," offered the hedgehog in his hold.

"No, I definitely want to, but you don't have any experience and your teeth are, like, crazy sharp," the azure hedgehog fumbled, leaning down quickly. There was no doubt he had wanted that sinful mouth wrapped around his cock years ago, but he couldn't stop himself from eyeing Shadow's fang-like teeth.

Shadow's gaze dropped to the bed while he fidgeted with an inhibitor ring, making Sonic raise a brow, "Unless, you just meant, like, penetrative sex?"

A small shake of the dark hedgehog's head before he brought his hands to cover his face, "No, you're the only one, but Rouge taught me a few things."

Many thoughts came to mind at that, but the first was, "Rouge taught you how to give a blowjob?"

"I asked her to," Shadow admitted, his ears falling back, making him look that much cuter. Fuck, the hybrid needed to stop looking so delicious, or Sonic was going to have a hard time fighting his urge to bite him.

"Really? When was this?" Sonic teased, pulling at a hand so he could meet red eyes eclipsed by the darker hedgehog's pupil. He loved watching then narrow slightly.

"Long before any of this," the hybrid grunted in annoyance, allowing his hands to be pulled away. "But I know a little, so you shouldn't have to worry about my teeth."

"Good to know," hummed the azure hedgehog. Suddenly, Shadow is grabbing for him again, pulling him into a heated kiss, Sonic was practically vibrating with his purr. There was something so satisfying about shy Shadow initiating things. Or as best as he could.

The hybrid's lack of experience was painfully obvious, especially when Sonic slipped his tongue into his mouth and was met with clumsy reciprocation. Every time, Shadow would shyly brush his tongue along Sonic's own and grew out of breath much too quickly. It only added to Sonic's excitement, if he were honest.

There was something so satisfying about knowing he owned all of the dark hedgehog's first. Sonic had never thought himself as possessive, not until he had Shadow underneath him, trembling and begging to be bred. Yeah, he wasn't going to let anyone else see that side of Shadow if he could help it.

All he had to do was ask him on one date. Easy. Except, he had a hard time controlling himself, especially when Shadow was so receptive, wrapping his legs around his waist and moaning into his mouth. They pulled away from their kiss, just barely, while Shadow whispered, "Sonic, I cannot do anything underneath you."

With his lips still brushing against Shadow's, Sonic cajoled, "But you look so good underneath me."

"Off," demanded the hybrid, clearly intent on popping Sonic's cock into his mouth.

Maybe a little too happily, the azure hedgehog pulled himself from atop Shadow and moved to take a seat on the bed beside him. He didn't feel even an ounce of shame at how his cock was already poking out of his pouch. Especially, when the shorter hedgehog slipped off the bed and slotted himself between Sonic's thigh, a hand tentatively pressing against his swollen pouch.

"You're really hard," Shadow noted, massaging his hand gently. The soft pads on the hybrid's hands helped to entice the hero out of his pouch, crimson eyes gleaming with what almost looked like excitement.

"And you look amazing on your knees, with your hand on my cock. Do a good job and I be sure to breed you nice and full," Sonic encourage, his hands fisting at the blankets underneath them. No matter how badly he wanted to grab at the dark hedgehog, he wanted to see just how much Shadow knew.

With a soft chirp, those gorgeous eyes looked up at him, pupils swallowing most of the red, making Shadow look somehow innocent while he drew his tongue over the head of Sonic's cock. All Sonic could do was watch while a moan slipped past his lips and a soft hand pumped along his length, coating it in saliva. There was no way he was going to last, not with those eyes watching him closely while took almost all of him into his warm wet mouth.

"Fuck. You're doing so good, Shadow. Such a good boy for me," crooned the azure hedgehog hog, after a string of moans escaped him. His head tipped back when he felt vibrations surround his cock.

Fuck. Shadow was purring while he was swallowing down his cock? Sonic was going to lose his damn mind. This was how he died, horny with his cock shoved into the hedgehog he'd wanted for years. It seemed like a fitting way to go, although his brother would definitely be disappointed in him.

Everything only got better when Shadow slowly bobbed his head, using his tongue in the most sinful ways. It toyed with the head of his cock in a practiced way and dragged over the underside of it, sending pleasure coursing through Sonic's veins. Sonic thought maybe his length was too much for the hybrid, watching while Shadow bobbed his head shallowly, using his hand to pay attention to the rest of his length. But Rouge's influence was clear as day when Shadow met his eyes and took every last inch into his mouth before swallowing around it.

Peach-colored hands grabbed for Shadow's quills instinctively, keeping him in place while Sonic found himself leaning forwards. Moans tore through his throat, along with an animalistic growl. His eyes refused to leave Shadow's as he breathed, "So fucking good, Shads. You take my cock like it was made for you. My good boy."

More purrs sent shocks over pleasure through him, a slow pressure building in Sonic's stomach. He had planned on lasting longer, but it was hard when Shadow was so eager. One of the hybrid's moved rest on his thigh while he attempted to move against the hands in his quills. Sonic's ears with graced with happy little clicks when he allowed Shadow to move again.

"You must've practiced a lot. Did you think about me when you did it? I bet you took one of your toys while you shoved your fingers in your swollen cunt," babbled the azure hedgehog between breathless moans. Every word only added to the vibrations around his aching cock, but emerald eyes didn't miss how Shadow shifted with a hand down between his thighs.

With his ears perked forward, Sonic could just barely make out the slick noises underneath the soft noises leaving Shadow and his own moans. With his own purr starting in his throat, Sonic slowly began to guide the dark hedgehog's movements, "Just like right now. You're so damn needy, can't even blow me without stuffing your pussy full."

The green of Shadow's cheeks were something to marvel at, he didn't feel embarrassment about swallowing down Sonic's full length, but shoving his fingers into his cunt? Sonic smiled down at him cruelly, "Don't stop. I want you moaning around my cock like the whore that you are."

Out of his line of sight, there was a delicious squelch and the hybrid was moaning around him just as he'd instructed. Gaia, he listened so well.

Sonic's hands increased with their impatience, encouraging Shadow to bob his head faster before guiding him all the way back down. It was so wonderful watching the hybrid take it, following him almost drunkenly.

Tears were forming in those red eyes while Shadow moaned and purred and clicked; his arousal was abundantly clear. If this wasn't what the hybrid had outright asked for, Sonic would've already dragged him onto the bed and fucked him full. His flushed face and noises were going to haunt every one of Sonic's wet dreams, he was sure of it. Suddenly, a sharp moan left the dark hedgehog, muffled around the cock sitting in his throat. Azure hips snapped up immediately, chasing the feeling of the sweet vibrations only to be met with a choked noise.

Quickly, while being careful not to be too rough, Sonic helped Shadow pull away. The tears in his eyes now stained his muzzle, and his mouth was open, gasping for breath. An apology tumbled out of the hero's mouth quickly, "Fuck, I'm sorry, Shadow. I didn't mean to do that. Are you alright?"

"Yes," the hybrid nodded, his voice broken and breathless. Still catching his breath, the hybrid laid his cheek on one of Sonic's legs, his eyes closing for a moment.

"Take a minute, okay? We both got a little too excited," Sonic murmured, moving one of his hands up to the dark hedgehog's ear, rubbing it gently. Despite what had just happened, Shadow was still happily purring and clicking while he leaned into Sonic's touch.

"'M okay. I want to keep going," Shadow implored, still fighting to calm his breathing. His eyes popped open to look at the azure hedgehog, lust still clear as day in those crimson eyes. Nuzzling into the hand petting at his ear, he insisted, "This is what I wanted."

"So needy," teased the blue hero lightly, pitching at the ear in his hand so his partner would look at him properly.

Pulling his ear away from peach colored fingers, Shadow pouted, "I thought you liked that."

Grabbing at Shadow's chin, Sonic tilted his head up so he could still a quick kiss, uncaring that the mouth against his own had just been stuffed full with his cock. When he pulled away, he assured, "I love it when your needy. Taking care of you is my favorite thing. I want to give you everything that you want."

Fuck. That was way too close to a confession. A awful, horny confession where he still had his dick and Shadow very clearly still had fingers stuffed into his wet cunt. He even made the mistake of dropping the L bomb.

If the hybrid noticed the L word, he didn't say anything just moved lower, taking Sonic back into his hand, "Well, I want you to finish in my mouth, so don't pull me away again."

"You were choking?" Sonic laughed, unbelieving. He had thought he was helping, but from the way Shadow glared up at him, he was clearly mistaken.

"Don't underestimate me, I've swallowed down toys bigger than you," the dark hedgehog snapped back, before pulling Sonic back into his mouth.

Before the azure hedgehog could argue, lips were suctioned around the tip of his cock, sucking at his roughly while Shadow pumped his hand along the rest of his length. Sonic knew damn well none of Shadow's toys were as big as him, while he hadn't seen all of them, he had seen the bags they were in. The little shit was just trying to get a rise out of him, and it was working.

Sonic found himself falling back onto the bed, while moans shamelessly poured from his mouth. He was always going to prefer the hybrid's pussy, but fuck if he wasn't slowly falling in love with his mouth and tongue. Just like the rest of him, Shadow's tongue was soft and ran along his cock like it was acutely aware of every spot that slowly pushed Sonic to the edge. Were he the one in charge, he would've pulled the dark hedgehog off again and finished himself off with his hand, cumming all over Shadow's face. But, sadly, he wasn't. So, he had to lay back while Shadow sank back down on his length and swallow while his throat vibrated with his ever-growing purr.

It was torturous and heavenly at the same time, especially when Sonic's ears could still hear Shadow's ear thrusting into his pussy. Would he could just from sucking him off? Sonic hoped so, Shadow was so sensitive after cumming, he'd take his cock perfectly. Although, Sonic was definitely going to need a few minutes after the dark hedgehog drew him over the edge.

And he was definitely getting close, while Shadow continued bobbing his head and swirling his tongue over the head of his cock before burying back down his throat. Somewhere through his moans, Sonic found it in himself to groan, "So good, Shadow. My perfect baby, taking my cock like a such a good boy."

Purrs increased around him while Shadow swallowed around him with a quiet moan. It was enough to have Sonic's hips stuttering upwards again, half in appreciation for his partner's poorly hidden praise kink and partly for the sensations around his cock.

With a few more bobs of Shadow's head, Sonic came with a long groan, a hand reaching down to push Shadow down. There was no fight from the hybrid, in fact, Shadow happily swallowed down every drop of cum, continuing to toy with Sonic's cock while he started to grow soft. Only when he was growing painfully sensitive did the azure hedgehog huff, "Baby, that's all you're going to get for now."

Crimson eyes glared at him, as though not satisfied just yet, before Shadow pulled off of him with a lewd pop. "I told you," he started, his voice still rough and painfully sexy, "Don't call me that."

"Would you prefer princess?" Sonic asked lazily, opening his arms and making grabby hand for the hedgehog now kneeling between his legs.

"Don't start," threatened the hybrid, standing up and revealing slick covered thighs. Sonic eyed them appreciatively before Shadow was climbing unto his lap, unbidden, not that the hero minded in the slightest.

Sitting up, Sonic grabbed at the backs of Shadow's knees pulling him closer, ignoring the small threat he teased, "Look at this mess you've made. It almost looks like you came already."

The dark hedgehog's head fell to his shoulder, voice whiny while he said, "I didn't."

"Do you want to? You're so wet, I bet you'll be coming in just a few minutes," continued the azure hedgehog, more sincere. Yes, Shadow was needy, but Sonic felt an overwhelming need to take care of him. It was what the gorgeous hybrid deserved.

The head on his shoulder gave a small shake, ruffling both black and blue fur. Shadow's response came breathy and full of need, "Not until you fuck me. I feel so empty."

Sonic's flaccid cock resting against his stomach gave a small twitch of interest. If Shadow kept talking like that, he was going to be hard and cumming inside that needy cunt in no time. Still, the hero's heart ached from the need in the other's voice, "Then, maybe, I could jerk you off? Unless, both cum when one does. I'm not really sure how it works."

In his arms, Shadow grew tense, just as Sonic thought he would. The hybrid had been open about exposing the wet heat between his thighs, but his cock stayed tucked in his pouch, no matter how swollen it was. The most Sonic had seen was the head poking out, it looked close enough to his own, but from the way the hybrid tensed up, it was clear that wasn't the case.

Quietly, Shadow admitted, "It's different from yours."

"I know."

A quiet fell between the two of them, but Sonic, for once, didn't break it. He already pushed Shadow too far once today, he wouldn't do it a second time, especially at a time like this. After a few moments, a hand grabbed Sonic's own, moving it until it brushed over Shadow's swollen pouch in a silent invitation.

"Is this okay?" Sonic questioned, hoping for some verbal consent as he carefully ran his fingers over Shadow's sheathed length. Shivers ran through the dark hedgehog.

"Yes. Just…" the hybrid started before stopping himself, attempting to bury himself deeper in a blue shoulder. "Just don't be too surprised."

With a small kiss pressed against Shadow's exposed throat, Sonic assured, "I don't care what it looks like, you're perfect either way, Shadow. You're so gorgeous."

More shudders overtook Shadow, his hands grabbing at the fur at Sonic's sides, gripping slightly while the azure hedgehog began his exploration. Starting slow, a peach colored hand repeated what the hybrid's own had done, massaging gently while the head poked out.

From their first encounter, Sonic knew it was going to be different. Mobian hedgehogs could only keep themselves tucked into their pouches for so long, eventually it became to much to control. Shadow didn't seem to have that problem, possibly being able to control when or if it slipped from the safety of his own pouch. The heroes theory was only fueled when the hybrid's cock quickly slipped out, long and thin and coated in a thick, clear substance, different from the slick that poured from between Shadow's thighs. Honestly, Shadow's member wasn't terribly different from his own.

Carefully wrapping his fingers around the dark hedgehog's cock, Sonic was met with it doing the same, the length curling around his hand and covered it in its fluids. While he gently stroked Shadow, Sonic noted that their were tiny bumps lining either side of Shadow's member. The hybrid mewled when he paid special attention to them, rubbing his fingers over them slowly. Truthfully, the most alien them was the head of the dark hedgehog's cock which had an odd oval shape to it. Against his shoulder, Shadow was shuddering and moaning quietly, oversensitive from working himself up while he took care of Sonic's needs.

Giving the cock around his hand a gentle squeeze, Sonic nuzzled against the scarred ear belonging to the hedgehog in his lap. Just that simple contact caused the body on top of his own to twitch and tremble. Clearly, this part of Shadow hadn't been getting much attention, if his reactions were anything to go by.

"All of you seems to get so wet, Shadow," Sonic mused aloud, gently nipping at his partner's ear, "It must be a nightmare for a neat freak like you. Lucky for you, I love making a mess of you. I don't even care about the mess."

There was that L word again, not that Shadow was able to notice. Sharp teeth were scraping over Sonic's shoulder while Shadow panted and rocked into Sonic's thrusting. His soft moans were music to Sonic's ears: "Sonic."

Running his free hand over the hybrid's waist, the hero proclaimed, "I'm right here, baby. Just let go, and I'll take care of everything."

Poor Shadow was never going to lose his title of a pillow princess, not when he so willingly melted against Sonic, teeth digging into the hero's blue shoulder. Not that Sonic minded, happily stroking the cock in his hand and dragging his thumb over the head, earning sweet little chirps from the hybrid.

While he took care of Shadow's arousal, Sonic could feel his own length growing hard once more, brought to life by the moans leaving the dark hedgehog. Nipping and even roughly biting at Shadow's ear, Sonic mused, "You're so pent up here, clearly, I need to pay more attention to this part of you from now on. My poor baby, where would you be without me?"

The hybrid buried into his shoulder didn't even attempt to reply, biting down on his shoulder harder while his hands reached around Sonic's back, seeking more contact. Sonic wished with all his heart that he could see just how ruined the hybrid was, but he's have to settle listening to the muffled noises.

Toying with the ridges of Shadow's cock, the hero relished how it twitched and squeezed around his hand, as though demanded he keep going. Silently, he wondered if Shadow had any control over it, or if his member had a mind of it's own. Not that it mattered, Sonic still tightened his hold and brought his hand up and down the length rapidly. It didn't even matter when he felt a warm wetness soaking the fur of his shoulder, whether it was blood or drool from the dark hedgehog, he didn't care. All that mattered was the way Shadow's hips jumped forward before he was releasing against his own stomach and into a peach colored palm. It was the same pearly white as Sonic's own release.

While Shadow twitched and moaned from his release, Sonic brought his soiled fingers up to his mouth an hummed while he licked them clean. His other hand stroked through black fur comfortingly, running over Shadow's back and making sure to avoid the sensitive spot between his quills.

After a minute, Shadow pulled off his shoulder, his muzzle now wet with what Sonic now knew to be drool. His shoulder was safe for now. Despite having just cum, the dark hedgehog was already pleading, "Fuck me. Please?"

"Whatever you want, baby. I'm going to make sure you get a good sleep tonight," Sonic assured, leaning forward to lick up the residual drool clinging to Shadow's chin.

"Can't you just kiss me like a normal person?" Shadow huffed, a small wrinkle forming over his nose. In hopes of appeasing the hybrid, Sonic moved up to place a kiss to his lips, smiling when they readily opened for him.

Running his tongue over Shadow, Sonic pulled the hybrid closer, allowing his soaking wet cunt to brush against his newly hard cock. A sweet moan was released into his mouth while he teasing dragged through wet folds and teased Shadow's neglected clit. Pulling away, Sonic grinned at the dark hedgehog chasing his lips, "Are you alright like this? I'll do everything. I just want to see you bouncing on my cock."

"I don't care as long as you're inside me. I want you," the hybrid professed, adjusting his arms to rest on Sonic's shoulder so he could meet his eyes. There was something just so wonderful when those bloody red eyes met his own bright green.

"Say my name."

It was self indulgent, but he loved the sound of his name on Shadow's tongue.

"Sonic."

"Again. Louder this time."

"Son–Sonic."

Shadow stuttered while Sonic rutted against his wanting cunt, almost ready to give the hybrid everything he wanted. But first, he wanted his partner to be just a little more vocal.

"Come on, you can do better than that. Louder, like you can't live without my cock stuffed in your pathetic pussy."

Chirps escaped the dark hedgehog's throat, his ears pinning back mouth opening to do as he was asked. Just as the words began to form, Sonic slipped into Shadow's tight cunt pulling ebony hips down until they were flush with his own.

The hybrid's head fell back in a moan, his chest pressed against Sonic's as he moaned, "Sonic! Oh fuck. Sonic."

"Much better," the azure hedgehog purred, both hands on Shadow's hips as he guided them. The dark hedgehog moved with his hands, allowing his to find the perfect place to thrust up into while Shadow's mouth fell open.

Shadow's own hands buried into his quills while Shadow pressing his forward against his own. Words came between quiet pants, "You feel so good, Sonic."

It was hard to tell if the dark hedgehog was being genuine or just trying to get what he wanted. Sonic didn't care either way, he easily stated, "You feel even better, like your cunt was made to take me."

More chirps escaped the hybrid alongside mechanical clicks, before Shadow choked out a quiet, "Yes."

Fuck, he was so gone. Sonic loved Shadow in any given moment, but especially like this, speared on his cock and so damn honest. "Yeah?" He encourage, pulling the hips in his hold down to guide them into a slow grind, "You fingers probably don't even compare anymore, do they?"

The sound the left Shadow almost sound like a sob as his clit ground against Sonic's abdomen, "No."

A possessive growl started at the back on Sonic's throat, he was definitely going into pre-rut, but it didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was the pussy squeezing around his cock and the pleasure filled tears in crimson eyes. Nipping at Shadow's throat, the hero proclaimed, "You're pretty pussy might as well belong to me, I'm the only one who can satisfy it. I'm the only one who's ever stuffed it full the way you need."

He was getting way too loose-lipped. Any minute now, Shadow was going to hit him and tell him to get his head on straight. Only, that didn't happen.

"It's yours. Fuck, it's all yours. Just please don't stop. Sonic, please."

An unrecognizable sound left Sonic, almost like a snarl, as he sank into Shadow's throat, somehow finding it in himself to keep from breaking skin. With a renewed conviction, the azure hedgehog moved ebony hips in quick, shallow thrusts, ensuring to brush against the bundle of nerves that had the hybrid's back bowing.

No matter how turned on Sonic was, there was no way he was going to take what he wanted without ensuring Shadow had met his release. Maybe it was his need to please. But something craved the way Shadow gushed around his cock with a louder than usual moan, his head falling back with breathless pants. Only then could he thrust up at an unrelenting speed, his own moans spilling out of him without a care. All he needed was Shadow and his nails scraping against his scalp while red eyes looked at him, tired and satisfied.

Three quick thrusts and Sonic released into Shadow with a drawn out moan, his nails digging into ebony hips, keeping them pressed against his own. To his surprise, Shadow leans forward to nuzzle against his cheek, "You're scent is getting stronger."

"Yeah," the azure hedgehog breathed, he felt boneless after cumming not once, but twice. Moving one hand up to Shadow's back, Sonic dragged the hybrid down with him while he fell back on the bed. When breathing stopped feeling like a chore, he muttered, "I'm definitely in pre-rut. Sorry, if I got a little too…"

"Possessive?" Shadow supplied, happily resting against Sonic. Although, the hero was sure his delight didn't truly come from him, but from the cum currently stuffing his pussy full.

"Yeah, that."

Truthfully, he wasn't sorry, he had enjoyed the thought of Shadow belonging to him even if it was fleeting and not based in reality. He did feel back if he made the hybrid uncomfortable though, that was the last thing you wanted.

"It's fine. I enjoyed it, admittedly." The words the left the dark hedgehog felt like a fever dream. Maybe Sonic's pre-rut was worse than he thought.

"Okay, I'm going to need you to say that again, because I could've sworn you said that you liked me being possessive over you," the hero stated a bit playfully, he hand playing with the fur between Shadow's quills. The purr that left the hybrid was almost immediate, reverberating through them both before Sonic began his own purr.

"No."

"You are no fun."

"It's part of my appeal."

A laugh overtook Sonic, groggy and soft, "Yeah, I guess it is."

Shadow quietly tucked his nose under Sonic's chin, a few clicks leaving him before he stated, "You can take the couch if you want; it's pretty late."

Continuing to massage at the muscle under feather-soft fur, Sonic hummed, "Nah, I promised Tails I'd be at the lab by some point tonight."

There was a long moment of silence between the two of them, almost like Shadow was disappointed? It was hard to tell, especially when the hybrid pulled away from the azure hedgehog.

"Are we still racing tomorrow?"

"Absolutely, double of nothing, baby."

Shadow's scarred ear gave an irritated flick, but Sonic swear his eyes caught the smallest of smiles, "You'll find yourself separated from Sonic Jr. if you ever call me that outside of this room, do you understand?"

A mischievous grin pulled at the hero's lips as he sat up with the dark hedgehog. Brushing his nose against Shadow's, Sonic asked, "And princess?"

Another flick, but Shadow leaned in for a kiss, softer and more chaste that the ones prior, "Only if you catch me in a good mood."

"Which is another way of saying 'never.'"

The laugh that left the hybrid almost had Sonic leaning forward to steal another kiss, "Wow, you're smarter than you look."

The two of them fell into a comfortable silence for a moment before Shadow was shifting his hips, grimacing as he pulled off of Sonic's flaccid cock. Cum and slick slipped down his thighs and Sonic's length while Shadow grimace, although he made no move to get up just yet.

Conversationally, Sonic asked, "So, what are you going to ask for if you win. Not that that's going to happen."

"When I win, I'll probably look into a gag or muzzle of some sort for you. I'll figure out the other favor later," the dark hedgehog replied almost instantly. It was definitely a threat with how Shadow's lips turned up in a sinister grin.

Undeterred, the hero smiled right back, "Kinky. Want to know what I want?"

Feigning disinterest, Shadow stated, "No, but I know you'll tell me anyways, so go on."

Grabbing at the hybrid's waist, Sonic pulled him closer, until their chested were flush with each other and Shadow's breath was tickling his face. The azure hedgehog straightened, leaning in close so his lips brushed against Shadow's ears, "I want you in that lingerie Rouge got you, maybe I'll even dress you up in a slutty skirt just so I can tear it off. And once I've bred you're pretty pussy, you're going to sit on my face and let me eat you out until you fucking cum all over my face."

Pulling away, emerald eyes could see the green clinging to Shadow's ear before he saw the deep green of his muzzle. Crimson eyes wouldn't meet is own as Shadow quietly uttered, "You won't be able to breathe."

"So? I'll have a face full of your pretty pussy; who cares about a little suffocation?"

Shadow turned away from him, his face still flushed, "You're depraved."

"You know it, babe," Sonic chirped, pressing a kiss against Shadow's cheek before the hybrid was standing up.

"Are you staying to take a shower? You could probably use one," the dark hedgehog offered, taking a step towards his bathroom.

"A washcloth will do. I'll take a shower before Tails gets up; the kiddo loves to sleep in, so I should be safe," replied the hero, reluctantly. If he got in the shower with the hybrid, he knew he'd be there for another hour, drinking in the sweet scent of the hybrid and the softness of his fur.

With a wrinkled nose, Shadow shrugged, "If you say so."

After that, Sonic was handed a wet washcloth to attempt to wipe off their mixed release while Shadow retired to the bathroom. It was a good chance to snoop through the black box under the hybrid's bed, but Sonic, somehow, managed to show restraint.

Dropping the soiled washcloth into the hybrid's laundry basket, the azure hedgehog slipped out of the bedroom. The apartment was quiet except for the sound of Shadow's shower running. Taping a quick thank-you note to Rouge's door—truly the woman was a saint—Sonic exited the apartment and headed for Tails' lab. Hopefully, his dear brother was fast asleep, and he wouldn't have to explain his battle wounds just yet.