Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sonic is currently stuck in a box. Or maybe it would be more accurate to call it a trap. He’s sure Dr. Eggman would be offended that his master plan was dumbed down to one shape. Still, it was too simple to hold Sonic in his normal state. It’s just steel. But the hedgehog had been weakening exponentially since waking up this morning. Preheat. Slightly off schedule. He had stayed over at Knuckles’ place last night and had woken up to an unmistakable fatigue in his muscles, a shiver along his skin, and soft cramping low in his abdomen. Two people in Green Hill know he is an omega. Tails knew, of course. They lived together. But he couldn’t really understand. Secondary genders are only present in the hedgehog species. He did everything he could to help though. For example, Tails had manufactured a particularly strong scent to disguise Sonic’s natural aroma. Sonic bathed twice a day, coated himself in the scent, and tied a bandana tight around his glands. All this to be undetectable by Shadow.

Amy was miraculously born a beta, so she can’t smell his status. She assumed Sonic was an alpha and always tried to help with his “rut”. He always refused. He kept the truth from her because he was embarrassed. He knew she would accept him, but he didn’t want things to get weird. There was a certain stigma to omegas, and the worst part is a lot of it is true.

As for Shadow, the hedgehog is an alpha, a particularly dominant and aggressive one at that. Sonic would never escape the shame cast upon him if Shadow discovered the truth. It would ruin everything. He couldn’t be away from home with a heat starting. His smell would become too strong to hide. So, he had raced home carelessly, but not fast enough not to fall through fake ground into a trap that snapped shut upon detecting his weight.

The second person who knows he’s an omega is… Eggman. They coordinated schedules. He didn’t understand secondary genders either, but likened it to a human’s “time of the month” and didn’t want to be around it. Sonic’s leg tapped furiously against the wall of the small box. Eggman wasn’t even here. He was stuck. His body was vibrating with nervous, trapped energy, but it wasn’t enough to get through the metal. His legs would start to tremble soon enough. His heart pounded faster once he was aware of the growing tingling between his legs. He didn’t have much time before his body leaked his true smell and alerted any alphas nearby. THE alpha near by.

But thank Chaos the ground began to shake. A soft whirring carried through the air accompanied by occasional thuds. One of Eggman’s mechs was crawling its way to the hole. Sonic never thought he’d be happy to see this guy. He got onto his knees and hit his fist on the roof of the cage. “Hey, Egghead! Let me out!”

“After years of battling, I have finally caught you! Why would I go and do a thing like that?” The mech had some sort of magnetic arm that reached down into the hole. Sonic was jostled onto his butt as his box stuck to the magnet. He was lifted up face level to Eggman.

Sonic gripped the bars of the cage. He looks around them. Empty. No sign of his friends or Shadow. Still, he whispered. “Look, I know you’re excited and all, but you have to let me out. I’m going into heat.”

There was an uncomfortable silence and an even more uncomfortable look from the human. He cleared his throat. “Impossible. It’s scheduled to start next tuesday.”

“I know. It’s irregular. Sometimes when an omega goes long enough without a mate—“ Sonic cut himself off with a groan. He felt warmth stir in his belly. He tried to shake the bars of the cage. “I thought you were supposed to be some kind of genius. Do you REALLY think I move through these open spaces so slowly I would fall in a poorly dug hole? Or that I’m so oblivious I wouldn’t see your weak ass attempt at hiding it with fake leaves? Or even that I couldn’t break this cage to pieces with a single spin-dash if you did manage to catch me?”

Another moment of silence. Then Eggman mumbles, “I feel like a little bit of that was uncalled for.” He sets the box down, then uses the control panel in the mech to laser the top of off. “Besides, I forgot this trap was even here. It’s quite old.”

Sonic pushes the lid aside and leaps out of it. Without another word to his enemy, he’s off. Again, not as quick as he’d like to be. But then he smells something. So sweet and warm and inviting. He can’t place it at first but finds himself running that way. His mind is clouding. He smells the air and briefly closes his eyes. Honey, coffee, and… Lavender? Oh, no. Sonic opens his eyes again, but it’s too late. Sonic crashes into Shadow’s back near the stream outside his cave.

They fly to the ground, Sonic landing right on top of the alpha. He scrambles to get off of Shadow as the dark hedgehog groans. “What the hell…?” He turns over and his face scrunches in anger when he sees Sonic. “Sonic!” He grabs Sonic by the bandana and yanks him close to his face to get a look at him. Sonic yelps and tugs at Shadow’s wrist, trying to get his bandana back against his gland, but—it’s too late.

Shadow’s brows shift from knitted in anger to knitted in confusion. He breathes deeply, scenting the air. His eyes widened as he looked Sonic up and down. “Woah… You really are a faker.”

Sonic squirmed under his violating gaze. He kicked at Shadow harder and harder until he finally let go. He scooted away and hid his face in his hands. Fuck.

“Well, then. I truly must be the ultimate life form. Sonic the hedgehog is merely an omega. How quaint.” Shadow gets to his feet and folds his arms, looking down at Sonic in a subtle display of dominance.

Sonic began to cry. He’d like to blame it on his hormones, but he was devastated. He had to grieve their relationship. It must be changed forever now. Did this really confirm to Shadow that he’s better? That means no point in racing, or play fighting. Would he even team up with a lowly omega? His head was spiraling quickly. Little whimpers left his throat. He’ couldn’t stop them.

But then he felt static electricity fill the air around him. His quills bristled and his fur stood on end. A whooshing sound echoed around him. He rubbed his eyes and blinked away his tears to take a look. Shadow was circling him, creating a ring of bright red-orange. The air pushing towards him smelled of Shadow, like it all came from him. Sonic watched him with a bit of awe on his face. He slowly calmed down as that nice alpha scent washed over him. Sonic’s legs shifted open just slightly.

Shadow skids to a stop in front of Sonic. There’s an expression of disgust to his face, his lip pulled up under a wrinkled muzzle. “Relax. I’m scenting you from a distance, so you can get home safely.”

Sonic should’ve questioned that. Why wouldn’t he get home safely? Shadow is the only alpha to worry about on the island. He didn’t give this too much thought though. He just thought it smelled nice. It was clouding his head further, like his body felt safe and ready to go into heat.

“Go, Sonic,” Shadow mumbled, folding his arms and looking away from the omega.

Sonic gripped the grass in his fingers in an attempt to ground himself. His eyes glazed up Shadow’s body. He wondered what his hands look like. Where do those red stripes end up?

“I said get out of here!” Shadow snarled, whipping to face Sonic.

Sonic nearly jumped out of his skin. He scrambled to his feet with a bit of a wobble. He felt shivers run up and down his spine. He wanted to obey, but he didn’t. Slick started to ooze just a little, parting the lips between his legs. He took a step towards Shadow. “Shadow…”

Shadow smelled the air and bristled, his quills standing up in all directions. There was something in his eyes. His pupils grew and his irises glowed. The fur on his chest rose and fell quickly. He swiftly hit Sonic with a fist to the nose.

Sonic yelped and fell back on his ass. He gripped his muzzle. The pain chased away the brain fog. He got a grip on just a bit of clarity. And a lot of embarrassment. His face flushed. Blood outlined his nostrils. It’s all he could smell now, the copper. He couldn’t bring himself to look at Shadow again. He climbed to his feet and ran through the island back to his and Tails’ home. He barreled through the door and crashed into Tails on the way to his bedroom.

“Wah!” Tails dropped his tools and barely caught himself by grabbing hold of the counter. “Sonic, what’s going on?”

Sonic gripped Tails’ shoulders tightly. He felt choked up on the words. “H…heat. Early.”

Tails made an ‘oh’ face and took Sonic’s arm. “It’s okay. Come on, I’ll help you get settled.”

Sonic nodded, heaving breaths as he let Tails guide him to his bedroom. His face was still hot in embarrassment. Shadow… saw him like that… smelled him like that…

Tails helped Sonic to the back of the large room. The blue hedgehog climbed into the oversized hammock and looked around. It had an astounding one pillow and one blanket. He huffed and gripped the blanket with shaking hands. “I’ve got it.” Tails walked around the room, picking up each pillow and blanket from the cluttered floor. Sonic began to relax a little with each addition to his nest. He pushed and pulled and fluffed until he made a suitable, cozy home. He always made it too big though. Like it was for two.

When he saw Tails watching, he looked away shamefully and squeezed his legs shut Tails came close. “I was just waiting to help.” The kind fox leans over the nest, but he’s careful not to touch it. He pulls off Sonic’s shoes, then slowly unravels the support bandages around Sonic’s feet. Sonic gives Tails his hands. The fox gently pulls off his gloves and unravels the bandages there. Sonic flexes his hands. He’ll need the bandages back later and tighter. His hands will ache in the coming days. Finally, Tails reaches around Sonic to untie his bandana. As Tails pulls it away, it passes Sonic’s nose.

In a movement faster than a blink, Sonic grabs his wrist. “Wait!” Tails looks at him, confused. Sonic lets go and gently pulls the bandana back into his own hands. “I’m going to hold onto it.”

“Okay,” Tails said softly. He gave Sonic a hug. “I’ll stick around the house this week. Tell me if you need anything, okay?”

Sonic hugs back with one arm, clutching the bandana in his opposite hand. He nods. Tails lets him go and slowly leaves with the same hesitation as always. The second Sonic’s door shuts, he shoves the bandana in his nose and inhales. Alpha. It smelled like an alpha. The heat took over.

His pussy split open as his hole began to pulse, suddenly aware of its emptiness. Sonic whined and rolled onto his belly. Damnit. He almost had too much pride to do this… He smoothed the bandana down onto his nest and nuzzled his face in it to be surrounded by the smell. He kept forcing himself to think of it as just an alpha smell. No one’s in particular. An alpha. A creature Sonic craved on a carnal level. A creature Sonic had never gotten to have.

Sonic’s hand slips along his belly beneath himself. His middle finger glides down his slit across his clit. He shudders and sinks his finger right into himself. Even though it’s small, his hot walls cling to it. He bet that would feel good to Sh… an alpha. He huffs softly into the bandana as he pumps his finger. He arches his back, lifting his hips up. It would be bigger. He slots another finger inside himself. “Hmm~” Bigger. Sonic moves in a third. He clenches his jaw. It hurts at first, but he can do it for an alpha. He moves his fingers slowly, stretching at his walls. He moans in delight when his fingertips brush the bundle of nerves behind his belly. “Right there~”

He moves his fingers faster, recklessly, pounding himself the best he can. His cunt drools onto the bed and makes soft squelching noises against his hand. There was a tensing in his groin, a building fire. He closed his thighs around his wrist. “Cum in me. Please. Please, alpha~” he whimpered. He closed his eyes tightly and imagined it. How warm and fulfilling it must be. The knot in his belly suddenly snapped, and his pussy started convulsing on the inside and out as he came. He mewled a long moan and slowly let his hips drop onto the bed. A slight pang throbbed in his hole from the careless stretch. He took out two of his fingers and sighed a long sigh.

He felt peace in the front of his mind, but he could still feel a restlessness in his chest and a fire in his belly in the background. As usual, true satisfaction wouldn’t find its way to him. He would do what he could with his hands and tools he’s stolen from Tails. The walls of his nest felt far away and an overpowering loneliness flowed into him. He clutched his bandana to his chest. It’s going to be another long heat.

Chapter Text

Only two days have passed, and Shadow’s scent had already faded from the thin bandana. Sonic spent too much time rubbing his face on it. It smelled like himself now. He had tossed it aside onto the floor in frustration. His knuckles ached, his hole felt simultaneously empty and stretched out. He’d only had the company of his fingers. They worked day in and day out, but they hurt so badly now that he weakly ground his pussy against the corner of a pillow. The hammock rocked gently. He had his hands back wrapped tightly in his bandages. The compression was helpful, but each movement sent a heavy pain through his bones.

His gaze was nearsighted. He could only see to the edge of the nest and no further. Empty. It was empty. He felt that emptiness in his chest too, not just his groin. What had Shadow smelled like? It was… coffee. And something sweet. Honey. And then… lavender. Sonic rubbed his head against the nest, trying to smooth his quills. He was beyond the point of worrying about his thoughts or cravings. He’s always had… occasional thoughts about Shadow. He was the only alpha around. But this time it had been each moment since his heat began this week. And he couldn’t give a shit about that in this moment.

He was painfully alone. But in his head, it wasn’t so bad. He replayed each fight with Shadow, slowly tracing their closeness in his mind, Shadow’s touch and smell. He’d take another hit to the face right now if it meant Shadow would touch him.

Sonic hadn’t realized his hearing was muffled until a knocking broke through. It was Amy. His ear twitched. “Hey, Sonic. I heard you’re back in rut. Just thought I’d… check in.”

Sonic groaned and his ears flattened against his head. Tails mumbled from behind the door, likely trying to pull her away. He pushed his voice very hard to keep it from coming out as a whine. “I’m fine. I don’t want any help.”

“One day, you’ll let me help you, and you’ll wish you’d have let me sooner,” Amy hums. She’s trying to sound appealing, it seems.

“I don’t want you, I want-“ Sonic clamped his hands over his mouth to keep the name from escaping. He whined softly at the throb in his hands. They smelled sickly sweet. He wasn’t a fan. But he had a thought. His ears perked up. “S-Say, won’t you do me a favor?”

“What is it?” Tails chimed in immediately.

“Could you… hm, gather some things for me?” Sonic’s quills slowly perk up.

“Of course! What do you need?”

“Coffee, honey, lavender.”

The other side of the door is quiet briefly, then Amy speaks up. “What do you need all those for? They seem pretty unrelated.”

“Just… please~” Sonic let out a whimper, essentially begging at this point.

“Okay, okay. I’ll go pick some lavender,” Tails said.

Amy followed with, “I’ll brew you some coffee. But for the record, I don’t think you should drink it. You move fast enough as it is.”

Sonic closed his eyes and felt a moment of calm once he was assured these things. “Don’t forget the honey…”

———————————————

Tails pulled away from the door, sighing softly. He walks to the front door and grabs his satchel off of the coat rack. “There’s coffee grounds in the cupboard next to the fridge. Honey’s on the counter.”

“Alright.” Amy nods with a look of determination.

“And Amy… please don’t go in his room. Just leave it by his door.” Tails looks at her seriously, hoping she’ll listen.

Amy’s stature deflates a little, but she nods.

Tails walks out the door. He looks at the tech on his wrist and pulls up a map of the area. “Okay, so the lavender field is… that way.” Tails marks it and starts spinning his tails yo take to the air. He glides over hills and palm trees straight to the field. The journey takes him about ten minutes. He’s careful of his feet as he sets down in the field of purple flowers. He grabbed scissors from his bag and clipped one of the stems. He lifted it to his nose and almost immediately sneezed. Tails shivers and sticks it in his back. He doesn’t know why Sonic wants these, but he’ll help his best friend any way he can.

Nearby, there was a skidding on some grass. Tails turns his head and gulps when he sees Shadow standing at the crest of the nearest hill. He quickly puts his hands in front of his face. “We can talk about… whatever the issue is.” Tails’ fur puffed up nervously. He could count on one hand the amount of times Shadow approached him and didn’t take a swing at him.

Shadow didn’t show any sort of reaction to his words. He started a different conversation. “I can smell him on you.”

Tails lowered his hands. “Oh… you know? Wow, alphas really do have a great sense of smell. I haven’t been in his room in days. Pollen season must be terrible for you.”

Shadow rolled his eyes at what he perceived as rambling. “Aren’t you supposed to be home taking care of him?” His voice became raspier as he spoke. There was a hint of something angry in his tone.

Tails frowned. “Yeah, but he asked me to get this lavender for him.”

Shadow put a hand on his hip, cocking it. “Lavender…? Did he ask for anything else?”

Tails nodded. He went back to trimming the flowers and stuffing them in his satchel. “Yeah. Honey and coffee for some reason. He didn’t tell us what it was for. He gets a bit—“ his words fall away when he looks to see Shadow has disappeared. He mutters under his breath something about rudeness. He decides he’s gathered enough lavender and spins his tails to head home.

———————————————-

Back in the bedroom, the smell of fresh coffee was wafting under Sonic’s door. It wasn’t right. Shadow’s smell was dry and rich. This was watered down, but it definitely helped Sonic imagine the right smell. The other tones were still missing though.

Eventually a knock came on his door again. It was Tails. “I got the lavender. Can I bring it to you?”

Sonic clears his throat and tucks a pillow up tight between his legs to hide himself. “Y-Yeah. But not Amy.”

After some shuffling, Tails opens the door as little as possible to slide in. He pushes the door shut behind him with his elbow. He walks over to the nest. He gives Sonic the bottle of honey and sets the mug of coffee on the little table by the hammock. Then he opens his back and removes the lavender. Sonic holds out his tired hands. Tails sets the flowers in them, and the hedgehog brings it to his nose and inhales deeply. It was pleasant. He opened the lid to the honey and smelled that too. All these smells were separate. It wasn’t quite right. Shadow was a simultaneous amalgamation of these scents. Sonic sighs deeply, feeling a little disappointment. It was better than nothing though.

Tails pursed his lips and pushed the hammock away gently. He let go, and it began rocking gently. Sonic yawned and tried to look relaxed. Tails bid him goodbye and left the room. Tears filled Sonic’s eyes. Yearning filled his chest and his groin. He tucked extra flowers into the nest around him and left one by his face. So many years alone. Would he really have to spend the rest of his life with no mate? Isn’t that what he wanted? Freedom. Not in this moment. This isn’t freedom.

Footsteps trodded along the roof. The roof? Sonic looked up with furrowed brows, but he couldn’t see that far. He rubbed his eyes, getting the tears out, but it didn’t help. He could tell the light from his skylight became blocked though. There was a snapping sound and a creak. Then a thud as something fell to the floor next to Sonic’s hammock. What the hell? There’s a clack, then the light returns and the footsteps disappear into the distance.

Sonic grunts softly as he pulls himself to the edge of his hammock. He leans over it. There’s a pillow on his floor. A seriously ragged pillow. It was leaking stuffing. About half of it was gone already. It had clearly been ripped and… bitten? Sonic reached out and pulled it close. The smell hit him like a mobile brick wall. Shadow.

His head began to spin. Shadow’s pillow. Sonic quickly pulls it into the nest and presses his chest and face into it. He nuzzles it and purrs softly. He suddenly didn’t feel so alone. Extra slick readily oozed between his legs. He pushed his own pillow away. He gripped Shadow’s pillow tightly. His gums throbbed. It smelled so much stronger than his bandana had. This had been thoroughly used by the alpha.

Sonic gazes across the pillow with salacious eyes. He slowly opens his mouth and presses his teeth into the pillow over some marks left by Shadow’s. He bit down and licked the fabric between his teeth. He wondered if any of Shadow’s saliva lingered on it. His face started burning along with his pussy. His other hand found its way back between his legs. Two fingers quickly entered himself. His joints screamed at him, but he pushed through the best he could. He pumped his fingers unsteadily and closed his eyes. He licked and sucked on the pillow as Shadow’s smell filled his mouth and nostrils. He could taste him.

Chapter Text

3

Three days later, Sonic came to his senses rather abruptly. His heat had been letting up slowly over the day. He had wanted to sleep off the back end of it instead of using his poor hand yet again. So he’d fallen asleep, and when he woke up, his head was clear. This meant the smell coming off the ratty pillow in his arms sent a spark up his spine. He bristled and shoved the pillow off of the hammock. His heart pounded as he peered over the hammock at the thing. Right, it’s just the pillow. He thought for a moment it was Shadow. Pillow… Shadow… Shadow’s pillow. Sonic swung his legs over the edge of the hammock and laced his fingers over his lap in a strangely calm position. His fur, matted with dried slick was so itchy. He’d need to shower for an hour minimum. He stared at the pillow. Shadow must have dropped it through the skylight those days ago. Why? And what had Sonic done to it? It was stained and brittle with slick. Looking around, most of the stuffing was now tucked into his nest. It looked sad and used. Not really a reflection of its owner.

Oh, god. Shadow knows he’s an omega now. Sonic hides his face in his hands. He made such a fool of himself last time they met. His only hope was that Shadow remained stoic about it, happy to avoid awkward conversation. Sonic lays back in his nest and lets his head hang over the other end of the hammock. His bandana lays sprawled on the floor. Guess he doesn’t need to hide his scent anymore. That might actually be kind of nice. He sighs deeply. He’s made such a mess. He stretches his arms then rubs his palms with his thumbs. After a little more dwelling on his mistakes, he finally gets to his feet for the first time in days. He groans and leans every which way to stretch the muscles and ligaments in his legs. He runs in place for a bit. He really needed to go for an actual run, but he had to clean his room and himself up first. He started deconstructing his nest. He picked out the lavender, forced himself not to smell it, and threw it away. He gathered the stuffing and put it in a pile on the floor. He made a separate pile with his blankets and pillows. He picked up Shadow’s pillow with a sigh. He should give it back, right? Would Shadow even want it? It stinks, and it’s practically in pieces. Again, why did he even give it to Sonic?

Sonic tilts his head, running his thumbs over the bites and tears in the poor pillow. He’ll get Amy to fix it. She’s a fantastic seamstress. It’ll be like it’s brand new. There will be no evidence that he tore into its flesh, gripped it like the last ledge between him and a mile drop, or that he had rubbed himself all over it day in and day out like he had an addiction. He’d prefer it that way, right? As would Shadow, he’s sure.

A couple hours of cleaning the room and scrubbing himself later, Sonic’s legs are buzzing with energy, still itching for a run. He was ready to see Amy now. Shadow’s pillow had been thoroughly washed. Sonic had it in his arms now. He had shoved the stuffing back in through the various holes and did his best to plug them with his hands. It smelled… blank now. Truly, it smelled like fresh linens, but it might as well be scentless. No trace of alpha or omega. No longer any sort of special.

“Are you ready, Tails?” Sonic’s foot tapped furiously on the wood beneath.

Tails sighed and swung his satchel over his shoulder. “I don’t know why you’re asking me, you’re just going to-“

Tails putting on the bag was a signal to Sonic that he was, so the hedgehog was out the door in a flash of blue electricity. He still planned to arrive at the same time as Tails, so he went through loops and over hills with a grin stretched on his face. It felt amazing to get all of his energy out. Relief flowed through his lower body.

Eventually he decided on running back and forth in front of Amy’s cottage until she opened her door and put her hands on her hips. “I see someone’s rut is over.”

Sonic skids to a stop in front of her. “Haha, yeah, finally. But, uh, I kind of…” Sonic holds out the pillow.

“Oh my god.” Amy covers her muzzle as she looks over the thing. Her mind seems to wander a bit as she reaches for it.

Sonic instinctively pulls it back against his chest, his ears rotating back. Amy looks up at him inquisitively. Sonic shakes himself off a bit and clears his throat. What is he doing? It’s just a stupid pillow. He holds it out again. “Yeah, so, I was hoping you could fix it.”

Tails lands softly next to Sonic on Amy’s doorstep. “I don’t understand why you won’t just throw it out. We can get you a new pillow.”

Sonic groans softly. “I can’t throw it out. It’s not… just fix it please.” He shakes the pillow in front of Amy.

Amy slowly takes the pillow from him. “I’ll see what I can do, but you really put some work into this thing, huh?” She walks inside and the boys follow. “Is that why you won’t let me help you? You’re afraid to bite me or scratch me?”

“What? No.” Some heat finds its way to Sonic’s face. “Can we please stop talking about my rut?” He collapses on Amy’s loveseat, kicking his feet up on the other end. Tails curls up in the armchair.

“Fine, fine.” Amy sighs softly and leaves for another room. A moment later, she’s back with sewing supplies. She pushes Sonic’s feet off her couch and sits down where they had been. Sonic huffs and leans against the back of the couch. Amy sweetly hums a tune as tucks all the stuffing in nice and neat. She finds some white string and threads the needle. “You should probably go see Knuckles though. You kind of ditched him without a word last week.”

Sonic rubs his face. “Oh, right. I’ll check in with him after I get this sorted out.” Tails cocks a brow at Sonic over the importance of the pillow. Sonic gives him a look that says something like ‘shut up, I’ll tell you later’.

“So what’ve you been working on while you were home this week?” Amy asks the fox. Sonic allows himself to tune out. He watches Amy’s fingers. She had such a gentle touch and slow articulation to her fingers. It was a kindness the pillow hadn’t seen before. Sonic felt bored of it. Flashbacks of his shaking hands clenching it and his claws digging in crossed his mind. He saw Shadow’s hands too. The red strip that dipped into his glove. He wondered where it ended. Did it taper away or did it go to the tip of his fingers? And which fingers?

“Sonic? Earth to Sonic. It’s fixed.” Amy hits Sonic over the head with the neatly embroidered pillow.

Sonic flinched, then grabbed it from her. A quiet growl tickled his throat. Damnit. Isn’t his heat over and done with? Why is he still thinking about the alpha? Must be the damn pillow. He’s got to get rid of it. He should’ve never taken it anyways. “Thanks, Amy. I’d stay longer, but I should…”

“We’re going to see Knuckles before his afternoon nap,” Tails answers for him thankfully.

Sonic nods along to that. He’s out the door quickly, but he doesn’t run off further than that. He just didn’t want to have to explain himself any more. He’s going to fuck up eventually. It’s another minute or two before Tails makes his way out and shuts the door after him. Sonic starts walking to the river behind Amy’s house. Tails is by his side as they continue walking alongside the water. Its soft babbling is quite soothing.

“So?” Tails looks up at Sonic.

“So what?” Sonic tucks the pillow under his arm.

“What’s the deal with the pillow? And where are we going?” Tails watches Sonic’s face.

Sonic’s ears twitch. He looks along the river into the distance. It leads to a rather mountainous section of Green Hill where Shadow had found his home. They had offered to build a proper house for Shadow, but the alpha had insisted a cold, dark, wet cave was sufficient. “It’s not mine. Shadow gave it to me.”

Tails swallows this information. He looks up ahead of them as well, piecing enough together. “He asked about you. When I was out in the lavender fields.”

Sonic looks to Tails with an embarrassing shine in his eyes. “He did?”

“Yeah. How did he find out you’re…?”

Sonic sighs and switches his gaze to his feet. “I ran into him when my heat started. Literally.”

“That’s… really unlucky.” Tails seemed like he was trying not to show signs of amusement.

“Tell me about it,” the omega mumbles.

“Well, maybe it’s not so bad.” Tails shrugs, smiling.

Sonic looks up at the mouth of the cave as it comes into view. “Yeah? How?”

“Did it help you?”

Sonic squints at the darkness ahead of them. There’s something in it. Two small orbs glowing softly. Red. “Did what help me?”

“The pillow.”

Sonic glances from Tails back to the cave. “I mean, it… it’s…” Something’s off about what he sees in the black. Then they move together. Eyes. They’re eyes.

And suddenly the body they belong to lights up in a red-orange glow. Shadow glides straight towards him at a speed that blurred his features. Sonic didn’t have much time to react, but he managed to get far enough away from Tails that the fox didn’t go down with him when he was thrusted onto the ground by Shadow. Sonic fell on his back and smacked his head on a large rock by the riverbed. The water roared in his ears, and it wasn’t soothing anymore. Shadow grabbed his neck and dragged him away from the rock to pin him down on the ground. He shuts his eyes tightly. His head was spinning. Water flowed through his quills. His head was in the edge of the river. The water splashed against his cheek and temple as his face was in the way of the current. Particularly hard pushes from the water glided over the top of his muzzle, falling into his mouth and nose. Panic was quick to rise in Sonic’s chest. His head is pinned in the water. He has to be careful when he breathes as not to take in water. When he does breathe, he gets no air. Only Shadow. Only his unique mix of smells stronger than ever filling his body. His hands find Shadow’s chest. He grips the fur tightly and attempts to straighten his arms, pushing as hard as he can, but Shadow’s chest is tense and firm as if it was a titanium wall. Pushing was fruitless.

Sonic gasped. “Shads… Shadow! The—“ he coughs, “the river.” As far as Sonic can tell, not a single muscle in Shadow’s body moves. It’s as if he’s a marble statue. Sonic slowly opens his eyes to look up at Shadow, but his lids flinch each time water splatters on his face. A few things were off about Shadow. Firstly, his red was RED. His red markings were typically a color similar to blood, but now they’re vivid, artificial. They’re a red like how Sonic imagined Eve’s apple to wear. He must’ve shed his quills. They were sticking out in all directions too, a sharp contrast to Shadow’s typically well groomed appearance. And despite the brightness of the day, Shadow’s pupils were massive as they poured into Sonic’s, a sharp contrast to the glowing irises. His expression was… primal. Hungry. Sonic’s fur and quills slowly started standing on end. His chest slingshotted up and down with frantic breaths. This must be what a real rut looks like. The scariest part was what’s missing. Shadow isn’t wearing his inhibitor rings.

“Let him up, Shadow! He’s going to choke.” Tails steps towards them with a look of determination on his face, but his eyes betray fear. Shadow’s head snaps around to look at Tails. He’s silent. Shadow’s never been talkative, but this is unnerving. Tails’ ears flatten and his tails curve between his legs, but he stands his ground. He was about to say something else, but Sonic interjected desperately.

“Shadow!” Sonic moves one of his hands to touch Shadow’s face. Shadow’s grip tightens around Sonic’s throat, but he doesn’t look at him. He’s seeing Tails as a threat. They’re in a stalemate. If Tails makes a move, so will Shadow. Sonic whimpers and wheezes. “Tails, go.”

Tails frowns, looking at the two of them. He clearly doesn’t understand what’s going on. He’s just trying to help his friend. “He didn’t do anything! Let Sonic go.”

Shadow shifts just a little and Sonic rapidly fumbles at his bandana under Shadow’s hand. He rips it away and closes his eyes. He focuses on putting out his scent. It isn’t hard with the way Shadow’s is infecting his body. He feels Shadow shift again. Sonic slowly opens his eyes. Shadow is staring at his neck, breathing deeply. Prickling lit up Sonic’s skin. Tingles rolled up his spine. Fear. He felt fear. He was putting himself at risk to be bitten, but he had to keep Shadow’s attention on himself. Fighting was useless. He would only end up getting hurt or getting Tails hurt. He could try to run, but he could tell by the look in Shadow’s eyes that the alpha would hunt him down and tear through anyone in his way. Sonic’s voice is weak and trembling. “Let me make you a nest.”

Shadow gives the briefest nod. He grabs Sonic by the waist and pulls them both up. He picks Sonic up in his arms and heads back for his cave. Sonic lets out a soft whine, watching Tails get further away over Shadow’s shoulder. “Don’t come after us! I’ll be fine!” He couldn’t say more before He was engulfed in the cave’s darkness. He wondered if that was a lie.

Chapter Text

Sonic had never been in Shadow’s cave before. The alpha guarded his privacy closely. It was wildly underwhelming upon entering. It was like a small room, just a chip inside the face of the mountain. There was nothing in it either. Sonic frowned. He lives here? But Shadow kept moving. He leaned over, dipping Sonic and bringing their bodies closer together. There was a tight tunnel in the back he hadn’t seen. Shadow had to duck and hold Sonic close to get through. His chest fur tickled the omega’s muzzle. Sonic inhaled deeply. His fur smelled so nice. He leans his nose into it. It’s soft too.

After a few more steps, Shadow stands up straight. They’ve entered a much larger cavern now. It was lit just barely by some string lights trailing across the walls and the reflection of a pool of water on the roof of the cave. Under the lights were a few childish drawings here and there. In the center of the space was a thin mattress. On it was a tattered pillow and a single quilt. The space was largely empty. An old record player sat against the wall next to a guitar. Shadow’s rings laid on a flat rock in the corner next to a blue sweater Sonic had never seen before.

His observations were interrupted as Shadow tossed him onto the bed. Sonic yelped and looked up at the alpha. His arms were crossed. He looked down at Sonic, tapping his foot. He tried to ignore the blood flowing to his groin as he was engulfed by the scent of Shadow and sex that was stained into the bed. Sonic smiled nervously, glancing around the bed. There was basically nothing to work with. He cleared his throat and slowly moved around the blanket. It was quite flat. It wouldn’t hold the shape he gave it. The pillow felt out of place no matter where he put it. Discomfort found its way into his belly. He’s unable to make a proper nest. They need more supplies. “Um, could you bring me that sweater?”

“No.” Shadow said stiffly.

“Okay…” Sonic reaches back to squeeze his quills, leaning his head over so the water from his head falls onto the cave floor. “Well, if you let me go back to my place, I—“

“No.”

“Right.” Sonic takes a deep breath. His heart starts pumping faster. Are they going to have sex? He’s never been with someone before. And with Shadow? His rival? The idea was completely overwhelming. He slowly felt his thoughts running away from him. The smells, the hit to his head, the blood flowing to his pussy all worked to reduce his wit. His body starts to tremble. He looks over Shadow again. It seems like he hasn’t blinked since he laid eyes on the omega. He was trembling too or more like vibrating. Sparks occasionally flicked out of his hands and shoulders. He seemed sort of stuck standing there for some reason. Like he had forgotten he can move. Sonic tried to look confident as he reached out, offering his hand. Shadow looked at it for a moment, then slid his hand into Sonic’s. His gloves are off. The red stripe widens to coat the center of his hand. It wraps around his middle and ring fingers. His claws are long and black. His fur is matted with… Sonic leans forward a bit. He smells blood. Looking closer, bites laid within the fur. Shadow had been biting his own hands. Skin was missing from his knuckles too. What had he done to them? How long had he been in rut fighting his urges? Sonic felt guilt wash over him. Shadow had managed to restrain himself until Sonic got too close to his home. A soft sound pierced the silence. Shadow was smelling the air. Sonic looked up at this face the moment Shadow looked down at Sonic’s crotch. He must’ve picked up the slick starting to coat Sonic’s pussy.

In a flash, Sonic was pinned down in the makeshift nest. Shadow had slotted his hips between Sonic’s legs. The omega could feel Shadow’s cock unsheathe. His tip slid up Sonic’s pussy, parting it and tasting its slick. Shadow’s quills bristled as he inhaled sharply. His grip on Sonic’s wrists made his hands start tingling as they lost blood flow. Sonic was panting hard now. He felt desire. He felt the urge to open his legs as wide as they’d go, the urge to maneuver his hips until he swallowed Shadow’s cock whole. But he was afraid. Afraid of the pain that would come and… of being knotted. “Y-You have, uh, condoms somewhere?”

“I’m trying so hard not to do this to you… I don’t want you.” Shadow growled softly, his claws digging into Sonic’s wrists. Suddenly the blue hedgehog felt as if his chest had been ripped open, exposing his beating heart to the air that might as well have been acid. But this is normal banter. Shadow claimed to hate him and called him names all the time and Sonic fired right back. Why does it feel different now? He looked into Shadow’s eyes, but he was hardly recognizable like this. He looked crazy. Until his pupils constricted slightly and his mouth turned further down. Seems like it felt different for Shadow to say now too. He let go of Sonic’s wrists almost as an apology. His pupils grew again and any sense faded from his expression. “You smell so good.” Shadow parted his mouth. Drool slowly escaped his lips. The tips of his canines peeked under his top lip. Sonic shivers and raises his shoulders in a weak attempt to hide his glands. But he was flattered. And thankfully able to forget the pain Shadow’s earlier declaration caused. Shadow likes his scent. Shadow grabbed Sonic’s thigh and pinned it down against the bed. He leaned forward.

Sonic squeaked as Shadow’s tip pressed between the lips of his pussy. He tried to shut his legs but the alpha on top of him didn’t give him an inch. He couldn’t let this happen like this. The results could be catastrophic. And he was running out of time to steer Shadow away before either or both of them took the final step. He couldn’t overpower Shadow, so he had to try another route. “Lay down.”

“What?” Shadow won’t look at him, his chin nestled in his own chest fur as he looks down between Sonic’s legs.

“You must be exhausted. I see you’ve been fighting your rut. You can relax now.” Sonic moves his fingers through Shadow’s fur to touch his jaw.

Shadow rumbles quietly and the sound makes Sonic’s heart flutter. The alpha presses against the touches. He seemed to think for a bit, then he gave in and rolled over on his back. He tucked his arms behind his head and chewed on his bottom lip. “What, you going to ride?”

“Ride?” Sonic gulped. His eyes trailed from Shadow’s face down his body to his cock. It was standing tall with an upward curve to it. It was bright red and swollen. Maybe it was a different color when he was out of rut. Sonic whimpered softly. That was the thing made to fit in omegas? Where would it all go?

“I’m done waiting.” Shadow reached to grab Sonic’s hips but he was quick enough to escape those hands. He was low on the bed now, face to face with the damn thing. He didn’t give Shadow time to try and grab him again before he put his mouth around the tip. Wow, it was hot. Almost uncomfortably so.

Sonic believed this would be a good enough distraction to protect his womb from Shadow’s raw wrath. He didn’t consider the whole other can of worms giving his mouth to Shadow would open. The alpha gasped. It was high pitch, strange coming from him. He grabbed hold of Sonic’s quills and shoved his head down against his groin. His cock forced its way down Sonic’s throat. Sonic made a distressed noise as his fur puffed up. He opened his mouth as wide as he could but it didn’t open his tight throat. Saliva trailed down Shadow’s base into his fur. Sonic had to put all of his focus on breathing. Each breath was a choked stutter, dry and raspy as the cock pressed against his windpipe. Shadow closed his thighs around Sonic’s head. He groaned quietly and rolled his hips, pushing his groin up against Sonic’s muzzle. Sonic gagged when it moved in his throat. He looked up at Shadow. There’s an expression he’s never seen before. His brows are loose, his eyelids are low, lips parted just enough to show the tips of his teeth. He was looking down at Sonic with a sort of… appreciation?

A few more minutes of grinding and his expression changes again. He pulls Sonic off of his dick, leaving the other hedgehog gasping for hair. He pushes Sonic over onto his back. Shadow gets up and straddles Sonic’s head. He grabs Sonic’s face to hold his mouth open and doesn’t hesitate to plunge his cock back inside. He braced his hands on the mattress and leaned forward. He thrusted against Sonic’s face. Sonic grunts as his nose and pushed in. He put his hands around Shadow’s hips. Shadow started an unsteady pace, pushing all the way in each time and hitting Sonic’s face with his groin. Sonic flinched each time. His claws slowly sunk into Shadow. The alpha panted softly. His movements were sloppy and irregular. “It’s so tight in there… and wet.” He grunted and thrusted particularly hard. Sonic gagged again and closed his eyes. He’s relieved his throat is enough to please the alpha. Sonic opened his eyes when he felt even more pressure on the roof of his mouth and his tongue. His eyes opened wide. He rasped a breath as he tried to speak. He shook his head and pushed at Shadow’s hips.

Shadow ignored him. In fact, he started moving faster. Sonic was struggling to communicate his concern, but he realized he and Shadow could communicate in a way they couldn’t with others. Sonic let out a long whine. Shadow looked down at his face. He rested his hand on Sonic’s head and rubbed it with his thumb. He rumbled softly back, and there’s a plea inside of it. He didn’t stop his movements though, and his body reacted before the conversation could continue.

Shadow moaned loudly and nestled his crotch against Sonic’s face, pressing as much of himself in Sonic’s mouth and throat as possible. A stream of cum plummeted right down into Sonic’s stomach, some coating the walls of his esophagus. Sonic tried to take a deep breath through his nose but he was stifled by the fluffy fur around Shadow’s base. Shadow’s knot swelled quickly. It forced Sonic’s jaw open wider and wider until it cramped. Sonic grabbed his jaw as pain ripped through it. His muffled cry vibrated through Shadow’s cock. He was desperate to ease the pain, but he couldn’t shut his mouth or move it hardly at all. His teeth sunk into the base of Shadow’s dick in an attempt to lessen the strain on his muscles. Shadow hissed as he was bitten. His body erupted into shivers. He pulled back a bit, but his knot was caught on Sonic’s teeth. It was stuck in his mouth. He was quick to give up, slowly lying down. His weight squished Sonic’s face. The omega couldn’t breathe. He wiggled his head under Shadow. He managed to get out a whimper. Shadow responded this time by turning them onto their sides. He let out a long sigh and wrapped himself around Sonic’s head. Sonic’s chest rose and fell rapid and deep as air was able to penetrate between his nose and Shadow’s fur. The intense pain in his jaw was beginning to fade, leaving him with a few tears staining his muzzle. His jaw was still in an intensely uncomfortable position and aching. At least the alpha seemed relaxed. With deep breaths, Shadow’s belly brushed Sonic’s forehead. He felt comforted by the steady touch until the rhythm changed. The gap between touches was longer and Shadow’s stomach pressed instead of brushed. Sonic also felt his heartbeat throbbing through his knot. It had slowed down. Shadow had fallen asleep. He wonders how long it’s been since Shadow’s found sleep so easily. Sonic was stuck around Shadow’s cock until his knot dissipated. The only thing keeping him from panicking was Shadow’s comforting scent and the way the alpha surrounded him. He did feel… guarded. He wiped any leftover tears from his eyes and tucked his hands under his chin. Nothing to do now but wait.

Chapter Text

It took an hour for Shadow’s knot to shrink. Sonic finally had enough room in his mouth to pull back. The thing was mostly soft, but not quite as it would be out of rut. It was drenched in saliva, slick and dripping. Sonic tenderly tucked it back inside its sheath. His jaw creaked like an old door as he shut it. His salvia was all over his muzzle too. But there wasn’t a drop of cum on him. He rests his hand on his stomach. He must have swallowed it. Holy shit. Shadow’s entire load is sitting in his belly. Sonic winced as he swallowed. It was painful. His throat was raw.

He carefully moved Shadow’s leg off of him and sat up. He rubbed his neck and swallowed again. He looked over to Shadow. He leaned closer towards the alpha’s face. His eyes were glowing through his lids. It’s a little unsettling, as if he’s still watching through them. But he’s still asleep. Sonic climbed out of the bed and walked over to the boulder in the corner. The wall next to it was misshapen with holes and chips with clear impact craters. The floor was littered with rocks of different sizes and gravel. Shadow had been punching the walls. Sonic picked up Shadow’s rings, but his eyes lingered on the sweater. He glanced at Shadow again to make sure he was asleep before picking up the garment and smelling it. It just smelled like Shadow. It must not belong to anyone else living in Green Hill. It would carry some sort of scent even if dated. He wasn’t sure why he couldn’t use it for the nest, but he accepted it. He set it back where it was and returned to the bed.

Sonic pulled Shadow’s hands into his lap. He clasped the rings onto each of his wrists. Shadow’s eyes stopped glowing, and he looked like he was sleeping deeper after. Sonic let out a distorted purr, pleased with that. He picked up one of Shadow’s hands and started grooming it. He knew the alpha would never let him do this while he was awake, so he had to do it now. He licked out all of the dried blood. Strangely, it didn’t taste bitter. It tasted how Shadow smelled. Maybe a bit heavy on the honey. It was sweet. Sonic was happy to lick his wounds and his fur clean. His tongue was gentle over Shadow’s beaten up knuckles. Once Shadow’s hands were groomed, Sonic blew air on Shadow’s knuckles to make sure the raw skin was dry. He unraveled the bandages around his own hands and wrists. He wrapped Shadow to about halfway up his forearms where the last bites rested. Sonic moved up towards Shadow’s head. His quills were still a mess. Sonic moved his fingers through them and leaned to lick, but Shadow grumbled and turned his head away.

His purring stopped as he realized what he’s doing right now. He pulled away and got back to his feet. He sighed softly and rubbed his arm. His heart tugged him to the… the nest. His instincts urged him to curl up against Shadow’s chest. But Shadow didn’t want him. And Sonic didn’t want Shadow. They weren’t mates, lovers, or even friends. They were rivals. Sonic was in the wrong place at the right time, and Shadow’s instincts had gotten the better of him. Neither of them wanted to be together in this way. Maybe now that Shadow had embarrassed himself too, they could agree to pretend it never happened. Well, he hoped the rest of Shadow’s rut wasn’t too destructive to his cave. Sonic forced himself to leave. He ducked down and dragged his hand across the wall of the tunnel as he passed through. He walked outside and groaned at the bright sun assaulting his eyes.

He dashed back home through the door to get inside before the light gave him a headache. He shut the door behind him in a gust of wind before leaning back against it. Looking inside, he’s met with Tails standing in their kitchen, Amy sitting on the counter, Knuckles standing in the living room and—Eggman on their couch?? Oh, Chaos. He understood Knuckles and Amy being there. Tails must’ve been worried for him and considered enlisting the help of Knuckles and Amy to get him back. But “What the fuck is Eggman doing here?” His voice came out strained and raspy.

Tails ran over to Sonic and hugged him tightly. “I’m so glad you’re okay! He came to fight, but I told him you were…”

“You look like shit.” Eggman looked Sonic up and down. The hedgehog’s fur was matted all around his mouth, under his eyes, and his groin. His quills were clumped together in the way Shadow had been gripping them earlier. Eggman’s brows lifted halfway up his bald head. “Shadow found out, didn’t he? This is getting interesting. Tails, where’s my popcorn?”

Tails sighed and let go of Sonic. He gave him a look of fatigue, as if he was already tired of dealing with the human. He turned around and went back into the kitchen. “Coming.”

“Found out what?” Amy got down from the counter to get a closer look at the omega.

“The doctor is right. You do look like shit.” Knuckles cocked a brow at him.

Sonic quickly started fixing his quills. He cleared his throat and swallowed, hoping to steady his voice. “We just… we had a scuffle like usual.” He folded his arms. Then he realized how his mouth must look. He rubbed it with the back of his hand. He cursed himself as his a blush settled on his face. Tails walked back in and handed Eggman a bowl of popcorn. The man seemed content to watch the melodrama in front of him while munching on the snack.

Amy frowned and touched Sonic’s cheek kindly. She turned his chin up and looked at his throat. “You sound horrid. Did he choke you?” She let him go to get him a glass of water.

Sonic sighed deeply and took it from her when she returned. He held up his finger while he downed the glass. It was nice and cold. It was a relief. He should put some ice on his jaw too. He rolled the cool glass along his jaw. “…Yes.” From the inside.

“Well, what the hell was his problem?” Amy folded her arms.

Sonic closed his eyes to hide from her gaze, to hide from all of them. He figured Tails and Eggman could tell by looking at him what happened, which was extremely uncomfortable, and he didn’t know what to tell Amy. “It’s fine. It’s over with now.” Amy stepped behind him and started fixing his quills. He opened his eyes again and looked to the floor.

“Are you sure he will not come for you again?” Knuckles asked.

Sonic let Amy fix his quills but he pulled away when she leaned to groom his face. He felt that was too intimate. And he’s sure if she got close enough she’d smell some hint of semen or sex. “I… Yes, I’m sure. It’s resolved.”

“I’d run a lot farther if I were you,” Eggman commented while he noisily chewed on popcorn.

“You shut up!” Sonic hissed at him. He must not have told the man he was keeping that part of him a secret.

Amy frowned. She took Sonic’s hand and pulled him into the living room. She sat him on the couch. Sonic puffed up a little bit and shot a glare to Eggman sitting next to him. Amy sat on the coffee table in front of him. “What aren’t you telling us?”

“I need him to get out of here first.” Sonic tapped his foot on the floor.

“Fine.” Eggman sighed. He gathered a handful of popcorn and stood up. “I’ll leave you be to handle this situation. But how long is a rut?”

“About a week.” Sonic grumbled through gritted teeth. He was dangerously close to spilling everything. “Get out of my house. Not another word.” He pointed to the door.
Eggman raised one of his hands defensively and ate popcorn out of the other. He left the house.

Knuckles rubbed his chin, thinking. “Shadow’s in rut?”

“Oh, was he being territorial?” Amy tilted her head. Then her brows furrowed. “But Tails said he took you back to his cave.”

Sonic growled in frustration and rubbed his face. By covering it with his hands, he could avoid sending a glare to the fox. He knows he was worried, but he really wished Tails hadn’t said anything. “I’m… I’m not…”

Amy looked him over again, analyzing. Then her eyes widened, and Sonic could see a million thoughts crossing over them. His ears went flat back on his head, waiting to be yelled at for lying or shamed for just being an omega. “This whole time… you’ve been hiding the fact you’re an omega?”

“I… I…” Sonic whimpered, not sure what to tell her. “I’m sorry.” He’s sorry for lying to them. He finally let that part of himself out in front of them as he cried pathetically, balling his hands into fists. He’s just coming out of heat and then he was hit with an alpha’s rut. His hormones are all over the place. He was shocked when Amy hugged him and Knuckles rested his hand on his shoulder.

“You should’ve told us. We would’ve protected you,” Amy pets his head.

Sonic stiffens. “Protected me?”

“From Shadow. You really shouldn’t be around him. If we’d known, we’d have handled whatever you went over there for.” Her words were coated with kindness but they made Sonic’s heart drop to his stomach.

“I can handle Shadow,” Sonic said firmly.

“Well, definitely not while he’s in rut. You should probably stay inside this week too to make sure he doesn’t grab you again.” She leaned in and tried to touch his muzzle again. “Oh, Sonic, what he’d do to you?”

Sonic’s brows pulled low. He pushed her hand away as he felt just a bit of anger bubble up inside him. “I’m fine. And Shadow isn’t after me. I just got too close. He’s been suffering alone for days not sleeping, beating himself up, and he hasn’t come looking for me. He knew I was in heat last week. He didn’t come after me then either. In fact, he went out of his way to bring me his pillow, so I could have an alpha’s scent in my nest, and he was able to walk away. He’s not a threat.” It had hit Sonic now. Shadow had wanted to help the omega during his heat, but he didn’t want to overstep their relationship, so he just offered his scent.

Knuckles looked Sonic up and down. “It sounds like your instincts are clouding your judgement, hedgehog. If he’s an alpha, and you’re an omega, he’s definitely a threat. Shadow’s motivations are unknown to us. He could decide to take you at any time. We should guard you especially during his rut.”

Frustration and sadness fought to fill the space in Sonic’s mind. This is what he was afraid of. They didn’t understand. And now they thought lesser of him. Like they needed to protect him. And they acted like the two of them had no control over their instincts. That just wasn’t true. They had both fought hard denying them. What happened earlier wasn’t even a full release. Sonic thought about the alpha now. Curled up alone in an empty, shitty ‘nest’. The sadness filled him up with that image behind his eyes. He wanted to help Shadow too. He couldn’t leave him like that. “I’m going back.”

“What?” Amy leaned back, genuine surprise and concern on her face.

Sonic stood up and walked away from them. “I’m going to help him.”

“Wait, Sonic.” Tails stepped forward and grabbed his hand. “They didn’t mean any harm. They don’t get it, but we can explain it to them the way you experience it.”

Sonic sighed and looked down at his friend. He squeezed Tails’ hand, hoping it would soften his words. “You don’t get it either. I know you try really hard. And you’re really supportive. But you could never understand what it’s truly like in my head, in my body. Shadow does. He understands a lot of it. I want to help him out. But it might be good to spend some more time with him too.”

Tails looked into Sonic’s eyes and murmured, “but what if he hurts you?”

Sonic smiled and ruffled the fur on the top of Tails’ head. “Whatever he does, I’ve been through worse. Trust me, I can handle him.”

“Okay.” Tails sighed. “Well, get your watch, so you can contact me if you need help.”

“I will.” Sonic nodded and went for his bedroom. Once inside he picked up a blanket and a pillow from his hammock. He looked at it for a bit, then decided to grab all the blankets and pillows from it. He walked out and dropped it just outside his door, at Amy’s feet.

“I think you should reconsider. What if he… you know?” Amy put her hands on her hips.

“What if he what?” Sonic didn’t look at her. He went back into his room and opened the drawer to his nightstand. He had a few condoms just in case. He grabbed those and scratched his head. He hadn’t decided if he was actually going to stay with Shadow. But if he did, this wouldn’t be enough. He dropped them on the pile.

“What if he mates you? You know, bites and everything?” Amy frowned, eyes drawn to the condoms.

Sonic did hesitate. He hadn’t really considered that happening. But he knew Shadow didn’t want that, and he believed the alpha had enough self control to restrain. “He won’t. Don’t worry about me, please.” He walked into his closet and opened a shoebox where he grabbed some coins.

“You just told us you’re an omega. Of course I’m going to worry about you.”

Sonic let out a small growl. “That’s the problem. You’re treating me differently. That’s why I never told you.” He clutched the coins in his fist. He faced her and puffed out his chest.

Amy’s posture slouched a bit. She wasn’t trying to challenge him. She sighed and looked away. “Right…”

Sonic dashed past her out the door. He didn’t want to talk to them anymore. Didn’t want to have to explain himself. And he sure as hell didn’t want to be babied. He quickly made it to the other side of the island to the market. He paid for some Plan B pills. They were made for sex between regular males and females, not alphas and omegas, but Sonic was assuming they would work the same for him. He hoped so. He held the package close to his chest as he made the trip back home. He didn’t look at any of his friends as he gathered his bedding and the condoms. He was out again before anyone could speak.

Chapter Text

Sonic followed along the river back to Shadow’s cave. His foot steps echoed through the tunnel. He paused at the mouth of the cavern. A low growl bounced off the walls. Shadow was sitting up in the nest facing away from the entrance. “Don’t come in here smelling like that. My head’s clear for the first time in days, but you’re going to kickstart the next episode.”

Sonic was frozen at first, stopped by the growl. But then he took a deep breath and forced himself to relax. “I just smell like myself.” He entered the space even though Shadow was resistant. He moved through it as if he was comfortable in it. Fake it until you make it, right? He put the condoms and plan b down on the corner boulder.

Shadow stared at him, digging his claws into the mattress. “What are you doing back here?”

Sonic turned around on his heel to face him. He squeezes the pillows and blankets gathered in his arms. “Well, It finally made sense to me why you brought me your pillow when I was in heat. You helped me. And now I want to help you. By making a real nest at the very least. With my scent.” He started walking towards the bed.

Shadow tried to move but his claws were caught in the mattress. He bristled and pulled at his hands as Sonic got closer. The omega started to smirk a little as he got just inches away before Shadow used Chaos control to appear at the back wall. He huffed and smoothed his quills with his hands. Sonic smiled widely. Shadow almost seemed scared of him. A lot different than how he acted earlier. Sonic climbed into the bed and started getting to work. Shadow turned to the record player. He unfastened one of his inhibitor rings and picked up the plug.

Sonic paused. “Hey, Shads, I think you should leave those on.” He’s lucky he didn’t get seriously hurt earlier. He could’ve easily left with a broken nose or dislocated jaw.

Shadow ignored him. Sparks jumped from his fingertips to the prongs of the cord. A moment later, music started. It was slowed down and uncanny at first before it leveled out into a pleasant song. Sonic hadn’t heard it before, but he could tell it was from Earth. Shadow then crouches down facing Sonic. He closed his ring back around his wrist and rested his arms on his thighs. He watched the hedgehog in the nest closely.

Sonic inhales deeply and casts him a small smile before turning back to the nest. He’s alright with Shadow watching him. It must feel nice to have an omega nesting in your home as an alpha. Sonic made a nice and fluffy rounded nest with pillows acting as support. He found lots of Shadow’s old quills lying around and wove them into the fabrics. They helped to keep everything in place. Sonic sifted through his own quills to find some loose ones so he could add his to the mix. He moved around the nest and stretched and twisted to test it. It was just big enough, and the walls were high, so it felt private. It felt safe and right. Sonic’s chest swelled with pride. His tail wiggled just a bit. “Isn’t that so much better?” He looked back over to Shadow. The alpha was looking a bit more unhinged again. His quills were beginning to stick up and his pupils seemed larger as he watched Sonic. His chest rose and fell quickly. And he had the side of his clenched hand in his mouth pierced under his canines. Sonic frowned a little and placed his foot down on the ground but Shadow let out a small growl. Sonic’s ears went back as he settled back in the nest as Shadow wanted. He cooed softly, beckoning the alpha to him. He hated seeing Shadow hurt himself. He could help. Shadow’s hand fell from his mouth and stood up. His eyes trailed over Sonic and the nest he made. He walked over slowly and stood next to the nest.

Sonic kneeled sat the edge of the nest and took Shadow’s hand. “Stop biting yourself.” He brought Shadow’s hand up to his face and hoped the alpha wouldn’t hit him for this. He licked at the new wound on Shadow’s hand.

Shadow’s ears perked up. His hand twitched, but he didn’t pull it away. “What are you doing?”

Sonic looked up at him with a confused expression. “What am I doing? I’m grooming you. And licking your wounds.” Shadow had never been groomed? Well, he was raised by humans. And he thoroughly kept his distance from other animals. “It’s a… it’s a way to show affection. Family and friends do it. Uh, sexual partners too.”

“Hm. I guess that makes staying clean easier. There are parts of yourself you cannot reach.” Shadow leaned down but hesitated a couple inches from Sonic’s face. Sonic looked up at him, feeling his hot breath on his cheek. Shadow closed the distance licked through the messy fur around Sonic’s mouth. At first, he was a little rough, dragging his tongue. But he seemed to really get into it. He grabbed Sonic’s head in both hands and shifted it around so he could thoroughly clean Sonic’s face. His tongue caught Sonic’s lips carelessly several times. He mumbled in between licks. “You’re a mess.” Sonic’s cheeks were burning up under his fur. He’d never had someone groom his mouth. That was definitely intimate. He couldn’t prevent a subtle purr from vibrating through his chest. He let his head rest in Shadow’s hands. The alpha gripped him tighter and sighed deeply. Sonic could smell a little bit of arousal wafting off of him. “You’re running out of time to leave.”

“I know,” Sonic murmured. He’d made his decision as soon as he’d walked back in. He wanted to help out Shadow, but he also wanted to know what it was like to be with an alpha. He felt like it couldn’t fuck up their relationship much worse than what had already occurred. Might as well go all in. Sonic pulled off his gloves and tossed them aside. Shadow looked down at his hands and grabbed them gently. He inspected them, turning them and tracing them with his fingers. He brought one of Sonic’s hands up to his mouth. He bit down next to Sonic’s thumb. “Ah,” he inhaled sharply but didn’t pull away.

Shadow released the bite and started licking his hand. “Yours tastes better than mine.”

“Heh, I thought the same about yours.” Sonic used his other hand to take off his shoes and toss them with his gloves. “I’d rather you bite me than bite yourself.”

“That’ll be the death of you,” Shadow said so quietly, Sonic wasn’t sure if it was meant for him. The alpha let go of his hand to take off his own shoes. He left Sonic to gather both of their shoes and put them against the wall. He set Sonic’s gloves down next to the things he brought. His ears twitched as he touched the condoms. Sonic laid down in the nest and watched the reflections dance across the roof of the cave. It was strange lying flat instead of along the curve of his hammock, but the bedding helped to keep it comfortable. Shadow stood next to the nest, leaning over him. “It looks… I don’t want to ruin it.”

Sonic leaned up against his elbows and looked up at Shadow. “I made it to suit both of us. You won’t ruin it. It’ll inevitably come a little undone, but I’ll fix it.”

“Are you sure?” Shadow asked gravely.

Sonic chuckled. “Yes, I’m sure. It can hold you.”

“No, I mean… Are you sure about this?” Shadow’s finger ran across the edge of the nest. “It feels degrading, doesn’t it?”

Sonic frowned a little and sat up. He only felt that way when he was trying to ignore his instincts. When he let them take over, he felt pride and joy and complete engaging with them. He felt like the omega part of him was separate from the… the Sonic part of him, and they hated each other. “Listen, Shadow. You have to go all in or all out. Otherwise you’ll just be frustrated. When I’m in heat, I’m all in. I don’t fight it. I spend a week rolling around with my legs spread like a bitch. I rode and ripped and bit your pillow until it was ruined. And I felt no shame the entire time.” He decided to leave out that he felt shame immediately after. “This is your rut. Your body needs certain things. Fighting that is only going to make things shitty. Your body is going to win. So you can take charge and revel in it or be a loser.”

Shadow scoffs, but it comes from amusement instead of the usual annoyance. “The only omega in Green Hill, huh?”

Sonic laid back down with his arms behind his head. “That’s the bad news.”

Shadow tilted his head. “What’s the good news?”

Sonic couldn’t look at him. What he had to say was a bit bold. “The only omega in Green Hill is nesting in your bed.” Shadow rumbled deeply, a primal sound. He finally got into the nest, climbing on top of Sonic. His claws dug into the bedding on either side of Sonic. His hands clenched tighter and tighter until there was a tearing sound. Sonic grabbed Shadow’s wrists, sensing his frustration. “All in or all out.”

Shadow loosened his hands. He made his decision. He leaned back on his heels and grabbed Sonic’s hips. He pulled the hedgehog upside down. Sonic gasped. His ass rested against Shadow’s collarbones and his back curled against the alpha’s front. Sonic reached a hand back on the mattress to support himself as his legs folded over. He looked up between his legs at Shadow’s face. Sonic was already panting, skin prickling with anticipation. Shadow’s ears wiggled around his head as he experienced a range of emotions being face to face with Sonic’s pussy. It had parted on its own as if inviting him. It was still slick from earlier. As soon as the smell hit him, his cock erected out and pressed into Sonic’s back. His pupils swallowed most of his irises. He lowered his head and nestled his muzzle into Sonic’s pussy. He opened his mouth and rubbed his tongue up and down.

Sonic yelped and moaned. His thighs squeezed Shadow’s head. He’d never felt anything remotely like this. Shadow’s mouth was heaven against him, hot and wet, nothing like his own hand. His tongue was smooth and pliable, molding into his pussy. It pushed up against his clit and split his hole itself, running up and down. Sonic’s body was already shaking. He sunk his claws into the nest. Shadow grabbed his thighs and pulled them open with a firm grip to give his head space to maneuver. Shadow groaned against him, and it sent delectable vibrations into his pussy. Shadow opened his mouth wider. Something hard rubbed along his soft tissue. Shadow’s teeth. Sonic clutched his own chest. He felt like he might have a heart attack with how quick and hard it was beating. It was enhanced by a fear in the back of his mind that Shadow would simply devour him. Shadow was careful not to bite though his canines occasionally threatened the pink flesh. Heat spread through Sonic’s belly. His muscles tightened up. This is the best sensation he’s ever felt. Shadow wrapped one arm around Sonic’s waist to hold him close. He rolled his hips, rubbing his cock on Sonic’s back. Shadow’s teeth grazed Sonic’s clit. It looked like he was getting ready to bite. With no warning, he pushed his two red fingers inside of Sonic. Instantaneously, Sonic cried out and squirted at Shadow’s face. Some of the fluid even splattered down on Sonic’s face and chest. His hole clenched and Shadow’s fingers. It was a stretch accompanied by a bit of pain. Sonic opened his mouth wide so he could get more air. He looked up at Shadow. The alpha was still half buried in Sonic’s pussy, but now his fur was shiny and wet. Squirt dripped off his arched brow.

“S-Sorry…” Sonic bit his lip and let his legs fall towards himself. “I didn’t know it did that…”

Shadow kept Sonic’s hips against his chest, but he lifted his head away and pulled out his fingers. He rubbed his palm across his face. He looked down at his hand and licked it. Then his lips. Precum leaked into Sonic’s fur. His eyes scanned Sonic’s face before manhandling the omega and settling him on his back. Shadow pinned his legs up against his torso, leaving Sonic’s pussy exposed. It throbbed visibly, still contracting from orgasm. Sonic slipped his fingers through Shadow’s chest fur and gripped onto it tightly. He didn’t make an objection as Shadow’s tip stretched him open. Sonic hissed and pulled on Shadow’s fur. He wiggled under the alpha. His belly couldn’t fully extend under his thighs and he needed more air for this. Shadow rumbled happily and slowly relaxed, letting his hips lean closer, sinking further into Sonic. His dick seemed to get bigger and bigger towards the base.

“Ow…” Sonic whimpered. He felt a burning pain, a tear inside of him. But it all contributed to an intense pleasure. It was absolutely euphoric. He hadn’t realized he’d been empty this whole time, missing something. Blood trailed down his ass. Before Sonic could process these feelings, dark hands were around his throat, pressing down. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out and no air came in.

Shadow started thrusting down into him. He was pinned into a mating press. Grunts and moans poured out of the alpha’s mouth. A steady rumble flowed from his chest. His grip around Sonic’s throat never let up. “Finally got you to submit to me, Faker~”

Sonic blinked slowly and kneaded lazily at Shadow’s fur. Fatigue poured through his muscles and his arms fell down on his chest. Shadow pressed so deep into him that it felt like he was a part of him. He thought they’d mold together inside and Sonic didn’t want anything more. His pussy tingled and pulsed while the pain radiated, but these physical feelings became duller, and Sonic was left with the emotions. He felt connected, understood, complete. And despite running out of air under Shadow’s grip, he felt safe. Black encroached on the edges of his vision. He saw ecstasy in Shadow’s eyes before his view went dark. A ringing echoed through his ears. The only senses he was left with was the smell of Shadow and the feeling of the alpha filling him. All he could sense was alpha. Alpha. Alpha, alpha, alpha.

Suddenly Sonic was able to gasp for air. Shadow had let go at the same time as slamming into him the hardest he had yet. Something burning pushed deeper inside of his stomach. It made space inside of him and filled it. Shadow’s knot swelled quickly, creating pressure in Sonic’s pelvis. His vision came back to him slowly and the ringing faded. He blinked away the dark spots and looked down. His stomach curved up at the bottom to accommodate his full womb. Shadow was looking at it too, panting hard. They had forgotten to grab a condom. Shadow rested his body on top of Sonic and grabbed his jaw. He started licking Sonic’s face clean. Sonic whined softly as air was pushed out of him again under Shadow’s weight. He was comforted by the grooming though, so he eventually relaxed. He crossed his ankles behind Shadow and kept moving his hips in each direction, searching for a way to get comfortable with the large rod penetrating him. Shadow pressed himself down harder with a gentle growl to get him still. Sonic stopped moving and breathed deeply. He laid with the pain. He rested his hands on Shadow’s shoulders and closed his eyes.

Chapter Text

After some slow, mutual grooming, a peaceful silence had befallen among the two hedgehogs. But it was short lived. Sonic eventually caught his breath after the ordeal and rubbed his throat with a trembling hand. “…ats… what’s w-with you and… choking?” he rasped out.

Shadow had his eyes closed. He was breathing deeply, but not trying to sleep, just resting. “I like you when you’re shut up.”

“Is that why you said… you didn’t want me?” Sonic turns his head to watch Shadow’s face, but his expression didn’t change.

“One of many reasons…” Shadow placed his hand on the mattress next to Sonic and tried to push himself up, but he dragged Sonic with him. Their hips were locked together.

“Hah-“ Sonic’s voice cut out as he objected. A fresh wave of pain radiated through his pussy. He arched his back and clung to Shadow to keep him from pulling away.

Shadow opened his eyes and looked down between them. His ears went flat back on his head. “Great. How long will we be stuck like this?”

Sonic rolled his eyes. He slowly lowered his legs into the nest and did a very poor job trying to hide his trembling. “You’re one to complain. At least it feels nice for you. Feels like someone blew up a balloon in my pelvis. And my fucking uterus…” Since the pleasure had faded, his pain had been growing. He was nervous that it would become too much to handle for a long period of time. It was both a localized stinging and a general aching discomfort.

At Sonic’s last word, Shadow sighed deeply and rubbed his forehead. “Fuck. Didn’t mean to… inside.”

“You definitely did.” Sonic spread his legs a little more beneath him.

“That is what I mean.” Shadow points at him accusingly. “You think you know me better than I know me. You’re argumentative and cocky. You even had me fooled, believing you were an alpha. Any omega that can play being an alpha so well must not be a very good omega.” He separated as much of their bodies as he could.

Initially, the words cut into Sonic deeply. He wanted to get away, but it wouldn’t be worth the pain. He had never really viewed himself in the lens of being an omega before. He had never wanted a mate. Never wanted pups. But now he was engaging with someone as an omega, and Shadow was right. They’re supposed to be submissive and well behaved. He felt like a failure as a hero being an omega. And he couldn’t even be an omega right. But Sonic did know Shadow better than him because he lied to himself. “If you want to get away from me so bad, why don’t you use chaos snap and teleport. We’re not stuck. I know you’re hoarding an emerald.”

Silence. Shadow bristled.

Sonic smirked and pointed back at Shadow but went as far as to jab him in the chest. “You would hate a traditional omega. You’d find them so boring. You need someone to keep you on your toes. And I’m the only one who can challenge you.” Shadow growled and reached for Sonic’s throat again, but Sonic snatched his wrist before he could. “That’s gotta stop. Find another way to shut me up.”

Shadow growled louder and ripped his hand away. He pinned Sonic down under his body and pressed his hips firmly between Sonic’s legs. The blue hedgehog’s cocky expression melted. He rested his hands on Shadow’s back. That’ll do. Shadow slowly pressed against him, then relaxed. Over and over. He couldn’t move much due to the knot, but it sent waves of pleasure through Sonic and eased his pain. He felt Shadow caress every inch of flesh inside of him. He whimpered softly as Shadow grunted with each little thrust. Sonic lazily brushed his fingers through Shadow’s quills. The hedgehog had turned his face away. Sonic wondered what expression he was making. Soft breaths and squelching filled the cave. He was as slick as he was during heat. Shadow twitched inside of him, and he gripped Shadow’s shoulders. “Don’t think I’ve got space… for another load.”

Shadow shifted his head, but it was tilted up so his breath hit Sonic’s ear. “You’ll take as much as I’ll give you. You’ll make room for me.”

Sonic’s face turned hot. He closed his eyes and tried to relax his muscles to make room even though the ones around his groin got tighter and tighter. A few more minutes later and Shadow pushed hard, getting as deep as he could. More cum shot inside of the omega, stretching and filling his insides. Sonic chewed his lip. His hips twitched as his pussy let out a weak stream of squirt as it was filled. Shadow’s knot was renewed, but thank chaos it didn’t grow much bigger. Sonic breathed deep and shaky breaths. He hoped his body would adjust to this, but right now, he was afraid he would pop. “You’re… definitely cumming inside on purpose.”

“Hah… I’m in rut. Of course I am,” Shadow grumbled and settled back down again. “I’m just glad you got some pills. I’m not wearing a fucking condom.”

Sonic didn’t want him to wear one either. While the fullness was new and a bit uncomfortable, he absolutely loved it. He felt whole. “That’s fine, Shads.” He yawned. He felt cozy in the nest under Shadow’s warm, soft fur. The only thing he might change is the pain growing again between his legs.

“Tired already?” Shadow moves his hand down. The pad of his finger traces where Sonic’s hole stretched around him.

Sonic sighed as he nodded. “Hm… It’s so… having someone inside of me, being fucked, it’s… draining. This was only my first time.”

Shadow brought his hand up. His fingers were coated with slick and blood. He slid them into his mouth and cleaned them. “It’s exhausting for me too. I’m not used to just moving my hips like that.”

Sonic purred softly when he saw Shadow’s fingers enter his mouth. “But so good right?”

“Mhm…” Shadow rubbed his fingers off on his chest fur. The record player in the corner squeaked once it played its final tune. Shadow’s ears turned towards it. “It does feel good to be inside of you. But I’m not used to having to be still. Can’t do anything.”

Sonic nodded. “I don’t leave my nest during my entire heat. By the end of it, my legs are buzzing and aching.”

Shadow rubbed his head and closed his eyes. “Mhm.”

“You should rest while you can.” Sonic observed him.

“I hate sleeping.”

“I know,” Sonic murmured. He had never seen Shadow sleep before this. Even during the odd team up when they spent days together away from home. Sonic always went to bed first and if he woke up, Shadow was keeping watch. He tried to distract Shadow now, purring steadily to him and tracing his finger along the edges of the hedgehog’s ear. His ears twitched every once in a while like it tickled, but he didn’t demand cessation. His eyelids slowly fell. He tucked his face close to Sonic’s gland. He breathed it in, shuddered, then became still. He fell into sleep.

Sonic smiled a bit and watched him. He really did look peaceful. It almost seemed like he was smiling too, but the truth was he just wasn’t scowling like usual. He watched until he got sleepy too. He had nothing better to do, so he let it consume him.

Later, Sonic woke up disoriented. He was lying on his belly now. His face was resting on the nest. It was hot and wet between his legs. He still felt occupied deep inside, but the tunnel was empty. Sparks of pain and pleasure jumped through him. Shadow held Sonic’s tail up out of the way as he licked and sucked up and down, collecting slick and blood and even a bit of cum that had begun leaking out. Sonic gripped the bedding and lifted his ass up against Shadow’s face. Shadow wrapped his hand around Sonic’s thigh. The omega had to lift his head and look around to recall his situation. Then he settled back down in the nest. “Feels so good…”

Shadow lifted his face. “You tore.”

“I’ll heal.” Sonic scooted down until Shadow’s muzzle was in his pussy again. He moaned. He did wince each time Shadow’s tongue traced the rip, but he didn’t mind it too much. The warm muscle was like a nice compress. Shadow’s fingers joined in, rubbing circles over Sonic’s clit. “Hm~” He kneaded the nest and shifted his legs so they brushed against Shadow. The alpha’s tongue prodded at his entrance, sliding in and out slowly. It was gentle. Sonic rolled his hips back against Shadow. “I’m going to get it all over your face again,” he warned.

Shadow switched up, slipping his middle finger inside Sonic to the knuckle. His mouth migrated down to settle around Sonic’s clit. His sucked it into his mouth between his teeth and rubbed it with his tongue. Sonic gasped and his hips twitched. His pussy clenched around Shadow’s finger as he squirted again, coating the alpha’s face and filling his mouth. His hips slumped down against the bed as he let out a huff. Shadow lapped at his pussy a couple more times before letting go of his tail. “It’s impossible to get you clean. You just keep leaking my seed.”

Sonic rested his hand over his face to hide. He could feel it oozing out of him. It felt dirty. It also felt… strangely sad. Like a waste. He wished he could just sort of absorb it the way he could by swallowing. Shadow stepped out of the nest. There was immediately a whine from Sonic. “Where are you going?”

“I’m getting you a pill, relax.” Shadow opened the package and pulled one out. He returned to the nest and pushed his finger under Sonic’s chin. “Sit up.” The omega readily obeyed, following Shadow’s finger. He opened his mouth and received the pill. Shadow left him again to crouch down by the still pool inside the cave. He gathered some water in his cupped hands and brought it over.

Sonic looked up at him as he sipped water from his hands to swallow the pill. He was a bit worried it’d be gross, but it tasted fresh. He still doesn’t understand why Shadow lives this way, like they didn’t have homes and cups and plumbing. How did Shadow stay so clean anyways since he didn’t have a shower? Sonic laid back in the nest as Shadow moved back to the pool and leaned to drink some himself. “Do you bathe in that?” Sonic asked softly.

Shadow rubbed his mouth with the back of his hand. “No. I bathe in the river since the used water will be washed away.”

Sonic recalled running into Shadow at the river when his heat at started. He must’ve been cleaning himself up. “Have you ever had a shower?”

Shadow turned to face him but didn’t approach. He watched, his eyes swallowing the image of Sonic relaxed in the nest. “No. Maria used to bathe me in a tub.”

“I think you’d really enjoy it. The water flows like a river. It stays clean.” Sonic crawled over to the edge of the nest and rested his cheek against its wall.

“I don’t really have that option.” Shadow folded his arms.

“You know you can come over to my place. I’ve invited you before.” Sonic sighed. Shadow always rejected his offers. Harshly. He braced himself.

Shadow’s ears twitched as he thought about it. He looked away. “Well, maybe.”

Sonic perked up a little, smiling. “I think you’d really like my hammock too. Keeps your weight of your back quills. And you won’t get your quills and claws stuck like you do in a mattress.”

“You want to have a sleepover?” His brow cocked.

Sonic hummed and looked to the entrance of the cavern. There was no way to tell the time. No natural light made its way in. “We’re kind of in the middle of one. We might be more comfortable at my place though.” Plus his friends wouldn’t worry so much.

Shadow rubbed his eyes. “I want you here.”

Sonic nodded, understanding. This was Shadow’s space. Anything inside of it was comfortably under his protection. “Come back to the nest.”

“I thought I’d go for a run before I flare up again. I could think some things over.” Shadow walked over to their shoes.

Sonic’s ears shifted back slightly. If Shadow spent time away from him, he might gather the resolve to push him away. He stretched and started to leave the bed. “I wanna run too.”

Shadow’s head whipped around when he heard Sonic’s foot hit the floor. “Get your ass back in our nest,” he snapped.

Sonic’s fur fluffed up and his ears shot back. Woah. His body acted on its own slinking back into the nest. Shadow called it theirs. A warm feeling spread through him. His tail wiggled again, and he looked over at Shadow with big eyes as if waiting for another command. The smallest smirk found Shadow’s muzzle as he set his shoes back on the ground. He looked the omega up and down. Sonic’s heartbeat quickened. It’s a rare expression for Shadow to wear, but it suited him so well. Sonic moved his legs apart and sat back on his heels. Shadow’s cum trailed down his thighs onto the bedding.

“I’m not that restless yet. I could stay.” Shadow’s twisted one of his rings around his wrist. Sonic nodded immediately, ears turning towards Shadow. “If you behave.”

Sonic truly wanted to get snarky. But he had a greater desire for Shadow to stay. “I can do that.” He can’t help himself. “For a little while.”

“Then I’ll stay. For a little while.” Shadow dropped his arms and sauntered over to stand next to the nest. Sonic came to the edge on his knees. His head was level to Shadow’s chest. He brushed his hands up the alpha’s thighs, his fingers gliding through the fur. His hands stopped at Shadow’s hips as Shadow cupped his jaw and tilted his head up. Sonic looked up into his vibrant eyes. His pupils had grown again, responding to the smell of Sonic’s arousal. The touches they gave one another were slow and kind. A hint of fear was betrayed in both of their eyes. It was ignored, swallowed. Shadow leaned down with his lips parted. Sonic looked at his mouth. He assumed he was going to be groomed even though his face hasn’t gotten anything on it. But Shadow’s lips pressed against his. Sonic’s heart seemed to stop. No, it was time that stopped. What’s this? Shadow’s lips were soft and warm. Sonic’s tingled. He opened them, mimicking Shadow. Their lips connected, filling space between them and creating a new shape together. Moisture coated Sonic’s lips as Shadow’s tongue joined in, touching his lips before slipping between. Sonic opened his mouth to let it inside. It reminded him of Shadow’s cock. Hot and slick and phallic. But the inside of his mouth was sensitive. He could trace the textures and shapes of Shadow’s tongue with his own. And best of all, the flavor. He tasted how he smelled, and Sonic fucking loved it. Sonic’s lip pulled up, exposing the edges of his teeth. Shadow’s tongue traced beneath them and pricked itself under his canine. His mouth filled with Shadow’s saliva and a single drop of his blood where his flavor was most concentrated. Sonic bit his tongue. Shadow grunted and pulled the omega against his chest. He nipped Sonic’s bottom lip in retaliation and brought their bodies down into the nest. Sonic gripped Shadow’s head in his hands and opened his mouth wide, letting as much of Shadow’s tongue in as could fit. He slid his tongue into Shadow’s mouth as well.

Sonic spread his legs under Shadow and lifted his hips to press against Shadow’s groin. He pulled back just a bit, tracing Shadow’s lips with his tongue. His voice was breathy with a hint of a whine. “What is this?”

Shadow licks Sonic’s tongue and pressed his hand between them. He rubbed up and down Sonic’s pussy, testing how soaked he was. “Kissing? Mmh, animal folk don’t kiss?”

“Nah ah.” Sonic gripped Shadow’s quills and pushed his tongue back into Shadow’s mouth to taste him. Kissing was like… savoring a five star meal and like getting fucked at the same time.

Shadow’s cock unsheathed and poked into Sonic’s tummy. Shadow leaned his head so Sonic’s tongue fell out of his mouth. “It’s a human thing. Partners do—“ Shadow was cut off as Sonic connected their mouths again. He couldn’t get enough. He preferred this method of being shut up much better. He grabbed Shadow’s dick with both hands and guided it inside of himself. He gasped against Shadow’s mouth. The alpha rumbled deeply and pressed his hips down. He wrapped his arms around Sonic’s waist and pulled him up onto his lap, sitting back on his heels. Sonic moaned into his mouth as he wiggled into a comfortable spot in Shadow’s lap. His whole dick was sticking straight up inside the omega, piercing him deeply. Sonic rested all of his weight on Shadow and started rocking. It still stung but not as bad this time. The pleasure was even greater, shooting up his spine and spreading throughout his body. He draped his arms over Shadow’s shoulders. Shadow groaned and panted, his hands following the movement of Sonic’s hips. Sonic whined a complaint and pulled on Shadow’s quills. He wasn’t kissing him anymore, just there with his mouth open. Shadow growled softly and pressed their lips together again. He shoved his tongue in Sonic’s mouth and lifted the omega up a few inches so he could thrust up into him. A wet plapping filled the cave alongside whimpers and grunts. Sonic’s lips were going numb. He couldn’t contain the drool spilling down his chin and smearing into Shadow’s fur.

Sonic made muffled noises around Shadow’s tongue and scraped his claws up the alpha’s back. He had been leaking too much and wanted to be filled again. He wanted to be knotted, connected to Shadow. He showed this desperation with erratic movement of his hips between Shadow’s thrusts. His whining was begging. Shadow’s back curled under Sonic’s claws and his cock twitched inside. He rumbled back to the omega, promising him his wish. He brought their hips together harder until he burst, filling Sonic all over again and beginning to swell at his entrance. Sonic pinned himself down on Shadow’s and bit down on the alpha’s lip as he squirted in his lap. He finally allowed their lips to break. He leaned his head back and took big gasps of air. Shadow kissed Sonic’s chest, breathing heavy with him. He turned and collapsed on his back, letting the blue blur fall on top of him. Sonic nuzzled Shadow’s cheek and melted against his chest. Shadow wrapped his arms around him and heaved a long sigh.

Chapter Text

Sonic and Shadow fell asleep together. It must be night time since Sonic stayed in deep sleep. Shadow had woken at some point and slipped out of the omega. He had kept quiet and still as long as he could, but of course his rut flared up again after an hour. Sonic woke to his body being slowly pushed up and down against Shadow’s. The alpha’s cock was sliding in and out of him. Sonic shivered and opened his legs so Shadow could get deeper. He wiped his drool on Shadow’s chest fur. His yawn turned into a soft moan.

Shadow caressed Sonic’s muzzle. “You don’t have to wake up to be bred.”

Sonic mumbled and hid his blushing face in Shadow’s neck. Breeding, huh? Is that what Shadow’s been doing to him? He left his eyes shut and let his body be limp. Any movement was due to Shadow’s hips pushing up against him. “Okay, alpha.”

Shadow’s fingers turned so his claws trailed under Sonic’s jaw. The omega tilted his head. Shadow’s thumb brushed across the sweet gland on his neck. Sonic shivered, but he didn’t hide his neck. Shadow rumbled, earning a twitch from Sonic’s nearby ear. The word he uttered was nearly drowned out by the satisfied noise. “Mine.”

Sonic smiled and lightly moved his fingers through Shadow’s fur. He was okay being Shadow’s omega during his rut. He hoped next time he was in heat, Shadow would be his alpha. It’d be risky though. If the alpha refused condoms he’d have to force pills down the needy omega’s throat. The thought of in between crossed his mind. When neither of them were enslaved by their instincts. When neither of them had the desire to claim or engage with the other. Naively, Sonic hoped they’d just be normal.

His thoughts were chased away as Shadow’s cum shot up inside him. Sonic purred happily as Shadow swelled inside him. Full again. Their hearts beat quickly through their chests and into one another’s. It was only their first day together, but Sonic didn’t want the rut to end when he didn’t think too hard about it. It was just them. No Eggman sicking his stupid robots on him. No Tails banging away in the workshop. No Knuckles eating their food or Amy redecorating the whole place. No stress. The rest of the world was somewhere else if anywhere at all. There’s no proof it was even out there beyond the cave’s tunnel. He was starting to see the appeal of living out here with nothing to remind you there’s anyone else. He fell into sleep again.

Sonic actually managed to stay asleep for several hours after that. Well, if he woke up, he didn’t remember. He woke with a groan. The first sensation he felt was a bloating in his belly. It felt like his skin was stretching. He was lying on his side now. A large hand rested under his navel and a large knot was tucked into his pussy. How many times did Shadow fill him while he was sleeping? Sonic took a deep breath. His back pressed against Shadow’s chest. The alpha rumbled softly and trailed his lips along Sonic’s shoulder. “Did you get any sleep?”

Shadow rubbed Sonic’s stomach. The area was warm inside and out. Sonic leaned into his hand. “A little. You kept distracting me.”

“I think that’s your rut’s fault, not mine,” Sonic arched his back, doing his best to stretch without moving away.

“No. I only flared up twice while you were sleeping. But I fucked you five times,” Shadow pressed close against him.

“Five?!” Sonic turned his head to look back at the alpha. Then he looked down at himself. Slick and cum was all over his thighs, hips, belly, and the nest.

“You sleep pretty.” Shadow leaned his cheek against Sonic’s head. He curled around Sonic’s back.

Sonic blushed a little. “And deeply, apparently. Kind of wish you woke me though.”

“You need the sleep as much as I do.”

Shadow had a point. The less he slept, the more restless he would become. His legs are already beginning to feel strange. His muscles twitched every now and then. “So… I can’t leave the nest for the rest of your rut?”

“No.” The answer was curt and firm.

“How much longer are we looking at?” Sonic’s fingertips moved across Shadow’s knuckles.

Shadow tilted his hand palm up and received Sonic’s fingers. “Two days, give or take.”

Sonic slid his fingers between Shadow’s hand and rested his intertwined with the alpha’s. “Was it supposed to happen this week?”

“So many questions.” Shadow sighed.

“Well, my heat came early. That’s why I was out. And I thought it was weird your rut overlapped.”

Shadow’s index finger tapped the back of Sonic’s hand. “Yes, my rut was off schedule. It’s likely your heat triggered it, but I don’t know what would’ve caused your heat to start off schedule.”

Sonic let a frown pull at his lips. “Well, I’ve heard that… once an omega goes long enough without a mate, their body can start to go haywire. Start having longer and more frequent heats to attract an alpha. I accepted that it might happen to me, but I thought I’d have more time…”

Shadow squeezed Sonic’s hand. “I’m sorry. If my body betrayed me that severely, I might get rid of it.”

Sonic took a deep breath and tried not to get too upset thinking about the future of his body. “It just means I need to find a solution. Travel somewhere with more of us. I could find heat suppressants, but they won’t work long term. I should probably try to find someone who can spay me.” Shadow’s jaw clenched shut. He pressed their hands against Sonic’s stomach. He managed not to say anything though he clearly had an opinion. Sonic cleared his throat. “Would you do it?”

“Never. I am all of me. Neutering myself would change that. I got out of that pit, the self-loathing. Mostly.”

Sonic smiled. He was happy to hear that. That was something they had fought over extensively. He was looking to change the subject now though. He picked up Shadow’s hand and looked under the bandages. He moved Shadow’s fur out of the way, but he didn’t see any bites anymore. His brows furrowed. “Your hand.”

“What?” Shadow looked down at their hands.

Sonic unwrapped it. He pulled on Shadow’s other hand that was under his head and unwrapped that too. It was also empty of wounds. “The bites are gone.”

“I healed. You know I’m biologically immortal.” Shadow rested his hand back against Sonic.

“Yeah, but I didn’t know it happened so quickly. No fair.” Sonic looked at the bite Shadow left on his hand. It wasn’t as deep though. It wouldn’t scar.

“It accelerates when I sleep. My body dictates energy to repairs,” Shadow informed him.

Sonic pulled Shadow’s hand up under his chin. He pressed his face into the warmth. His lips rested against it. “You have me turned away from you.”

“Mhm.” Shadow sounded uninterested.

Sonic kissed Shadow’s palm and fingers. “Denying me kisses…”

“Hm. You can wait a few more minutes. It’s going down.” Shadow tucked his other hand between Sonic’s legs and felt around. “How’s the pain?”

Sonic wiggled his hips to test it. He only felt a little pain when Shadow’s knot pulled at his entrance. “I think i’ve gotten used to it. Your knot is still too big, but that’s how it’s supposed to be.”

“Keeps you nice and plugged.” Shadow rested his hand over Sonic’s pussy, his fingers split around his cock.

“I can’t believe how much cum you’ve put inside me in a day.” Sonic groaned and slapped Shadow’s hand over his face, using it to hide.

“I think the more I put in you, the more of an omega you become.” Shadow’s fingers curl around Sonic’s face.

Sonic’s voice is muffled. “…Not true.”

“Nah, you’ve definitely gotten more agreeable. And submissive.” Shadow tapped Sonic’s thigh to demonstrate. Sonic didn’t even think about it before he lifted his leg, spreading himself.

When he realized, his thighs snapped shut and he pushed Shadow’s hand off his face. “It’s called being nice. Doing things I wouldn’t normally do to make things easier or more enjoyable for you.”

“That’s called submitting, I’d argue.” Shadow was able to pull lightly to get his knot to pop out.

Sonic gasped as it came out and immediately seed flowed out of him. He started breathing easier once he was less tight and full inside. He huffed and looked down between his legs. He’s never been messier. His thighs are going to get glued together if he isn’t careful. He rolled over to face Shadow. The alpha looked relatively calm besides the matted fur and bedhead. He decided to ignore the last thing that was said and tilted his head up to kiss Shadow’s lips. The alpha responded immediately, leaning closer. The progression to making out was slow and occasionally interrupted by little nips. There was no grinding or groping. Neither of them got particularly aroused. It was simply pleasant. Sonic pulled away slowly and cuddled into Shadow’s chest. He licked his lips, trying to tame his giddy smile. Shadow enjoyed the silence as much as Sonic enjoyed talking. They found rest with one another once again. Sonic was fine to catch as much sleep as possible. But mostly he thought if he pretended to sleep, it would relax Shadow enough to get him to sleep too. Sonic breathed slow and deep, but his ears stayed cocked towards Shadow, listening out for sounds of him reaching sleep.

It sounded like Shadow did for a little while, but his moment of waking was marked by a long inhale. Sonic kept his eyes closed. Shadow nudged his head under Sonic’s jaw and smelled him. Arousal quickly filled the air. His hand snaked onto Sonic’s hip and pushed it to turn the hedgehog onto his back. Sonic opened his eyes at that. Shadow maneuvered on top of him. Each of his inhales was long and deep, but his exhales were short and powerful like he was trying to get them over with.

Shadow’s voice was dry and tight. “Didn’t want to sleep…” He pressed his nose in Sonic’s gland. He let out a groan and pressed his body against Sonic. “So I could satisfy my rut before it got too severe.”

Sonic’s fur started to stand up as Shadow spoke into his neck. He spread his legs around him as slick started forming. “It’s okay. You can take care of it now.”

Shadow lifted his lip, exposing his teeth. His claws gripped into the nest. “Don’t wanna fuck. Wanna bite,” he growled the last word.

Nervousness settled into Sonic’s belly for the first time in a while. He cleared his throat and pushed Shadow’s head gently, trying to get him away from his gland. Shadow snatched both of Sonic’s wrists and pinned them down. His grip crushed Sonic’s watch. Sonic’s breathing picked up and he looked down at Shadow. “D-Don’t tempt yourself. You have to get further away from it.”

Shadow opened his mouth and placed his lips around the gland. Sonic quickly pulled at his arms, trying to get them back. He felt the edges of Shadow’s teeth on his skin. The alpha started to lick and suck it. It swelled under the attention, releasing a mix of smells including arousal and fear. Sonic pulled his legs up between them and pushed his feet at Shadow’s hips to try and get him away. Shadow snarled, pulling his head away to snap his jaws at Sonic’s cheek. Sonic flinched and whimpered, shutting his eyes. His body went still. The only movement was the rapid rise and fall of his chest. All of the sudden, there was a sharp pain cutting into his shoulder.

“Ah!” Sonic looked down. Shadow had firmly bitten down on Sonic just below his gland. Sonic dug his claws into Shadow’s shoulders. Sonic can handle that. Anything but his neck. Blood trailed down into the nest from the bite. Shadow eventually let go and lapped at the wound. He rumbled, pleased. He looked over Sonic. His head swooped back down as he bit into Sonic’s chest. Sonic hissed and pressed his chest up at Shadow’s face to reduce the pulling sensation. Shadow grabbed Sonic’s torso. Sonic tried to take deeper breaths. He felt around the nest until he found the bandages from earlier. Shadow seemed focused on licking and biting all over the omega’s chest, so he wrapped them around his neck over his gland and tied it around his throat. He sighed with a little relief and looked back down. He gulped.

He hadn’t even felt Shadow let go but the alpha was hovering over him rigidly. That wild look was back in his eyes. He stared at Sonic with a dramatic expression of rage and betrayal. Blood was smeared across his teeth, dripping from his lips down off his chin. Sonic raised his shoulders, further blocking his neck. He rubbed his hands at Shadow’s groin until his cock came out, but he didn’t react at all.

Sonic had to put on his charm. His ears curved back, and he showed Shadow his puppy eyes. “Can you fill me?” He wrapped his legs around Shadow and pulled his hips down. Shadow let it happen, but his expression and fixation did not loosen. “Alpha, won’t you breed me?” He whined loudly. Very slowly, Shadow’s fur and quills started to lie back down. Sonic put Shadow’s tip inside of himself and shimmied down so he sunk in deeper. He moaned softly. “I can’t do it on my own. I need you to do it.” Shadow’s ears returned to a relaxed position on his head. He gave a single light thrust. Sonic smiled at him and started to purr sweetly. “Yes, please.” He gripped Shadow’s waist. Shadow huffed and grumbled something. He started to thrust. His hips collided with Sonic firmly, but there were pauses between each one. Sonic’s insides tingled. It felt like a tease. His begging became less of an act. He rolled his hips up against Shadow. “More~” Shadow punishingly stopped thrusting all together. But he leaned down and kindly pressed a kiss to Sonic’s lips. Sonic rubbed Shadow’s sides impatiently as his own sour blood found his tongue while they kissed.

A noise cut through the cave. Sounded something like a rock falling to the floor and bouncing several times before coming to rest. Both of their ears twisted towards the tunnel. Their lips broke as Shadow turned his head to stare into the darkness. His fur puffed up as he let out a growl. It was louder than Sonic had heard before. It wasn’t meant for him.

Chapter Text

Sonic wasn’t sure what was going on and if there really was something at the other side of the tunnel, but if there was, he could take a guess on what it was. Or who, rather. He locked his ankles tightly behind Shadow’s hips and wrapped his arms around his neck. He gripped his own arms as tightly as he could, preparing for Shadow to try and get him off. The alpha grumbled and pushed Sonic down towards the bed, but the omega just clutched him tighter. Shadow’s eyes didn’t leave the cave opening. Soft noises sneaked through the tunnel into the cavern. They were like whispers but unintelligible. Could’ve been wind if any reached inside.

Sonic didn’t know what to do. He didn’t want Shadow to see him acknowledge there was someone approaching, but he needed to warn them and get them away. He tried speaking to them both. “I’m fine! I’m good, I’m safe.” He licked at the corner of Shadow’s mouth, but the alpha continued to ignore him. Sonic groaned in frustration when there was a scraping sound coming through the tunnel.

Shadow’s eyes started to glow as his electricity sparked out of his hands. He got out of the nest as if Sonic wasn’t even there tangled around him. His hand found the scruff of Sonic’s neck. It was like a release button. His limbs loosened. Shadow lifted Sonic off of him like he was weightless and set him back in the nest. A simple command. “Stay.” As soon as Amy appeared in the cavern, Shadow teleported inches from her face. Her head pulled back. Behind her Tails and Knuckles physically jumped back. She looked him up and down, but her eyes shot back up as her face showed discomfort. Shadow’s erect dick was still just hanging out, nearly touching her. Shadow didn’t care. “Get out of here before I smash that pretty pink head into the wall.”

Amy tightened her grip around the handle of her hammer that rested on the ground. She hid her fear behind angry brows, but the scent of it from all three of them filled the space. “Where’s Sonic?”

“He’s fine,” Shadow spat. He took a step forward, forcing them to step back. If they were strangers, they might already be dead.

Tails peeked his big blue eyes over Amy’s shoulder. He tried really hard not to look below Shadow’s waist. “I got notified his gps stopped pinging. This was his last location.”

Sonic looked at his wrist. The screen on his watch was black and shattered. It was caved in at the center. He hadn’t even noticed something happened to it. He crawled to the edge of the nest and leaned, hoping his friends could see him around the alpha. He held up his wrist. “I’m okay! My watch got broken. You shouldn’t be here. I told you I’d handle it.” To his confusion, Amy gasped and covered her mouth when she saw him. Knuckles put up his fists and Tails stepped back. Sonic looked down at himself. Right. His fur is matted with spit, cum, and blood. Serious bites and claw marks decorated his body. Bandages were tight around his throat and his eyes were fatigued. He probably doesn’t look okay. He pulled at his own quills. Fuck, he couldn’t explain this to them. They shouldn’t have come. They should’ve listened. He knew it was from a place of love, but he was feeling a bit pissed off. They were going to get themselves hurt.

“We’re taking him home. You can deal with your rut by yourself. You’re done using him like a toy,” Amy declared, lifting her hammer into a threatening position.

Some unrecognizable emotion passed through Shadow’s eyes. Then he covered them under his hand. He started laughing. Laughing. But that term barely suited the sound coming from him. It wasn’t rooted in humor or joy. It was maliciously incredulous. Then he parted his fingers, and one of his eyes glowed between them. “At first, I thought I’d prefer him if he was a toy. But then I realized I wouldn’t be able to hear him beg for it.” He teleported to her side and threw his fist into her hammer. It smacked her in the head, sending her body crashing into the wall. He slid to the side to dodge Knuckles’ right hook. He grabbed Knuckles’ wrist and yanked him down to knee him in the forehead.

It all happened so quickly. Strange emotions warped through Sonic’s chest. He felt pride as his alpha defended their nest. He felt satisfied to see them being handled. And he heavy guilt dropped to his stomach for having those feelings. Shadow stepped towards Tails, and Sonic had to make a move. Shadow pulled his fist back. Sonic dashed between them, standing protectively in front of the little fox. Shadow didn’t have time to stop the momentum of his fist before it would pound into the omega, so he teleported again in front of the wall where he punched that instead. His fist created a shockwave that sent pieces of the wall to the floor. Shadow growled in frustration and started towards the omega but he was thwarted by a coordinated attack. Amy’s hammer flew into his chest while Knuckles’ fist collided with his jaw. He rocketed back into the cave wall.

Shadow climbed to his feet and shook the dirt off his pelt. “Enough!” he snarled. His voice echoed through the cave. Everyone hesitated. “I’m not going to seriously hurt your friends, Sonic. But they need to learn.” Shadow ducked down and grabbed one of Amy and Knuckles’ ankles. The move caught them both by surprise, so they both lost their footing. Shadow made sure the motion was violent so both of their heads slammed into the rock. Amy dropped her hammer in the process and failed to reach it before Shadow began dragging them through the tunnel. Once at the entrance to the cave, he tossed them both into the grass. A safe distance away, Eggman sat in a lawn chair next to Orbot and Cubot. He leaned forward in his seat, happy to see some action. He was far enough from the cave that Shadow ignored him. Knuckles helped Amy sit up, glaring at Shadow. Neither of them made a move though. Shadow returned to the cave. Sonic squeaked as he was lifted by his scruff again.

Shadow reached for Tails but the fox quickly put his hands up and backed towards the tunnel. “I’m going.” Shadow let him leave on his own. Tails crouched down next to his friends and used a gadget to scan them for injuries.

Shadow set Sonic down on the grass closer to the cave than the others. “Sit down. All of you stay put.” Sonic sat as instructed, but he winced at the bright sun and held his hand up to keep it out of his eyes. He hasn’t been outside in a while. Shadow went back in the cave one more time.

Sonic looked over at his friends. There was an apology in his eyes, but he couldn’t bring himself to say it. They made the choice to come here. He didn’t ask them for help. They’re lucky Shadow held himself back for Sonic’s sake. He looked back to the cave. Why did Shadow bring him outside too?

Shadow reemerged with Amy’s hammer. He spun around and then let go, sending it hundreds of feet into the air. It didn’t even reach the ground before it was out of sight over the hills. He grabbed Sonic’s quills and shoved his head all the way down to the ground. Sonic yelped, falling onto his stomach. He looked back at Shadow, but the alpha was hardly there. He had that crazy rut look in his eyes. Shadow grabbed Sonic’s tail and used it to pull Sonic’s hips up. Sonic was now ass up and face down. Oh, no. Shadow pinched Sonic’s ear and made sure it was turned back towards him. “They need to understand that you don’t want help. You want to be here. You like what we’re doing. So tell them.” He grabbed Sonic’s quills and pulled his head up so he was forced to look at his friends.

“I… I…” Sonic’s face got unbearably hot as he looked at each of them. Knuckles had a defiant look on his face. Tails looked sorry for him, and Amy… Amy had tears in her eyes. She was afraid for him. But not just that. She was afraid of something else too. He didn’t know what to say. He felt like they wouldn’t believe him anyways.

“What are you?” Shadow probed, letting his cock press against Sonic.

Sonic began to tremble. He closed his eyes. He couldn’t take looking at them while this was happening. His body and mind were torn. His hips leaned back against Shadow. “An omega.”

Shadow slapped Sonic on the ass and the blue blur’s body jerked. “Looking for a pronoun, not an article.”

“Your omega! Yours,” Sonic answered quickly. It wasn’t a lie, but he’d say whatever Shadow wanted to get them back into the privacy of their nest.

“And what does my little omega want~” Shadow rubbed himself up and down Sonic’s pussy.

Sonic whined quietly as his pussy started to become slick again. “You. Want you to fuck me and breed me.”

“What a good bitch.” Shadow pins Sonic’s face back down in the grass as he rams his cock deep inside of him. Sonic moaned loudly and arched his back. He ripped grass from the ground. The embarrassment and shame slowly faded as pleasure filled him again. Shadow started thrusting mercilessly against his ass.

A purr slurred from Sonic’s chest as he became absorbed in what the alpha was doing. He let out soft breaths each time Shadow’s hips hit him and his face got pushed further into the ground. He opened his eyes, but he still avoided looking to his friends. He let his mouth hang open between his words which he spoke between thrusts. “For the… last time, I want… to be here. I’m enjoying this… He makes me so wet. So, please… leave and don’t come back here. I’ll be home safe… in like… two days.” Sonic’s eyes rolled back and he drooled into the grass. He hasn’t been fucked from this angle before, but it was incredible. It felt like Shadow’s cock was plunging straight down into his uterus, and that’s what he wanted. Shadow as deep as possible so he could fill him completely and… impregnate him.

No one spoke. It was just pleasure sounds coming from Sonic and Shadow’s mouths as well as wet noises happening between their hips. Shadow’s thrusts slowed down. Sonic gained the courage to look up, but everyone was gone. It was just him and Shadow in the field. Shadow’s thrusts paused as he wrapped his arms around Sonic and pulled him up against his chest. He got to his feet, holding the omega up against him. Sonic panted softly and rested his hands on Shadow’s arms. His legs twitch and shook as they dangled above the ground. A cool sense of relief filled him as he was brought back into the cave’s darkness. Sonic smiled and purred loudly when he saw their nest. He reached for it and Shadow laid him down in it. Sonic nuzzled his face in the blankets, inhaling their mixed smells. He lifted his hips back up for Shadow.

The alpha’s hands moved around to grip Sonic’s waist. He held Sonic’s body still. “Are you, mm, going to stay in the nest from now on?”

Sonic nodded quickly and rubbed his ass against Shadow. “I promise, alpha. I don’t want to leave it. I wanna stay in it with you~” He looked back at the other hedgehog with heavy eyelids. Shadow leaned over him and kissed at his jaw with an open mouth. Sonic licked his lips. Shadow’s hand moved around to cup Sonic’s tummy. He resumed pounding into the warm little hole, grunting deeply. Sonic moaned and pressed his back against Shadow. His muscles clenched up, unsure what to do with the intense pleasure. “Want… want…”

Shadow turned his head and leaned close enough that he could reach Sonic’s lips. His tongue traced around them. He pressed soft kisses around Sonic’s muzzle. “What does… fuck~ my omega want?”

Sonic was worried he’d become a puddle feeling Shadow’s mouth all around his and his gravelly, horny voice filling his ears. “Y-Your pups. I want you to put your p-pups inside me,” he mumbled. Shadow gasped roughly as he suddenly shot cum into Sonic’s womb. His claws dug into Sonic’s stomach. His knot pulsed and swelled. Sonic purred as loud as he could, chest vibrating against the nest. As soon as he felt his insides fill up, he reached orgasm too, pussy clenching and squirting around the knot. His voice could barely be heard above the purring. “Thank you, alpha…”

Shadow collapsed on top of him, and Sonic laid flat in the nest beneath him. He slowly reached his hand back to feel Shadow’s face. Shadow pressed his muzzle into Sonic’s hand. Sonic could feel the softest satisfied smile on his lips. It made Sonic smile wide. Sonic tucked his arms under himself and yawned. He was safe and happy, hidden under Shadow’s body in the cozy nest. He didn’t want to be anywhere else. The knot filled him nicely, keeping Shadow’s cum in place, so it could do its job. Sonic was put at ease knowing they’d have to lie like this for at least an hour. Shadow lazily licked at Sonic’s cheek for a few minutes before relaxing every muscle and resting peacefully with his omega.

Chapter Text

They were coming up to the end of the two days. They hadn’t talked about what happened with Sonic’s friends. Either there was nothing to say or Sonic didn’t know what to say about it. Shadow had seemed completely unbothered, back to his less aggressive state. He slept very little to ensure his urges didn’t get out of control. For the omega, the memory of getting fucked in front of his friends ate away at his mind. He had this mounting anxiety about facing them again, about going home. It became stronger as the space between Shadow’s flares grew. He was coming out of rut. And then what would happen?

Sonic’s heart was beating quickly, this time unrelated to arousal. He tried to soothe himself by grooming the resting alpha next to him. His licks around Shadow’s mouth were slow. He smoothed the fur and pulled out any dried blood and saliva. Shadow let out a soft noise, but it wasn’t his usual rumble. Sonic purred softly, trying to encourage Shadow to rumble, but the alpha remained silent. Sonic sighed deeply and tilted his head up to groom the rest of Shadow’s face. Shadow opened his eyes and looked Sonic’s body up and down. He cupped Sonic’s face to hold him still as he started to reciprocate. He was precise in his licks, settling down Sonic’s fur in specific directions. Sonic closed his eyes and relaxed just a bit. Once Shadow got his face clean, he relaxed in the nest again. Sonic was getting restless. He shifted down and started licking at Shadow’s fluffy chest. His fur had gotten stained with various fluids over the rut. It had mats. Sonic did as much as he could with his tongue, but he had to use a couple of his fingers to separate some of the stubborn knots. Shadow watched as Sonic lifted the alpha’s arm and licked him from shoulder to fingertips. He spent extra time at each finger that was covered in everything that had leaked from the two of them. The flavors of them both were intense in Sonic’s mouth. He set Shadow’s arm down and groomed the other one. Then he held Shadow’s hips as he started grooming the alpha’s torso. His mouth and nose became filled with the salty smell of Shadow’s semen the lower he got. His hands brushed over on top of Shadow’s belly as his mouth got low. He was at the opening of Shadow’s sheath. His tongue touched the rim, but he was pulled away as Shadow pushed Sonic’s head down and put the omega’s face against his thigh. Sonic held back a whine of complaint. He looked up at Shadow. There wasn’t a hint of arousal on his face. The weight of rejection pulled at his heart, but he got back to grooming. Shadow’s thighs were among the dirtiest parts of him. Everything had leaked onto them. Sonic licked them slowly, savoring the tastes on his tongue. His mouth migrated to Shadow’s inner thigh. His face pressed under the alpha’s bulge.

Shadow rested his hand on top of Sonic’s head. “I think i’ve had my last flare up.” Sonic nodded and sighed softly. He cleaned up Shadow’s other thigh. “Think we might need a bit more cleaning than just licks.”

Sonic smiled a little and glazed over Shadow’s knees and shins. “This will make it easier to clean off with water. Let me do it.”

“Fine,” Shadow grumbled. He rolled over onto his stomach. He folded his arms under his head and closed his eyes.

Sonic watched him move. He slowly moved up and straddled Shadow’s hips. He sat just above Shadow’s tail. His hands moved up Shadow’s back, his thumbs pressing in firmly. Shadow grunted softly and his shoulder blades pushed together. “Are you sore?” Sonic looked over Shadow’s back. They were hard to see, but he could feel the last claw marks he had left in the alpha’s back.

“Yeah. Could use a little more sleep, I guess.” Shadow sighed.

Sonic leaned down and started to lick Shadow’s back. His tongue followed each claw mark, rehydrating the blood and lapping it up. “You’re sore because you haven’t been moving enough. You need to stretch and go for a run. I’m the same way after heat.”

“Hm, felt like I did plenty of moving. But it’s true my range of motion has been limited. I’ll run after I get clean.” Shadow’s body slowly relaxed under Sonic’s mouth.

Sonic migrated down to groom around Shadow’s tail and bum. “I’ll go with you.”

Shadow turned to look down at Sonic. “I think you ought to be getting home. Keep your little friends from worrying themselves to death.”

“Right…” Sonic hesitated before continuing to groom the bottom of Shadow’s legs.

When the omega was done, Shadow rolled back over and sat up. He beckoned with his hand. “Come let me return the favor.” Sonic got to his knees and came to sit in Shadow’s lap. The alpha held his head and moved it different ways so he was able to groom him from his ears down to his chin. Sonic had a small pout on his face. Shadow’s hands found the omega’s hips. “We’re fine.”

“Huh?” Sonic leaned back a bit so Shadow could lick at his shoulders and the top of his chest.

Shadow licked the bites slowly, relishing the taste of his blood. “I can hear your heart racing, but I don’t smell arousal. You’re worried about what’s going to happen when you leave. We’re fine. We can go on like it never happened. The exception being maybe… maybe next time your heat comes around, you could come back here.” Shadow paused at the center of Sonic’s chest, feeling his heartbeat through his muzzle.

Sonic looked down at Shadow and sighed. That was what he was worried about. It wasn’t the worse scenario, but Sonic was getting tired of Shadow keeping him at arm’s length. It would be especially aggravating now that Sonic has been so close. Wasn’t Shadow lonely? He carefully laid down on his back. The alpha followed him, coming down to clean up the bottom of Sonic’s chest. Sonic cleared his throat and put on a wry smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Maybe I’m just worried about seeing my little friends again after what you did to me in front of them.”

That little smirk made its way onto Shadow’s lips again. His nose brushed against Sonic’s tummy. His voice was gravelly, rumbling through his throat. “Don’t worry about that. Let them worry and be ashamed. You’ve got no reason to feel negatively about it.” Shadow’s tongue was gentle as it brushed the fur of Sonic’s belly.

A little warmth twisted low in Sonic’s belly at the attention. He liked having the alpha there, but he couldn’t pinpoint why. “Of course I do. You embarrassed the fuck out of me.”

“It wasn’t a punishment for you.” Shadow moved on. He licked near Sonic’s groin but was careful not to lick too close to where Sonic’s pussy was now hidden under fur.

Sonic sighed softly when Shadow abandoned his stomach. “It felt like it…”Shadow simply shrugged. He didn’t feel the need to explain himself. As he licked Sonic’s thighs, the faintest hint of arousal hit the air. Sonic hummed. “Does it smell good down there?”

Shadow huffed and didn’t answer. He groomed with quicker licks so he could go on to Sonic’s lower legs. Then he turned the hedgehog over without asking. Sonic got comfortable on his stomach and closed his eyes. Shadow got to work grooming Sonic’s back. It was pretty easy to handle with just one bite and a couple claw imprints. Shadow pulled Sonic’s tail out of the way as he groomed his butt. He paused after. Sonic spread his legs a little, aware that Shadow was about to go for the back of his thighs. Shadow tilted his head and licked the inside of Sonic’s thigh. “There’s a lot… of cum in your fur.”

“Whose fault is that?” Sonic relaxed.

Shadow ignored him again and did his best, but clearly his thighs would need some scrubbing and soap. He held Sonic’s ankles down as he cleaned his calves. He turned Sonic back over and sat next to him. He pulled Sonic’s hands up and took turns licking them both from palms to fingertips. Sonic watched him, reaching out to caress Shadow’s muzzle with his fingers. But then the alpha put his hands down and got out of the nest. He tossed the package of plan b at Sonic. “You should take another one of these.”

Sonic caught the package and looked down at it. “Yeah.” He watched Shadow closely as he tried to step out of the nest, but the alpha wasn’t even looking at Sonic. He had no objection or even reaction as the omega left the nest now. Sonic took a pill from the package and put it in his mouth. He crouched by the pool and sipped from water from his hand to swallow it. “Do you want to come to my place and take a shower?”

“Nah. I’m fine using the river.” Shadow stretched his body, crossing his arms over his chest and then touching his toes.

Sonic came to stand next to Shadow. He picked up his gloves and slipped them back onto his hands. He knelt down to pull on his shoes. “Do you want to keep some of my bedding? Your bed was pretty empty when I got here.”

“That’s okay. I have to get your smell out of here if I don’t want to go crazy.” Shadow walked over to their nest and started taking it apart, removing the quills so he could roll everything up.

Sonic tried not to frown while he watched. He liked that nest. It was the best one he’d ever made. Shadow handed him the bedding and headed to leave the cave. He was still barefoot and without his gloves. The omega looked around the cave one more time. He labeled everything in his mind, hoping to remember what it was like here later. He then followed Shadow out. The sun was setting, so it wasn’t too bright.

The dark hedgehog stepped into the river. He waded further until the water flowed around his hips. He looked to Sonic. “Do you want to clean off before you get back?”

The offer tempted him briefly. He watched the alpha gather water in his hands and let it fall through his chest fur. He rubbed his wet hands through the fur of his torso, soaking himself. Shadow began to shine. But the image wasn’t enough to allure him into the river. He thought back to Shadow holding his head down in it, the water filling his nose, the panic. It was deep enough to drown him towards the center, and it had a real current. He shook his head. He still hates bodies of water. Shadow nodded in acknowledgment and leaned his head under the water. He faced away from Sonic and ran his hands down his quills. Sonic breathed a heavy breath and pulled at his ankles to stretch his legs. He turned towards home. He squinted. There’s an odd shape at the top of a hill. It’s… Cubot? The robot ducked out of sight quickly. Looks like Eggman was still keeping tabs on him knew better than to watch himself after what happened last time. Sonic ran home.

Sonic skidded to a stop outside his front door. He looked at his home. It seemed strange to him now. So large and formal. He gathered his bedding in one arm and opened his door. He hoped no one was here. Upon entering, Sonic was relieved to see empty rooms. However, he could hear power tools coming out of the workshop. Tails is home, but that’s fine. Sonic dropped the bedding in his hammock and walked through the home to the workshop in the back. Tails had a welder’s mask on, holding a mallet in one hand and a torch in the other. Sonic called out to him.

Tails looked towards the door. He immediately pulled off his mask and set everything down. He ran to Sonic and hugged him tight. “You’re back!”

Sonic smiled and rubbed Tails’ back. “Yep. And I’m fine. Nothing’s broken.”

Tails pulled away to get a good look at him. He took a step back, making a face. “You stink though. And you should probably put something on all those… bites.” Tails’ eyes trailed down Sonic’s body until he seemed too uncomfortable and looked away.

Sonic rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, I’m about to hop in the shower, but I wanted to see you first.”

“I’m glad that you’re back home. I was really worried about you. The way he was treating you…” Tails shuddered as if reliving a bad memory.

Sonic winced and folded his arms. “Try not to think about it. I’m good, that’s all that matters.”

“You’re right. But good luck telling that to Amy. She’s still… upset. And kind of pissed.” Tails looked up at him.

Sonic let out a long sigh. Thanks for leaving this mess to clean up, Shadow. “I’ll talk to her about it again later. I really just want to get settled back home right now.”

Tails nodded. “You should rest and heal. But heads up, Eggman’s apparently been busy while you were… occupied the past two weeks. He’s located a new energy source to exploit on the uninhabited side of the island. He hasn’t gotten his hands on it yet. Said he’d await your return.”

Sonic tapped his foot. “Can’t we beat him to it then?”

Tails shook his head and walked back over to his work bench. “I’ve tried hacking into his systems, but I can’t figure out where the material is. We’ll have to follow him to it and take it from him.”

“Hm.” Sonic rubbed his fingers under his chin. “You got eyes on him?”

“Of course. The system alerts me every time something leaves his lair. It’s been quiet since he kicked Cubot out two days ago.”

Cubot must be on his way back to report that Sonic had left Shadow’s. Eggman could be on the move at any point now. Damn, Sonic was really hoping to catch up on some rest. “I’ll stay close. Just let me know.”

“Okay, Sonic.” Tails put his mask back on.

Sonic stepped out of the shop and returned to his bedroom. He dumped his blankets and pillows on his hammock. He shaped it into a nest. It wasn’t as structured as his last one and nothing held it together, but he figured it would help him with the transition to being back on his own. He usually only ever nested during his head. While he organized it, He found one of Shadow’s stray red quills. Sonic smiled softly and traced his finger along it. He held onto it as he walked into his bathroom and turned on the water. He leaned over the sink towards the mirror and tucked Shadow’s quill in between his own right next to his ear.

Chapter Text

Days had passed and life had been quiet. Sonic caught up on his sleep and nursed his shallow wounds. He hadn’t seen Amy or Knuckles since he’d returned. There was still an uncomfortable weight in the air between Sonic and Tails at times, and he couldn’t imagine how much worse it would be with the other two. Either way, it was a two way street. They hadn’t come to see him either.

Shadow was haunting him. He had chosen not to wash his bedding, so the alpha’s scent was only just starting to fade. He spent more time in his hammock than usual. He’s sleeping now. He could see glimpses of Shadow’s hands, his mouth, his teeth. And then he was touched. It felt far away, but he could remember how good it was supposed to feel, so it felt good all the same. He arched his back, and his pussy exposed itself. It began to get slick as Shadow’s hand pressed between his legs and fingered him. Sonic gripped his bedding. Tap, tap tap. Hm?

“Sonic?” Tails called from the other side of the door.

Sonic whined softly as Shadow’s hands faded away. He woke up. He sat up and rubbed his eyes. He pulled a pillow over his lap and called back to Tails. “What?”

The fox entered his room and walked close to his nest. Sonic gripped the pillow and tried to wipe his face of any expression. Tails showed him his tablet. Eggman was in a mech on the move. “I think he’s going after it.”

“Shit, okay.” Sonic swung his legs over the edge of the hammock. He stretched his arms and popped his knuckles. “Are we going to take him down?”

“No. We need to get the power source, remember?” Tails tapped Sonic on the forehead.

Sonic huffed and pushed his hand away. “So, what? You want to tiptoe behind him the whole way.”

Tails thought about it, his tails swaying behind him. “Yes.”

“What happens if he gets a hold of it first?” Sonic tapped his fingers on the pillow.

“Well, we just have to hope he’s not prepared to use it.” Tails sighed.

Sonic kicked his legs back and forth. Of course he’d be prepared. There’s no way he wasn’t expecting them to intervene. He wasn’t sure how serious this was, but Eggman having more power couldn’t be good. He could only think of one way to positively assure they won out. “Let’s take Shadow.” Or maybe he just wanted an excuse to seek out the alpha.

“What? No.” Tails had a visceral reaction, ears shooting back and tails falling against the floor.

“Oh, come on.” Sonic whined at his unsavory reaction. “Shadow would guarantee we could get it away from Eggman.”

“But he hates us. And we don’t need him.” Tails crossed his arms.

“He doesn’t…” Well, Sonic wasn’t sure. “Listen, he was in rut. It’s not fair to judge his… character or perspective based on what he did then.” Tails did not look happy. Sonic raised his finger. “But! That, uh, last thing he did wasn’t cool. I’ll get him to apologize. To everyone.”

Tails was understandably skeptical. “You think you can get him to apologize to us?”

Sonic nodded, smiling. “Yep.” In truth, he was likely delusional thinking he had any control over Shadow while neither of them were in their breeding week.

“Fine. He can come with us IF he apologizes.” Tails was still reluctant.

“Alright. Let me shower, and then I’ll go talk to him.” Sonic shut his thighs under the pillow. Luckily Tails woke him before he got too messy. Sonic watched the fox leave his room. The omega let out a breath and moved the pillow. He got up and walked to his bathroom, but then he paused. He looked down between his legs. He used a rag to clean off any slick on his legs, but he didn’t clean out his pussy. A mischievous smirk lit up his face. He dashed out of his home.

It was midday. The sun was shining and the birds were singing. Sonic leaned his face up to the sky, basking in its warmth. He raced over the hills towards Shadow’s cave. He wondered if the alpha was home. Should he just go inside? He stopped a few yards from Shadow’s cave. The alpha was sitting on the edge of the cliff above it. Sonic grinned up at him.

Shadow got to his feet and brushed off his gloves. “Haven’t you had enough of me?”

Sonic tilted his head. The question was strange to him. He’s never been annoyed by Shadow’s presence. “Don’t think so.”

Shadow leaped out from the cliff, aimed to land on top of Sonic. Sonic dashed out of the way. He paused to look at Shadow once he landed. The alpha stretched his legs, popped his neck, and got into a runner’s position. Sonic’s fur started to stand on end as they made eye contact. The second Shadow’s body lunged forward, Sonic took off sprinting, becoming a blue blur. Shadow chased him. Over miles, he closed the distance. He swished from Sonic’s left to his right. Sonic’s mistake was getting flashy. He pushed himself harder. He started taking each loop they passed and occasionally slingshotted around a tree to cross by Shadow and change their direction.

Shadow saw a pattern. Instead of chasing, he stopped and waited for Sonic to come around a tree. The omega crashed right into his arms. They tumbled to the ground and Shadow was quick to take control of the situation, pinning Sonic on the ground beneath him. “Caught you~”

Sonic smiled playfully up at him, breathing hard. He held back a purr. “I noticed.”

“I think you’ve got something of mine.” Shadow let go of Sonic’s wrist. The omega was confused. He hadn’t brought anything with him. Shadow plucked his quill out from where it was tucked among Sonic’s.

“Oh.” Sonic blushed a little. He hadn’t meant for Shadow to see that. Shadow cast the quill aside and Sonic took a good look at him. He seemed back to his normal self. His red quills were even back to their darker color. He’d shed again. He looked pretty clean too.

Shadow’s nose twitched. The alpha instinctually looked down between Sonic’s legs. He pulled away and sat on his own in the grass. He covered his nose with his hand. “The hell are you out of the house like that for?”

Sonic leaned up on his elbows, watching him. He let his legs hang open. “Like what?”

Shadow growled softly and waved him off. He got up and started to walk away.

Sonic climbed up to and jogged to catch up to him. He grabbed Shadow’s arm. “Wait, there’s a real reason I came.”

Shadow turned around and crossed his arms. “What is it, faker?”

Sonic’s ears twitched. He thought they were past that name. It was hurtful now, related to him pretending to be an alpha. He crossed his arms too, mirroring Shadow. “Eggman’s trying to steal something or other. You should come with us to stop him.”

“What, you can’t handle it?” Shadow looked him up and down.

“I can handle it!” Sonic retorted. Then he dropped his arms. “But it’s not as simple as taking him down. He has to lead us to this power source thingy so we can take it instead. But we don’t know what’ll happen when he gets it. And just in case…”

“You need an alpha with you in case shit gets rough?”

Sonic groaned. “Just because you’re—“ he stopped when he looked at Shadow’s face. There’s a tiny smile. He’s joking. Sonic took a deep breath. “Tell yourself whatever you have to in order to feel needed.”

“Hm.” Shadow looked away towards his home. “I guess I’ll do it. Nothing better to do until Rouge gets back on the island.”

“Oh, uh, I need a favor first.” Sonic smiled nervously.

“What favor?” Shadow tilted his head.

“You have to apologize to my friends.” Sonic’s ears shifted back slightly.

Shadow rolled his eyes. “No.”

Sonic whined like a brat. “Come on. They think you hate them.”

“So?”

Sonic rubbed his head. “Okay, how about things will be incredibly awkward and tense if you don’t?”

“Not for me.” Shadow shrugged. “They should get over it.”

“You still don’t think what you did was unacceptable?” Sonic ignored the warmth in his belly as he thought about the incident.

“I’m done talking about it. I’m not sorry, and I shouldn’t be. They should be for interrupting, for entering my home, and trying to steal from me,” Shadow said firmly.

Sonic couldn’t really argue. Though he didn’t consider himself an object to be stolen, he didn’t mind Shadow referring to him as one for some reason. “You’re right, I just… want to smooth things out. I don’t want you guys to hate each other.”

Shadow stepped closer to Sonic. “I don’t hate them. I’m indifferent, so I can be hostile when I need to be. But I can also be agreeable when we’re allies.”

“Well, not everyone is emotionally distant and level-headed as you.” Sonic unconsciously leaned closer.

Shadow stopped a couple feet away. “I know. Everyone else should take notes.” He glided backwards before whipping around and starting towards Sonic’s.

Sonic couldn’t help but smile at his confidence. They weren’t so different, him and The Ultimate Lifeform. He raced after Shadow, but the alpha moved at a relaxed pace, so he caught up easily. “Maybe you can teach them a thing or two while we’re traveling.”

“I doubt they’d care to learn.” Shadow kept his eyes forward. He saw Tails in the distance at Knuckles’s doorstep, so he swerved in front of Sonic, changing direction. Sonic followed, speeding up so he could comfortably crisscross in front of Shadow. The alpha watched him for a few cycles, then he slid forward, extending his leg. Sonic tripped over it and came to a sudden stop against the ground. Shadow let out an amused exhale and rolled to a stop behind Tails. Sonic groaned and rubbed his head as he got back to his feet and walked over to them. He punched Shadow in the shoulder, but there was no reaction from the alpha.

“Oh, h-hey, Shadow,” Tails mumbled, turning around to look up at the hedgehog.

Shadow only glanced at him. “You’re always so damn nervous. Makes me nervous.” He clenched his fist. Tails laughed uncomfortably. That made it infinitely worse.

Knuckles opened his front door. A mix of emotions crossed his face as he looked at the three of them, but it settled on agitation. He gestured to Shadow. “What’s he doing here?”

Tails chimed in because he couldn’t trust the hedgehogs not to escalate the situation. “Eggman left, so we need to go too. Shadow, uh, offered his help.”

Knuckles gave Shadow a cautious side eye. “Why would he want to help?”

“Why does it matter?” Shadow responded.

Knuckles looked to Sonic. He looked him up and down. “Are you okay, Sonic? Is this a hostage situation?”

Sonic quickly waved his hands. “We’re fine. Really, he’s going to help. It’s better to have more hands.” This could be so much less stressful if Shadow just apologized. And they haven’t even seen Amy yet.

Knuckles stepped outside and shut his door behind him. “Amy will not be happy about this.”

“Amy can stay home,” Shadow muttered. Everyone looked at him. His ears folded back, and he didn’t meet anyone’s gaze. They hadn’t expected something so snarky from him.

Sonic started walking, and everyone started walking with him. “You probably should stay out of sight when we first get there. Let me talk to her first.”

“Sure.” Shadow broke off from the group to take a perch out of the line of sight of Amy’s door.

Tails watched him go. “He’s acting even weirder than usual.”

Sonic rubbed Tails’ head and whispered, “He has super hearing.” Tails covered his mouth and walked faster to Amy’s. Sonic and Shadow shared a brief glance before the omega turned to finish the walk. Once they arrived, he cleared his throat and knocked on her door. He jumped when the door opened. He smiled down at her innocently with his biggest eyes.

Amy looked up at his face with a serious frown. Then she looked down his body. Sonic shifted his weight, feeling particularly naked under her gaze. He should about look back to normal now besides the deepest of bites that was still healing, only partially hidden by fur. Her eyes returned to his face. “Are you alright?”

Sonic cocked his hip and held out a thumbs up, clearly overdoing it with his gestures. “Yep! All good.”

Amy gripped her door. “Is your head clear?”

“I think so.” Sonic knocked on his head.

“Looking back, you meant what you said?”

Sonic’s smile creeped into a frown. “Man, I’d really like to forget about… that. But yeah. Really, I’m good. Not, uh, traumatized or anything. Didn’t need rescuing…” Behind him, Tails and Knuckles were staring at each other’s uncomfortable faces.

“Okay.” Amy’s hand slid down her door as she let go.

Tails cleared his throat. “Um, Amy, remember when I warned you about Eggman’s plan? He’s on the move.”

Amy took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. “I’ll go get my hammer.” She walked off back into her house.

Sonic turned around to face Tails and pulled on his own quills. He whisper-yelled. “You said she was pissed. That was not pissed, that was… was disappointed!”

“Well, she was pissed last time I talked to her,” Tails insisted, glancing behind Sonic to keep watch.

“Did she talk to you about her feelings?”

Tails shook his head. “Shh, she’s coming back.” Sonic turned back around.

Amy held her hammer over her shoulder and walked past them. “You know, it took me four hours to find it.”

Sonic started walking next to her. “I’m sorry. But I’m glad you found it! Anyways, I don’t know how much Tails has talked to you about what’s going on, but you know, we don’t really know what we’re dealing with.”

“That’s okay, I’m still willing to help.” Amy smiled a small smile at him.

“Oh, I know. It’s… well, I thought…” Sonic‘s fingers fiddled around one another.

Amy stopped in front of him and put her hand on her hip. “What do you need to say, Sonic?”

Sonic could barely look her in the eye. He might break a sweat trying to tell her. “Nothing,” he blurted. What was he thinking? Shadow shouldn’t go with them. It would be awful for nearly everyone.

Shadow teleported behind Sonic, now looking down at Amy over the omega’s shoulder. “I’m coming with you.”

Knuckles and Tails jumped and grabbed one another. Sonic wasn’t started by the alpha, but he winced waiting for Amy’s response. She slowly looked from Sonic to Shadow. Her face contorted in anger. Then she screamed and leapt at Shadow, pulling her hammer back. Now she did look pissed. Sonic grabbed her by the waist, letting her crash into his shoulder. Shadow stepped back as she swung her hammer at him while hanging over Sonic’s back. “You motherfucker!” she cried. Shadow looked at her blankly for a moment, then narrowed his eyes.

Sonic took a deep breath and held onto her tightly as she thrashed. He patted her back. “Get it all out.” Amy eventually had a viable idea and threw her hammer at Shadow. Sonic looked back over his shoulder.

The alpha moved, but he was clipped in the shoulder by it. He growled in annoyance and stalked off to retrieve the hammer from the ground. He held it up and raised his voice. “I will throw this into the fucking ocean if you try to use it on me again.”

Everyone stilled, sensing the anger from the powerful hedgehog. Except for Amy, who was angrier. She stopped kicking her legs though and spat at Shadow’s feet. Shadow’s lip curled up over his teeth in disgust. He handed her hammer to Sonic.

“Alright, gang! Road trip… ha ha…” Sonic clenched his teeth and started walking, praying the change of action could cool down the mood. He wasn’t going to let Amy down yet. He could still feel her body trembling with rage against him. He held onto her hammer for her too. After a moment’s hesitation, Knuckles and Tails caught up to him. Shadow lagged behind, exchanging venomous glares with the girl of the group.

Chapter Text

It took Amy nearly an hour to calm down enough that Sonic felt comfortable enough to set her down and hand over her hammer. Finally, she wasn’t forced to look backwards at the alpha. She clutched her hammer tightly. The group was dead quiet, and it was driving Sonic crazy. There was way too much tension. He wanted to break it away, but anything he said fell flat. He gave up and entertained himself by counting his steps and looking back at Shadow every 100 to make sure he was still there. Every time he looked, Shadow was already looking back. The sun was beginning to set now, and they didn’t seem to be close to their goal.

“How about Shads and I scout ahead? Find somewhere to rest for the night?” Sonic looked to his friends. They remained quiet, but Tails nodded. Sonic took off, assuming Shadow would follow. The alpha was indeed hot on his heels. They ran for about a mile or two. Over the next hill, the biome changed. It was a thick forest. He stopped in front of the tree-line, and Shadow arrived next to him. “We don’t get to go in here much.”

“Don’t have to,” Shadow corrected as he stepped into the woods. Sonic followed and looked around. It seemed like night under the thick canopy. Very little light broke through. It would be difficult to run through this place. There are tree trunks standing everywhere, but worse there are brambles and ferns all over the ground. “I don’t like this. We should go around.”

“Go around the forest?” Sonic cocked a brow and tried to read Shadow’s contemplative face. “What, it seems haunted to you or something?”

Shadow crouched down and looked across the forest floor. “It’s not suited for us.”

Why does Shadow always have to speak so mysteriously? Sonic continued treading along the leaves. “The others won’t be able to keep pace with Eggman if we go around.”

“Why even bring them? We could handle it better ourselves.” Shadow walked behind Sonic, but his ears were back. He was clearly uncomfortable here.

Sonic sighed deeply. “Firstly, that would be hurtful to them. To leave them out. And you never know when you might need help.” He stopped as he arrived in a small clearing. A couple trees had fallen, letting in a bit of light. It was enough space for them all to curl up for the night. “This spot seems fine enough.”

“Can’t we push through the forest then?” Shadow crossed his arms.

Sonic shook his head. “We need to be rested since we don’t know when we’ll need to cut him off. Plus, we can’t get too close to him. Tails said he just made camp about a mile deeper.”

“Too close…” Shadow muttered.

“We’ll be fine. We have an alpha looking out for us.” Sonic winked at him and turned around to leave the woods. He could hear Shadow’s scoff. There was a hint of amusement in it. He picked up the pace and travelled back to the group with Shadow.

They actually stopped a few yards ahead so they could walk together. Shadow didn’t feel right walking among the others. They led the group to the forest. Sonic enjoyed Shadow’s closeness even if they didn’t touch. He could smell the alpha. He wondered if Shadow could still smell the bit of slick that had accumulated from his wet dream. He almost scolded himself for these thoughts, but they had been so demanding, he’d given up on shoving them down. He kept thinking about Shadow, and he wanted to be around him. He blamed it on the fact he’d never had sex before though. Shadow had opened a new, very fun world for him. That’s all it was. It was sexual desire expressing itself. It was only related to Shadow because he was the only alpha Sonic knew. That’s all.

They made it into the forest. Tails started hovering so he wouldn’t trip up in the vines and bushes. Knuckles hummed. “I like the jungle. Will we rest here?”

“Yeah, there’s a little clearing up ahead.” Sonic had to watch his footing as he moved along. They got thoroughly into the woods when drones revealed themselves from behind tree trunks. They braced themselves, but the air was still. Then several automated mechs about ten feet tall bounded through the woods towards them. It’s an ambush.

They got to work. Amy threw her hammer on a curve, so it destroyed several drones before their lasers could lock. She ran underneath them to catch it as it came back down, dodging each mechanical body as they fell. Knuckles jumped onto the back of one of the larger machines and punched it in its head, assuming that’s where its circuitry lied. Tails hit some programs on his watch and was able to shoot a precise EMP that temporarily stunned the bots long enough for his friends to take care of them. Sonic took care of the larger bots as they came, spin-dashing into their chests and stomping on their heads. But something was wrong. Sonic wasn’t out of breath. They kept coming and coming, but just one at a time. For each of them. Eggman knew that wasn’t going to work. So what was the point of letting his machines get destroyed? Sonic knocked out another bot and stood on its chest as he checked on his friends. They were handling things fine. They kept glancing at him. No, past him. He realized when the smell hit his nose. Distress. A call for help. Sonic whipped around.

Several yards away, Shadow was completely surrounded by the tall robots. They circled him amongst the trees. He was panting and growling. He tried to teleport away, but he could only land at the foot of a robot and receive a punch to the face, sending his body flying into another bot that shoved him to the ground. He could only teleport short distances within his line of sight, but it was dark here and his sight was broken by the bots and trees. The way his air shoes slide along the ground got tripped up in the undergrowth. Couldn’t run either. There were just too many. By the time he took one out, another grabbed him and threw him into the fist of another one. The goal of this ambush was to get Shadow. The others coming at his friends were just a distraction. It seemed like they had already figured that out and didn’t care to help Shadow.

Sonic didn’t think twice before locking into a spin-dash and exploding through a couple of the bots making a wall around Shadow. He started circling Shadow protectively and widened his path to knock into the bots like they were bowling pins. This worked until a new one showed up and was able to side swipe him, smacking him into a tree. He groaned and put a hand on his back as pain spread up his spine. Shadow wiped the blood from his mouth and roared with a renewed rage. His energy sparked from his body, illuminating the space around him. He was then able to teleport onto the bodies of each bot. He tore them apart, slashing into their bellies with his claws and kicking their heads off. He ripped their arms from their sockets and crushed their frames. Oil sprayed everywhere. Many of them fell to the ground. Their broken wires crackled. A spark from the one Shadow was currently ripping into hit Shadow’s back and lit the oil on fire. His back was on fire.

“Shadow!” Sonic warned, stumbling back to his feet. Shadow sniffed the air and turned his head. He dropped to the ground and rubbed his back on it, but he jumped back as the leaves and plants on the ground caught on fire due to the oil. Shadow looked through the fire at Sonic. Suddenly he leaned over and coughed blood onto the ground. Sonic dashed through the flames and slid under Shadow’s arm to prop him up. “We have to go.” He jogged back to his friends with Shadow against his side. “Let’s move, there’s a fire.”

Shadow grunted and rested his hand over his ribs. “It won’t spread. The oil will burn, and… too much moisture in the plants to…” Shadow was clearly struggling to breathe. An awful gurgling sound came from his chest. One of his broken ribs had pierced a lung.

Sonic looked at him with extreme concern. A nervous whine fell out of his mouth. He cupped Shadow’s cheek and lifted his head, but Shadow didn’t look at him, too busy trying to ward off the pain. He took a look at their surroundings again. The fire seemed to have scared off the robots. His friends looked alright.

“Come on. I see that clearing you talked about. It should be a safe distance.” Tails took the lead, making a path through the woods. Knuckles followed.

Amy started walking, but she looked back at Sonic. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” Sonic muttered, holding onto Shadow. Why didn’t they help him? He gripped Shadow tighter, and the alpha winced. “Sorry,” Sonic mumbled and loosened. He supported Shadow as they made their way to the clearing. As soon as they arrived, Sonic gently put Shadow on the ground. “Stay right there.” He sped around the edges of the clearing, squinting in the darkness. He gathered handfuls of leaves and dumped them next to Shadow. He gathered a few branches and vines for structure. He knelt down by Shadow and plucked each thorn off the vines. He crafted a messy nest with the materials.

Shadow watched him with a soft expression, but when Sonic beckoned him, Shadow hardened again and looked around. Knuckles and Tails were busy trying to create a controlled fire in the center of the clearing. Amy was watching them though. Shadow’s gaze lingered on her as he let out a small, wet cough. He was wheezing now.

“You have to rest.” Sonic pulled Shadow into the nest and fixed it around him. It was just made for the alpha, not them both. He knelt outside of it. He leaned around to check Shadow’s back. Up towards one of his shoulders, the fur had burned away. His skin was bright pink. He had gotten burned. He must be in so much pain… Sonic’s not sure he’s ever seen Shadow so hurt. It scared him. He wanted Shadow to go to sleep and heal. Right now. “Lay down,” he begged the alpha.

Shadow grumbled and looked around the woods as some of the area became lit up by their fire. He opened his mouth, but only a weak breath came out. He inhaled as deep as he could and tried again. “What… comes back?”

“I’ll stay up and keep watch.” Sonic assured. He leaned in to lick up some of the blood on Shadow’s face, but the alpha pulled away from him.

“Don’t… watching.” He nodded his head towards Amy before he curled up in the nest.

Sonic looked up towards her, and she immediately looked away from him. He had to fix this. They needed to have each other’s backs. What happened back there was not that. Sonic shifted to turn his back to her as he watched over the alpha. Shadow tried to relax his body. There were long gaps between his breaths as if he didn’t want to take them. He rested his hand on his side. His fingers traced along them to identify the damage. His other hand rested against his neck, fingers reaching down over his shoulder towards his burn. He kept looking around. Sonic put his hand over Shadow’s eyes. “You trust me, don’t you?”

Shadow grabbed his hand for a moment but decided on letting go. He nodded weakly. Sonic smiled and left his hand there for a while longer. When he pulled away, Shadow’s eyes were closed. Sonic watched him until his breathing leveled out, no longer influenced by pain. He was sleeping. Sonic let out the breath he was holding and sat back. Oh, Chaos. He climbed to his feet and walked over towards the fire. Knuckles was lying nearby with Tails curled up into his side. The fox was asleep. Knuckles was resting, watching Sonic with lidded eyes.

Sonic sat on the fallen tree across from Amy. He hasn’t figured out what to say to them. He needs to think. And he needs to see that Shadow will be okay. “You can rest. I’ll watch out.” He watched the flames. He was usually fond of the unique light and the warmth, but now he hated it, now only seeing Shadow burning.

“I’m still feeling a little jumpy…” Amy twirled her hammer on the ground.

“I get that.” Sonic ran his hands through his quills to put himself back together. He carefully slouched. His back was hurting, but nothing was broken or torn.

Amy was looking at her feet. “Sonic…”

Sonic shook his head. “I can’t. I need a little while to think.” He rubbed his temples with his fingers. Amy frowned and set her hammer against the tree. She moved down to lie next to Knuckles. She started staring at Shadow across the clearing. Sonic looked up into the sky, but only a few stars shined through the leaves.

A few hours later, it was quiet. Everyone was asleep except for Sonic. His eyes were getting heavy though. He hadn’t seen or heard anything. Eggman was leaving them alone for now. The fire had grown smaller, but he kept it alive with any little dead sticks he could find. Above the crackling of the fire, there was whimpering and a little bit of whining. It sounded like a puppy. Sonic looked to Tails first, but the fox was sound asleep. His ears turn to the direction of the sound. He turned around. Shadow was trembling in the nest, curled up so tightly. His body twitched every few seconds. Sonic frowned and walked over, kneeling down. He tilted his head. Shadow was whimpering. The sounds made him so sad. They were fearful and full of grief. He could smell it leaking from Shadow too. He must be having a nightmare.

Sonic looked around to double check everyone was sleeping. He reworked the nest with his hands, making it larger. He got in and lied on his side facing the alpha. He didn’t want to wake him to make sure he healed, so he just brought the back of his hand to Shadow’s nose. The pathetic noises coming from Shadow eventually stopped as he breathed in Sonic’s scent, but he continued to twitch and shake. There was an awful popping sound and Shadow grunted. Sonic touched Shadow’s rips gently. They seemed right to him. He reached around to Shadow’s back. The skin was leathery and dry now. Stubble sprouted from it. Sonic sighed and rested an arm over Shadow, relaxing a bit. He was healing. He was going to be fine. Sonic had only meant to stay with Shadow another hour or so, long enough to ensure the bad dreams were gone and Shadow got enough sleep to heal himself, but he became so calm and comforted by Shadow’s presence that he fell asleep in the makeshift nest.

Chapter Text

Sonic was warm and cozy enough despite several things poking into him. He was in a deep sleep, having been exhausted. He was lying there with his mouth open drooling on Shadow’s arm. They were curled towards each other in a sort of yin yang position. Shadow’s head was just above his. A noise cut into his sleep, but he ignored it. Until he got kicked in the shin. Sonic groaned and turned his head, opening his eyes.

Amy was looming over their nest with her hands on her hips. Her brows were pushed together. “It’s time to get moving again.”

Sonic looked around where he had fallen asleep and sighed, closing his eyes again. He hadn’t meant to stay and get caught nesting with the alpha. Shadow sat up and scooted away from Sonic as soon as he woke up, wary of being seen so close to him. He choked on his breath and turned over on his hands and knees to cough up blood. He wrapped an arm around his midsection. Most of the injuries themselves have healed, but the pain lingered. So did the blood in his lung. And his fur hadn’t grown more than a millimeter over his burn.

Sonic frowned deeply and crawled over next to him. He rubbed up and down Shadow’s back. His back pressed into Sonic’s hand as he tried to hack up the rest of the blood. He recalled what happened last night, and his face contorted with vexation. He looked up to Amy. “What the hell happened yesterday?”

“What do you mean?” Amy acted ignorant.

Tails walked over, hearing the commotion. He crouched down and leaned towards Shadow. Sonic bristled and put himself between them. He felt like they were against Shadow, but Sonic would stand up for him. Tails put one hand up and pulled a tool from his satchel. “It’s okay. I’m just going to scan him.”

Sonic’s fur didn’t quite lie all the way back down. He slit his eyes at Tails. “Why didn’t you do that last night?” They didn’t even know about how Shadow’s healing worked. They’d have had no idea he was going to be fine.

Tails looked down as he fiddled with his gadget. “Well, you seemed to be… taking care of him, so…”

Sonic’s fur lied back down when he felt Shadow’s hand on his hip. The alpha’s voice sounded buried. “I’m fine. Just… have to get it out.” He opened his mouth wide, his blood dripping from his maws. Sonic moved next to Shadow’s head and cupped his hands under it. Shadow let his head rest in Sonic’s hands, so he didn’t have to hold it up himself. Sonic glared after Amy when she walked off. He wasn’t done with her, but he needed to stay with Shadow for now.

Tails ran his scanner across Shadow’s body and then brought the screen close to take a look at the results. “10% of skin burned, second degree. Strained achilles. Swelling of the liver, a tad bit of internal bleeding. Ah, here. It looks like right rib, second from the bottom, is fractured. I’m assuming It was broken last night, and that’s how blood got into his lung. It’s not dangerous, but it’ll feel like he’s half drowning until he gets it out.”

Sonic guided Shadow’s head to his lap. The alpha’s reluctantly lied on his good side. Sonic wiped the blood from Shadow’s mouth. He looked down at him. “You need to sleep more.”

Shadow licked his lips and shook his head. His chest bubbled as he spoke. “Soft tissue heals slowest. Last. Body only uses energy for life threatening injuries…”

“You mean it won’t heal faster if you sleep again?” Sonic rubbed his hand through Shadow’s chest fur soothingly.

“No…” Shadow whispered. “But I-I… I’m fine.” He cleared his throat and tried to cough again.

Sonic looked to Tails. “Can we do anything to help him get it out?”

Tails sighed and looked over Shadow’s body. “Nothing short of stabbing into his lung with a straw and letting it drain.”

“Hell no. I’m fine. It’ll… come out eventually.” Shadow sat up and pulled away from them.

“We’re going to fall behind if we don’t get moving,” Amy called.

Sonic let out a small growl. He looked to Shadow. “I could carry you over my shoulder.”

“I can walk. My legs work fine.” Shadow stood up and rubbed his eyes.

Sonic stood with him. “I mean, you could be upside down for a while. It might help it come up.”

Shadow thought about it as he breathed shakily. He rubbed his chest. “Maybe that could work.”

Sonic knelt down. “The part that people do the heimlich maneuver on, that should go on my shoulder.” He felt under Shadow’s ribcage. The alpha nodded and leaned forward against Sonic, essentially setting his ribs on top of his shoulder. Sonic got to his feet, lifting Shadow. Shadow hissed softly as his fractured rib screamed at him. He put his hands on Sonic’s back before carefully setting himself down. The blood rolled up towards his bronchial tubes, and then he couldn’t breathe. He dug his nails into Sonic’s back and coughed hard. Sonic could hear the blood gurgling. He started jumping around so Shadow’s abdomen pressed into his shoulder when he landed.

“What the hell are you guys doing?” Knuckles asked. The three of them were staring.

“I’m getting the—“ Sonic was interrupted by a gross sound erupting from Shadow’s throat as he spat up blood all over Sonic’s butt. “Blood out…” He looked over his shoulder.

Shadow took a deep, long breath, then let out a loud groan. “Fuck.” He hung loosely over Sonic’s shoulder, taking a moment to catch his breath.

Sonic patted Shadow’s back and smiled. “We’re ready.” His three friends accepted that and began their journey again. Sonic followed behind, carrying the alpha.

Shadow sighed and leaned up straight, dropping down in front of Sonic. He walked backwards in pace with him. He looked him up and down, rubbing his mouth off. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. How’s the pain?” Sonic clasped his hands behind his back.

Shadow turned and fell into step with Sonic. “I’ll live.”

Sonic slowed down a bit to get some distance from the group. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you struggling.”

Shadow made a displeased face and shrugged, unwilling to admit he needed help.

Sonic looked at his friends’ backs. “I can’t believe they didn’t help you. We’re going to have a conversation about that.”

“It’s cool. Let them take their anger out however they need.” Shadow stretched his arms.

“No, Shadow. That’s not cool. We have to look out for one another,” Sonic insisted.

“I don’t need them to look out for me.” Shadow folded his arms.

“Why won’t you just accept help? Friends?” Sonic sighed loudly.

“Why won’t you just accept I don’t need those things?” Shadow asked back.

“Because everyone needs them. You just don’t want it.” Sonic looked at his face.

“Don’t tell me what I need, faker.”

“Don’t call me a faker, faker.” Sonic gritted his teeth and stopped walking.

Shadow stopped a step ahead of him and looked at him over his shoulder. “Then stop. Being. A faker.”

“What do you think I’m faking?” Sonic stomped over to him. He wasn’t faking being an alpha anymore, so what is it?

Shadow refused to look at him as he answered. “You don’t actually care about me. You’ve just been trying to get close to me, because you feel the need to be friends with everyone. You’re doing it to make yourself feel like a good person. You think you’re taking in a particularly mangy stray by getting close to me.”

“Guys, you coming?” Tails paused his walking to check on them. The group was quite a ways ahead of the two now.

“Yeah.” Shadow shook off the tension walked on.

Sonic stood there for a moment, replaying what Shadow said in his head. Is that how Shadow saw it? Sometimes Sonic did feel that way. Like he was responsible for people. Like he should create and maintain close relationships just to make others happy. And that eased the weight of the responsibility. But that is not how he felt with Shadow. He would’ve given up a long time ago if it was so shallow. No, he can see Shadow’s pain. And for some reason, when Shadow’s hurting, Sonic is cut with the same blade. He didn’t hurt that way for anyone else. He began to walk again, lagging behind Shadow.

Luckily, they were able to walk all day without getting attacked. Unluckily, they had to walk all day. Everyone was bored and tired by nightfall. They were close the end of the woods though. There would be relief with the change of scenery tomorrow. They found another empty space to rest for the night. Knuckles gathered some logs while Tails dug a pit for the fire. Amy sat on the ground while Shadow sat on the far side of the space. Sonic started gathering leaves.

Shadow noticed this and grumbled, “I don’t need a nest.”

“Well, it’s not for you. It’s for me,” Sonic sneered. It was a lie. Rejected, he dropped the supplies in a sad pile on the ground several feet away from Shadow and plopped down. It was still tense in the group, but now it was between Sonic and Shadow too. There was no escape. It was very stressful for the poor omega.

Knuckles laid face down on the ground as was snoring within what seemed like just a few seconds. Tails settled the fire and leaned back to lie his head on Knuckles’ back. Amy sat next to them and traced her hammer under her fingers. She was staring at Shadow as usual. Sonic rubbed his face. He could deal with the boys in the morning, but whatever stick Amy had up her ass needed to be dislodged. She needed to be on his side for the group to come together.

Sonic got up and walked over to her. He sat down next to her. “Let’s talk.”

“Okay.” Amy propped her arms on the handle of her hammer.

“Why didn’t you help Shadow yesterday? Or at least let me know he needed help? I know you saw him surrounded.” Sonic looked at her face, trying to get her attention away from the alpha. Upon hearing his name, Shadow lied down and curled up. He closed his eyes.

“I thought he was ‘The Ultimate Lifeform’,” she put his title in air quotes, “he doesn’t need our help.”

“Cut the shit. It was like you wanted him to get hurt.” Sonic’s lip pulled up. “What’s the problem?”

“Are you seriously asking me that?” Amy finally looked at him. “He hurt you. Forced himself on you and appealed to your instincts, so you thought you wanted him too. And then he hurt us. And you don’t even care! You just roll back in like nothing happened. And now you’re like buddy-buddy with him. You’re basically forcing him on us. We don’t want him around. He’s an asshole,” as she rambled, her voice got more unsteady and her gestures became more dramatic.

Sonic huffed a deep sigh and shook his head. “You’re misunderstanding the whole situation. You wouldn’t think he was an asshole if you listened to me. I told you over and over it was consensual. I am not a slave to my instincts. He deserves a chance.”

Amy looked back to Shadow. “No, he doesn’t. If you truly wanted it, I just don’t get why you would ever be intimate with him. He’s always only ever been rude to you. Only pushed you away. And suddenly he thinks you’d make a good lay, and that’s enough for you to hop in bed with him?”

“It’s a… you’re making it into something it’s not. Helping him during a rut is like helping you change a lightbulb. It’s not this special, super intimate thing. You even offered to help me with my ‘rut’ all the time as my friend.” That was true for most alphas and omegas most of the time. But of course there was intimacy between him and Shadow. He’s getting annoyed trying to talk to her while she’s not looking at him. “Stop looking at him. He’s asleep. Why do you care so much what I do in my free time anyway?”

“Because I’m in love with you, you idiot!” Amy cried, turning to him to shove his chest. “Isn’t it obvious?” Across the clearing, Shadow’s ears twitched.

It all made sense now. She was jealous. And pissed that Sonic chose to sleep with someone she saw as treating him poorly when she’s only ever been kind to him. She’d been wanting to get with him for so long, and the second Shadow showed interest, Sonic gave into him. Amy cried in her hands. Sonic had no idea what to say. He safely assumed anything he said would only make her feel worse, so he wrapped his arm around her. She still shouldn’t have left Shadow hanging yesterday, but he could see her reasons more clearly now. She leaned into his chest and gripped onto his fur. He rubbed her back gently. After a few minutes, Sonic whispered an apology to her. He stiffened a bit as she touched his cheek. She sniffled and wiped her eyes.

“Just… get some rest, okay?” Sonic lifted her gently and placed her next to Knuckles.

Amy took a deep breath and grabbed his arm. “You should too. I know you were up for a while last night.”

“Yeah, alright.” Sonic just wanted her to calm down. He felt sick watching her cry because of him. He laid down, and she brought her head onto his chest. She tucked her legs under Knuckles’. This sort of touch wasn’t very unusual for them. Especially when sleeping outside. Their bodies were soft and warm. But it did feel a bit strange from her now, knowing just how close she craved to be with him. It was no longer like cuddling with a sister. Sonic stroked her quills and hummed softly, willing her to sleep. It took an hour. Sonic sighed and rubbed his eyes. He looked Shadow’s way when he opened them. Those red eyes were waiting for his.

Shadow dashed for him, and all of a sudden, he was on his feet pinned up against a tree trunk, far from the light of the campfire. Sonic puffed up glaring at Shadow’s dark face. “What the hell, Shadow?”

Shadow put his hand against the tree above Sonic’s head. His other hand was square on Sonic’s chest, pushing him into the bark. “Do you love her?”

Sonic grabbed Shadow’s wrist. “Who, Amy? Why do you care?”

Shadow leaned in close to Sonic’s face. Sonic squinted. He could barely see him. “I don’t.”

Sonic could feel the warmth radiating off of Shadow’s body. He had a strong smell to him underneath the oil, like his body was trying to scent Sonic. The omega tilted his head and smirked. “Faker~”

Shadow grabbed his throat. Sonic was prepared to be choked out for his accusation, but he tensed up in shock when Shadow’s lips pressed against his. As quickly as they came, his lips pulled away. In a flash of light, Shadow was gone. Sonic’s heart started pounding. He looked ahead, but he couldn’t see Shadow. Then he looked up.

The alpha was teleporting high among the trees where just a bit of starlight reached. He kicked off of each branch to gain momentum between teleports. Sonic bit his lip and ran along the forest floor after him. He picked his feet up high with every step in order to keep them from catching on anything, something Shadow couldn’t do at high speeds. He got ahead of Shadow and used his velocity to get up a tree. He jumped for Shadow, but the alpha teleported just before Sonic could grab him. Sonic rolled into a ball before he landed on the ground. Then he unrolled and kept running. He couldn’t get to Shadow in here. Shadow made the domain into his own. Sonic didn’t know where they were going, but he didn’t care to ask.

He followed Shadow for miles until they made it back out of the forest. Shadow landed on the ground, and Sonic tackled him immediately. They made it down with Sonic on top this time. Sonic leaned down and kissed the breathless alpha, letting their bodies come together. Shadow grabbed Sonic’s face and kissed him back with parted lips. As soon as Shadow’s tongue reached Sonic’s mouth, the omega jumped up to his feet and took off. Shadow growled behind him and dashed after him. Sonic let him get close. He smiled back at him. Shadow went up a hill and took another route above Sonic. He lost a bit of speed as he watched Shadow. The alpha went through a loop and flew over a ramp, getting leaps ahead of the omega by the time he landed back on flat ground.

Before they knew it, they were arriving outside of Shadow’s cave. Shadow slid to a stop at the mouth and faced him. Sonic didn’t slow down. He ran straight into Shadow. The alpha spun around with him to disperse the energy. Their lips found each other again. Sonic jumped up onto Shadow’s waist. The black hedgehog ducked down with him to pass through the tunnel. He laid Sonic down on the empty bed. Sonic’s hands brushed down Shadow’s sides to his hips as their tongues met. Sonic’s pussy split the second Shadow started grinding between his legs. His cock came out as soon as the sweet flesh was exposed.

Sonic shivered when he felt it. A new kind of excitement spread through him. He pushed Shadow over, letting their lips break. He sat on Shadow’s lap just below his dick. He looked down at it and licked his lips. It wasn’t red anymore. It was a pretty pink, flushed purple towards the tip. He stroked it in his hand and held it against his tummy. It went about half way up his torso. He was aroused seeing how deep it truly went inside of him. He leaned back and started rubbing his pussy on it, slicking it up.

Shadow groaned and wrapped one hand around Sonic’s hip and the other around Sonic’s throat. The omega leaned forward into his hand, sitting his pussy against Shadow’s shaft. Shadow growled at him, squeezing his throat. Sonic’s eyes shut as Shadow’s hand compressed his trachea. “You drive me fucking crazy.”

“Mm~” Sonic stuck his tongue out at Shadow in a teasing way. Shadow pulled him down by his neck and bit his tongue. Sonic whimpered as his back curled. He pressed his open mouth against Shadow. Shadow released the bite to start making out with him. The alpha still tasted of his own savory blood. Sonic’s tongue slowly started getting limp in Shadow’s mouth as his consciousness faded away under Shadow’s grip. As soon as the alpha let go, he gasped all the air out of Shadow’s mouth. It was knocked out of him again as Shadow pushed his cock into him. It felt bigger now, like Sonic had tightened up in the time they’ve been apart. His claws dug into Shadow’s shoulders as he pushed himself upright. He sat all the way down in Shadow’s lap and ground slowly. Shadow’s dick swirled around inside of him. “Oh, Chaos,” he moaned.

Shadow bit his lip hard, drawing blood. He held onto Sonic’s waist as he moved. Sonic touched his stomach as he started to bounce. His moans steadily got louder and higher pitch. He had no shame. Sex is honestly the best thing he’s ever felt, and he wanted it to be known. Shadow was feeling some time of way too. The alpha was squirming beneath him, letting out soft grunts. His face was flushed hot. He looked more undone than he had during his entire rut. His eyes couldn’t pick a part of Sonic’s body to settle on. Sonic got absolutely absorbed in the pleasure of Shadow rubbing his insides. Shadow’s cock stroked a very sensitive bundle of nerves in him. He wanted faster. He sat back down and rocked his hips back and forth roughly. His clit rubbed on the fur of Shadow’s crotch. It felt like shocks zapping up his body as pleasure weighed heavy in his groin.

All of a sudden, his thighs tensed up, lifting him a few inches as he squirted. “Hah… ah~” His pussy started clenching around the dick inside it. Sonic whimpered and moaned. He stopped moving, only trembling on the alpha’s soaked lap.

Shadow moaned with him and gripped the sheets as his cock was stroked by the clenching muscles. He pushed his hips up. Sonic put his hands on Shadow’s stomach as he was lifted off the bed. Shadow rolled them over and got on top. He tucked himself up close between Sonic’s legs. He wrapped his arms tightly around Sonic’s torso. He rested his forehead on Sonic’s chest and panted into his fur as he humped into the spent omega. Sonic’s eyes rolled back as he hugged Shadow’s head and let his legs go limp on either side of Shadow’s waist. Shadow’s noises got louder and more desperate. His fingers kneaded at the fur of Sonic’s back. He moved his hips quicker, but he was barely pulling out, staying as close and as deep as he could. He gasped and let out a weak whimper as he shoved himself as deep as he could, pushing Sonic up the bed. Shadow released his hot cum into Sonic’s belly. Sonic’s pussy was still pulsing, not having had a break after orgasm. Their hips became still, locked together by Shadow’s knot, but his pussy was essentially still stroking Shadow. Shadow breathed hard and fast as his cock was milked for every drop of cum it had. The noises coming from his throat were tight and weak. His hips twitched every few seconds as did his cock.

Sonic tried to open his eyes, but their lids felt so heavy. He pushed his muzzle into Shadow’s quills as he collapsed on top of the omega. Sonic rested his legs behind Shadow’s butt and breathed slowly against him. Everything felt right again. Sonic ran his fingers up and down Shadow’s back. He shivered under the light touch. Sonic purred softly to pacify Shadow as he came down from his intense orgasm. Shadow only stopped twitching and making noises when Sonic’s pussy fully relaxed, and Shadow’s balls were completely empty.

Chapter Text

Once their heartbeats synced at a calmer rate, Shadow growled and hid his face in Sonic’s chest. “Damnit.”

“What?” Sonic pulled the single pillow over under his head.

“I didn’t want to fuck you again…” Shadow sighed. He sat up, leaving only their thighs and privates touching. He glared down at his knot hooked inside Sonic.

Sonic rolled his eyes. “Sure, pal. You were whimpering like an omega pumping into me like two minutes ago.”

“I was not,” Shadow snapped, his fur puffed up, but it was embarrassment, not anger.

Sonic smirked up at Shadow and rested his arms under his head. “Feels different out of rut, does it?”

Shadow’s mouth twitched. He stared into Sonic’s eyes like he was trying to intimidate him. “…No.”

“No? Doesn’t feel… more physical? More sensitive now that your head isn’t swarming with instinct? You should be able to enjoy the process more now that you aren’t only interested in the end goal. You’re forgetting I understand you. When I’m in heat, I would skip the fucking if I could. Just need that knot as soon as possible.” Sonic brushed the sides of his calves along Shadow’s hips.

Shadow grabbed Sonic’s legs to keep them still. Then he sighed and ran his hands along the insides of Sonic’s thighs. “It felt… Its like I never realized how good it feels. Like you said, I just wanted to breed. Didn’t care about how I achieved that.” Shadow pulled off one of his gloves and circled his finger around his cock where it nestled into Sonic. He collected some slick and rubbed it between his fingers, watching it stick and string between his fingers.

Sonic looked up and down Shadow’s body. It’s true they had the same face, only Shadow’s eyes ended in a harder angle. Despite this, Sonic barely saw himself in the alpha. The expressions they wore were vastly different. Their bodies were different though. Shadow was leaner, with a flat chest and an abdomen with the silhouette of a V until it was broken by his defined hips. He was undeniably handsome. Sonic wouldn’t change any of it. He was getting less resistant to believing Shadow’s title of The Ultimate Lifeform. “You wanna keep doing this?”

Shadow’s ears perked. Then they shifted back. “Keep… having sex?”

“Yeah,” Sonic murmured softly, looking up into his ruby eyes.

“I told you. I’ll help you with your heat.” Shadow didn’t meet his eyes.

“I mean… in between. Like this.” Sonic wrapped his legs around Shadow’s waist.

Shadow pulled his glove back on. “I don’t, uh, see the point in that.”

“It’s okay to just do things for fun and no other reason, you know.” Sonic pulled Shadow’s chest fur, dragging the alpha back down on top of him.

Shadow finally looked into his eyes. “It seems like a bad idea.”

“I know, but who cares?” Sonic sighed after inhaling Shadow’s satiated scent.

“Well, your friends, for three.” Shadow leaned his head down to smell Sonic’s gland, reciprocating.

“They don’t have to know.” Sonic shrugged and leaned his head away to let Shadow at his gland. He wasn’t worried about being bitten now that Shadow’s out of rut.

“You’ll have to actually keep your hands to yourself around them then. Don’t be making nests for me. Don’t groom me. Don’t even look at me with that… face you do.” Shadow settled back down on top of him.

Shadow’s weight pressed him into the bed, and Sonic realized he was lying on top of something, but he ignored it for the moment. “What face are you talking about?”

“You know what face.” Shadow grumbled.

Sonic genuinely wasn’t sure what face. Did he give Shadow bedroom eyes sometimes? He didn’t think so. He didn’t push the subject though. He reached under his back. He grabbed whatever he was lying on and pulled it out from under him. In his hand was that blue sweater. It was in the bed. Shadow’s been sleeping with it? Sonic felt a pang of jealousy light up his chest. He tried to think of anyone Shadow was close with, which was a very small list. And none of them would wear something like this. Only way to know was ask. “Hey, Shads, what’s the deal with this sweater?”

Shadow lifted his head to look at it. Briefly, grief flashed across his face, but it quickly turned back to a blank expression. He took the sweater from the omega and leaned to set it down on the ground next to the bed. “It was Maria’s.”

“Oh.” Sonic frowned, his ears flattening. He shamed himself for the earlier jealousy. Shadow almost never talked about her. “You know, if you want—“

“No,” Shadow cut him off. Sonic could almost see him clamp back shut. Shadow’s muzzle scrunched up. “This was a moment of weakness. A lapse in judgement because you’ve been walking around with slick between your legs for two days.”

Sonic had forgotten about that. He understood why Shadow said he was driving him crazy now. “You don’t have to wear your facade while you’re inside of me, Shadow. It doesn’t work very well.” Sonic laid his hands on Shadow’s back.

“It’s not a facade,” Shadow insisted.

Sonic lifted Shadow’s chin and kissed his lips. Even more of Shadow’s weight sunk into him. The alpha closed his eyes and kissed back. Sonic’s fingers threaded through Shadow’s quills. Sonic pulled back slowly. Shadow’s eyes stayed closed. Sonic smiled and put Shadow’s head back down on his chest. For once, he let them sit in the silence in case whatever he said offended the alpha again. Shadow’s heart was beating faster than Sonic’s against his chest. Sonic took one of his gloves off and touched Shadow’s burn, feeling the prickly starts of fur. He already forgot he was supposed to be quiet. “Does it hurt?”

Shadow’s shoulder blade shifted under Sonic’s fingers. “Yes.”

Sonic traced Shadow’s spine. “You handle pain really well.”

“I’ve had enough of it. Know how to handle it.” Shadow reached to touch his burn too. “But, I’d say this is the type I hate the most,” he whispered. He sounded haunted.

Sonic tilted his head. His fingers moved back up to touch Shadow’s knuckles. “It’s the worst?”

“Not necessarily.” Shadow lifted his fingers up between Sonic’s. “When…” he sighed, unsure if he should continue. Sonic encouraged him by taking his hand. He took a deep breath. “When our facility was raided, and after Maria was… the place caught on fire. I didn’t want to leave her. I couldn’t. It just kept eating and eating. It swallowed nearly everything. It consumed us too.” Shadow’s body began to tremble, muscles tightening. “Our bodies… the pain, the smell—“

“It’s over, now.” Sonic had frowned deeper at each sentence until the horror of what happened was clear to him. He guided Shadow’s head to his neck, so he could only breathe the omega’s sweet scent. Shadow pressed his muzzle against Sonic’s gland, taking deep breaths. His hands flexed around Sonic’s. Sonic lifted his head over Shadow’s shoulder and pressed a kiss to the little bit of the burn he could reach. He could take a guess what Shadow’s nightmare was about last night.

“Damn you, hedgehog,” Shadow muttered into Sonic’s neck.

Sonic smiled a little. “I know.” He laid his head back. Even though the story was terrible, Sonic was really glad he told him something that happened in his past, especially that day. Maybe Shadow was actually trying to be more open with him? Eventually Shadow’s body relaxed again. “You can always talk to me about it. About anything.”

Shadow paused. His fingertips traced the omega’s neck. “Doesn’t do any good. Makes me relive it. Just causes stress.”

“I don’t believe that. You can’t process it if you don’t let it out. And sometimes, letting it out can lessen the load. You don’t have to carry it alone.” Sonic laid his cheek on Shadow’s head.

“My trauma is my own.”

Sonic took a deep breath and let out a sigh. He could see he’s pushed Shadow enough for tonight. He wasn’t happy with that school of thought, but he didn’t want them to start arguing again. Getting Shadow to open himself would be a process. Each time he rushed it, Shadow reacted by pulling away. If he was actually going to get progress, he needed to watch his footing. He should be content enough with what Shadow’s already shared. He changed the subject. “I wish you put a clock in here. We need to make sure we get back before morning…”

“Hm… we can go when my knot’s down.” Shadow shifted his hips to test it, it was still good and stuck.

“Mm.” Sonic opened his legs on either side of Shadow. “We could get a shower after. Get that oil off of you.” He pinched Shadow’s fur. It was sticky and tangled in many places. Sonic’s tongue would not be enough to cut through.

“No. Don’t want to look unusually clean coming back. But you definitely need to clean up between your legs.” Shadow moved his hands down to shut Sonic’s thighs around him.

Sonic stubbornly pushed his legs back open. It gave the illusion that he had more room for Shadow’s knot and his sperm, ensuring the fullness wasn’t overpowering. “I thought you liked my smell.”

“You want me to walk around your friends with my cock out? I thought I embarrassed you enough last week.”

Sonic huffed, cheeks flushing. “You did.”

“So don’t tease me. Clean up.” Shadow pushed Sonic’s head.

Sonic nipped at Shadow’s hand. “Fine.” He lifted his legs up on either side of Shadow and stretched with a little grunt. Their run felt pretty good after days of a slow pace. He was reminded again that he and Shadow were in another league. Two days journey in pace with the group. Fifteen minutes journey for the male hedgehogs. Shadow put his hands on Sonic’s thighs and pushed them against Sonic’s abdomen, helping him stretch the muscles in his butt. “Mm.” Sonic closed his eyes and arched his back, thoroughly enjoying the pull. Shadow let go, then grabbed Sonic’s wrists and pulled them down. Sonic felt the tension in his elbows and shoulders. It felt good on his joints. He was unable to stretch this far on his own. He opened his eyes and looked down at Shadow fondly. It almost seemed like the alpha was taking care of him. Shadow’s hands trailed up Sonic’s arms after he let go.

“Thanks.” Sonic smiled and massaged Shadow’s shoulders. “You want some help too?”

“Hm, no.” Shadow leaned into his hands though. “Still healing. Don’t want to pull anything out of place.”

“A massage then?” Sonic rubbed his hands over Shadow’s back, but he avoided the burn.

“Nah… you should learn to keep your damn hands to yourself.” Shadow spoke firmly, but his back lifted into Sonic’s hands like a cat.

Sonic smiled softly and ignored his words. He’s starting to learn when Shadow is serious and when Shadow is just hiding. Sonic’s hands spread to Shadow’s sides. The alpha tensed as one of the hands touched his rib. Sonic slid right past it and resumed massaging at Shadow’s waist and hips. Shadow pressed his hips closer and was actually able to get some movement inside Sonic. A bit of cum leaked out around his dick. The knot was shrinking. Sonic wrapped his legs around Shadow again. Sonic tilted his head as he squeezed Shadow’s arms. The alpha rumbled. Sonic made a claim. “I think you’re touch starved.”

Shadow glanced at him with low brows. He turned his face away. “I think you’re touch obsessed.”

“So are you.” Sonic moved his hand up across Shadow’s shoulder and wrapped it around his neck. He firmly rubbed into the sides of it.

Shadow’s adam’s apple bobbed against his palm as he swallowed. His lean into Sonic’s hand was very subtle. “Always think you know me better than me.”

Sonic didn’t bother with a reply. His thumb pressed into Shadow’s windpipe. Shadow stopped breathing willingly, looking into Sonic’s eyes calmly. Sonic’s gloveless hand came up to Shadow’s face. That thumb followed Shadow’s lips, and they parted. The pad of his thumb slid up Shadow’s canine and gently rubbed his gums. Saliva coated his finger and started spilling out of Shadow’s lip. The alpha’s pupils grew, but he pulled his head away and took a breath. He licked his lips and shut his mouth. Sonic put his thumb in his own mouth, cleaning off Shadow’s saliva. Shadow braced his hands on the mattress as he lifted himself and pulled out. Sonic gasped softly, now leaking cum onto the bed. Shadow looked down between his legs. He collected the cum with his fingers and pushed it back into Sonic’s pussy.

Sonic watched, his brows knitting together. His breath got heavier. “Shadow?”

Shadow looked up at Sonic and just realized what he was doing. He pulled his fingers out and wiped them on his thigh. He tucked his cock away and sat on the edge of the bed, tapping his foot on the ground. Sonic looked at his back. Shadow really shouldn’t have the urge to breed him anymore. “Let’s get cleaned up, yeah?”

“Okay…” Sonic sat up too. He pulled his glove back on and wrapped it. Shadow got to his feet and left the cave. Sonic sighed and rubbed his eyes. Everything would be so much easier if Shadow was just honest. He sat there in Shadow’s bed a moment longer before getting up and walking out. Cum dripped down his thighs. Shadow’s shoes sat at the edge of the river. He was standing with the water up to his mid thigh. He almost blended into the night, but his eyes carried a shine from the moon. The water sparkled with its reflection. Again, it was a pretty image, but Sonic couldn’t be tempted. “I’ll, uh, go back to mine to clean up.”

Shadow splashed some water up his thighs to clean them off. He rubbed through the fur of his groin. Then he walked towards Sonic, getting out of the water. He picked Sonic up by his scruff and carried him to the river.

“Wait, wait! You know I can’t swim.” Sonic grabbed onto Shadow’s arm, heart racing.

“I’m not going to let you drown.” Shadow set Sonic on his feet in the river. The water only came up to his upper thigh. It was cold. Sonic shivered as it flowed around his legs. He dug his claws into Shadow’s arm. He sort of knew he couldn’t drown in water this shallow, but he was still afraid. Shadow splashed water up to Sonic’s pussy and rubbed his hand between Sonic’s legs.

Sonic jumped and let out a squeak. “Thats cold!”

“You’ll be fine.” Shadow spread Sonic with his fingers and pulled the hedgehog a step deeper in the water. He let it flush him out. Shadow rubbed the inside of Sonic’s thighs and leaned to look at Sonic’s backside. He washed his blood off of Sonic’s butt from earlier. Sonic’s face got hot as he was manhandled and cleaned by the alpha.

Once Shadow was done, he reached for the back of Sonic’s neck, but Sonic stopped him. “Wait. Turn around.”

Shadow looked a bit suspicious at this, but he did anyway, sloshing the water as he went.

Sonic gathered water in his hands and lifted them over Shadow’s back. He slowly opened them and let the cool water roll down Shadow’s burn. Shadow emitted a soft and deep sound, something related to relief. He slouched. Sonic did this a few more times before Shadow turned back around. He grabbed Sonic by his scruff again and brought him out of the water. Sonic watched him. He was set on the ground. He waited, but Shadow said nothing about it.

Sonic pushed his legs together. They were cold and wet. Shadow jerked his head towards the way they came from. “Come on. We’ll air dry while we run.”

Together, they ran side by side until they were at the forest. Sonic watched Shadow effortlessly climb a tree and begin teleporting among the branches. Shadow’s movements were so precise. He had to be skilled to reach high speeds, unlike Sonic, who simply just naturally ran faster than others. Sonic ran through the woods beneath Shadow, weaving through trees and leaping over logs. When they neared the clearing, Shadow dropped to the ground and Sonic slowed to a walk. The fire they had was just smoke and embers now. Sonic smiled softly, seeing his friends all curled up with one another sleeping. He got to the ground and laid against Tail’s. The fox instinctually placed his tails over Sonic’s legs. Shadow went and sat at the other side of the clearing.

Sonic looked at him and rubbed the ground beside him. “You can come sleep with us…”

Shadow just shook his head, resting his arms on his knees. He looked out into the trees towards the location of Eggman’s camp. Keeping watch.

“Suit yourself.” Sonic rested his head on Tails’ shoulder and yawned. His legs had dried like Shadow said. Tails’ fur was soft and fluffy against him. And there was a residual warmth in Sonic’s tummy. It only took a few minutes of silence for the omega to fall into sleep.

Chapter Text

The next morning, they woke to a beeping sound. Tails’ smart watch alerting them that Eggman was moving again. Sonic groaned softly. He can’t wait to get back in his own bed. The ground was getting uncomfortable. As soon as he really came to, he opened his eyes to check on Shadow. The alpha was in the same spot he was when Sonic fell asleep. He wasn’t looking this way, but his ears were pointed towards the other members of the group. Sonic sat up and gently twisted his head around, trying to pop his strained neck.

Tails got to his feet without an issue. He smiled at Sonic. “Good morning.”

“Morning.” Sonic nodded to him. Knuckles was much slower to rise, definitely not a morning person. Amy frowned when she noticed how far Sonic was from her when they woke. He avoided eye contact with her and got to his feet. “Okay, guys. Before we move on, we have to talk about that last fight.” The three of them looked at each other. Judging by how they all wore either an uncomfortable or guilty expression, they knew what this was about. “You just fucking left Shadow to handle like a dozen bots on his own. He obviously could’ve used a hand.”

“Sonic.” Shadow sighed deeply behind him. “I don’t—“

“Hush.” Sonic put his hand back towards Shadow. He turned focus back to his group and clasped his hands together. “Honestly, it doesn’t matter why you ignored him. Don’t wanna hear it. You treat him like you would treat me. Like you would treat one another. Check in on him, listen to him, help him. We—as in all of us—are a team. Understood?”

“Yeah. We’re sorry, Shadow.” Tails leaned to look around Sonic at the sitting alpha.

Knuckles scratched his head, looking at the ground. “Okay.”

Sonic looked at Amy. She looked back at him. Her nose twitched. Her grip tightened around her hammer. Sonic’s expression became stern. He puffed out his fur a little bit like an alpha would. He knows how to play the role. She frowned and looked away, loosening her grip. “Sure, Sonic,” she whispered.

“Thank you.” Sonic relaxed. They got ready to leave, and Sonic turned to look at Shadow. The alpha had a hint of curiosity in his eyes as he looked him up and down. Sonic smiled at him. “Ready to go?”

“Yeah.” Shadow stood up and moved his hips in a circle, stretching. Sonic couldn’t help but watch him move. “Eyes to yourself too,” Shadow muttered and walked off.

Sonic hummed and followed along like Shadow was holding his leash. Everyone was already good to go, so they moved on. After tripping on several roots, Sonic started watching his footing. However, this led him to walk directly into the alpha’s back as he stopped at the edge of the forest. Shadow sighed in annoyance as Sonic looked up and stepped next to him. “Why are we stopping?”

Shadow pointed at the landscape. “The badlands.” Ahead of them, the ground was flat and dry with an orange tinge. The Earth was cracked and only small, thin bushes sprouted many yards apart. The horizon was far and distorted, but Eggman’s party could be seen as vague shapes since there were no plants or changes in elevation to hide them. “We should wait to leave the forest until Dr. Ivo can’t see us.”

Sonic squinted, trying to make the image clearer. “No way. He’ll get too far ahead. We have to be close to what he’s looking for.”

Shadow’s ears pinned back. The forest had grown on him, but the badlands were irredeemable. There was nowhere to hide. Now way to retain the element of surprise. They’d be predicted, and Eggman would react.

“Hold on, they’re disappearing.” Sonic pointed. Shadow’s ears perked up again.

Tails looked at his watch. He had been able to use a drone to attach a gps tracker to his mech suit days ago. “He’s going… underground?”

“It’s the canyon. He’s going in the canyon.” Amy looked over Tails’s shoulder.

“Well, come on then. He wouldn’t go in if that energy source wasn’t at the bottom.” Sonic started taking long strides into the badlands.

“He’s right. Let’s catch up.” Knuckles started jogging. Amy matched his pace, and Tails started flying after them. Shadow ran around them over the dirt in his air shoes. He went straight to the canyon ahead of them to check it out. He slid to a stop at the edge, kicking up dust. He crouched down and looked inside.

Sonic resisted the urge to join him and held back with his friends, arriving with them moments later. He knelt next to Shadow and leaned over to look into the canyon. The alpha’s hand flitted to Sonic’s chest to hold him back. Sonic couldn’t see down with Shadow holding him back. “You’re looking. Why can’t I look?”

“Because you’re going to fall.” Shadow rolled his eyes and didn’t move his hand. He made no comment as the other three peered over the edge. Eggman and his medium-sized party of robots were struggling to get down to the bottom by passing across narrow ledges. The machines were broad and clunky. Occasionally one of them misplaced a foot and plummeted to the bottom and exploded. The impact echoed up to the group.

“When should we start down after him?” Amy asked.

Shadow answered. “I think we can go now. He ought to be looking down the whole time. Plus, we don’t want to have to rush down if it’s just waiting for him at the bottom.”

Sonic looked at Shadow. He felt a strange sense of longing. The alpha could be combative and reserved, but he was still an alpha. He was a natural leader. Level-headed and acutely aware of threats. He wished they all got along. Shadow would make a great addition to their little pack in Sonic’s eyes.

Shadow got to his feet and walked around the edge, scanning the ledges below them. He teleported to one of them and gazed up at the group. He raised his hand. They looked at Each other. Sonic was first to come over. He sat on the edge and took Shadow’s hand as he slid off. Shadow made sure he landed with stability on the ledge. He slid his fingers into a cranny in the wall and gripped the rock. Shadow let him get a look down now. Knuckles got down using Shadow’s hand as well. Then Tails. Amy and Shadow looked at each other. The alpha flexed his hand. Amy sat down and rejected his offer. She dropped off the edge. She landed hard. Her ankle rolled beneath her, throwing off her balance. She screamed in terror as she fell off the ledge.

Shadow’s reflexes were on point. He grabbed the collar of her dress and locked his joints, anchoring himself. And that was all. He let her dangle over the mile deep canyon, glaring into her eyes. She didn’t glare back this time. Her eyes were full of fear. She gripped onto Shadow’s wrist for dear life, breathing rapidly.

“Shadow, pull her up.” Sonic stepped close to him. Shadow looked the girl up and down. “Shadow?”

Amy whimpered and tried to find some footing. Her shoe scraped off a rock that tumbled all the way down. The sound of it landing reached through the entire canyon. Eggman stopped and started to look up. Shadow yanked Amy up onto the ledge, swinging her into Sonic, sending the two of them against the wall as Shadow stepped back from the edge. He teleported to the next ledge and folded his arms.

Sonic had caught Amy in his arms and leaned against the wall. Amy hugged him immediately. Sonic sighed and stroked her quills as he glanced down at Shadow. He needed Shadow to work with them too. Though she did quite stubbornly reject his help… Sonic sided with Shadow more often lately. “You’re okay, Amy. Just hold onto one of us while we make it down.”

Amy nodded and pulled from the hug, but she took his words as an invitation to hold his hand. Sonic pursed his lips but let her. Shadow was the first to every ledge. He never jumped, always teleported. Wasn’t worth the risk. He kept watch over them as they covered small gaps. He offered his hand over medium gaps and his arms for large ones. They got into a rhythm and covered the distance relatively quickly. Despite the peril, Sonic felt safe and moved with ease. He nearly got careless.

Shadow showed them his palm from the next ledge, telling them to wait. There was a loud tone coming from the bottom. Taking a look, Shadow confirmed Eggman was drilling into the Earth. They needed to get close now, but he didn’t want them to be detected. He lifted his finger to his lips, then came to the edge. He opened his arms.

Knuckles crossed first, leaping over the gap and falling into Shadow’s hands. Shadow made sure Knuckles didn’t hit the ground. He set the echidna down gingerly. Knuckles stood next to Shadow to help. Sonic took Amy by the waist and carefully tossed her into Knuckles’ arms while Tails’ glided down into Shadow’s grip. Shadow put him down behind him. He stepped closer to the edge. Sonic jumped for him. Where Shadow just grabbed the others’ waist at arms length, he let Sonic fall into his chest and slide down his body onto the ground. Shadow let out a soft breath and teleported to the next ledge before Sonic could make that face at him. A similar process continued until the stopped on a ledge behind Eggman’s group about twenty feet above them.

Shadow’s brows furrowed. The mech Eggman sat inside of was a metallic gray. Unusual for him, he loves a flashy paint job. The drilling stopped and Eggman pulled the tool out of the crater. Without the heavy noise, Shadow could pick up something more subtle. A sort of staticky beeping. Sonic and his friends braced themselves, ready for a fight. Eggman used the pincers on the mech’s other arm to reach into the hole. He slowly pulled out a glowing glass canister. The beeping sped up. The cap to the human’s mech opened and he reached for the rod. Eggman himself was wearing some sort of full body suit. It was stiff and heavy, lined with kevlar.

“Let’s go get it.” Sonic leaped from the ledge, aiming directly for the object.

“No, don’t!” Shadow shouted as he bounded off the cliff. He intercepted Sonic and tackled him to the ground. The beeping was a geiger counter. Eggman’s mech was made out of lead, and the suit he was wearing was filled with it. Whatever the source was, it’s highly radioactive.

“Shadow!” Sonic snapped. “What are you doing?”

Shadow turned around. Eggman had heard them and sent his bots after them. Amy, Knuckles, and Tails fought them off. “Get back!” Shadow snarled in a commanding tone. “It’s radioactive.” He could see Eggman grab the canister and pull it into his mech. Shadow ran straight to him.

Sonic exchanged looks with his friends. They didn’t know what radioactive meant. It wasn’t a type of substance they had come into contact with. The trio listened though like they said they would. They lured the bots backwards towards the wall of the canyon. They could destroy the army from a distance while the alpha and omega handled the commander. Sonic looked to Shadow. The alpha lunged at the opening to Eggman’s mech, but he was swatted a way with a giant claw. He flew into the wall off the canyon and then plummeted to the ground. He gasped after his breath was knocked out of him.

Sonic raced over and pulled him up. “We work better together.” He dashed towards the human. One instant he was running and firm hands grabbed hold of his waist. The next, he was standing on a ledge a hundred feet from the bottom. Shadow had teleported him there. It wasn’t one they had used before. There were no others surrounding it, and it wasn’t too high to jump from. He weaved through the bots and did the same thing with each of Sonic’s friends. He didn’t know how severe the radiation was, but the further the better.

By then, Eggman had managed to secure the canister inside of his mech suit and close its dome back over him. Shadow teleported onto the dome and punched down into it. It was thick and resistant to him. He had to hit it harder and harder just to get a crack. Meanwhile Eggman’s bots were shooting things at him. He ignored the lasers burning his back and the throwing stars slicing him. He needed to get that canister. He had to teleport nearly every second to avoid being grabbed. Eventually he was able to break into the dome.

Eggman looked up at him nervously. “Hey, Shadow.”

Shadow growled loudly and grabbed Eggman by the throat. He threw the man onto a ledge out of reach from the bots and teleported onto his chest. They were both wheezing, Eggman due to the weight on his chest, and Shadow because something was wrong with the air around them. Shadow pressed a hand to his forehead. It was beginning to ache. He needed to finish this. He lifted his foot over Eggman’s face.

“Shadow, no!” Sonic leaned over the ledge, reaching though it was futile.

“Sonic?” Shadow looked up to him. He put his shoe against Eggman’s face.

“Don’t kill him, please!” Sonic begged.

Shadow looked back down at Eggman and tilted his head. “Why shouldn’t I? All of this bullshit he pulls could stop.”

“A hero doesn’t kill.” Sonic winced at his own words. Couldn’t he think of anything more appealing to Shadow?

“I’m not a hero, Sonic. Let me take care of this rat for you.” Shadow pushed his foot against Eggman’s face. The man started punching and pushing at Shadow’s leg. Shadow made a face as nausea settled in his stomach.

“I’ll jump! If you kill him, I’ll jump. You could catch me, but not before I get close to… whatever that thing is.”

This made Shadow pause. He thought about it long enough to recognize how much this would hurt his relationship with Sonic. Something’s not right with his head… He crouched down on top of Eggman and jabbed his finger at the man. “You are going to let me take that thing. And then you are going to help my omega and his friends get out of this canyon safely. Or. I will hunt you down. I will rip off your skin and fucking eat it. Do you understand me, you cretin?”

Eggman gripped onto Shadow’s shoe and does his best to nod. “Yes! Yes, i’ll get them out. And you can have the fission core. Do whatever you’d like with it.”

“Good…” Shadow accepted his answer, but he stood there for a little longer. Then he jumped down. He took deep breaths as he climbed up Eggman’s mech. He picked up the canister. There was something so sinister about it, even though he didn’t feel any differently by touching it. He knew it was killing his cells and destroying his DNA. He dug his claws into a lead sheet and pulled with all his strength until it popped off the machine. He rolled the core up in the lead sheet and teleported from ledge to ledge out of the canyon.

Chapter Text

Eggman fulfilled his promise. He used his bots to bring them all up to the top. Eggman traveled with the group in silence. Sonic was full of anxiety. His heart was racing. His fingers fidgeted and his foot tapped and his ears twitched.

Once they made it into the woods, Tails took Sonic’s hand. “You can go. Make sure he’s okay. We know how to get back.”

Sonic looked at each of them, then back to Tails. “Are you sure?”

Tails nodded. “We’re fine.”

Sonic didn’t need another word. He was gone. He scanned the woods for any sign of the alpha. He didn’t go straight through. He tried to cover most of the space. Nothing. Once he got through, he looked around the fields as he made his way to Shadow’s cave. He didn’t know where else to look. He went inside, but it was empty and exactly how they left it.

Sonic spent the rest of the daylight searching for him. He’s sure he looked through the entire island by the time night came. Where could the alpha be? Sonic chewed on his lip as he made his way back into Shadow’s cave. Tears filled his eyes once he saw it still empty. He curled up In Shadow’s bed and breathed in his pillow. The alpha’s scent calmed him down a little, but he was still on the edge of sobs. He had no idea if Shadow was okay. What was a fission core? Could it hurt Shadow?

Sonic closed his eyes. He replayed the alpha in his mind. His touch. His breath. His gaze. And his voice. Wait… Did he call Sonic his omega earlier? Sonic gripped the blanket. Remembering that made flowers bloom in his belly. And he’s crying, worrying about an immortal asshole. He likes Shadow. He could admit that. He just thought it was in the way any omega would be drawn to an alpha. But he couldn’t be sure anymore. If it were the case, he would feel strongest when they’re together, pulled to him. But he felt the most attached to him when they were apart. With him, he felt… normal.

After several hours, Sonic’s body couldn’t maintain the anxiety anymore. He had an adrenaline crash and passed out in Shadow’s bed.

The moment he woke up, he was content. The scent of the air told him he was in Shadow’s bed. “Mmm.” Sonic felt the mattress next to him, but it was empty. He felt further away. Still empty. Sonic gasped and sat up. He looked around the cave. Still empty. Everything was in its place. He got out of the bed and left the cave just moments after waking. Maybe Shadow had turned up somewhere after taking care of the core. Sonic stood out under the sun. Amongst the breeze in the birds was an artificial clicking sound coming from his right.

Sonic turned his head. Lying curled up against the cave’s outer wall was his alpha. Sonic’s ears perked up. “Shadow?” He dashed over, but Shadow had disappeared by the time he got there.

“Stay there,” Shadow called weakly from behind him. Sonic turned around to see him hunched over holding onto a tree. In his other hand was a small device Sonic didn’t recognize. It was the source of the clicking. Shadow looked half dead. His fur was much thinner, like he’d just been losing it. Something stained his muzzle, likely vomit. His eyes were tired and cloudy. His ears dropped limply. He fell back against the tree and slid down to the ground.

Sonic’s muscles tensed up, but he was able to stop himself from bolting to the alpha. “Why? Why can’t I come to you? What’s happening to you?”

Shadow closed his eyes and draped his arm across his stomach. “Radiation. Can’t see it. Can’t smell it. Extremely dangerous. Think of it as… so much energy, it obliterates cells. Humans use it to… to…” The alpha’s face scrunched up as he gripped his stomach.

Sonic put his hands up. “Save your breath. I’ll be back, okay? I’ll figure out a way to help you.” He dashed back to the forest. He called out to his friends. “Tails! Knuckles!”

“Here!” Tails called back from somewhere nearby. Sonic turned and weaved through the trees until he came upon them. Tails smiled at him. “Hey. Did you find Shadow?”

“Well, yeah, but I was hoping you figured out what radation is. Or wait, radiation. He told me not to come close to him, but he didn’t have the energy source with him. Just this little beeping thing. And he looks sick. Like sick. I’ve never seen him like that. Not like he’s in pain, but like he’s dying.”

“Calm down.” Tails put his hands on Sonic’s shoulders. “Breathe with me, yeah?” He gestured as he inhaled deeply. Sonic nodded and copied him. “Yes, I looked into it. It’s pretty common on Earth, apparently. It’s deadly for most living things depending on the dose. Anything exposed to it basically absorbs it and becomes radioactive, a vessel for radiation. Shadow… protected us from it, but now he’s carrying it inside of him. That clicking device tells you how much radiation is present. The more frequent the beeps, the higher the dose.”

Sonic stared off into space as he focused on understanding the words. “So you’re saying we can’t get close to him without being infected too? Well how can we get it out of him?”

Tails took Sonic’s hands. He rubbed them with his thumbs, delaying his speech. “Right, we can’t get close to him. And… there’s no way to get rid of it.”

“No way?” Sonic clutched Tails’ hands tightly. “You mean we can never touch again? Oh my—“

“No! No. There is nothing that we, personally, can do. However, radiation fades over time. Typically long periods of time, but I’m sure Shadow’s healing factor will take care of it at an accelerated rate,” Tails said hopefully.

Knuckles squeezed Sonic’s shoulder. “You can try and ease his symptoms.”

“You can make sure he gets as much sleep as possible,” Eggman added. Everyone looked at him in a way that said silently ‘shut the hell up’.

Sonic turned his head to the man. “You.” He stomped over to him.

Eggman put his hands up. “What’d I do?”

“What’d you do? You could’ve gotten us all killed playing with poison,” Sonic growled, baring his teeth.

“I didn’t ask you to follow me,” Eggman stood his ground, placing his hands on his hips.

“You knew we would!” Sonic poked him in the chest.

Eggman rubbed his bald head. That was true. “I didn’t know if it would affect you like it affects Earthlings.” That was true too.

“I don’t want to see your face for a week. At least,” Sonic hissed, quills bristling.

“Understood.” Eggman pathetically tapped his index fingers together.

Sonic turned back to Tails. “His symptoms. What can I do?”

“Well, do you know what he’s dealing with?” Tails got on his watch and tapped on it to pull up more information.

“Fur loss… vomiting. I don’t know what else. Obviously fatigue,” Sonic recalled how Shadow looked with a frown.

Tails sighed. “I don’t know, Sonic. I think he just has to ride it out. But like Eggman said, sleep. If there’s something you can do to help him achieve that, do it. And wait. Listen to the geiger counter.”

“Got it, thanks!” Sonic rushed off. First he went to his bedroom. He grabbed some cash and made his way into the village. Just before Shadow left, Sonic noticed he wrapped the device in metal. He looked around the workshops until he found a place that did metalworking. Sonic tried to describe the metal, but all he could say was “gray and shiny”. He looked around and touched the sheets on display. He closed his eyes and tried to remember the sound it made when Shadow tore into it. It gave him an idea of hardness and density. He knocked on each of them and settled on one called lead. It sounded right. It had the right sheen. He bought several sheets of it and struggled his way back home.

He dumped them on the ground outside his house. Then he raided Tails’ workshop for a drill, screws, and hinges. Once back outside, he got to work building a box with the six sheets of lead he bought. For the front face, he only connected it to the roof and not the sides or the floor. This way it was like a flap. He stuffed pillows and blankets from his hammock inside of the box. He did his best to make a nest in the darkness. He knew he wouldn’t be able to fix it later, so he plucked out some of his own quills to thread through the blankets and provide structure. When he was done, he stepped back and put his hands on his hips to admire his work. The box looked like shit. It was misshapen and poorly put together. Not to mention it was an actual metal box, cold and hard. He thought it would be cozy on the inside though.

He went back to the village and bought new pillows and blankets. He dropped those off in his hammock. Okay, everything’s together. He made his way back to where he left Shadow. The alpha was now laid at the base of the tree. He had his hand over his eyes. The thin leaves weren’t casting much shade for him. Sonic kept his distance. “Shads? I know you’re really tired, but I need you to come with me.”

Shadow moved his hand to glance at Sonic. His eyes were unfocused. “Told you… can’t come close.”

“I know. I’ll back up. You follow.” Sonic was itching to go to him, to pet his head and kiss his face and hold him. He was fighting his instincts. And his heart.

Shadow took a deep breath. He closed his eyes again. He laid unmoving. He might look like he was trying to sleep, but Sonic could tell he wouldn’t be able to out in the sun on flat ground feeling as sick as he was.

Sonic softened his voice. “Alpha~”

Shadow’s ears turned towards him.

Sonic smiled a little. “Come on, alpha. Do it for me.”

Shadow huffed. He gripped the grass. He opened his eyes again and looked at the omega.

Sonic crouched down low and tilted his head. He held his hands out even though Shadow wouldn’t take them. “Come.”

Shadow dragged himself into a sitting position. He took the geiger counter and grabbed hold of the tree to help himself to his feet. Sonic stood up and beckoned him. Each step Shadow took, Sonic took one back. The process was long and slow. Every once in a while, Shadow stumbled, and Sonic had to motivate him again.

“Almost there, alpha. Doing so good.” Sonic checked behind him. He was approaching the box. He changed directions.

Shadow’s eyes shifted from Sonic to the box. He rubbed his eyes and squinted. When he arrived at it, he leaned against it. “What…?”

“It was lead that you used to contain the core, right? Well, I made this box for you by my house so I can stay close and keep an eye on you. I think you’ll sleep better in it too.”

“In it…?” Shadow’s hand slid along the box until he found a hinge. He lifted the front and got on the ground. He climbed in, and the door swung shut behind him.

Sonic dropped a little. He wished he could’ve seen Shadow’s reaction. That’s okay. He knew Shadow would appreciate it. He walked over to the box and rested his hand on it. He rubbed circles onto the roof, pretending it was Shadow’s back. He could hear muffled ticking. And… Sonic leaned down and pressed his ear to the box. Slow, deep breathing. Shadow’s sleep pattern. Sonic grinned and pressed a kiss to the box. “Sleep well. I’ll be waiting for you…” Sonic’s grin faltered. How long would Shadow be stuck in this box?

Sonic reluctantly went back to his room. He put the new blankets and pillows into his hammock. They smelled stale. He’d have to put in some work to get them to smell like him. He climbed into his hammock and leaned over to open his curtains. He laid back and peered out his window. He had placed the box so he could see it from his hammock.

Tails made it back home the next day. Sonic explained the situation. Days passed. Each day, he and Tails went outside and listened to the beeps. They got slower and slower. Tails translated them into a number on a danger scale. It still wasn’t safe to interact with the alpha. But Sonic spent time with him. He laid next to the box or sat on it for hours. He listened closely, but it always seemed like Shadow was asleep. Sonic spoke to him anyways about meaningless things. He probably looked crazy, but he didn’t care. He didn’t want Shadow to be alone. Each night, Sonic climbed into his hammock facing the window. The box was the first and last thing he saw.

Chapter Text

Sonic woke with a sigh. He pulled his pillow down against his shoulder and stretched his legs. After rubbing his eyes, he opened them and looked out his window. Shadow was standing there outside a foot away from the window. He had been watching the omega. He smiled a little when Sonic opened his eyes. Shadow looked much better. His eyes were clear. His fur had filled back in for the most part, but it was still cropped in some places but long and knotted in mats in others. Fatigue still weighed down his frame. He slouched with his shoulders forward. One of his hands pressed against the wall of the house for support.

“Shadow?” Sonic light up, grinning with his fur puffing out. He fell out of the hammock onto his face in his rush to get to the window. He got right back up and dashed to the window. He pulled the glass up, opening it.

“Hey, I—“

Sonic leaned out of the window wrapped his arms around Shadow’s torso. He pulled the alpha close and nuzzled his face against Shadow’s. Sonic moved his nose into Shadow’s neck and breathed in his scent as a purr erupted from his chest. Shadow was rigid at first, his hands in the air. His head leaned against Sonic’s when the omega smelled him. He wrapped his arms around him and tilted his head to smell Sonic’s gland too. An unsteady rumble came from Shadow and their chests vibrated against one another. Sonic pulled away to hold Shadow’s face. He started licking his muzzle, cleaning him. He didn’t care about the sour taste of bile.

Shadow leaned on his hands which he had placed on the window frame. The geiger counter remained in one of them. Its clicks were slow and spread apart. “It’s finally in the green. Still feel like shit, but…”

Sonic wrapped his arms around Shadow’s waist and pulled the alpha through the window into his bedroom. “Let’s get you cleaned up, yeah?”

Shadow set the counter down and grabbed Sonic’s arms to steady himself. He looked around the omega’s bedroom. He’s never been in it before. It definitely looked like Sonic. It was full of things. Chaotic and cluttered. He had memorabilia from every planet, time, and dimension they had visited. The alpha’s eyes lingered on the items from Earth. A speed limit sign, a bean bag, a large plastic donut, and even a pair of rollerblades. He let the omega guide him into his bathroom. The beeping slowed to a stop as they left the room. Sonic lifted him onto the bathroom counter. Shadow relaxed upon being able to sit, but he had a little scowl on his face, feeling like Sonic was treating him like an omega by helping him this way.

Sonic turned on the water in his shower before he returned to the alpha, leaning his hips against the counter between Shadow’s legs. The omega licked at his face. “I wish I could clean you myself, but oil’s too stubborn.” Shadow’s ears moved back on his head. He closed one of his eyes as Sonic licked close to it. He looked down at Sonic’s hips between his legs and took a deep breath. He leaned back, away from Sonic’s incessant tongue. Sonic followed, placing his hands on the counter on either side of Shadow. He let his nose touch Shadow’s. “Let me lick you.”

Shadow’s quills started to stand up just a bit as the omega closed in on him. Shadow’s back was against the mirror now. He couldn’t get any further. He pulled his feet up onto the counter and attempted to close his knees in front of Sonic’s torso. Sonic didn’t allow it. He pulled Shadow’s ankles back down off the counter and climbed up, placing his knees where Shadow’s feet had been. Shadow turned his body so he could lay down across the sink. His hand gripped around the edge of the counter. Sonic followed him down and licked the edge of Shadow’s lips. Then his mouth found its way to Shadow’s neck. He smelled and stroked the gland under his wet tongue. The room began to fill with steam as the water in the shower reached a hot temperature. Shadow’s heartbeat was powerful in his chest. He slowly turned his head away to allow Sonic space at his neck. He looked into the mirror, into his own eyes. The image was getting blurry as the mirror fogged. It looked like Sonic was pinning him down.

Shadow took a deep breath and turned his head the other way, closing Sonic off from his neck. “The water’s ready. Come on, I want to get my fur cleaned out.”

Sonic hovered over Shadow and looked down at him with lidded eyes. Shadow practically squirmed beneath his prying gaze. He pushed Sonic’s chest and got out from under him. He scooted to the other side of the counter and started taking off his shoes with shaking hands. The omega watched him with a small smirk on his face. What was this reaction from Shadow? Sonic got back to standing on the floor. He came to Shadow and pushed the alpha’s hands away. He pulled off Shadow’s shoes. Then he took one of Shadow’s hands.

Shadow snatched his hand away from Sonic. “I can take off my own gear.”

Sonic looked at Shadow the way Shadow often looked at him. He grabbed Shadow’s hand again in a tighter grip. His movements and expression were confident but his heart was racing as fast as Shadow’s. He moved Shadow’s inhibitor ring and pulled his glove off from under it. Shadow actually let him take the other off too. The alpha watched closely as Sonic removed his own gloves and shoes. He grabbed Shadow’s hips and moved too quickly to give the alpha a chance to protest. He pulled him off the counter and brought him into the shower. Sonic backed into the stream of water first to make sure it wasn’t too hot. It soaked into his fur. Shadow gripped Sonic’s arms with frustration wrinkling his face. Sonic turned the alpha around and pulled him against his chest under the water. He ran his hand down Shadow’s quills, guiding the water into them.

Shadow bristled at first, his quills poking into Sonic’s chest. He pushed at Sonic’s hands, but as the warm water flowed down his body, he slowly relaxed and slumped against Sonic’s torso. His body ached so much. The water felt so nice. The river was always cold. His quills slowly laid down. Sonic smiled and looked over Shadow’s shoulder down at his body. He moved his bare hands through the alpha’s fur, making sure all of it was soaked. He gathered some soap in his hands and got to work. He lathered it into Shadow’s fur, moving his fingers through it. He took extra time scrubbing Shadow’s long chest fur. It had gone a dirty gray and the worst of the mats were within it. Shadow’s chest pressed into his hands.

Water raised to their ankles as the drain got clogged by all the extra fur that had washed out of Shadow’s coat. Shadow lifted his legs one at a time so Sonic could reach around him and wash them clean. Sonic’s hands had a hardness to them now, kneading and massaging as they went. It felt so good on his tired muscles. Shadow was breathing from his mouth, eyes following Sonic’s hands. Water trailed off of his face while he looked down. As Sonic’s hands worked Shadow’s hips, the alpha’s cock slowly peeked out of its sheath.

Sonic was a little surprised to see it. He had barely detected arousal from Shadow. He rested his cheek against the alpha’s head as his hands slid to Shadow’s groin. He gently pushed Shadow’s skin down to expose his full cock. Shadow wrapped his hands around Sonic’s forearms, but he didn’t stop him. Sonic wrapped his hand around the appendage and started to stroke. A moan fell out of Shadow’s mouth with ease. His chest sunk in as he let out a breath. Sonic licked and nipped at Shadow’s ear. He wrapped one hand around the base and used the other to squeeze up and down. Shadow’s hips gave a little buck each time Sonic applied pressure to his tip. Arousal filled the air now from both of them. The alpha’s breaths were short and quick now. His legs began to tremble as Sonic moved his hand faster. He squeezed tighter as he felt Shadow’s base swelling. Shadow let out a long groan and pressed his hips into Sonic’s hands as he shot cum onto the floor of the shower. Sonic purred, pleased. He kept his grip tight as Shadow’s knot filled his hand. But then Shadow’s legs gave up on him, and he had to let go to wrap his arms around Shadow and hold him up. Shadow looked down at his throbbing cock and whimpered softly. It was painful and angry touching the air not being compressed or nestled into a secure place.

Sonic turned the water off. “Hold on, Shads.” He brought him out back onto the counter. The omega tried to dry them both off quickly. Shadow gripped his own knot tightly, barely able to keep his eyes open. Sonic slid his arm under Shadow’s legs and behind his back to carry him into the bedroom. The beeping resumed. He laid the alpha in the hammock and got up on his lap. The hammock swayed gently. Sonic moved Shadow’s hands off of his knot. Shadow gripped the bedding. Sonic took Shadow’s cock and aimed it at his pussy. Shadow let out a happy moan as Sonic’s pussy swallowed him up. Sonic took a deep breath as he pushed himself down hard. He winced as Shadow’s knot finally popped into him. He felt a sting at the stretch. Shadow bit his lip and took Sonic’s hips. He started pushing up against him, giving little bucks against the wet pussy.

Sonic gasped and pressed his hand to Shadow’s stomach. He felt a pulling on his insides. “Wait, Shadow.”

Shadow ignored him, licking his lips and keeping his eyes trained on where his cock entered Sonic. His claws dug in as he pulled Sonic down against his lap. He released another load deep inside the omega. His knot throbbed and swelled just a bit more.

Sonic whined softly as he was filled. His pussy pulsed against the alpha. He took deep breaths and tried to calm his body. Shadow rumbled with satisfaction and rubbed his thumb across Sonic’s tummy. Sonic leaned down did his best to pull Shadow over. They rolled so Shadow was on top. Sonic didn’t want to cause him pain by lying on him, so he let Shadow lie on top of him. Shadow settled immediately, pressing his body against every inch of Sonic’s. The omega wrapped his arms and legs around him. He rubbed Shadow’s back. The fur felt clean and soft again.

“Stay with me. Stay until you feel better, please,” Sonic whispered. Shadow rested his head on Sonic’s chest. He gave a little nod. It wasn’t long until the alpha fell back into sleep. Sonic reached over for the geiger counter on the nightstand. The scale showed the needle just barely reaching into green. He’s glad Shadow came to him as soon as he was able to. Sonic turned the device off and set it back down. He watched Shadow sleep.

The alpha had slept for hours. He was as still as a rock on top of the omega. Sonic had no desire to get up. He was content lying with him. At some point, Shadow’s knot shrunk and his cock slipped out, sliding back into its sheath. Sonic’s pussy was coated in the alpha’s cum. He needed to get some more plan b pills. The alpha still seemed intent on seeding him no matter what state they were in. Forget plan b, they needed a more permanent solution. These thoughts faded away with no resistance as Shadow stirred on top of him. Shadow sniffed the air and felt Sonic’s arm. He groaned softly and rolled off of the omega onto his back next to him. Oh, no. Is Shadow waking up in one of his ‘I’m too cool for this’ moods? To his surprise, Shadow pulled Sonic onto his chest.

Sonic smiled and nuzzled his face into Shadow’s soft and now pearly white chest fur. He’s honestly never looked so clean. Sonic moved his hand down Shadow’s side. “Did you enjoy yourself earlier?”

“Shut up.” Shadow kept his eyes closed.

Sonic leaned his head up to kiss Shadow’s cheek. “You should let me take care of you more often. Think you needed it.”

“I’m the alpha here,” Shadow grumbled.

“That doesn’t mean everything.” Sonic moved his hand between Shadow’s legs just to mess with him. Shadow’s face flushed and he pulled Sonic’s hand back up to his chest.

There was a knock at Sonic’s door. Tails called to him. “Sonic? Are you up?”

“Shit.” Sonic dashed out of the hammock to the door, leaving it swinging. He opened his door, but angled his body to keep his messy lower half out of view. “Hey, Tails, what’s up?”

Tails looked up at him. “Are you okay? You haven’t come out yet today. It’s pretty late for you.”

“Oh, yeah, I just—“ Sonic’s jaw clamped shut as he felt something rise inside of his vagina. The tip of it was sharp, causing him to wince as it poked his soft tissue. Must be Shadow’s fingers. “Um, I woke up really early and then…” The fingers started pumping in and out. Sonic gripped the door and arched his back behind it. “Er, I went back to sleep after, so…”

Tails looked over his face, but he couldn’t identify what was strange about it. “Are you ready to check on Shadow?”

“Mm… don’t worry about it. It was beeping pretty quick this morning.” Sonic didn’t know what to say about Shadow being in his bedroom, so he kept it from Tails for now. Plus, at the moment, Shadow was fingering him, sending cum and slick leaking down Sonic’s thighs. “Let’s check again tomorrow.” He cringed as his soaked pussy squelched. He thought that would make Shadow hesitate, but the alpha moved his fingers faster. Sonic tapped his foot hard on the ground, trying to hide cover the noise.

Tails’ ears twitch, but he didn’t comment. “Okay, well… don’t stay locked up in there all day.”

“I w-won’t.” Sonic started slowly shutting the door. Tails nodded and walked off. Sonic shut it completely.

Shadow slammed Sonic against the door and pulled his fingers out. He pressed his hips up against Sonic’s butt. “Don’t forget who’s in control here.”

Sonic pressed his hands against the door and squinted as his face was pressed into the wood. “Seems to me you’re the one who can’t control yourself.”

Shadow grabbed Sonic’s quills and pulled his head back. Sonic grunted and looked at him upside down. “It’s not that I’m unable to resist. I’m just doing what I want. Because I can.”

Sonic smiled and ran his hands down the door. “I’m glad to see you feeling like yourself again.” Shadow was still with tensed muscles holding Sonic there. He let out a breath and let go of Sonic’s head. Sonic could sense him falter. Sonic’s smile shrunk. The omega turned around and wrapped his arms around Shadow’s waist. “Let’s lie back down.” Shadow sighed and nodded. He walked with Sonic deeper into the bedroom and got into the hammock. He curled up facing away. Sonic didn’t let him pull away. He wrapped himself around Shadow’s backside. He kissed his shoulder. “What does it feel like?”

Shadow rubbed his forehead. “Feels like I got beat up for hours. Feels like my body is bruised and my muscles are damaged. It’s gotten a lot better, but I didn’t move the entire time I was in the box. Now that I’m trying to move around again…”

“It’s alright to rest. No one has to know you’re in here. I can say you’re back to normal, living at home.” Sonic understood Shadow was snappy because this must hurt his pride.

Shadow considered that, then nodded. “Yeah, I think that’d be best.”

“What’d you do with the thing anyway? I couldn’t find you after.”

“Hmm.” Shadow breathed slowly. “I buried it. In the ocean floor. Bot the water and the sand will help to contain the radiation. Plus, it’s far from everyone.”

Sonic shivered, imagining the horrors at being in the bottom of the ocean with no light and no air. Shadow’s brave. And a good alpha. He did it to protect them. “What is it used for? It can’t be worth the danger.”

“It’s the most powerful source of energy humans have been able to recreate. Fission is the splitting of atoms. They use it to power entire cities. But there have been disasters, death and destruction. They use it for war too. Those creatures are unable to resist power. The males, anyway.” Shadow hated men. The human sense of men anyway. Everything they were supposed to represent. They had only ever hurt him, used him, killed his loved ones. They waged wars and raped just to soothe their egos. Shadow had never met a woman or a girl that wasn’t kind or empathetic to him and their peers. “We should end Dr. Ivo.” It didn’t matter that a part of Shadow considered him estranged family.

Sonic frowned and pressed his thumb into Shadow’s hand, trying to unclench his fist and settle his anger. “He doesn’t deserve to die.”

“He might. Even if he didn’t, he’s relentless. Doesn’t learn. I never considered him a threat before, but you’re so damn careless, you risk hurting yourself every time you come into contact with him.” Shadow pulled his hand away from Sonic.

Sonic had to think about what he said. He didn’t think Eggman was a threat. But he thought Sonic was so incapable of handling himself that the situations Eggman put him in could lead to his injury because of his way of handling it. He frowned. “I can handle myself.”

“You have absolutely no sense of danger.” Shadow counted on his fingers. “No hesitation entering the forest, seeing no problem being in Dr. Ivo’s line of sight, no detection of the oddities that clued me in to the danger of the fission core, and not fucking listening to me when I warn you of these things.”

Sonic’s ears flattened as he was scolded. “That’s just… you being good at something doesn’t mean I’m bad at it.” Sonic had praised Shadow for his awareness and caution. He had never thought of himself as being below the baseline.

“Good, bad, doesn’t matter. The point is one day, you’re going to get badly hurt. We could prevent that. We could just end the risk.”

Sonic tried to swallow any anger bubbling up and not take offense. Shadow was just worried about him. He held Shadow’s hand. “I’ll be more careful. But his goal isn’t even to kill me. I’ll be fine.”

Shadow sighed and tucked Sonic’s hand into his chest fur. “Maybe I should start involving myself.” Was he trying to deescalate the conversation?

Sonic felt the fur and nestled his fingers into it. “No, Shads. You’re just going to get pissed off and probably try to kill him again. You’re right. Eggman isn’t a serious threat. Doesn’t require a team up.” Shadow grumbled something, but he didn’t argue. Sonic snuggled closer to him. Shadow huffed and closed his eyes. “Kiss me.”

Shadow’s head shifted. “Is that a demand?”

“Yes.” Sonic grabbed Shadow’s jaw and turned his head. Shadow groaned and pulled away, hiding his face. Sonic smiled and climbed over him to lie down facing him. Shadow rolled over. Sonic sat up and leaned over him. He turned Shadow’s face again and kissed his lips. Shadow kissed him back, letting his lips part. Their tongues met eagerly. Shadow sighed out of his nose and turned his body towards Sonic. His hand shifted up Sonic’s thigh. His fingertips gently rubbed circles across Sonic’s clit.

Sonic moaned softly into his mouth. He licked at Shadow’s lips before pulling back. I need to get some more pills before you get too excited.”

Shadow cupped his hand under Sonic’s pussy and rubbed slowly. He sat up and pulled the omega into his lap. He kissed his lips again. Sonic couldn’t deny his mouth. He pressed his tongue into Shadow’s mouth and traced his teeth. Shadow’s hand rubbed across Sonic’s clit quickly. The omega moaned and wiggled in Shadow’s lap. His hole pulsed, begging for something to fill it. He felt Shadow’s dick press against it.

Sonic pulled away once more. “I’m serious. I haven’t taken one in a while.” A tight sound came from Shadow’s throat that Sonic didn’t recognize. He moved his hips and sunk his cock into Sonic’s pussy. The omega moaned, spreading his legs on Shadow’s lap. “I’m going to make you start wearing condoms then.”

Shadow let his lips touch Sonic’s, but it wasn’t a kiss. He looked up into Sonic’s eyes with a flustered expression. He pushed Sonic’s hips up and down, using his pussy like a fleshlight. “Don’t… feels so good. So wet. Let me cum in it some more~”

Sonic blushed and let out little moans and gasps against Shadow’s mouth. His tongue dipped into it to get another taste of the alpha. “Man… did you ever leave rut?”

Shadow’s breath was hot in his face. “Missed your pussy…”

Sonic’s face was unbearably hot. The word sounded so dirty on Shadow’s lips. His clit was throbbing like crazy as Shadow’s cock plunged in and out of his belly. “Mmm… I… I missed your cock.”

Shadow gripped Sonic’s hips tighter. He lifted his head and breathed in Sonic’s ear. “Tell me you missed my knot.”

“I missed it, Shadow,” Sonic whispered without hesitation. He held onto Shadow’s chest fur as the alpha rocked his body.

“Tell me you want my cum inside of you.”

Sonic closed his eyes. He could barely handle hearing this language from Shadow. “I want it… I want to be full of you.”

Shadow leaned forward to lay Sonic down. He pinned the omega’s legs, folding him, and pushed his hips down hard against him. His tip reached as deep as it could. Sonic breathed heavily and clutched Shadow’s hips. “No condoms… no pills. Just my babies in you.” His cock twitched inside him. He kissed Sonic deeply.

Sonic’s eyes widened in shock. He was just using it as another term for cum, right? He didn’t actually mean… Sonic thought about a little too hard. He whimpered in Shadow’s mouth and tensed up as he squirted.

Shadow moved his tongue in Sonic’s mouth like he was fucking it. He pressed his face against Sonic so he could get his tongue down Sonic’s throat. Sonic let out a little cough before focusing on his breath through his nose. Shadow didn’t even move his cock. He let Sonic’s pussy pulse and clench around it until it spurted cum as deep into the omega as it could. His knot filled the hole. Sonic’s eyes fell shut as warmth filled his body. He let Shadow have his way with his mouth and his womb.

Chapter Text

The two had developed a sort of routine. During the day, they cuddled, argued, fucked, and chatted. Sonic spent a few hours outside of his room as not to rouse suspicion. He would help Tails with his projects or go out with Knuckles and Amy. Eggman had left them alone so far. While the omega was gone, Shadow napped in his hammock and slowly healed his body. He was approaching normalcy. Each argument became more physical, each fuck longer and harder. He was nearly back to his normal state. Sonic took a plan b each night before they went to sleep. Sonic was pretty happy. He found relief watching Shadow get better, but also dread. Shadow would definitely be returning home soon. He wondered how long they’d be apart. Wondered if Shadow would get embarrassed about their brief domestic life and push Sonic away. It might already be starting. Shadow could sense Sonic’s growing anxiety, but he never said a word to comfort him.

One morning, Sonic woke up first. He never woke up first. There was still a blue hue outside. The sun hadn’t begun creeping over the horizon. He was being spooned by Shadow, but the alpha felt strangely cool. No. Sonic was warm. Sonic touched his neck. His gland was tender. Oh, no. No. It’s only been two weeks. Something had to be wrong with his body. Maybe Shadow’s too. A rut and two heats all within a month? It was like their bodies were shoving them together, tired of waiting. The omega’s anxiety about Shadow leaving was eased, but a new problem rose. Shadow already retained the desire to breed. Truly breed. If Sonic got desperate for it too…

He was almost out of pills again. He needed to buy in bulk. No. What he needed was to be spayed if things kept going like this. But obviously there was no time now. He could trust Shadow to make him take the pills, right? The alpha had to know better. It was just dirty talk, how Shadow insisted he wanted to breed Sonic. It’s not something he truly desired in a non-sexual context.

Sonic spent the next hour just relaxing, watching the sun rise out his window. This tranquility would leave him soon. The warmth in his body grew slowly. Behind him, Shadow’s breath changed. It became shallower with sharper inhales. He pressed his nose into Sonic’s neck. It was like someone put a sausage in front of a sleeping dog’s nose. Shadow’s eyes opened as he started sniffing at Sonic’s gland. Sonic smiled and squirmed. It tickled. His heart started to beat faster as tingles spread through his body.

Shadow grunted at him and tightened his arms around Sonic’s waist. His voice had that deep morning rasp that always made Sonic wet. “Why do you smell like that?”

Sonic wanted to see the look on Shadow’s face, so he managed to roll over in his arms so they were face to face. He lifted his hand to touch Shadow’s mouth. He traced his lip. “We might have to put a muzzle on you.”

“What for?” Shadow looked him up and down. He tried to level his breathing, but it was clear he was still sniffing the air.

“I’m going into heat again.”

Shadow’s brows loosened, rising on his face. His pupils grew and his fur began to stand up in excitement. His eyes started shifting around as if they were chasing his rapid thoughts. “What do you need?”

“Just you.” Sonic cuddled into Shadow’s chest. He couldn’t imagine needing anything else. An alpha is all he’s ever wanted for his heats, and finally, he had one. This wouldn’t be so bad.

Shadow grumbled, displeased with the answer. “How do you usually prepare?”

“Hm.” Sonic sighed. “I make a nest… give everyone a heads up… and that’s about it.”

Shadow looked around at the hammock. The nest was already made. It had been fixed up by Sonic every day. “Your place or mine?”

“Mine,” Sonic murmured. “Want to be able to shower. And my hammock is more supportive.”

Shadow nodded, fine with that. “How long do we have?”

Sonic closed his eyes and listened to his body. He could still think clearly, but he was beginning to get uncomfortable with the rising temperature in his core. “I’d say… maybe an hour. Preheat started while I was asleep.”

Shadow pulled away from him and got out of the hammock. “Have to go now then.” He leaned over and pulled on his shoes.

Sonic sat up and frowned. “Go where?”

“Have to get some things for you.” Shadow put on his gloves.

“From your cave? The shops are closed at this hour.” Sonic watched him.

“I’ll leave some cash.” Shadow walked to Sonic’s window and opened it up.

The omega wasn’t sure what he felt the need to get, but he wasn’t going to fight him. He laid back down facing the window. “Hurry back.”

“You know I will.” Shadow climbed out of the window and disappeared.

Sonic huffed softly and hung over the edge of the hammock. He fiddled with the new watch Tails made him. He sent the fox a message that his heat was starting for whatever reason. By the time Shadow returned, Sonic was rolling over about every minute, unable to find comfort. His pussy had started slicking itself up. He was losing his concept of time, his rational thoughts. Shadow climbed through the window with his arms full.

Sonic grinned lazily at him. “Alpha…” He instinctually lifted his butt up into the air.

Shadow stopped and looked at the omega with wide eyes. He tapped his foot rigidly, then walked over to the hammock. He placed an ice pack on Sonic’s back. Sonic let out an unreasonably sexual moan and lowered back flat against the hammock. The coolness spread through his lower back. It was almost as soothing as sex. Shadow set down a misting water bottle and a load of plan b pills on the nightstand. He had a box of popsicles in his hand. He pressed his other hand on his groin, forcing his cock to remain sheathed as he snuck out of Sonic’s bedroom into the kitchen to put them in the freezer. Sonic whined when Shadow left the room. He climbed out of the nest and walked unsteadily to his door. He peered out into the dark home.

Shadow quickly came to him and took his hips. “Back to the nest,” he whispered.

“Want you, alpha.” Sonic spoke carelessly, loudly. He rubbed Shadow’s bulge in both hands. Shadow’s cock came out instantly.

Shadow growled softly and pushed the omega back into the bedroom. He shut and locked the door behind them. “Back in the nest,” he spoke with authority.

Sonic didn’t give a shit. He turned and leaned to look between his legs. He grabbed Shadow’s cock and held it still while he leaned back into the alpha, taking his cock in. Sonic purred happily and wasted no time rocking back and forth against Shadow’s hips.

Shadow was taken aback by Sonic’s audacity. He stared down at the omega fucking himself on his cock. Shadow’s breath quickened. The omega was wetter than ever. And felt tighter. The alpha snatched up Sonic’s quills to keep him from falling as he slammed his hips into Sonic. Sonic squeaked and shut his thighs tightly. He pushed Sonic back to the hammock, staying inside of him the entire time. He bent Sonic over it and started fucking into him. Sonic’s legs trembled as they dangled above the ground. The hammock started swinging, aiding Shadow’s thrusts. His pussy made loud wet noises. Shadow panted as he watched every twitching muscle in the omega’s body. Both of them started drooling.

Sonic reached back to claw at Shadow’s hips, trying to grip them and pull them close. Blood spread into Shadow’s fur. Shadow picked him up and dumped him all the way in the hammock on his belly. Shadow got on top of him and pressed his hips hard against Sonic’s ass, pushing in as deep as he could. “Is this what you want?”

Sonic whimpered and nodded quickly. He held Shadow’s hips so tightly it hurt his own hands. “Gotta reach my womb, alpha~”

Shadow leaned over Sonic and kissed at his overactive gland. It smelled so sweet. Shadow drooled over it. His gums began to throb. Bite. He wanted to bite. “Don’t worry, little omega. I’ll get you pregnant.” Instead of thrusting, he ground his hips against Sonic, staying deep like the omega wanted.

“P-Promise! You promise?” Sonic bared his neck to the alpha and laid still against the hammock, submitting to him.

“I promise…” Shadow put his mouth on Sonic’s gland and sucked on it gently. His cock twitched inside him. Sonic hissed softly and sunk his claws into Shadow’s hips.

“Fill me… fill me…” Sonic licked his lips, lifting his legs and pressing his feet against Shadow’s behind. Shadow’s breath was getting heavier on his neck. His lip slowly curled up, and he couldn’t resist anymore. He bit down hard onto Sonic’s shoulder. “Ah!” Sonic cried.

Shadow held onto Sonic with his teeth as his hips pushed against him roughly, trying to get as deep as he could. He grunted as he came. Sonic moaned loudly and pushed his ass back against Shadow. His knot filled him up, and it was almost painful for them both with how tight Sonic was. Even though Sonic didn’t cum, his pussy started pulsing and massaging Shadow’s dick. Shadow bit down harder and closed his eyes. His hips twitched against Sonic. All of his cum was milked from his cock. He slowly laid down on top of Sonic. He grabbed the ice pack and pushed it under Sonic’s belly.

“Hmm~” Sonic made a happy sound. He’s never felt so whole, so satisfied during a heat. He trusted that the alpha would do his job. He still wouldn’t be able to think clearly, but his body wouldn’t ache and yearn for a while. The ice pack worked to keep him from burning while Shadow’s weight provided a comforting compression that chased those aches away. His tail tried to wag between them, tickling Shadow’s stomach.

Shadow licked Sonic’s blood from his lips. He pulled off his gloves and set them on the nightstand. Then he trailed his bare hands up and down the omega’s sides. He pressed kisses along Sonic’s neck and shoulder. He’s sure the sweet smell would drive him mad by the end of this.

They laid together for a little while, both resting. Sonic needed it. Shadow was just enjoying the silence. He heard Sonic’s heart level out. He pressed his hand to Sonic’s forehead to check on him. Felt like he had a fever, but this definitely isn’t what it’s like at its worst. He reached for the water bottle and brought it to Sonic’s lips. It had the lid to be sucked on so it could be drank from in more positions.

Sonic opened his eyes, and they crossed to look at the bottle in front of his nose. He put his mouth around it and sucked some water down. Hydration was crucial while Sonic constantly sweated and slicked out all of his moisture. When Sonic, was done, Shadow set the bottle back down. Sonic wiped his mouth and looked back at Shadow. “You’ll stay the whole time, won’t you?”

Shadow trailed his fingers through the blue quills. “Of course, I will.” He kicked his shoes off and let them fall to the ground, showing he wasn’t leaving anytime soon.

Sonic yawned and wiggled his hips beneath Shadow. “Your cock fits in me perfectly. Like it was made for me.”

“I was made for someone.” Shadow scratched behind Sonic’s ear. The omega leaned into his hand.

“You were made for whoever you wanna be made for, okay?” Sonic pulled Shadow’s hand over his face and kissed it.

“What a nice thought.” Shadow looked at the omega’s flushed face.

Sonic started licking the palm of Shadow’s hand and his fingers. “You taste good.”

“My hands?” He couldn’t imagine they tasted like anything. They were previously hidden in gloves. They’re clean of blood, cum, and slick.

“You.” Sonic put Shadow’s red fingers into his mouth and sucked on them like he had the water bottle, even though they didn’t have anything to give him. He closed his eyes again.

Shadow shifted a bit on top of him. The pads of his fingers brushed along Sonic’s warm, wet tongue. His mouth almost felt as nice as his pussy did. He kissed Sonic’s temple. Suddenly, Sonic bit down on his fingers. Shadow’s hand became still. “You going to eat me?”

Sonic nodded, nibbling Shadow’s fingers. His purr vibrated through them. Shadow watched him curiously. He had never seen an omega’s heat before. It hadn’t been explained to him beyond it was their version of rut. They got really hot and only felt better being knotted. That’s most of his knowledge. Shadow let the omega do as he pleased with his hand. The omega worked up to taking his three middle fingers in his mouth. Shadow’s knot slowly shrunk, and eventually his cock fell out of the omega.

Sonic stopped sucking. Cum leaked out of his pussy. His lip pulled up over his teeth in little snarl. Shadow had no response. Was that directed at him? He’s never heard Sonic snarl before. What was pissing him off? The omega mumbled around his fingers. “Put. It. Back.”

Shadow bit the inside of his cheek and hid any reaction he had to the demand. He slowly reached down with his other hand. He collected cum on his fingers and pushed it back inside of Sonic. Sonic’s lip dropped back down and he was back sucking contently. For a little while. He didn’t just want the cum in his pussy. He wanted it deep. And though Shadow’s fingers plugged him, they didn’t reach deep enough. All the cum had left his womb, and he was not happy about it. Neither was his body. He got hotter and hotter, agitated.

Sonic squirmed beneath the alpha. He pulled away from Shadow’s fingers, but strings of saliva still connected them. He whined softly.

Shadow knew what he wanted. He took Sonic’s chin and brushed his thumb across Sonic’s lip, smearing spit. “Use your words.”

“More~ need more alpha.” Sonic lifted his butt up against Shadow.

“Is that so?” Shadow pulled away from him, sitting up.

Sonic lifted his hips immediately. His face pressed into the nest and his arms were tucked beneath him. He had a deep arch to his back, perking his ass up high and presenting his pussy to Shadow.

The alpha bit his lip taking in the pretty sight. He grabbed Sonic’s tail and pulled his lower half up off the bed. He leaned closer and smelled his pussy. His cock came right back out of his sheath as the alluring scent filled his lungs. “It’s begging for me.”

“Mhm.” Sonic nodded quickly and put the balls of his feet on the bed, lifting his hips further to press himself on Shadow’s face.

Shadow wore that little smirk. He wrapped his arms around Sonic’s hips and nuzzled his face into the slick flesh. He was coated by it instantly. Shadow rubbed Sonic’s tail as started to lap at his clit. Sonic moaned but lowered his hips a bit so his hole was on Shadow’s tongue instead of clit. Shadow took the hint, closing his eyes and pushing his tongue into Sonic’s hole. He could taste traces of his own cum under all the slick. He had to hold his breath. His nostrils were blocked by the viscous substance.

“Ah~” Sonic moaned louder. He looked down beneath himself licked his lips at the sight of Shadow’s cock standing at attention. between his legs. After seeing it, he was already to move on from Shadow’s tongue. He lowered himself on top of Shadow’s thighs and pushed back against his cock.

Shadow wiped his mouth and nose and panted softly. His cock twitched against the wet warmth. His eyes absorbed the sight of their genitals pressed together. He rubbed his hands firmly over Sonic’s bum. Sonic pressed into his hands.

“Breed me again. C’mon.” Sonic rolled his hips on Shadow’s lap.

Shadow’s thumb pressed at Sonic’s entrance. It split open eagerly. He wrapped his hand around his cock and tapped his tip against the hole. He squirmed a bit himself, getting quite excited.

Sonic whined and tried to press down on it. “Don’t be a tease.”

Shadow grunted as he let his tip sink into the omega. Sonic reacted instantly, slamming his hips down so Shadow’s cock shut all the way up inside of him. Shadow leaned back in his hands, breathing harder. “Fuck…”

Sonic gripped the bedding as he put his hips to work bouncing up and down on Shadow’s lap. Shadow watched with salacious eyes, gripping his hand around one of Sonic’s calves. Sonic’s movements were desperate, erratic, entirely unpredictable. Shadow was thrilled each time Sonic took him balls deep. It sent a spike of pleasure rippling up his body. As nice as it was, Sonic’s movements eventually became so erratic that they were pathetic attempts at grinding. His legs were turning into jelly.

Shadow leaned up on his knees and pulled Sonic by his tail to get him back into doggystyle. “You need your alpha to take over?”

Sonic whimpered and nodded, upper body slumping into the nest. Shadow popped his knuckles and grabbed hold of Sonic’s hips. He kept the omega’s body in place as he started thrusting against his ass. The room filled with wet slapping noises.

Shadow panted harder, sliding one of his hands down Sonic’s back to his neck. He thrusted harder, making Sonic’s body jerk away from him each time he slammed in. He grabbed Sonic’s scruff and lifted the omega upright. Sonic fell against Shadow’s chest and spread his legs wide. Shadow thrusted up into the omega and slick spattered onto their thighs and the nest. Shadow wrapped one arm around Sonic’s neck. He grabbed Sonic’s hand and pressed it low on the omega’s belly. He held it there. “You’re going to feel me fill you.”

Sonic moans were high pitched and excited. They came quicker and quicker. “Yes, alpha. Fill me. B-breed me. Want it so bad.” So bad that tears threatened to spill from his eyes.

Shadow kissed and licked Sonic’s gland, covering it in spit. “Here you go. My omega~” Shadow pulled Sonic down into his lap as came. Sonic purred and squirted all over them both as soon as he felt the cum reach inside him. His hand felt Shadow’s tip poking into it and even a bit of swelling as he was filled with another load. Sonic gripped his tummy in both hands, panting and trembling. Shadow moaned deeply against Sonic’s gland. He rested one hand over Sonic’s and used the other for support as he slowly lied back, letting the omega rest on top of him. He stroked Sonic’s wide open thighs and closed his eyes.

Sonic tilted his head and gazed down at his stomach obsessively. He rubbed it and cupped it. “I’m not going to let a drop of it out…” Sonic promised in a whisper.

Shadow smiled softly and rested his hands where Sonic’s thighs joined his groin.

Chapter Text

Sonic was able to fall into a light sleep after their last session. Shadow was feeling a bit tired too, but he would not be sleeping anytime soon. Though Sonic was the one in heat, his own instincts flared inside of him. ‘Breed, claim, guard,’ they whispered to him. He was in a state of half sleep. Eyes closed, breathing slowed. But his ears were perked and alert. He knew how vulnerable Sonic was right now. He wasn’t going to allow anything to sneak up on them. He heard the sound of a door shutting, but thought nothing of it. It was mid morning now. He expected to hear some noise from Tails. But then he heard soft voices. More than one. His ears turned towards the noises and tuned in.

Amy. “How’s he doing?”

Tails. “I haven’t checked on him yet.”

Shadow opened his eyes and looked down at Sonic. The omega looked really comfortable, but Shadow didn’t want them to be walked in on. He didn’t want anyone to see Sonic like this except for him. His knot was already down, so he let his cock out of Sonic. He was quick to stuff his fingers inside. The omega shifted on top of him but didn’t rouse yet.

Knuckles. “Do you spend time with him while he’s in heat?”

Tails. “No. He gets really embarrassed. If he needs something, he lets me know.”

Amy. “He shouldn’t be embarrassed. He shouldn’t have to be alone either. Poor thing.”

Sonic wasn’t alone. Shadow was taking care of him. He looked around the floor near the hammock. Nothing of use. He opened Sonic’s nightstand found a screw driver. Perfect. One end of the handle was flared and the other was wider and rounded. He traded his fingers for the handle of the tool, plugging Sonic with it. He rolled, gently putting Sonic onto his side. He adjusted the ice pack. It was gaining warmth, but Shadow had a spare in the freezer.

Tails. “He’s not going to want anyone in there.”

Amy. “He needs support. He’ll feel so much better.”

Shadow slipped away from Sonic, getting out of the hammock. The omega woke as soon as Shadow’s touch left him. He rubbed his eyes and shifted his legs, feeling something inside of him even though Shadow was gone. “Where are you going?” Sonic’s voice was taught and dry.

“I’ll be right back. Stay put.” Shadow pressed a kiss to Sonic’s forehead. Sonic whined softly.

Amy. “Does he even have any toys?”

Tails. “Um… I don’t think so.”

Amy. “We should get some for him. I’m going to check on him.”

Shadow bristled. Hell no. He could feel her intentions hidden behind her innocent tone. He could imagine it now. If Shadow wasn’t here, she would be bringing toys into the omega’s bedroom, insisting she could do it for him and give him relief, making his body betray him as she ignored his protests. That’s what Shadow feared in his head. He was already prepared to beat her over it. When he heard someone coming closer, he teleported to the door and pulled it open. Amy jumped in surprise where she stood just inches away.

Shadow walked forward out of the bedroom, forcing her to step back to avoid him. His quills were standing on end and his fur was puffed. His eyes looked primal, but they had a sense of sanity and control to them that was lacking during rut. He was thinking clearly. He was comfortable, and his presence was powerful. His face was covered in slick though. “He doesn’t need anything from you.”

Tails looked between Shadow and Amy nervously as they stared at one another. “Shadow…? How long have you been here?”

“Doesn’t matter. Matters how long I’ll stay.” Shadow brushed past her, giving her a side eye as he did. He opened the freezer and pulled out a popsicle. He took off the wrapper and walked back to the group. “Until his heat is over.” Shadow put the tip of the popsicle in his mouth, sliding it over his tongue.

Amy’s fur started to stand up too. It still looked to her like Shadow was taking advantage of Sonic. Especially now that Sonic was out of his mind. “Being the only alpha around doesn’t automatically make him yours.”

Shadow sighed as he heard the soft pads of Sonic’s feet trotting across the floor. “I told you to stay in the nest.”

Sonic wrapped his arms around Shadow from behind, leaning into his back. He threaded his fingers through the fur around Shadow’s chest and groin, resting his head on the alpha’s shoulder. “Missed you~”

Shadow pointed the popsicle over his shoulder. Sonic took it deep into his mouth, letting the cold sooth his mouth and throat. His eyes caught notice of his friends. He let out a cute little growl. He didn’t want anyone to take his alpha from him. He took the popsicle stick in one hand and used his other one to gather Shadow’s. He pinned the alpha’s hands behind his back, between their bodies. Shadow let his shoulders slack back, his chest pressing out. His friends didn’t deserve to see Shadow’s hands. Mobian hands were tender and soft. They were without fur and easily damaged. It’s the reason they always wore gloves. Eventually, seeing someone’s bare hands became a symbol of intimacy in their culture, something Shadow didn’t understand himself.

Shadow inhaled slowly, flexing his hands behind his back. He didn’t know why Sonic wanted them there, but he wouldn’t argue. “It’s gonna be loud around here for a while. You ought to head back home,” Shadow spoke directly to Amy.

Knuckles gently pulled Amy’s arm to break her focus from Sonic and Shadow. “We probably should go. Shadow’s going to help Sonic the way he needs to be helped. He’ll do better than any of us can.”

Amy looked back at him with betrayal written across her face.

Knuckles folded his arms. “I don’t like him either, but come on. He’s an alpha. That’s what Sonic needs right now.”

Sonic pulled the popsicle out of his mouth and repeated the only word he heard. “Alpha~” He licked the gland on Shadow’s neck. Shadow shivered. There was a thud as the screwdriver fell to the floor. It wasn’t big enough since the omega had been stretched out with Shadow’s knot. The group’s eyes went straight to it on the floor between the alpha and omega’s feet. Cum and slick dripped around it. Behind his back, Shadow pushed his fingers into Sonic’s pussy to plug him again. He wore a little guilty smile, his canines peeking below his lip.

“What are you doing to him?” Amy shoved Shadow’s chest, knocking both of them a step back.

Shadow turned serious, leaning his head towards her. “Hands off, Princess,” he snapped.

Sonic growled at her from behind him. “Yeah, hands off.”

Tails slipped between Shadow and Amy, lifting his hands towards them both. He cleared his throat. “Everybody calm down.” He then turned to face Sonic and Shadow. “Wouldn’t you guys be more comfortable at Shadow’s where you have some privacy…?”

Shadow shook his head, still not looking at the fox. “My omega is more comfortable here.”

Tails sighed deeply and looked back to Amy and Knuckles. “I’m sure Shadow isn’t hurting Sonic.”

“Shadow hurts him all the time! They’re always fighting, and Sonic never starts it. Plus, what the hell is that?” Amy pointed at the screwdriver.

“None of your business,” Shadow muttered, but her words were sinking deeper than he wanted. Is that true? Did he always hit first?

“Get out,” Sonic said flatly.

Amy crossed her arms. Sonic almost felt bad when he saw her eyes become glossy. Almost. “We have to talk about this. As soon as your heat is over, we need to talk. For a while. Without him around.”

“Yeah, sure.” Sonic closed his mouth around the popsicle to hold it there as his hands slid down to Shadow’s bulge. Shadow sighed and curved his hips into Sonic’s hands. A threat was carried in his eyes. If they didn’t leave, he would take Sonic in front of them. Again.

Knuckles wrapped his arm around Amy and gently pulled her back. He rubbed her arm to comfort her and looked back at the alpha as they walked to the door. “If you bite him, we will fight until the river runs dry.”

Shadow raised his head, acknowledging him. He didn’t plan to. The last thing he wanted was to be stuck taking care of and worrying about Sonic the rest of his life. Well, it used to be. Before they met, he’d never wanted any sort of mate. The door shut behind the pair, and three of them remained.

Tails looked at the floor. “So…”

“You might want to stay somewhere else for a while,” Shadow told him. “But that’s for your sake. Won’t bother us if you stay.” His tip started to come out under Sonic’s constant rubbing.

Tails nodded. “Thats… I’ll stay for now. Let me know if you guys, uh, need anything…” He quickly walked off and slammed the door to his workshop.

Sonic pulled the popsicle from his mouth with one hand and pushed Shadow’s sheath down with the other. “You protected me, alpha~”

“Mhm. Only I get to touch you. Only I get to see you like this.” Shadow looked down at Sonic’s hand as it wrapped around his cock and stroked slowly. Shadow turned around and looked over Sonic’s face. He felt Sonic’s hot forehead. The omega leaned into his touch as he sucked on the popsicle. “Think your brain might be melting.”

Sonic nodded and pulled Shadow’s hips against his, letting Shadow’s cock slip between his thighs. Shadow kept his fingers inside Sonic under his dick. He took Sonic’s hip and backed him into the bedroom, kicking the door shut behind them. He picked the omega up with ease, supporting him with just one hand under his butt. Sonic bit the popsicle off of the stick and let it melt in his mouth. He hugged Shadow’s head, bringing the alpha’s face into his chest.

Shadow walked slowly, aiming for the bathroom. His voice was muffled. “Can’t see.”

“Don’t care.” Sonic bit Shadow’s ear.

Shadow’s toes hit the bathtub. He dumped the omega into it. Sonic yelped as he laid in the tub with his legs hanging over the edge. Shadow turned on the water and plugged the drain. He got into the tub next to Sonic and leaned back. He pulled the omega onto his lap and made him lie down on top of him, his back against the alpha’s chest. He removed his fingers to slide his cock in, pushing all the leaking cum back deep inside. Sonic moaned with relief, spreading his legs on either side of Shadow’s. Cold water began filling the tub around them. Shadow gathered water in his hands and released it over Sonic’s chest and stomach, soaking him throughly. He began to thrust up into him slowly, causing the water to slosh around.

Sonic grinned and laid his head back, his cheek pressing against Shadow’s. He had his hands down between his legs, feeling Shadow’s slicked up dick move in and out of him. His pussy clenched around it, praising it. The water cooled him down in all the right places, allowing him to truly feel relaxed. There was only pleasure. It’s like Shadow knew how he was feeling and how to fix it. He’s doing a great job. Sonic purred fondly.

Shadow kissed at Sonic’s cheek and the side of his head. He turned the faucet off once there was enough water that it splashed over the edge of the tub when he gave a hard thrust. He rested his now cold hands on Sonic’s stomach. Sonic let out breathy moans. All of his muscles relaxed. He had not a single complaint. He let Shadow fuck into him however he pleased. Shadow turned his nose down into Sonic’s neck. He found himself drooling again. Maybe he should take the muzzle idea seriously… He thrusted faster.

“Hah! Mm, you fuck me so good.” Sonic stuck his tongue out, trying to create more room in his mouth to suck in air.

“Yeah, I do~” Shadow grabbed Sonic’s tongue and pulled on it. Sonic winced, his pussy tightening around Shadow’s dick. The omega began to drool down his chin onto his chest. Shadow let go of his tongue and pushed his fingers into the omega’s mouth. Sonic sucked on them eagerly, going as far as to bob his head back and forth against Shadow’s hand. Shadow’s fingers pumped into Sonic’s mouth at the same rate his cock pumped into his pussy.

Shadow closed his eyes and panted against Sonic’s neck. Tight, wet, and warm. Sonic’s body was so delicious, so inviting. Shadow closed his legs around Sonic’s, forcing the omega’s thighs shut. Sonic whimpered and throbbed around Shadow’s dick as his pussy was squeezed shut on it. His hands were pinned between his thighs too, still feeling Shadow’s cock. Shadow grunted and pushed hard as he came. He shifted his hips to get in as deep as possible as he released his cum. Under his hand, Sonic’s belly bulged just a little. It had several loads in it now. It was going to have to make some more room.

Sonic whined loudly and bit down on Shadow’s fingers as his eyes rolled back. His hips wiggled on Shadow’s lap. He ground on his knot. He nodded his approval and nuzzled his cheek against Shadow’s. He breathed slow and deep, his stomach pressing into Shadow’s hand.

Shadow kissed his cheek softly and then started licking it, smoothing the fur and collecting his spit. The water slowly became still and quiet around them. The omega was cool and comfortable, full and happy. His mouth fell open, releasing Shadow’s fingers. His breathing became steady. He fell asleep within minutes of lying on Shadow in the bath.

Chapter Text

Shadow had taken care of Sonic. He drained the bath and dried them. He left Sonic damp to keep him cool though. They had laid in the nest for a while. Sonic slept. Shadow found himself getting more and more annoyed listening to the tinkering in Tails’ workshop, but he refused to reduce the range of his hearing just in case. He was relieved when Sonic woke and covered the mechanical noises with whispers and whines. Day faded into evening. All they did was nap and breed. Conversation was extremely limited. Sonic might say one rational phrase, but the next one would be horrifically crude and typically nonsensical.

Shadow hushed the whiny hedgehog when he heard a door shut. His ears followed the footsteps through the home. Shadow kissed Sonic’s temple and pressed the omega’s hands onto his pussy as his cock slid out. Sonic whined in complaint, but he stuffed his fingers inside of himself. Shadow sheathed his cock. He went to the bedroom door and opened it.

On the other side Tails had his fist up ready to knock. “Oh. Guess you heard me coming.”

“What do you want?” Shadow spoke to Tails with much less hostility than he did Amy. To him, Tails was no threat. Not physically or sexually. His love for Sonic was strong, but innocent. He would only ever help the omega and the people loved by him. He still shielded Sonic from view with his body though.

“Um, with what happened earlier, I thought…” Tails looked down at his hands. He was holding a plain white box. “Well, I made this for you guys. I thought it might work better and be safer than… you know.” Tails extended his hands.

Shadow looked at the box, then to Tails. Then back to the box. He would have to inspect it before bringing it close to his omega. He picked it up and smelled it. Just smelled like the paper product it was made of and a soft plastic which must be inside. It was silent. He couldn’t imagine something so simple being unsafe, so he took the lid off of the box and looked inside. It was red. Some object in the shape of a three dimensional spade. He picked it up and checked it out. It was firm, but it had a little bit of give when he squeezed it tightly. Seems like Tails had made a mold and filled it with whatever this was made of. It was a replacement for the screwdriver. Something proper, made for Sonic. Shadow frowned even though he felt positive emotions. He put it back in the box. “This is very considerate, Miles.”

“Alpha~” Sonic called to him from the nest.

The pull towards Sonic was almost physical. Shadow resisted. “Hold on, puppy,” he called back. His eyes met those of the proud and sincere looking fox. “I don’t know what materials you have in your workshop. But do you think you can make something else for me?”

“I don’t know. What is it?” Tails tilted his head.

“Knuckles made a good point. I want to bite him so bad… it might become a real risk after a couple more days of this.” Shadow paused to bring his finger into his mouth, rubbing along his swollen gums. “Could you make something for me to bite that wouldn’t be torn apart? I tried just biting another part of his body, but I think it’s going to scar. Bit too hard.”

“Hmm, I think so.” Tails tapped his chin. “More like something you can choose to bite or something that will prevent you from biting?”

“Both? Something that I can bite that will get in the way of me biting him.”

Tails gestured at his face. “Something like a muzzle with an appendage to bite?”

Shadow nodded. “Something like that.”

“I could try. I should get some measurements from you though,” Tails’ eyes scanned Shadow’s face.

“Alpha!” Sonic demanded.

Shadow flinched. He didn’t want Sonic to get upset with him. He lifted the box. “Let me give this to him. And maybe I can come out for a few minutes.”

“Of course.” Tails nodded and backed off.

Shadow shut the door and returned to his omega. Sonic reached for him, spreading his legs open. Shadow smiled at the sight and climbed into the hammock. Sonic’s fingers traced Shadow’s mouth, fascinated by the curve on his lips. Shadow took the plug out of the box. He moved the fingers Sonic had inside of himself and slowly pushed the gift into his pussy. Sonic moaned softly and looked down between his legs with confusion tightening his brows. His pussy pulsed, giving it a good feel. It felt like a cooler, smoother version of Shadow’s knot, but it didn’t reach deep. It was like the rest of his dick was missing.

“This will keep it inside.” Shadow rubbed Sonic’s belly gently.

Sonic arched his back a bit. “But I want you inside.”

Shadow’s hand moved down to kindly rub on Sonic’s slick cunt. “I know. But we can’t be attached at the hip 24/7. You want me to trade your ice pack?”

Sonic pouted a little, but he nodded.

“Then I’ll need to leave for a minute. No reason to drag you out of the nest too.” Shadow leaned away, but Sonic shut his thighs around Shadow’s hand, keeping it there. Shadow looked him up and down. He patted Sonic’s clit roughly. Sonic gasped, instinctually spreading his legs, his hips twitching. Shadow pulled away after grabbing the ice pack. “I’ll be right back, and then you can put my hands wherever you want.”

Sonic rolled onto his stomach, resting his cheek on the edge of the hammock. “Hurry back~”

Shadow pushed the hammock away, making it swing. “You know I will.” As he walked off, Sonic closed his eyes and let the rocking of the hammock soothe him. Shadow put the ice pack in the freezer and grabbed the other one. He figured Sonic’s sense of time was warped and wouldn’t realize Shadow was gone for too long. He strode into Tails’ workshop. He left the door open, making it a bit easier to listen to Sonic’s breathing on the other side of the house.

Tails glanced at him then pat the chair by his workbench. “Have a seat.” Shadow sat down and crossed his legs. He draped the ice pack over his lap. At this level, Tails’ head was above his. The fox took out some flexible measuring tape. “Let me get measurements of everything, so I don’t have to bother you later.”

Shadow nodded and sat up straight, making sure his head was level and facing forward. Tails walked around him, wrapping the tape measurer from his mouth to between the quills on the back of his head. Then from his nose to his chin and from cheek to cheek. He wrote all of this down.

Tails gestured at Shadow’s mouth. “Could you open up? Not as wide as you can go. Somewhat relaxed.” Shadow complied, parting his jaw. Tails pulled his lower jaw down a little bit further and measured space between his top and bottom teeth. He moved his hands closer, but they were trembling.

Shadow looked up at him, speaking without shutting his teeth. “Afraid I’ll bite?” Shadow did have a habit of flashing his teeth when he was angry. His canines were abnormally large as well, reaching an inch past most of the others’.

“Sorry, I just… want to measure your actual tooth.” Tails swallowed and pushed his thumb under Shadow’s lip to bring the measurer to the edge of his canine. Shadow bared his teeth, lifting his lips up for Tails. He took a breath and pulled away to write it down. “Impressive.”

“Appropriate for an alpha.” Shadow licked his teeth and shut his mouth. “Should’ve known about Sonic. Always smiling at me with those little teeth.” His ears twitched as Sonic called for him. Shadow stood up.

“I think I can make something work for you.” Tails pulled over his sketchbook and started drawing, first laying out the general shape of Shadow’s head.

“Wonderful. Just… send a message to Sonic’s watch if you get something made.” Shadow put a hand on his hip.

“You’ll have to refrain from breaking this one then,” Tails sighed, setting a protractor over his drawing.

“I’ll take it off of him. Put it on the nightstand.” Shadow walked out of the room. He returned to the omega’s. He shut the door and got into the nest, lowering himself into Sonic’s waiting arms. They laid on their sides facing one another.

Sonic nuzzled his face into Shadow’s chest fur. It seemed like Sonic really liked it, but he had kept that hidden until he was uninhibited by heat. Sonic took Shadow’s hands and tucked them between his thighs. Shadow sighed as his hands became slick. He touched the end of the plug. The omega’s sweet scent washed over him. Now biting was on his mind. He clenched and unclenched his jaw, applying pressure to his gums in an effort to trick his mouth. Sonic skimmed his hands up and down Shadow’s arms. His hands came to rest on the alpha’s inhibitor rings. His fingers tapped. Then they snaked around to the clasp.

Shadow’s ears flattened and he looked down at Sonic. The omega was looking up at him with sweet eyes. “What are you doing?”

“Don’t you feel better with them off? You don’t get tired of them rubbing on your bare wrist?” Sonic pinched the rings.

Shadow rotated his hands, moving the clasps away from Sonic’s fingers. “Doesn’t matter. I need them.”

“For your safety or mine?” Sonic kissed at Shadow’s jaw.

“Both.” Shadow could have his rings off without consequences. All it meant was he could use his full power if he felt like it. Removing them didn’t force him to. But he couldn’t trust himself with the fragile omega in front of him. Not with the way he’s been begging. And not with the way he’s been defiant at the same time.

“But I want you as you are. Raw.” Sonic whimpered softly, pressing Shadow’s hands against his pussy.

Shadow let out a breath. His ears were still pinned back. He understood the desire. Sonic lied in front of him with every part of him exposed. It was just his fur and his skin and his scars. Shadow probably would’ve pulled off anything that remained on him, deciding that their nest was a place to share all parts of themselves. He wondered if Sonic was uncomfortable at times lying on the hard rings or having them pressed into him. “I could take them off for a little bit… but only when we’re not having sex.”

Sonic’s tail wagged. He pressed several short kisses to Shadow’s lips while he unclasped Shadow’s rings. He let them drop to the floor, and they rolled away. He stroked his hands up and down Shadow’s wrists in a strangely sexual fashion. “Now give me your babies.”

Shadow groaned and shut his eyes. “What did I just say?” His eyes shot back open as he felt a hand jump around his throat.

“No, what did I just say?” Sonic’s muzzle wrinkled, the beginning of a snarl. He rubbed Shadow’s bulge with his other hand. It was hardly necessary. Shadow’s cock practically flew out of its sheath.

Shadow’s words were caught in his throat. A little wheeze came from his mouth. He tried to take his hands back. Sonic let him, opening his legs. Shadow grabbed Sonic’s wrist to pull his hand off, but he just dug his nails in as Sonic threw his leg over Shadow’s hip brought his pussy down around Shadow’s dick. Shadow couldn’t get a moan out, so he rumbled loudly from his chest and let his eyes close. Wet and tight and hot. Red electricity sparked from his hands.

Sonic pressed as close against him as possible. Their bellies, groins, and chests all rubbed together as he rocked his hips back and forth into the alpha. Sonic grabbed hold of Shadow’s hip to hold him in place as he fucked him. Even though Sonic was whimpering and moaning like a bitch, his voice was low. “I’ll take them from you~ Milk you for every drop. And then I’m going to have your babies.”

Shadow’s ears were low on his head in an embarrassing show of submission. He wasn’t breathing, but he didn’t mind too much. Sonic’s pussy felt too good. He would die in it. Plus, this would keep him from biting. His cock twitched inside the omega. His mouth gaped, leaking drool down the side of his face. The fur on Shadow’s groin got soaked as Sonic repeatedly pressed his pussy hard against it and wiggled his hips. Then he would switch up to slapping their hips together quickly. He could decide between keeping Shadow deep or feeling his cock run against every inch of his insides. Sonic released Shadow’s throat. The alpha took a greedy breath of air and wrapped his arms tightly around Sonic’s torso. He opened his eyes, but his vision was full of black spots.

Sonic cried out as he squirted, his hips jerking against Shadow’s. The omega switched to pulling and pushing at Shadow’s hips, encouraging him to move. “What are you going to do?”

Shadow grunted and started humping between Sonic’s legs, pulling his own up underneath Sonic’s and curling around the omega. His tail whipped around pathetically. His face rested in Sonic’s neck. The scent was overwhelming. “B-bite.”

Sonic groaned loudly, leaning his head back. He raked his claws down Shadow’s back. He bared his neck as his pussy throbbed at the thought of being claimed by Shadow. But that wasn’t the answer he had been looking for. “Mm, babies… you’re going to give me babies.”

Shadow shook off the desire to bite. At least he tried. He licked his lips as he stared at Sonic’s gland. Pregnant. He shifted focus to the need to impregnate Sonic. He nodded quickly. “I’m gonna get you pregnant. Right now.”

“Right now?” Sonic grinned, letting his tongue fall out of his mouth. He opened his legs wider.

“Mhm.” Shadow shoved his hips up into Sonic’s pussy as his cock exploded at the door to his womb. His knot rapidly swelled large. Electricity shot from Shadow’s hands into Sonic’s body, sending all of his fur and quills standing straight up.

Sonic bawled out a cry of pleasure as spasms ripped through his insides, from his pussy up to his womb. He wrapped his arms around Shadow and was quick to praise him. “Good! Good, alpha~ you got it so deep, good job~” Sonic breathed in deeply as if it would help make space in his stomach. It was truly swelling now. Full of Shadow’s cum. He had taken load after load and not let any of them go. He was almost completely satisfied. He whimpered and pulled at Shadow’s quills. “Put me upside down.”

“What?” Shadow panted as he rubbed his aching gums with his fingers.

“That was a good load, have to make sure it goes in.” Sonic tilted his hips.

Shadow’s wasn’t sure what he was talking about, but he couldn’t deny the omega. He pulled Sonic along with him as he got onto his knees. He held Sonic’s hips up against his but let Sonic’s upper back fall back into the nest so he was angled down. Sonic sighed in relief. Shadow’s looked down at him. There was his omega, hanging upside down. His tummy was bloated and his fur was fluffed up as if a balloon had been rubbed all over it. His eyes were crossed just a little, losing focus staring at his stomach. Shadow covered his mouth with one of his hands, but he couldn’t help it. He started laughing.

Sonic’s ears snapped toward Shadow and his eyes straightened out as he looked up at him. “Are you laughing?” he asked breathlessly.

“I’m sorry,” Shadow cleared his throat. He looked away. It was silent, so he glanced back at Sonic who was looking at him in shock. Shadow started laughing again.

Sonic watched him. He wanted to be offended, but he’s never heard Shadow laugh so truly, so freely, so… happily. Sonic grinned, and he started laughing too. He didn’t know what was funny, but he was filled with so much joy hearing that sound from Shadow. Shadow smiled at Sonic. Really smiled. He dragged over the ice pack and dropped it on Sonic’s chest. Sonic hugged it. His eyes followed the alpha as he leaned down to press a kiss to Sonic’s lips. His hand supported Sonic under the small of his back. Sonic wrapped his legs around him and kissed him softly. Just the tips of their tongue traced each other, circling like the hedgehogs did to one another during a chase.

Chapter Text

Night fell upon them. Shadow had opened the window to let cool air in. He had retrieved his rings as well. Now, his knot was hooked into the sleeping omega. He opened his eyes when he heard a ding and some light shined from the nightstand. Shadow reached over and picked up Sonic’s watch. He read the message on the screen. Tails had finished the muzzle. Shadow typed a message back with his thumbs asking Tails to come to them. Shadow was stuck inside Sonic at the moment. He sat up, setting Sonic in his lap. The omega’s head rolled limply onto Shadow’s shoulder. He put a pillow over Sonic’s groin for some modesty. A brief knock sounded from the door.

“Come,” Shadow said.

Tails walked into the dark bedroom. He tripped over something, and Shadow pointed the watch toward him to shine some light. Shadow had excellent night vision. Everyone else seemed so clumsy to him stumbling around the dark. Tails made it to the hammock. Shadow put the watch aside and looked to Tails’ hands. He was holding some sort of intimidating contraption. It had a metal frame for support. It was covered in leather to soften it, but it was broken up in many places to allow airflow. Inside was a red bar going horizontally across the interior. The plastic was tender, but it had been printed in a sort of chain pattern, the kind used to deflect sharp items like swords and sharks’ teeth. It had foam pieces along the sides of the bar. It sort of looked like the bite force measurer the scientists had Shadow use while he was growing up. They had also muzzled him before when he was real little, but it had looked like a cage. Nothing like this finely crafted tool.

Tails turned the muzzle around in his hands. He touched the red bar. “The center of this piece is hard. You won’t be able to pierce it. But it’s spring-loaded. When it feels the pressure of your bite…” Tails squeezed it with his fingers. The foam edges sprang up. “The foam will come up around your gums and compress them. It’ll feel like biting into something.” Tails let go and everything snapped back into place. He undid the leather straps reaching behind the muzzle.

Shadow gently took it from his hands, turning it over in his own. He squeezed the bite piece. “How did you know exactly what I needed?”

“Well, I had learned about omegas when Sonic told me he was one. I wanted to know what was happening to him during heat. But I started looking into alpha’s when you took him during your rut.” Tails rubbed his arm awkwardly. He knew intimate things about Shadow now.

“Well, thank you.” Shadow spread the straps. It looked like it would fit his face perfectly. Tails had really made it with care and precision. “I mean that.”

“I believe you.” Tails shifted his gaze to the shape of the omega slumped against Shadow’s chest. “How is he doing?”

“He’s alright. Might break a couple things when I force plan b down his throat tonight though.” Shadow brushed his nose against Sonic’s cheek. Originally, he wanted Sonic to take one after each session. But he could tell it would be a battle, so he decided on keeping to their routine of one before bed each night.

“You could try and get it down him while he’s sleeping, but make sure he doesn’t choke.”

Shadow tilted his head. That wasn’t a bad idea. It did worry him though. Sonic’s throat was getting hoarse and dry. He needed to take it with water, and Shadow wasn’t sure he was willing to waterboard a sleeping omega. Sonic’s head shifted and he sniffed. Shadow nodded towards the door. “I thank you again. But go on. He can smell you here. You’re too close to the nest.” Again, this didn’t bother Shadow, because he wasn’t in rut, and Tails was no threat.

Tails nodded and smiled a little. “Give him a hug for me.” He flew out of the room this time to avoid tripping again. The door was shut.

Shadow laid them both back down in the hammock. It swayed and creaked. He thought he’d get annoyed at the constant movement, but when he closed his eyes, he was back in his chamber, floating, moving slowly and aimlessly, but not by his own muscles. The sensation brought him rage, helplessness, and fear. But that was only after he was captured. Before, his chamber was peace. It was silence. Away from the poking and prodding. He tried to focus on that feeling. As long as he didn’t sleep, the after wouldn’t lurk among his dreams. He could think of the before. And sometimes he opened his eyes and expected to see her waiting for him, but in front of him was always Sonic. It was in those brief moments that Shadow saw the two of them were painted with the same palette. Maria would have loved him.

Shadow pressed the muzzle onto his face. He opened his mouth around the bar. He could rest his teeth comfortably around it. He reached back to fasten the straps behind his head. He turned Sonic’s head to the side and pressed the muzzle into Sonic’s neck. He inhaled long and deep, letting the smell of Sonic in heat flood him. He nuzzled against his gland and pressed harder against it. He gripped Sonic’s quills in one hand and his arm in the other. He opened his mouth, then snapped his jaws shut on the bar. The foam slid into his mouth, closing against his throbbing gums. He closed his eyes and imagined Sonic’s soft, sweet flesh filling his mouth, squeezing his teeth. His jaw clenched tightly. He breathed as deeply as he was able to, filling his lungs with Sonic. Saliva dripped through the muzzle onto Sonic’s neck. Shadow’s brows furrowed as a quiet whine left his throat.

Sonic’s stirred beneath him. His fingers trailed up Shadow’s neck and hesitated when they felt metal. He felt along the muzzle with his fingers, then slipped them in between the hole in the leather. He touched Shadow’s lip and the bar. Shadow sighed, leaning into Sonic’s touch. He bit down harder, and the plastic squeaked. Sonic’s hands slipped away. He rubbed Shadow’s back and massaged his fingers through the quills behind Shadow’s head. “Bite me.”

Shadow closed his eyes tightly and leaned his face against Sonic’s. His drool coated the omega’s neck. His claws sunk into the nest on either side of Sonic. The omega emitted a comforting purr, moving his hands through Shadow’s fur. Sonic lifted his head and bit into Shadow’s shoulder. Shadow moaned around the bar. He opened his mouth, releasing his bite. Sonic pushed his face into Shadow’s shoulder and made suction with his tongue, drawing Shadow’s blood into his mouth. Shadow’s knot moved slightly inside of him as the alpha adjusted himself. Sonic brought his hand down between them and rubbed low on Shadow’s stomach around the base of his dick. He sighed and turned his head away from Sonic’s neck. The omega released his shoulder and pressed kisses to Shadow’s head as his fingers searched for the leather straps. He pulled them free from the buckles, and the muzzle fell from Shadow’s mouth.

Shadow’s drool drooped towards the nest. Sonic turned his head and pulled Shadow’s face closer. He collected the drool on his tongue before he licked Shadow’s lips and kissed him, bringing his tongue into his mouth. He pressed his tongue across Shadow’s gums. Shadow rumbled and pushed his tongue under Sonic’s. He mixed his fingers into Sonic’s quills. He left his mouth open, happily receiving the massage from Sonic’s tongue. Their faces became slick and sticky within minutes. Shadow moaned around Sonic’s tongue when he felt the omega’s pussy start to pulse. The alpha hadn’t moved. Sonic’s doing it on purpose. Shadow tried to move at first, but Sonic’s pussy wouldn’t let his knot go.

Sonic pulled away only for a moment. “Shh. Let me milk you~” His tongue found its way right back inside of Shadow’s mouth, licking each crevice. Shadow slowly laid his body down on top of the omega. Sonic grunted at the pressure on his belly. He rubbed Shadow’s hips firmly and closed his eyes, focusing on using his internal muscles to squeeze and stroke Shadow. The alpha’s ears slowly reached low again. He had this strange feeling. Like Sonic was taking care of him even though the omega was the one that needed it. Part of Shadow felt ashamed for letting it happen and for liking it. But another part of him knew Sonic wouldn’t be doing this if he didn’t want to. He relaxed. He gave in. And only minutes later, his cock was twitching in the pulsing little pussy, spilling more sperm into the pool that was already there. His tongue fell out of his mouth as Sonic pulled from the kiss.

Sonic smiled up at him and stroked Shadow’s cheeks under his thumbs. “Such a good alpha. Always ready to fill me up.” He shifted his hips, trying to find more room for his stomach beneath Shadow. Maybe they’d have to let a little bit of the cum out… they had many days to go.

Shadow groaned softly and licked his lips. He started grooming Sonic’s muzzle, cleaning him from the saliva. He wished he could hide from his praise. He gripped the muzzle in his hand. Sonic tilted his head around so Shadow could easily reach all parts of his face. He purred, relaxing his legs open. When he was done, Shadow laid his head on Sonic’s chest and listened it.

Sonic rested one hand among the alpha’s quills. He carefully took the muzzle out of Shadow’s hand and checked it over. His purring faded. “Where did you get this?”

Shadow attempted to put himself back together. He cleared his throat. “Tails made it for me.”

Sonic inspected it and pressed on the bar, triggering the springs. “He’s pretty talented, huh?”

“Skilled,” Shadow corrected. “His hard work and the time he’s put into honing his skills should not be understated.”

Sonic smiled at him and set the muzzle on the nightstand. “Someone must be in a good mood.”

“I respect his ability to execute his trade. I always have.” Shadow huffed softly.

Sonic started purring again. He was happy to hear Shadow speak highly of Tails. He wanted them to get along. He wanted Shadow to be part of their pack, even if he knew the wish was foolish. He had no idea how to reconcile Shadow and Amy. Amy would have to get over her feelings for him, because Sonic wasn’t going to stop being intimate with Shadow as long as the alpha wanted him too. He wanted Shadow close, but he didn’t want to have to push away his friends to do it. As soon as they get a grip on what their bodies were doing, they could work through this. Sonic had hope. And that was about as much cohesive thinking Sonic could do. His thoughts became dampened by a louder voice saying ‘alpha, alpha, have his babies’. The urge never went away, though it could nearly be ignored right after he was creampied. Don’t get him started on the desire to be bitten. It’s a miracle he’s been able to keep his mouth shut for the most part for this long.

They rested together some more. When Shadow’s knot went down, the alpha pulled his cock out, but didn’t bother tucking it away. He was quick to replace it with the plug. There was some resistance. Sonic can’t hold anymore. It’s not just filling his womb but also throughout his vaginal tunnel. Sonic whined in complaint, even though he was able to relax his abdomen without the added pressure from Shadow’s dick. Shadow grabbed a plan b box and tore it open. It’s time.

Sonic looked from the package to Shadow. “I’m not taking that.”

“You’re not thinking about the future right now. Trust me, you want this.” Shadow picked out a pill.

“I am thinking about the future. The future of growing your puppies in me for the next several months.” Sonic already turned his head away.

Shadow sighed longingly and took Sonic’s chin. “Just take it for me.” He pushed it at Sonic’s lips.

“No!” Sonic dashed out of the hammock, zooming to the far side of the room.

Shadow gripped the hammock as it jerked around. He let out a low growl as he stepped onto the floor. He teleported to Sonic, but the hedgehog ran to the other side of the room before he could get his hands on him. A chase ensued with dashing and teleporting. They knocked things off the walls and across the floor. “Come here!”

Sonic climbed up on a shelf. “Fuck you. I’m not. Taking it. And you won’t make me.”

Shadow teleported, but only an inch away from his current position. Sonic assumed he was teleporting to the shelf, so he jumped off. Shadow was able to slide over and grab Sonic’s head.

Sonic’s reaction was immediate, as if he was working off instinct. He walked his feet up Shadow’s body and kicked off of him, back flipping away. He landed clumsily on his knees. He growled back at Shadow.

Shadow stumbled back, but then set himself in a battle-ready stance. Shadow didn’t even want to give it to him either, so Sonic was making this very difficult. The little brat knew Shadow wouldn’t hurt him right now. Brute force wasn’t on the table, even if Sonic didn’t take off at full speed, which was a real possibility. “Fine. You want to act like an alpha? Make your own choices? Be a little alpha. You won’t need me to breed you anymore.”

Sonic’s eyes narrowed. He knew Shadow was bluffing. He sat back on the floor. He spread his legs, the sticky sound of his pussy splitting open cutting through the air. “Liar.”

Shadow’s hands clenched at his sides. He tried very hard to keep his eyes on Sonic’s face. “No more until you take this pill.”

Sonic’s ears twitched. He was still for a little bit, then his head cocked. His hand found the plug in his pussy. He began pulling at it slowly. Shadow looked down. His fur rose. “But… it’ll all spill out. And then I’ll be empty if you don’t come stuff me. All your sperm will be wasted.” Before the plug even left Sonic’s pussy, cum leaked around it from his hole. Shadow snarled, willing Sonic to stop what he was doing. Sonic’s hands started trembling and his ears went back, but he didn’t stop. He pulled out the plug. Shadow’s cum gushed out of him.

The alpha teleported between Sonic’s legs and wasted no time pressing his dick all the way into him, pushing all of that cum back up into his body. Shadow moaned and placed his hand on Sonic’s belly. Sonic panted softly and took the pill from Shadow. He crushed it between his fingers and flicked away the dust. Sonic laid down on the floor. Shadow didn’t even notice the pill leave his fingers. Shadow started thrusting eagerly into his pussy. He watched his cock sink in and out, covered in slick and cum. He took Sonic’s thigh in one of his hands and pressed it down.

Sonic’s hands found Shadow’s face, tilting his head up. “Look at me~” Sonic’s eyes were full as he looked up into Shadow’s. It wasn’t only desire and pleasure in them. It was adoration and appreciation. Safety and serenity. He didn’t look at Shadow like he was the alpha helping with his heat. He looked at Shadow like he was HIS alpha, caring for him and saving him from discomfort. Shadow was in trouble now. He hadn’t realized. This whole time he’s fucked Sonic from behind or had his eyes closed. He had been hiding. But now, Sonic’s face was taking a crowbar and breaking into his heart.

Shadow’s thrusts slowed down as the pleasure became an afterthought. His pupils expanded. Pretty. Sonic is pretty like a girl. He hadn’t even recognized his jaw parting, but Sonic did. The omega quickly leaned his body and hit the hammock, making it spin around and dump the contents of the nest onto the floor. He grabbed the muzzle and held it in front of his neck just as Shadow lunged for his gland. Shadow’s teeth gnashed around the bar instead. He bit hard. He pressed his face into Sonic’s hand, pushing towards his neck. He grabbed Sonic’s thighs tightly and shifted his hips. Sonic breathed deeply, trying to slow his panting. He gripped around the muzzle and wrapped his legs around Shadow’s waist. Shadow gave a thrust here or there, grunting around the bar.

Sonic kneaded Shadow’s chest fur, moaning softly. “Knot me while you bite me,” he whispered in Shadow’s ear.

Shadow shoved his face into Sonic’s neck, pinning his hand between them. He wrapped his arms around Sonic underneath him and ground his hips between Sonic’s legs. The omega purred with pleasure, beginning to throb. He loved this position. Whenever he thought about Shadow between his legs, he got so wet. He loved feeling Shadow’s body rub against him, and he loved seeing the sweet expressions contort Shadow’s face into ways no one else has ever seen. For now, he let Shadow hide in his neck. He could feel Shadow sniffing at him through the muzzle as he bit. Shadow began pulling his hips back, bringing his tip to Sonic’s entrance, then plunging it all the way back in. There were pauses between each thrust, but they were hard.

“Oh~” Sonic’s body jumped at each thrust. His legs twitched open each time Shadow got balls deep even though he was trying to lock them around the alpha. Sonic whimpered as Shadow pushed squirt out of him. He held Shadow’s head and nuzzled it. “You make me feel… better than I ever have. I never want to stop.”

Shadow let out a tiny whine. He leaned his head against Sonic’s before struggling to lift his up. Sonic supported his head for him and kissed the front of the muzzle softly. Shadow’s eyelids came down low, but made an effort to keep them open so he could look into Sonic’s emerald eyes. He cupped Sonic’s cheek. His pupils melted into his irises, he grunted, clenched his jaw, and came inside the omega.

Sonic let out a long moan, never breaking eye contact. He let his legs spread wide this time. He let the muzzle fall from the alpha’s face. Shadow rubbed Sonic’s thigh and leaned in close, stealing Sonic’s breath with a kiss. Sonic rubbed his back and smiled on his lips when he felt Shadow’s tail wagging. The alpha lifted their hips, angling Sonic downward. Sonic licked his lips as a reward. Their tongues came together once more. Sonic let Shadow’s into his mouth. He sucked on it slowly, filling their mouths with each other’s spit. Shadow started humping. Sonic gave a little breathless laugh and kissed him deeply. Shadow moaned and whimpered inside of Sonic’s mouth. The alpha’s hand cupped Sonic’s belly. The omega’s pussy throbbed around him in response. Shadow opened his mouth and bit both of Sonic’s lips. Once he got some of the yummy blood in his mouth, he let go and put his tongue back in Sonic’s mouth.

“Hah, fuck~ hmm…” Sonic moaned on his tongue. His lips stung and tingled. Both sets. Shadow’s knot was stretching him the hell out, but he loved it. Shadow pushed against him harshly as he released yet another load inside. “Yes, alpha~” Sonic whispered in his mouth. He squeezed Shadow’s hips with his thighs.

“D-Don’t wanna stop…” Shadow’s lips tickled his as the alpha continued trying to move, but his knot was even bigger now. Each pull from him just dragged Sonic down with him.

Sonic winced and pulled Shadow’s tail. “Let me do it.”

Shadow heaved a long sigh and hovered still over Sonic. His tongue felt along Sonic’s teeth. Sonic started using his inferior muscles to milk him again, though his abdomen was getting quite tired at this point. “Take it all from me. I want you to have it all. Please~”

Sonic’s face flushed a little extra. He nodded. He became lightheaded over time, breathing Shadow’s exhales. He kept his focus on Shadow’s cock stuck up his pussy though, twitching and throbbing. He stole load after load from the alpha.

Chapter Text

Shadow was spent. He was cumming dry now inside of the omega. How useless. He had given all he had. He needed time to make more for him. He trembled over Sonic. He was trying to keep himself from falling on the omega. Sonic was happy and cum drunk. He circled his hands around his full tummy, pretending he was already pregnant. He was plenty full enough to live that fantasy, but his cunt didn’t stop. It was relentless massaging him. Shadow was reduced to a whimpering mess as his cock became so sensitive, each squeeze hurt. His knot was massive inside the pussy. Sonic’s skin stretched so tight around him it was leaving an indent on his shaft. It was hurting Sonic too, but he had lost control of his groin. If acted on its own.

Shadow shook his head and raked his claws across the floor. “I… I can’t. Don’t have anymore, Sonic, I swear.” He bowed his head against the omega’s chest.

“Hmm…” Sonic slurred a purr. He licked his lips and closed his legs around Shadow’s hips tightly, squeezing. “L-Let me double check.”

“But I’m still… you’re still making me… ugh!” Shadow whined breathily, hips twitching as an orgasm ripped through his whole body. He usually felt it in his groin and his belly, but now it spread to the tips of his fingers. His cock throbbed painfully.

Sonic pulled Shadow’s quills, making the alpha tilt his head back. Sonic looked up at him. “Don’t ever… say you won’t breed me again.”

“Okay. Okay.” Shadow nodded, eyes closed.

“Look,” Sonic hiccuped, “Look at me.” Shadow winced, shutting his eyes tighter. Sonic bit Shadow’s chin. “Look.” Shadow opened his eyes, looking down into Sonic’s. He was as hot as Sonic was. So fucking embarrassed. “Aww. Cute little alpha~ gonna start milking you dry more often so I can hear your sweet bitch whines and whimpers.” This might be a form of revenge for the public humiliation Shadow gave him during rut.

Shadow’s lip started to curl up in a snarl, but Sonic popped him on the mouth like he was a dog. The alpha’s ears went flat and his mouth went slack. “Just… kiss me please… Please.”

Sonic smiled up at him and scanned Shadow’s face one more time. He wanted to remember this. And tell Shadow exactly what he had looked like every time he tried to claim dominance over Sonic in the future. Shadow stuck his tongue out, drooling onto Sonic’s face. He couldn’t resist. He took Shadow’s tongue into his mouth and sucked gently. Shadow melted into his mouth. His body started to slump on Sonic, unable to hold itself anymore. Sonic turned them onto their sides to keep the alpha from pressing his stomach. He had to chase Shadow’s mouth to keep theirs together as Shadow laid on the floor. He rubbed Shadow’s chest with his hands. His heartbeat was fierce and speedy. Fatigue weighed down Sonic’s eyes while he made out with the alpha. He was ready to sleep, and the floor was hard on his bones. His tongue and lips slowed to a stop as he focused. He breathed deeply and regained control of his vaginal muscles. He forced them to stop. Shadow broke the kiss to inhale fresh air. His chest rose and fell quickly against Sonic’s hands.

Sonic licked his lips and patted Shadow’s chest lightly. “Alpha~ bring me to the nest. Let me remake it for us.”

Shadow sighed. The process of getting to his feet was choppy and uncoordinated. Sonic kept his legs around his hips. Shadow dragged his feet to the hammock. “Stand right here.” Sonic pecked his lips. He leaned down to grab the blankets. He grunted at the discomfort in his stomach. His skin and his insides weren’t used to this, but it would have to be soon. He struggled to make the nest from outside of it, but his options were limited. Shadow’s knot wouldn’t be able to come out of Sonic anytime soon. He’d be ripped open if they tried. He made a messy nest, but it didn’t bother him too much. “I’ll lie on you.”

Shadow climbed into the hammock and flopped on his back, releasing another long breath. Sonic cuddled up on top of him. He sent a purr through his chest into Shadow’s. Shadow tried to mimic the sound, creating a broken up, high-pitched rumble. Sonic grinned and felt Shadow’s chest with his hands, letting the vibrations flow through him. They were like a lullaby to him. He laid his head down. Within minutes, he was snoring quietly, his belly pressing into Shadow’s as he breathed.

Shadow rubbed Sonic’s lower back slowly. His eyes were closed, and he felt sleep pull at him. His body has put in plenty of work today. He had wounds too. But for him, sleeping felt like leaving Sonic alone, and he couldn’t do that. So he laid and waited. It took two hours for Shadow’s knot to shrink instead of one. The ache in his overused balls faded as they replenished. He was expecting Sonic to wake by now, but he didn’t. He only fell into a deeper and deeper sleep. Shadow listened to his heart and his breathing. He sounded alright. Shadow felt his forehead. It wasn’t hot. Was his heat fading already? He smelled Sonic’s neck. The heat scent was still there, but it was getting stale. His gland wasn’t producing the scent anymore. Something really must be going on with his body.

A stupid, prideful thought entered Shadow’s mind. Maybe he had done such a good job, filled Sonic so well, that his body decided he didn’t need to be in heat anymore. It was satisfied. Shadow smiled a bit. He hoped he did satisfy him. He wanted to bring him pleasure, to be enough for him. He should check on him though. He rubbed the pads of his fingers across Sonic’s clit.

Sonic gasped softly, then grumbled, pushing Shadow’s hand away. “Mm, not now. Sleeping.” He shifted his position on top of the alpha. Sonic would never turn down sex during heat. It really was leaving him. Why? Will it come right back? Shadow blinked slowly. Sonic fell back into sleep. He looked so peaceful. Shadow wanted to join him. He leaned his cheek against the omega. He could sleep a little…

Shadow woke a few hours later to a tongue working through the fur on his face. It was plenty of rest for him though. He was no longer sensitive with tired muscles. Only the deepest gashes left by Sonic’s claws remained. He opened his eyes to see a beautiful, messy, bed-headed hedgehog inches from his face. Shadow smiled and licked his lips.

“Good morning.” Sonic took a break from grooming to give him a kiss.

Shadow kissed him back and wrapped his arms around Sonic’s waist. The omega was straddling his hips. “Your heat?”

“I don’t know, it just sort of… stopped.” Sonic leaned his hands onto Shadow’s chest.

Shadow flipped them over, getting between Sonic’s legs and pinning his wrists. “Does that mean you don’t want to sleep with me anymore?”

Sonic laughed. It was lovely. “I thought you’d want a break.”

“Well, you definitely rung me out last night.” Shadow looked down. He could tell by the shape of Sonic that he was still plugged though Shadow was back in his sheath.

Sonic grinned. “Yeah, had you sounding like an omega.”

“Shut it…” Shadow’s voice lacked its usual aggression. He let go of Sonic’s arms and set his hands on the hammock.

“You loved it~” Sonic kissed his cheek. “Think I went a little overboard though. Feels like there’s a grapefruit in my uterus.”

“Why didn’t you let it out?” Shadow lightly touched his pussy, tapping the plug.

Sonic smiled cheekily and shrugged. He never said he didn’t like it. “Thought we could clean up together.”

Shadow nodded. “I think that would be great. I am so… sticky. Everywhere.”

“At least you’re not sticky on the inside.” Sonic rubbed Shadow’s hips. His fingers slid around towards the alpha’s butt. “That could change though.”

Shadow’s ears slapped flat against his head. He teleported out of the hammock, folding his arms and walking straight to the bathroom, simply uttering, “Absolutely not.”

Sonic laughed at him and sat up. “I was only kidding. So sensitive.” He slipped out of the hammock and stepped onto the floor. He grabbed his blankets and pillows in a pile on the floor. He could hear the shower running. His smile faded. The more he enjoyed being with Shadow, the more he feared being apart. Shadow was volatile. At any moment, he could decide he’s had enough or this is wrong or he doesn’t even like Sonic anyways. He was convinced Shadow was a ticking time bomb. This couldn’t continue with such ease and without a conversation addressing it that would likely be extremely uncomfortable.

“Omega.”

Sonic’s ears perked up and he bounded into the bathroom. He squeaked in surprise when Shadow grabbed him by the waist and pulled him close. He opened his mouth to quip, but Shadow kissed his lips. It seemed not so long ago that Sonic was the one demanding kisses. He wrapped his arms around Shadow’s neck. He kissed him softly for a minute before pulling back to look at his face and ask him, “What was that for?”

“I could hear your heart racing. What were you doing in there?” Shadow looked him up and down.

“You could hear that from in here? Even over the running water?” Sonic knew about his enhanced senses, but that seemed extreme.

Shadow let go of him and folded his arms again. “Well, I’m quite familiar with the sound of it now. I can pick it out of a sea of other sounds. Ba-shoosh.”

Sonic’s nose wrinkled. That didn’t sound right. “You mean ba-dum?”

Shadow tilted his head. “No. You have a heart murmur.”

“A what?” Sonic’s brows knitted together.

“A heart murmur. You have a hole somewhere in your heart.”

“A hole?!” Sonic gripped his own chest. “Am I dying?”

“What? No.” Shadow sighed and took Sonic’s hands. “It amazes me you’ve all lived this long without western medicine,” he muttered under his breath. “A heart murmur describes an irregular sound occurring in your heartbeat. Usually caused by a hole in the heart or inappropriate constriction of a valve. You were born that way. I know it’s a hole, because it sounds like Maria’s. But hers was larger. The sound was hollower…”

“So… I’m fine?” Sonic looked down at his chest.

“If your murmur was a problem, you would’ve already dropped dead by now exerting yourself like you do.”

“That’s… comforting.” Not really.

“It’s a good thing. I always know where you are. I can pick you out in a crowd.” Shadow regretted telling him. He hadn’t wanted to scare him. He was trying to put a positive spin on it.

“Is that how you always know it’s me when I come around?” Sonic sat up on the counter.

“Yes.” Shadow stood between his legs. He’s never needed to look.

“That’s… kind of sweet.” Sonic put his hand on the center of Shadow’s chest, feeling his heartbeat.

“Have a listen to mine.” Shadow spread his chest fur.

Sonic leaned down and pressed his ear on Shadow’s chest. He frowned. It was silent for too long. Then a ba-dum. Then silent. Then a ba-dum. Sonic could understand what was off about it now that he gave it his full attention. “It’s so slow. Is it supposed to be that way?”

“Mhm. Keeps my energy consumption at a minimum. My metabolism is slow. I only get uncomfortable from hunger and thirst every few days.” Shadow looked down at him.

“Hm.” Sonic pulled away. “Well, I’ll listen out for it if I ever get super hearing.”

“Good.” Shadow pulled him off the counter and brought him to the shower.

They got in together and shared the stream. They were in there for a while. Until the room was full of steam and they both breathed the hot, moist air heavily. There was lots to clean. Their hands roamed one another’s bodies. They were gentle as much as they could afford to be, but some spots required scrubbing.

Sonic leaned his back against Shadow’s chest. He stood with his legs apart, looking down at his stomach. Shadow’s fingers were wrapped around the plug. “Are you ready?” Shadow muttered.

Sonic sighed softly. His fingers traced around his navel. He nodded. “It has to come out.”

Shadow waited another moment before slowly pulling the plug out of the omega. Cum began flowing out immediately. Shadow gently pressed his hand into Sonic’s stomach, making his seed gush out. Sonic shifted around. It felt strange. He rested his hand on Shadow’s. He was able to breathe deeper once he was empty. It felt better in the way that his body could return to its relaxed state, but he felt worse in the way that it felt like a part of him had gone missing. Shadow crouched down. His hands were kind to him, washing his legs thoroughly. Then they rubbed around Sonic’s pussy in a sort of massage. The omega moaned softly. Shadow leaned in and kissed Sonic’s pussy. It wasn’t sexual. He kissed it like he would kiss Sonic’s forehead. He spread his lips with his fingers and looked into it. It was red and swollen now, flushed from the hot water and the massage. Shadow hoped it didn’t feel uncomfortable. He got to his knees and moved his head underneath Sonic. He kissed all around his pussy, up and down the slit, on the tip of his clit, around his lips. He breathed in deeply. Now that it was clean, there was a different smell to it under the lingering scent of Shadow’s seed. He pressed his nose at Sonic’s entrance. What is it?

Sonic got onto his tiptoes as Shadow pressed his nose up against him. He rested his hands on the alpha’s head. “S-Shadow.”

“Sorry,” Shadow leaned his head back to look at Sonic.

Sonic felt hot like he was back in heat, but it wasn’t that. He’d never seen Shadow kneeling at his feet. There was something forbidden about the image, dirty. “It’s so steamy in here… let’s get back to my bedroom.”

Shadow nodded in agreement. He got back to his feet and picked Sonic up in a princess carry. Sonic watched his face, relaxing in his arms. He picked up a towel on his way to the bedroom. He set Sonic down by the hammock and dried him off. As he dried himself off after, Sonic lied in the hammock. Shadow dropped the towel in the pile of bedding and got back in his special place on top of Sonic, where he felt at home. He looked at the muzzle lying nearby. Then he looked to Sonic’s gland.

Just before Sonic went into his last heat, they had spent a while in close proximity to one another on a mission. It required close quarters as they had stowed away on a train. They had climbed into the same crate in a rush to avoid being spotted. They fought over whose legs had to be spread to make room for the others. They were in there for hours without speaking a word. They only growled to one another. When they got out, Sonic was practically panting. Back then Shadow thought it was because it had gotten hot and humid in the crate, filled with their breaths and body heat. But it was simply his proximity to the alpha that set him off.

Just days after their return, Sonic was in heat. Days after that, Shadow entered rut. And now that their bodies had healed from their last incident, Sonic was in heat yet again, even though it was much too early. Shadow wouldn’t be surprised he shot right back into rut because of it. These heats, his rut—Shadow recognized their bodies were forcing them together. He’s sure it would continue until they did what their bodies wanted. Their bodies had had enough teasing.

It was as if Sonic was a planet, and Shadow was an asteroid. He had been hurtling through space, sent by some now meaningless force lightyears away. He had entered Sonic’s orbit now, but his velocity was too great. The trajectory was terminal. They would inevitably collide, and the result would be the end of times for them both. They themselves would shatter into pieces, but those parts would be brought together by their gravities pulling on one another. They would create some new mass. And Shadow was afraid. Afraid to lose himself, who he thought he was. Contradict all the values he had set for himself.

But there was only one result waiting for him. The difference was the journey. He could let this go on. They could keep getting into bed with one another and playing with the tension between them until it snapped one day and someone made a mistake. Or Shadow could take control of the situation. He could beat fate to the punch. They wouldn’t have to waste all that time. And his autonomy wouldn’t have to be ripped away from him. He could offer it.

Shadow looked down over Sonic’s face, memorizing each curve, each scar, each strand of fur. His thumb stroked Sonic’s muzzle with that rare softness that was becoming more common. His fingertips trailed down across Sonic’s gland. His voice was barely a whisper. “Let me mate you.”

Sonic displayed shock at first. A widening of the eyes, raising of the brows, and parted lips. Then, he blinked. His brows came together, the two inner ends rising, creating an expression of… sympathy. He cupped Shadow’s jaw in both hands. “Oh, Shadow... We can’t be mates.”

“What?” Shadow scanned his face, desperately searching for the explanation. His heartbeat quickened. A deep frown carved into his muzzle. “Why not?”

Sonic smiled with a sort of melancholy. “Hedgehogs mate for life. And I’ll… You will live many lifetimes after I’m gone. If we mated, you would have this gaping hole left in you for the rest of your life. You’d never be able to find anyone else. You’d never be happy. And I want you to be happy, Shadow.”

Tears welled in the alpha’s eyes. It was unsettling. It looked wrong. How had this thought never crossed his mind? It’s simple. Sonic made him feel mortal. His voice was now weak and broken. “Then why would you make me love you?”

Sonic frowned. He rubbed Shadow’s arms. “I… I didn’t mean to—I thought you needed someone to be close to. You seemed so lonely...” He felt Shadow’s muscles clench under his hands.

“You didn’t think about what would happen? Didn’t think about what that would do to me?” Shadow pulled away, getting off of the hammock. He wiped his fist across his eyes. “Why do you think I tried so hard to hate you? Why do you think I never came around? I’m going to watch you die. I’m going to watch you all die, and I didn’t want to care when it happens. I didn’t want to care. You made me care. Oh, fuck, you made me care.” Shadow pulled at his own quills.

Sonic’s felt a piece of his heart break for the alpha. Its jagged edges cut his flesh as it dropped to his stomach. He slipped out of the hammock and stepped towards Shadow. “It’s going to be okay, Shads. I’m going to be around for decades. You’ll be ready to lose me by the time the day comes.”

“No. I’ll never be ready to lose you. You think I would’ve ever been ready to lose Maria? No. I would’ve only loved her more each day. Found more to grieve over and dwell on. I’m glad she was shot, so I didn’t have to watch her disease take her from me slowly while I watched, helpless, a failure. And now there’s you. You. Damn you!” Shadow cried, tears flowing freely from his face now. He dug his claws into his own arms. His body jerked with unstable, choked breaths. “How could you do this to me? You made me think… you tricked me, you faker!” Shadow snapped harshly.

Sonic hated this. Hated seeing him cry. Hates seeing him hurt himself. His own body began shaking as it was overwhelmed with despair. He reached for the alpha, desperate. “Let’s lie back down, yeah? I think we need to calm down, and then—“

“I can’t be around you anymore. I have to start now if I have any hope of letting go of you before it’s too late.” Shadow quickly pulled his shoes on and grabbed his gloves.

“Shadow, wait.” Sonic whimpered, taking his hand.

Shadow bristled, snatching his hand away. “Enough, Sonic. Enough…” He was quick to Sonic’s door. He opened it and glided right past Tails, knocking their shoulders. And then he was gone. Tails looked into Sonic’s room, face full of worry.

Chapter Text

Sonic asked Tails not to tell the others his heat was over. Once he washed his bedding, he made a new nest. It was too big. He laid in it for two days. But he couldn’t shake this… profound feeling of loneliness. His chest felt hollow. He felt alone in a hostile place. It went as far as developing into a fear. His heart raced itself each hour that passed, growing faster and faster. Each unexpected sound made him jump. He slept with the lights on. He felt vulnerable. At some point, he couldn’t take it anymore. He had to be closer to the alpha. He missed him so much. He would feel so safe around him. He could rest.

Sonic understood these feelings to be extreme. He wasn’t sure if he was in some sort of early, non-sexual heat phase or what. maybe he just cared. He knew Shadow was in pain, and it was his fault. Had this all been selfish of him? Drawing Shadow into his arms when he knew he’d have to let go one day? No. He never believed that Shadow could love him. Not in the way he seemed to have confessed for sure. Shadow wanted to be his mate. Did he still crave that? Could he really consent to that without knowing how much turmoil would find him once Sonic inevitably passed away? And was Sonic in love with him too?

He absolutely knew he loved Shadow. Loved and hated and envied him. Wanted him. But was he in love? His feelings for Shadow, their connection, it was the strongest thing he ever felt. The good and the bad. And he couldn’t imagine a more intense feeling than being in love. At first, he denied this because he thought being in love meant only feeling joy, finding happiness in each moment with a partner. But that wasn’t true. It was many things. It was lust for their bodies, fear for one another, frustration when the other doesn’t comply. It was everything that could ever be felt all at the same time. Worst of all it was consumption of one another, the loss of pleasure in solitude. All Sonic knew was he couldn’t imagine anyone else touching him, being his mate. It made his stomach turn with nausea. And when he thought of never taking a mate… that loneliness settled back in his chest, eating him away.

Maybe it hadn’t been selfish befriending Shadow. Maybe it hadn’t even been selfish sliding into his bed, kissing him softly, and begging for him. But it most certainly would be selfish to let Shadow mate him. That being said, he couldn’t take this dread anymore.

He went to Tails first. He had a specific request for the fox he refused to elaborate on. Tails crafted him an absorbent breast plate. Sonic fastened it to his chest. Next, he searched his room for something he’d brought home from Earth. A tape recorder. Then, he went into the village. He bought some bird seed. He wandered around one side of the island until he found a flock of birds perching in a tree. He threw the seed out onto the ground. One of them flew to the ground and began pecking it. More followed. And soon, a dozen of them jumped around the grass, chirping and calling to each other. Sonic hit record on the tape recorder. He continued to throw out seed until they had eaten the last of it and flew off. Sonic stopped the recording. He walked slowly, calmly along the river. At some point, he hit play on the recorder and tucked it into his breastplate. As he neared Shadow’s cave, he jumped and climbed his way onto the tallest cliff within sight of it. He sat on the edge and watched the dark mouth of the cave as birds chirped from his chest. The flexible material of the breastplate ought to work to absorb the sound of his heartbeat while the birdsong should cover whatever makes through with natural sounds.

He waited. And he watched. Eventually he lied at the edge of the cliff, his arm hanging over the edge as if it was his hammock. The sun was starting to set. There had been no sign of Shadow. Sonic didn’t know why he thought he’d get to see the alpha. It’s not like he’s always in and out running errands. He didn’t even know if Shadow was in the cave to begin with.

Sonic’s heart leapt into his throat as he saw the alpha walk out of the cave. Sonic leaned his head over the edge, trying to get a better view of them. He looked messy, ungroomed, but Sonic couldn’t really read his expression. The alpha sat down in the grass. What’s he doing? Both of them were still and silent for several minutes. Eventually, Shadow’s head turned to the horizon. A moment later, Rouge appeared flying over a hill. He must’ve been waiting for her.

Shadow got to his feet. He offered his hand when She arrived in front of him. She took it so she could land on the ground gracefully. He let her hug him. Sonic bristled just a little. Her hand felt across his back. She pulled from him and leaned around to take a look. He must still have Sonic’s claw marks. Shadow hadn’t slept. Then Rouge put her hands on her hips and said something to him, and they got to talking. Sonic wondered if they were talking about him. He’s not sure if he wanted that or not. He pulled his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around his legs. He watched them walk off towards the coastline.

—————————————————————

After Rouge took a look at Shadow’s back, her hands found her hips. “I know those aren’t from a fight.” Clearly whoever left them had been trying to pull him closer.

Shadow let out a very deep sigh. He rubbed his face. “It’s a long story. Walk with me?” He looked up to her.

Rouge looped her arm around Shadow’s and began to walk along the river with the hedgehog. “You didn’t take my man while I was gone, did you?”

“I did not. Knuckles is a brute.” Shadow rolled his eyes.

“A handsome brute.” Rouge hummed softly. She’d come to Shadow first, but she was excited to visit the echidna later. “Go on, darling. Tell me your story.”

“Well…” Shadow’s ears flattened against his head. His jaw clenched and unclenched. He found this whole thing pretty fucking embarrassing. “It turns out that Sonic is an omega.”

Rouge halted and turned to face him, gripping his arm. “No way.”

Shadow turned his head away to avoid her gaze. “Yeah… He was hiding it. Doing a good job too.”

Rouge stared at him another moment before accepting he wouldn’t look back. They began walking again. “And you… and then what?”

Shadow’s nose twitched as he recalled the first time he smelled Sonic’s true smell. “I found out while he was in heat. He was—“

“And then you fucked him through it?” Rouge interrupted with a strange excitement.

Shadow cocked a brow at her. “No. He got home before it completely settled in. But it triggered my rut. I thought about him for days, but I resisted. It was the most frustrating experience I’ve ever had. I knew he was out there somewhere. Had to keep myself from searching for him. But the brat decided to come to my cave, and I couldn’t resist anymore.”

Rouge nodded along, letting him speak now.

“However. We didn’t go all the way, and Sonic snuck out. Things might’ve been fine. But he fucking came back. He offered to help me and how could I say no in the middle of rut? His first mistake. And mine was bedding him later when neither of us were in our breeding cycle.” Grass faded into sand as they made their way onto the beach.

Rouge scanned the sunset peeking up over the ocean as she thought. “So. You caught feelings for him?”

Shadow took his arm from her and stopped to take his shoes and gloves off. “They were already there. Just never had a chance to…”

“Flourish?” Rouge offered.

“Right.” Shadow sat in the sand at the edge of the water, letting the waves push up and cover his feet.

Rouge sat down crisscrossed behind him where the sand was dry. “I always felt like the rivalry between you two was…”

“Suspicious?”

“Intimate,” Rouge corrected softly. “You don’t seem happy. He doesn’t like you back?”

“I don’t really know.” Shadow drew meaningless shapes in the sand. “Doesn’t matter. I… I exposed myself. After I spent some of a heat with him, I realized how I felt. When it was over, he stopped begging, stopped drooling with desire. I didn’t. I still wanted to bite him. I still wanted him to be mine.” Shadow clenched his fist. “The only lie I could tell myself was maybe I just wanted to dominate him so badly, and the ultimate way to do that was claim him. Even so, what I wanted was the same. I asked him to be my mate two days ago.”

Rouge was listening intently, frowning, anticipating the rejection.

“He said we couldn’t because… because I’m ageless, and he isn’t. And it hit me like a fucking train. I forgot somehow when I was with him. I forgot that I wouldn’t die with him and he wouldn’t live for centuries with me. Hedgehogs mate for life. But our lives will last for very different lengths.” Shadow sighed. “And now I’m scrambling to convince myself what the pull I feel towards him is just raw instinct.”

Rouge took a deep breath. “Do you know that it’s not?”

Shadow ran a hand through his quills. “How could I ever be sure? My body wants his so badly.”

“Maybe you should meet another omega and see how that feels.”

“No… I don’t want to know. Doesn’t matter. At the very least, I care for him as a friend now. But I don’t think I can stay around him and resist getting even closer. I don’t want to lose myself when he’s gone. I’m thinking about going back to Earth,” Shadow admitted.

Rouge gave a little gasp. This really must be tearing Shadow apart. She had been so happy when Shadow agreed to come to Green Hill with Sonic and his friends, but that had been naive of her. “I can understand leaving. But Earth is so far. And GUN won’t stop hunting you if they find out you’re there.”

“It’s… the closest place to home,” Shadow murmured. It was his culture.

“You’ll be all alone. Can’t I talk you out of this?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Let me talk to Sonic,” Rouge stood up, brushing sand off her butt.

“And say what?” Shadow growled. “He’s right. Even if he would be my mate, and that made me happy, it would destroy me when he died. If I leave now, I could get over him.”

Rouge watched the waves lap at the shore. There wasn’t a solution. Neither of them knew what was best for him. Decades of happiness for centuries of an indescribable despair, or just a default, perhaps manageable loneliness for all time. Rouge couldn’t encourage them to mate in good conscience. But she did want Shadow to be happy. And she wanted it to be his choice.

She needed to find out if Sonic loved him too and get the omega to offer himself. She had an idea of the answer looking over the claw marks down Shadow’s back. She could see the passion in their shape. She could imagine Sonic’s hands sliding down and around his torso, groping and caressing. Their pattern didn’t represent needing something to hold onto. It was done to display pleasure and pull him close. She’s wanted to play matchmaker for Shadow for a while. She just didn’t imagine the situation to be this painful. “You know leaving would hurt him whether he’s in love with you or not.”

Shadow shrugged. “He’s got plenty of friends to help him forget me. Even has a little girlfriend waiting for him.”

Rouge shook her head. “Give me a chance to smooth things. At least make it less traumatic for him, because I know you’ll just up and leave without saying goodbye.”

“Hm.” The side of Shadow’s lip started a smile as she predicted his plan. He frowned when he thought of how upset Sonic would be though. But he was sure the hedgehog would be able to move on. “You can tell him if you want. But I don’t want to see him again.”

Rouge leaned down and pet Shadow’s quills. He pushed her hand away. “When are you going to let yourself be happy?”

“When I save her,” Shadow whispered.

Rouge sighed and folded her arms, tilting her head. She didn’t bother starting the old argument. The more she thought about him with Sonic, the more she wanted them together. Sonic is so good for him. He could help him accept Maria’s death. The grief could be traded. He may feel pain over Sonic’s death, but maybe he could’ve learned to smile when he thought of Maria by then. And that would bring him some peace. Rouge left him at the water’s edge.

Chapter Text

Night fell. Rouge and Shadow hadn’t showed back up, and now it would be too dark to see the black alpha return. He wouldn’t see him again tonight. He felt a great weight dragging his body down, but his head felt light and dizzy. He leaned his head over the edge of the cliff. The ground seemed to be pulling at him. He gazed up into the night sky, hoping to see stars, but it was cloudy.

His watch dinged and he sighed. He laid there for a bit longer, leaning his head back as it swirled. It wasn’t until he felt like he was losing his balance that he sat up, his back to the edge. He looked at his wrist.

A message from Tails. ‘Rouge is back. She wants to see you.’

Sonic chewed his lip nervously. Was it just a friendly visit, or was she going to talk to him about Shadow? How much did she know now? Maybe she could help them make up? He definitely needed to see her. He looked over the edge. It was difficult to see the route he had taken. He shouldn’t have stayed out this late.

He gripped the edge and lowered himself down. He searched for a ledge with his feet. He let go once he found some ground. He squinted in the darkness. He felt the wall of the cliff. He had used grips in the face to get up to this point. He pushed his foot into a dip in the rock. His hands got ahold of whatever was jutting out. He lowered his other foot, searching for the next hold. There was something flat under his foot, so he set it down. But it was only a rock crammed in the wall. His weight knocked it loose. His other foot slipped off its hold. He gasped and gripped the wall tightly with his hands, hanging from them.

Sonic grunted as he tried to pull himself higher. His feet scraped against the cliff, looking for something solid. Unlike his counterpart, the blue hedgehog did not possess super strength. He struggled. The muscles in his arms burned.

“Let go!” A familiar voice called to him.

Sonic acted on instinct. He didn’t have a single thought as he released his grip and plummeted towards the ground. For a brief moment, he felt like he was flying. There was something exhilarating about it. Releasing every ounce of control. Giving his life away.
He landed in Shadow’s arms. The alpha dropped to his knees to disperse the energy through the ground, saving Sonic from a rough landing.

Sonic grinned up at him. “Alpha.”

Shadow glared down at him. He dropped him on the ground. “What the hell were you doing up there without so much as a flashlight?”

Sonic yelped as he fell on his back. His smile dropped. He sat up and rubbed the back of his neck. “I was just… I… wasn’t paying attention to the time.”

Shadow looked him up and down. His eyes paused at the strange material wrapped on Sonic’s chest which was seemingly the source of the birdsong that had annoyed him all afternoon. He looked back up into Sonic’s eyes, then turned around and walked for his cave.

“Shadow!” Sonic scrambled to his feet. “Wait. Are you still mad? Can’t we talk it out?”

“There’s nothing to talk about.” Shadow waved him off, walking quickly.

Sonic followed at his heels. “Don’t shut me out.”

“Too late.” Shadow walked into the mouth of his cave. He turned around, eyes glowing in the darkness, daring the omega to step into his space.

Sonic recognized the threat, but he was pretty sure it was empty. Sonic stepped towards him. “No, it’s—“

Shadow’s fist snapped into the side of his face, the brunt of it absorbed by Sonic’s orbital bone. Sonic fell to the ground as pain radiated through his eye. He touched his face and looked up at the alpha, sadness pouring out of his eyes. He saw guilt on Shadow’s face. A crack in the facade. But then his fists clenched again and he went into his cave. Sonic whimpered, but the alpha didn’t answer him. He sat there for a little while until his watch dinged again.

From Tails. ‘Are you okay?’

No. He touched his eye tenderly. Fluid was already building up under the skin. Shadow was serious. Shadow was angry. Sonic would have to do his best to leave him alone for a few more days. Maybe then he’d cool off. “Thanks for catching me,” Sonic whispered. He got up and made his way to his home after turning off the stupid tape recorder.

Rouge sat on his couch. Tails’ tails swayed gently as she scratched behind his ears. His head was in her lap. They both looked up at him when he walked in.

Tails sat up. “You were gone for a while. What were you up to?”

“Just… needed some air.” Sonic shut the door. He plopped down next to the bat. “Hey, Rouge.”

“Tails, could you get an ice pack, please?” Rouge ruffled the fur on his head.

“An ice pack? Okay.” Tails popped up and went into the kitchen.

“Paid him a visit, did you?” Rouge touched Sonic’s swollen eye.

Sonic winced. “Mhm.”

“He’s not, uh, ready to make up yet.” Rouge rubbed Sonic’s shoulder.

“Really? Couldn’t tell,” Sonic grumbled. He accepted the ice pack from Tails. It was the one they used during his brief heat. It smelled like their sex hormones. Sonic sighed and held it against his eye.

Rouge smiled sympathetically. She turned to Tails. “Do you mind giving us a minute, honey?”

“Sure.” Tails nodded and went to his bedroom.

A silence fell over the two of them. Neither knew where to start. Rouge sat crisscrossed on the couch facing him. She spoke first. “So. Shadow told me.”

Sonic glanced at her, reserved.

“You don’t want to be his mate?” Rouge tilted her head.

Sonic face heated up. He turned it away. “I… he…” He took a deep breath and collected himself. “Either way, I can’t be.”

“I think that you both think too much.” Rouge rested her chin in her hands.

Sonic smiled sadly. “I don’t know. He seems to be under the impression that I’m stupid.”

“You’re not stupid. But you are impulsive, which can present as carelessness. You’re also confident and selfless. It probably scares him that you don’t get scared and that you risk your life for others. Everything he feels gets processed into anger and frustration so he yells and he hits you. But a lot of it starts as fear. He’s full of it, but he’d never tell you that.”

Sonic looked at her. That sounded right. Like just now. He had yelled at Sonic for nearly getting hurt. He was probably just scared for him. And he had hit him after because he was scared for himself. It was a simple conclusion, how had he not come to it sooner? Maybe he can better understand Shadow’s perspective keeping that in mind. “I think I hurt him.”

Rouge took his hand, rubbing it with that sort of maternal kindness that drew everyone to her. “It wasn’t you. It’s the nature of the situation. But… I am surprised you denied him.”

Sonic turned his body towards her. “I can’t do that to him. Just thinking about him all alone after I’m gone…” He shivered.

“You should reconsider, I think.” There was a long pause as she tried to craft her words before speaking them. “By your logic, he should never have a mate. Some alphas and omegas can live that way, but obviously they don’t find as much joy or peace.”

“I didn’t think he ever wanted one. Like me. I hadn’t wanted an alpha.”

“Hadn’t?”

Sonjc huffed as she picked apart his words. “Fine. You want me to say it? I like him. He’s sexy and badass and smart and he’s the only one that can actually take my breath away. Sue me.”

Rouge laughed softly, covering her mouth as she did. She found the two of them to be an adorable pair. “All I’m saying is you two should do what makes you happy and worry about later later. I think you could fix him, given the time.”

Sonic frowned a bit. “He’s not broken. Just a little bruised.”

Rouge squeezed his hand. “That’s what I’m talking about. He feels hopeless. Irreversibly damaged. But you don’t see it that way. You need to teach him who he really is. That he’s worthy of love and joy. Teach him to live in the moment and let go of the past. Or smile back at it. I believe that you can do that, and your time together would’ve been worth it.”

Sonic smiled again, his chest swelling with pride and longing. He believed he could do that for Shadow too. That’s the whole reason he fought to get close to him since the day they met. He wants to do that for Shadow. “I guess… I could let him make the decision for himself.”

Rouge nodded. “Yes. If you want it, and he wants it, why not?” She tapped her fingers on her cheek. “But, um, it might take some convincing to get him to open up again.”

“What did he say to you about it?” Sonic leaned closer.

“He, uh… he wants to go back to Earth. Said he needs to get over you, and he can’t do that here,” Rouge said softly.

“What?” Sonic’s face fell.

“He might just miss it a little bit. You know, he’s been—Sonic?”

Sonic’s chest tightened up. His breaths got faster and shallower. “He can’t leave. I can’t live without him.” His eyes shined with tears.

“Oh, dear.” Rouge rubbed Sonic’s arms. She looked him up and down. It looks like he’s having a physical reaction. Something you’d see between people already mated.

Sonic gripped her arms. “I want him. I take it back, I want him. Why did I say no? I should’ve just said yes and let him do it right there,” he rambles, tears falling into his lap.

Rouge pulled him into a hug and laid his head on her breasts. That always worked. Sonic’s body racked with sobs as he fell against her. She was soft. It was like a pillow under his head. He understood now why Knuckles was so obsessed with them. But even though it was physically comfortable, Sonic longed for a firm, strong chest coated in long fur. For a slow, deep heartbeat in his ears and a calm rumble vibrating through his cheek.

Rouge spoke in a sweet voice. “I’d be absolutely shocked if he managed to deny you. All you’ll have to do is offer yourself. I’m sure he won’t leave. Everything’s going to be alright.”

Sonic’s breath began to slow down. Right. Shadow wanted him. That was true. But he might be stubborn and try and keep him away. He might deny him. Sonic was so desperate to be his mate that he wasn’t above manipulating the alpha into taking a bite out of him. He could rationalize this because Shadow would only deny him out of temporary anger. Once it was done, he would be happier. They both would. And Shadow would thank him for doing everything he could to win him over. He had to make himself as tempting as possible.

Sonic pulled away from Rouge and rubbed his eyes so he could look at her clearly. “Can you make sure he’s not leaving tonight?”

“Of course.” Rouge smiled softly. “Making a plan?”

“Yes…” Sonic took off the breastplate and dropped it on the coffee table. Suddenly he could breathe easier. “I think I should let him cool off a little bit first. Leave him alone for the night.”

“That’s a good idea.” Rouge nodded. “He’s probably going to try to get out of here soon though. Don’t wait too long.”

“I’ll go to him tomorrow,” Sonic murmured.

“Do you want me to come back here after I check with him?”

“That’s okay. You’re probably tired after your trip. I’ll be okay. Tails is here.” Sonic curled up on the couch.

Rouge rubbed his calf before standing. “Alright. Come for me if you need anything at all.”

Sonic closed his eyes. “Thank you, Rouge.”

“You’re welcome, Sonic.” She let herself out.

A moment later, a door opened inside of the house. Tails called to him. “Sonic? Do you want to come sleep with me?”

Sonic opened his eyes. He exhaled softly. “Yeah.” He got up and walked into the fox’s bedroom. Tails shut the door and turned off the main light, leaving a small lamp on in the corner. Sonic got into his soft bed and curled up. Tails climbed onto the bed and wiggled his way into Sonic’s arms. His tails curled up on top of their hips. Sonic smiled a little and stroked Tails’ head.

Chapter Text

The next day, Sonic was nervous. Like really nervous. Like nauseous. He wasn’t quite in danger of throwing up, but he didn’t want to eat, and it was distracting. He just kept imagining Shadow’s arms around him. He was convinced his touch would take it away. Tails tried to help him, tried to feed him, but Sonic needed Shadow.

It was a bit out of the ordinary to be so psychologically connected to someone that you’re not even mated to. It was unusual for Sonic to feel so sick. Sometimes he even checked his gland in the mirror to make sure it hadn’t been nicked without him realizing. It was untouched, but it seemed a bit… raised. Not quite swollen, but more active. He wondered what he smelled like. What was his gland desperate to get across?

He was confused and scared. He just wanted to be around the alpha. He knew it would all be alright if they could be together. He didn’t care what anyone else thought. He didn’t care about his past self gagging at the thought of being regularly dominated by Shadow.

Sonic looked at himself in the mirror. He leaned in and touched his eye. It was swollen, but not too bad. He smoothed the fur on his cheeks. He gathered his quills and moved them back. Maybe he should pin them to make sure his neck easily accessible. He searched his drawers for a rubber band. He collected the quills at the bottom of his head and pinned them up together with the band. He touched the fur on his neck and chest.

The hedgehog couldn’t decide if trying to appeal to the alpha sexually was the best way to ensure he bit or if it was a really bad idea. He could let Shadow decide, but he had to make the offer. Subtly. He could make sure he’s wet. No, that’s too extreme. Shadow would send him away immediately. He could decorate his body. Shadow would think it’s silly, but that means he would probably want to take the clothes off of Sonic. Shadow could like the decor, or he could be annoyed that Sonic was hiding his body from him. Both options were a win.

Sonic told Tails he was going to see Shadow, and he hoped not to come back for the night. He went to Knuckles’ home and knocked at the door, taking a deep breath.

A minute passed, then Knuckles opened it. He smiled. “Sonic! You made it through your heat. But it’s a bit early, no?”

“Um, yeah.” Sonic nodded. “My hormones have been a little off lately. Listen, I was wondering if I could borrow Rouge for like an hour?”

Rouge appeared behind the echidna, sliding her hand over his shoulder. Knuckles looked to her and nodded. “Of course.”

“I’ll see you later.” Rouge got on her toes to kiss Knuckles’ cheek. She stepped out of the home and fell into pace with Sonic.

He led her towards the village. “I haven’t seen him yet. I’m about to, but I was thinking…”

“Yes?” Rouge looked at him.

“I want to tempt him. I was thinking about wearing something, and I feel like if anyone would know about that stuff, it’s you.” He hoped he didn’t offend her saying that.

Rouge giggled. “I’m flattered. Yeah, I know a thing or two. You mean like an outfit or lingerie?”

“What’s lingerie?” Sonic looked to his feet, a bit shy at his inexperience.

“It’s like… skimpy clothes. They don’t actually cover much. They kind of just make you look pretty. There’s not much like that around here, but I know it’s common on Earth.”

Sonic’s ears perked up. On Earth? Shadow would like that then. He didn’t need to leave. Sonic could bring his culture here. He could make Shadow feel at home here. “Lingerie then. I think that’s what I should do. But does anyone make that here?”

Rouge nodded. “There is a total of one sex shop all the way in the back of the village. Their selection is limited, but I’m pretty sure they’ll have something for you.”

“Could you help me pick something?” Sonic looked at her with pleading eyes. “You know what he likes, right?”

“I mean, Shadow and I don’t really talk about sex, but I’ve seen his eyes wander at certain things.” Rouge put her hand on her hip.

Sonic reflected on that. His heart beat faster as they reached the village. He felt on edge. He didn’t want to be around these people. He didn’t know which of them were a threat. He tensed up each time he was approached, anticipating the worst, but it was just his fans saying hello and thanking him for whatever he did to help them. Rouge took his hand and walked with more urgency to discourage people from approaching. What’s wrong with him? He loves engaging with the other animal folk. And he knew none of them would dream of so much as saying an ill word to him. He looked around to see if anyone was watching as they approached a dark shop, but there were much less people this far in.

Rouge pulled him in. The store was quite small. The windows were tinted dark. The inside was only illuminated by soft, warm lamps. It was sort of cozy inside. Along the walls, things hung up like clothing, rope, and tools. None of it reminded him of sex. But on the display floor were phallic toys. By the counter was lubricant, condoms and plan b.

Embarrassment was hot along Sonic’s spine as the clerk behind the counter smiled at them. She waved. “Hi, Rouge. What are we in for today?”

“Hey, Stephanie. We’re looking for some lingerie,” Rouge spoke with confidence.

“Oh, good. I just finished a couple more pieces last night. They’re hanging over there.” Stephanie pointed. Rouge pulled the omega over to that corner of the store and looked up. She pulled a couple outfits down.

Sonic thought they were beautiful. He touched the silk and the lace. He could feel the stitching, the embroidery. They were all handmade, all unique. He still couldn’t shake the embarrassment. Most of them were see through. And most of them would wrap around his pussy. “Um… so what do you think, uh…”

Rouge checked them over. “Definitely something with panties. This one comes with a choker. It’ll draw attention to your neck.” She held up one that was mostly made of lace. It was coincidentally the color of his eyes. Sonic took it from her and held it against his body, imagining it. She grinned at him. “So cute.”

“You think so?” Sonic rubbed the choker between his fingers.

Rouge nodded without hesitation. “It’s going to look so good on you. He won’t be able to keep his teeth out of you.”

Sonic smiled at the thought. He chewed his lip. “I’m going to get it then.”

“Good.” She walked with him to the counter and he got shy again. He set the lingerie down.

The clerk double checked the tag and told him the price. Sonic counted currency in his hands. Stephanie looked him over. “You know, I’m a bit surprised to see Sonic The Hedgehog in a place like this. But I won’t tell.” She winked at him.

Sonic felt a little more at ease. He smiled at her. “Thanks. It’s really beautiful by the way.” He handed her the money.

Stephanie put the fabric in a black bag for him and handed it over. “Thank you. You’re welcome in any time.”

Sonic held the bag against his chest and waved at her before they left. He looked to Rouge as they entered a more populated area of the village. “Mind if I…?”

Rouge smiled and shook her head. “I don’t mind. Good luck.” She rubbed his back. Sonic smiled back and saluted her before zipping through the village back home. He slid straight into his bedroom. He took out the lingerie and inspected him. It took him a while to figure out how all the pieces worked.

Sonic took off his shoes and gloves to get started. He slipped his feet into sheer stockings. They rose high on his thighs, ending in a lacey band. He held up another piece. This one wasn’t as see through. It was silk. What had Rouge called it? Panties. He put his feet through the holes and pulled it up to his hips. It settled against his vagina. He rubbed the fabric, taking a look at how it formed around his mound. He was started to understand the appeal. You didn’t know what was underneath. Whether he was in a normal state or split and ready to receive. Could tell whether he was wet. It led to fantasizing.

He put his hands into the smaller stockings and pulled them up to the bottom of his bicep. He stepped into what looked to be a large lace garter. It settled around the thinnest part of his waist. Straps connected to it from the thigh stockings to keep them up. Next, he put on the breast piece that curved around his pecs nicely. Lastly, he hooked the choker around his neck and made sure it was above his gland. The fabric shifted around his body as he walked to his bathroom mirror. Woah. He turned around, checking out how it sculpted his backside. It sort of embellished his features. He kind of liked it. He hoped Shadow liked it. He took a deep breath and walked to his bedroom door.

Sonic stopped himself and looked at his body. Oh, he didn’t think this all the way through. He’s got to get to Shadow’s looking like this. Well, he’s never ran into someone heading that way before. It’s fine. He left his home quickly. He ran most of the way there, disguising his body with a blur. He stopped about a hundred feet from the cave. Shadow had heard him coming. He dashed out and ran away.

Sonic whined and chased after him. “Shadow, come on!”

“I don’t want to see you.” Shadow growled back at him. They began zigzagging across the island. Each time Sonic caught up to him, Shadow teleported ahead.

“Let’s just talk.” He suddenly felt ridiculously stupid in this outfit. He had been hoping to just walk into the cave and Shadow wouldn’t be able to resist getting close. Shadow wasn’t usually a runner.

“Don’t need to talk. You made your point clear,” Shadow refused to look over at him.

“It’s not up to me to make that choice for you. I said no to protect you. But I want to be your mate. I want it more than anything. I want you more than anyone. It’s not about the sex. I want to make the perfect nest for you. I want your heartbeat to lull me to sleep in it. I want to groom you when we wake up in the morning. I want to go on adventures and steal your kisses when no one’s looking or hell, even when they are.” Sonic’s hadn’t even realized the both of them have been slowing down. “I want to learn everything from you and about you. I want you to tell me about your childhood. The games you played with Maria and the tests they ran on you. I want to know the story behind every smile and every tear you’ve ever shed. I want to know about your culture. How they show love and why they wear things like this.”
Sonic gestured to himself.

Shadow looked him up and down. His eyes lingered on his thighs and panties. They were standing still now, facing one another. Sonic continued. “I want everything to do with you. I want you, Shadow. For you. For who you are, not for what we’ve done. But for what we could do together. For what we could teach one another. For the rest of my life, I want you.” Sonic was panting now, simply from the passion in his words.

Shadow’s expression was soft, devoid of anger. His ears were low like he was unsure what to do with this attention, this declaration. He gazed at Sonic’s face painted with desperation and devotion. Shadow understood nothing he said was a lie. He could hear it in his heart, the fear associated with vulnerability, the fear of rejection digging its claws into his mind. He closed his eyes and listened to it. Ba-shoosh, ba-shoosh, ba-shoosh. Shadow opened his mouth as he tried to find words. Ba-shoosh, Ba-dum-shoosh. Shadow opened his eyes, his ears perking towards Sonic. Ba-ba-dum-shoosh. A mix of sounds overlapping. An orchestra in Sonic’s body. No. No. Every single one of his quills stood on end. His fur puffed out from goosebumps lighting up his skin.

Shadow rushed for him, and Sonic almost stepped back, afraid of being hit. Shadow dropped to his knees in front of the Sonic. He ripped the omega’s panties open, jerking his hips forward. He shoved his nose up in Sonic’s cunt and smelled. That strange smell he noticed a while ago was stronger. He could recognize it now. It was himself. Even though it had been days since they were intimate, Sonic smelled like Shadow on the inside.

Sonic gasped and held onto Shadow’s head. He was forced up onto his toes He thought Shadow was going to fuck him at first, but the alpha’s mouth remained shut. “S-Shadow. What are you doing?”

Shadow pressed his palm against the center of Sonic’s stomach. He couldn’t believe it. He had thought… In the back of his mind, he thought was infertile due to the nature of his creation. At the very least, he thought he couldn’t reproduce with Sonic. Part of his DNA was written in a different language. How could this even happen? He pulled his head back, then turned his head to place his ear on Sonic’s stomach. The heartbeats were very quiet. Tiny and buried deep.

Sonic frowned down at Shadow, but he instantly felt at ease. The alpha’s touch pushed away all of his anxiety and fear. And the attention on his stomach sent warmth spreading through his body for a reason he couldn’t place. “Look at me. What are you doing?” Sonic took Shadow’s face and tilted his head back, looking down at him.

Shadow looked up at him with wide open eyes. “You’re pregnant.”

Sonic was still for a while. His face was blank. He blinked. And then he burst into tears. “Don’t leave, Shadow, you can’t. You can’t leave me.” He dropped to his knees as well. Shadow thrust his hands out so Sonic landed on them instead of hitting the ground hard. Sonic gripped Shadow’s cheeks, staring into his face.

Shadow moved his hands out from under Sonic. His mouth was just sitting open. He was struggling to to speak. “I… I’m not going to leave you.”

Sonic threw himself at Shadow, wrapping his arms around his neck and leaning his body into Shadow’s. Shadow sat back on his heels, wrapping his arms around Sonic. The omega tried to get a grip, his words breaking through his sobs. “I’m… I’m… I’m really pregnant? Are you s-sure?”

Shadow closed his eyes, gripping Sonic’s back. He listened. Ba-dum-dum. Ba-shoosh-dum. Ba-ba-shoosh. “I can hear their hearts inside of you…” Shadow whispered. What the fuck were they going to do?

Sonic wiped his eyes, but his tears continued falling. It explained why he’s been so on edge. But how could they have heartbeats already? He must’ve gotten pregnant early in their sexual relationship. His body must’ve cut off his last heat once he started producing pregnancy hormones. A small smile found his face. He arched his back, pressing his stomach into Shadow’s as he kissed his lips deeply. Shadow whimpered softly, his hands gliding down Sonic’s back into the garter around his waist. He parted his lips. Sonic tasted of salty tears. Shadow’s own eyes began to burn with them too.

Chapter Text

For several minutes, Shadow held his omega. Sonic melted into his arms, occasionally pressing kisses to his lips. Eventually his tears stopped flowing. He was calmed by the alpha. The situation slowly sunk into him. He was so focused on Shadow, getting his touch, getting him to stay, that he hadn’t really processed what he said. Now that he knew Shadow would stay with him for the moment, he could think a little clearer and be a little less emotionally reactive. Shadow said he was pregnant. Pregnant. He’s pregnant.

Sonic pushed Shadow away, sending both of their butts onto the ground. “You got me pregnant!”

Shadow’s ears flattened as he looked at Sonic. “Don’t blame me. You begged for it as much as I did.”

“You should’ve agreed to condoms if you were going to knot inside every time.” Sonic glared at him. Both of them were puffed up and defensive.

“You were taking plan b. I didn’t think it was necessary.” Shadow threw his hands out.

“Those weren’t made for omegas. I was just hoping they’d work.”

Shadow’s eye twitched. “You what? Are you fucking serious? They weren’t made for omegas? And you just… you got yourself pregnant!” Shadow pointed at him.

Sonic crossed his arms and looked away. He had to admit that was foolish of him. He should’ve told Shadow he wasn’t sure of them. He kind of forgot.

Shadow sighed deeply. He crawled to Sonic on his hands and knees. “Come here.” He turned Sonic’s head to the side and leaned for his neck.

“No!” Sonic pushed his head away. “Don’t mate me right now.”

Shadow knelt in front of him, growling. “You said you wanted to mate.”

Sonic squirmed, his body responding to the growling. He bared his neck, but he had enough control over his hand to cover his gland. He pulled the choker down over it. “We need to figure this out. And I don’t want to be persuaded any more by instinct.”

“What’s there to figure out? It seems pretty straightforward from here.” Shadow searched his eyes.

“The fuck it is. I can’t be pregnant. I’m a hero. I have to travel and fight and protect people. I never wanted to have pups. My entire life would fall apart.” Sonic really tried not to think about there being anything close to living things inside of him.

“What are you suggesting?” Shadow narrowed his eyes.

“I’m… I wanted to get spayed. Maybe I should go ahead and get that done…” Sonic closed his eyes, unable to look at the alpha.

“You mean abort them? Hell no. You’re not aborting my puppies.” Shadow grabbed Sonic’s leg and pulled him closer.

Sonic flinched as he was dragged. Shadow’s puppies… fuck, what was he talking about? He couldn’t bring himself to do that, though he wished he would. He searched for a good enough reason. If he could make Shadow want that, he might be able to go through with it to please the alpha. “What if it’s not safe for me? You’re not just a hedgehog. You have alien DNA, and we don’t know anything about the growth of their embryos in their mothers since you were grown in a lab. What if they’re parasitic? What if Black Doom’s species is semelparous?” He opened his eyes again.

Shadow’s ears moved back again. Worry infected his expression, though he spoke with confidence. “Can’t be. They’re immortal.”

“Their lives must end eventually. What if they’re immortal until they reproduce? And then they pass all of their energy to their offspring and die when they’re born? If Black Doom could safely reproduce, why wouldn’t he just create the soldier he wanted himself with pure DNA?” Sonic knew Shadow was afraid of the omega’s mortality. This talk might create enough concern to get him on board to terminate the pregnancy.

“I’ll… I’ll find out.” Shadow took Sonic’s hands.

“How are you going to do that?” Sonic frowned up at him.

“I’ll find him.” Shadow was completely serious.

Sonic shook his head, gripping Shadow’s hands. “No, you can’t leave me right now. And we don’t know how long that would take. We’ll run out of time if they get too big.” Sonic looked down. Maybe he was paranoid, but it already looked like the bottom of his stomach, just above his groin, had an extra roundness to it. What if they grew more rapidly and his body couldn’t take it? Sonic wasn’t actually worried about these things when he brought it up. He just wanted to plant doubt in Shadow’s head. But the more he thought about it, the more it scared him. Shadow wasn’t the same species, he just wasn’t. He’s the Ultimate Lifeform. What if his children were more powerful than Sonic too?

Shadow rubbed his brow as he thought. “Hm. Dr. Ivo’s been trying to sequence my DNA. Maybe he has information about my reproduction.”

Sonic whined and hid his face in his hands. He didn’t want to tell Eggman. And his friends? Even worse. This is terrible.

“Don’t be upset, please. I’ll take care of you.” Shadow leaned for his neck again.

“Stop it.” Sonic put his hand over Shadow’s mouth, sighing.

Shadow’s brows lowered, but he didn’t quite glare. He kissed Sonic’s hand softly, leaning into him. “You’re mine. Mate or not, you’re mine. I’m inside of you,” Shadow whispered into his hand.

Sonic grew weaker at his words, slouching. Fatigue pulled at him all of a sudden. It was difficult to resist. He wanted to let go. He wanted to be Shadow’s because everything would fall into place after that. But if he should be responsible once in his life, shouldn’t it be now? “That should tide you over for now. I want to wait, just in case.”

Shadow leaned his head forward, pressing Sonic’s hand between their mouths. Sonic looked down into his eyes and sighed. He moved his hand and let their lips connect. The kiss was soft, their tongue barely peeking from their lips. Shadow’s hands rested on Sonic’s belly. It made Sonic feel like he had swallowed butterflies. His tail wagged behind him. His body was betraying him. He didn’t want to be happy and excited right now. His groin throbbed as Shadow’s thumbs rubbed his stomach.

Shadow pulled away just a little. He pressed kisses to Sonic’s cheek and his ear. “I’m sorry I ran. I should have stayed and talked about it…” He touched Sonic’s swollen eye and kissed it gently. “I hit you… oh, chaos. What have I done?”

“I’m okay…” Sonic whispered, placing his hand on Shadow’s over his stomach.

“We need to get you in a nest.” Shadow picked Sonic up, cradling him in his arms.

Sonic leaned his head on Shadow’s shoulder. “I want to go to your place.”

Shadow kissed his head. “Isn’t your hammock more comfortable? I don’t have any extra bedding in my cave.”

“I just want to be alone with you,” Sonic murmured. They could take a day, right? A day not to make any decisions, not to do anything. His head was a fucking mess. So many diverse thoughts and emotions swarmed through him. They were stupid. So stupid.

“Let’s take some bedding from your home.” Shadow started gliding across the grass.

“Will you bring me to your cave first? I don’t want to see Tails, I just…”

“Yeah.” Shadow turned that way. He slowed to a walk outside of it and went inside. Sonic relaxed immediately as the sunlight faded away. The darkness felt safe. The alpha laid him down on his bed. He leaned over him and pecked his lips. “I’ll be right back.”

Sonic nodded, and Shadow was gone in an instant. Even though he was alone now, he didn’t feel nearly as uncomfortable as he did at home. He was surrounded by Shadow’s smell and his things. This is where he wanted to be. It was only two minutes later by the time Shadow got back with his arms full of things. He put Sonic’s shoes and gloves by the wall. He picked up a blanket and tucked it under Sonic. He started moving it around and fluffing it. He tossed some pillows on the bed. He twisted another blanket set it along the edge of the bed.

Sonic watched him with a cocked brow. “What are you doing?”

“I’m… I’m making you a nest.” Shadow looked at him as if that was obvious. He was gripping a pillow in front of his chest.

Sonic giggled, but covered his mouth in an attempt to hide it.

Shadow frowned. “What? Am I doing something wrong?”

“Not… wrong, per se.” Sonic sat up, smiling. “Let me show you.” He got down on his knees next to the mattress. Shadow looked at him a moment, then got down next to him. Sonic moved everything off the bed besides one blanket. He handed Shadow Maria’s sweater. The alpha folded it and set it aside. Sonic began crafting the nest layer by layer. He took Shadow’s hands and showed him how to fluff it and give it structure. Once the first layer was done, He plucked a quill from Shadow’s head.

“Hey.” Shadow grumbled. “What was that for?”

“These keep everything from falling apart.” Sonic showed him, weaving the quill into the folds of the blanket. “Like temporary sewing. Leaving the needle in.” He reached to pull a quill from his own head.

Shadow stopped him, taking his hand and bringing it to his head. He bowed it. “Take mine.” Sonic smiled softly and moved his fingers through Shadow’s quills, searching for loose ones. He plucked them one by one until he had a handful. He got Shadow to weave the next one. Together, they created a layered, fluffy, and structured nest. Sonic made the final omega touches and looked at Shadow. The alpha stared at his face with large pupils. There was some intense emotion inside them. Sonic’s heart beat faster. He picked up the muzzle Shadow had brought and lifted it to his face, strapping him in.

Shadow’s lips turned to a frown before they became hidden under the leather. “But I want to kiss you.”

“You can take it off when you get that look out of your eye,” Sonic said softly. His gland was throbbing on his neck, begging for the alpha. He tried to ignore it. He climbed into the center of the nest and lied on his back. Shadow got in too and lied next to him. He rested his hand on Sonic’s stomach and rubbed it gently. Slowly, his hand reached lower, rubbing circles over top of where Sonic’s uterus sat inside him, inches from his groin. The spot was firm, showing the first signs of growth. The omega’s face and chest felt hot thinking about Shadow’s babies inside him. Tingles twisted around low in his belly as Shadow’s hand shifted his fur. He shut his thighs, trying to ward off the arousal forming between them. It’s not the most appropriate time. He wanted to show Shadow he enjoyed his company without sex, but everything the alpha did got him so damn hot and bothered.

Shadow sat up, smelling this development in the air. He knelt next to Sonic’s legs. His kissed the omega’s knee, then wrapped his hands around the omega’s thigh, fingers slipping beneath the garter. He started sliding it down Sonic’s leg. “What was all this for?”

Sonic lifted and straightened his leg so Shadow could easily pull the stocking off of him. “You.”

Shadow seemed to think about that as he dragged his hands down Sonic’s other leg, removing that one. “I do like the way it fits you. But I want nothing between us.” His hands slid up to Sonic’s hips. He pulled on the ripped underwear. Sonic looked down at him with lidded eyes and lifted his butt off the bed. Shadow pulled the silk up his thighs. Pieces of it stuck to Sonic’s pussy as it had been quickly coated in slick. Shadow guided Sonic’s feet through the leg holes and looked at the soft panties in his hand. He reached back to undo the strap of his muzzle.

“Shadow, I really think you should…” Sonic‘s voice trailed away as Shadow set down his muzzle and brought the panties up to his nose. He gripped them tightly as he smelled them deeply, pressing his muzzle into them. A rumble came from his chest as his tail wagged and his cock peeked from his sheath. They smelled like pregnancy. Like Sonic’s pregnancy brought on by Shadow. He loved it. He wanted it to be the only thing he smelled for the rest of his life.

Sonic’s breath became heavier as he watched. The alpha seemed really into his smell. Like really into it. And that made Sonic’s pussy slick right up, flushing even more of that smell into the air for Shadow. He hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided to spread his legs in front of Shadow. His heart pounded against his sternum.

Shadow’s eyes slowly moved down to look at it. He set the panties aside and lied down between Sonic’s legs. He wrapped his arms around Sonic’s hips and pressed his nose into Sonic’s cunt. Sonic gave a small gasp. His nose was cold on his hot flesh. Shadow breathed slow and deep. He opened his mouth, his voice vibrating through Sonic. “I want you to relax…”

Sonic nodded, unable to disobey. He rested his hands on Shadow’s head as the alpha pressed his tongue against Sonic’s clit. He lapped slowly. The omega gripped at Shadow’s ears, finding them to be a nice hold. His face scrunched up as he let out a little moan. “Ah… Shadow~” Not just alpha. Shadow. He should use his name more. He could feel Shadow smile in his pussy. He nuzzled into it and swirled his tongue around the entire slit. Sonic arched his back while Shadow’s hand slid up his stomach. Shadow’s other hand slid up further, rising and falling with Sonic’s breath. Shadow took Sonic’s clit between his lips and rubbed his tongue up and down on it.

Sonic whimpered softly, hips twitching. His clit throbbed in Shadow’s mouth. The alpha’s hand slipped under the bralette on Sonic’s chest. He gripped. Sonic gasped softly in surprise as he felt an ache on that side of his chest. He looked down at Shadow’s hand kneading his flesh under the lace. He hadn’t touched his chest like that before. It was tender. He wondered how long he had before it swelled. Sonic bit his lip and rests his hands on Shadow’s over the fabric. It felt kind of good. Like a massage on sore muscles. He looked back down and found Shadow waiting to look into his eyes.

Sonic flushed and let his thighs rest against the sides of Shadow’s head. “I-I really do want to be your mate. And I will. I swear it. I just want some time…”

Shadow nodded. His nose pressed to Sonic’s clit as his tongue moved down towards Sonic’s hole.

“And…” Sonic moaned as Shadow’s warm tongue entered him. “I love… I love the way you touch me.” He pressed himself into Shadow’s hands. “And the way you lick me and fuck me.” Sonic put his legs over Shadow’s shoulders, letting his bare feet rest on Shadow’s back. “But that’s not all that I love. You have to know that.”

Shadow rumbled deeply to him. He pushed his tongue in and out of the little hole while he rubbed his nose on Sonic’s clit. His pussy made soft wet noises, dripping slick and spit into the nest.

“You… you are so intelligent. Even if you’re antisocial, you’re a natural leader, always level-headed in combat and able to delegate resources effectively. Always analyzing threats. It’s how no matter how fast I run, you always catch me~” Sonic found it more difficult to get the words to spill out of his mouth as pleasure built up in his belly. “And even though sometimes… it’s really… fucking annoying, I admire your pride in your power. You should be proud. Hah~ I know that you keep your distance, but… when you love someone, you love so deeply… you’d do anything for them. Give your life for them over and over. You’d go back in time and kill yourself if it would save them. I think that’s so beautiful. I think you’re b-beautiful, Shads,” Sonic whimpered. “You deserve to be loved just as deeply. I know you love me. And I lo… love you too!” The omega cried out and clenched his thighs around Shadow as he squirted into his face, gripping the alpha’s hands.

Shadow’s tongue stopped. His body was still, and Sonic might’ve been concerned if he didn’t feel Shadow’s breath against his cunt. He panted softly. Shadow’s hands began to tremble beneath his. Sonic frowned and looked down at him. “Shads?” Shadow wasn’t looking at him, but Sonic could see the moisture collecting in his eyes. Sonic’s heart was pulled to him. He opened his legs and his arms. “Come here, my alpha.”

Shadow buried his face in Sonic’s stomach. His breathing was unsteady. He slowly pulled himself up. He climbed up Sonic’s body and lowered into his arms, though he didn’t put his weight on the omega. Sonic hugged him tightly and rubbed his back. Shadow’s body began to jerk as he cried.

“Shh, shh.” Sonic leaned his face against Shadow’s. “You can let go.” He closed his eyes and tried not to cry too. Shadow’s hips pushed forward, and Sonic whimpered softly as he was pierced by Shadow’s cock. He wrapped his legs around Shadow’s hips as the alpha started rolling his hips in slow motion. Sonic moaned softly in his ear. He felt kisses on his gland. Sonic cupped Shadow’s cheek. “Did you hear me?”

Shadow didn’t answer. He kept his face tucked in the omega’s neck. His fur became soaked with tears. His hips were slow and gentle, silent besides Sonic’s pussy squelching each time he pushed in. His dick filled Sonic with pleasure and a special wholeness he loved.

Sonic carefully took Shadow’s face in his hands and pulled the alpha out of his neck. He looked sort of pathetic, slick smeared across his face, glossy eyes and cheeks stained with tears. He looked into Shadow’s eyes. “I said you deserve to be loved.”

Shadow’s cock twitched inside him. He shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut. He gripped the bedding and started thrusting a little faster.

“Mm… look at me with those pretty eyes. Look into my eyes.” Sonic pushed Shadow’s eyelids up with his thumbs. Shadow refused, his ruby irises pointing away. “Shadow,” Sonic said firmly. Shadow whimpered and finally obeyed. “You. Deserve. Love. You deserve the kind of love that makes everything feel okay. You deserve someone who loves you so much they would die for you. I would die for you. I am going to die for you.”

Shadow shook his head quicker. “I don’t want you to go…”

“I’ll be with you for a lifetime. I love you,” Sonic smiled at him.

Shadow let out a heavy breath. His hips hit into Sonic hard now. “Shut up.”

Sonic moaned, mouth wide open. He sunk his claws into Shadow’s shoulders. “I love you. I love you, I love you, I—“ Sonic gasped high pitched as Shadow slammed into him and filled him with cum for the first time in what might as well have been forever. Sonic tightened around his knot. He wiped Shadow’s tears away and kissed his forehead. Shadow hugged him tightly, pushing his hips up as close to Sonic as possible. There were still trembles rippling through the alpha’s body. Sonic traced up and down his spine, relaxing in his arms. “Don’t worry. You’re mine now, and I’ll take care of you.”

Chapter Text

Sonic and Shadow lounged together for the rest of the evening into night and the next day. Shadow had undressed the omega. The lingerie was sitting folded next to Maria’s sweater. Sonic hoped he could get the panties fixed. He kind of liked them, and it seemed like Shadow did too.

They spent their time together almost entirely in silence. Their thoughts were loud enough. Neither wanted to speak them into existence. They wanted to pretend for a little longer that they hadn’t royally fucked up. For Shadow, his life had suddenly ignited. It burned now, progressing through a chemical change that couldn’t be undone. For Sonic, his life had suddenly fell through a frozen lake, and now he was drowning, unable to find air trapped beneath the ice. As they kept to themselves, suffering in silence, neither realized that Shadow’s fire could melt the ice and free him, while Sonic’s water could quench the flames and save him.

Their hands traced one another’s bodies, but now Shadow was avoiding Sonic’s stomach. But Sonic noticed each time his hand shifted aside to ignore it, defeating the purpose. They got to grooming one another occasionally, and Sonic napped once or twice while Shadow watched him. A sort of fog settled over them. They couldn’t see each other clearly anymore. As soon as the arousal and adoration left them yesterday, the reality had set in again.

Sonic noticed Shadow’s ears change direction. He looked up at his face. “Who is it?”

“Rouge,” Shadow murmured.

“I don’t want her to know.” Sonic looked back down, watching his fingers sift through Shadow’s chest fur.

“Alright.”

“Can you get my gloves?” Sonic pulled his hands away.

Shadow nodded and slipped out of the nest to get them for the omega. Then he came to sit back in the nest. Sonic took the gloves from him and pulled them on. He rested his head in Shadow’s lap. Shadow tucked a pillow up between Sonic’s legs to cover his groin. Whether or not his pussy was exposed, it was messy and indecent down there.

Rouge’s steps clacked on the rock as she entered the cave. It was deliberate. This made sure Shadow could hear her coming and gave him the chance to send her away. She walked into the main cavern and grinned at them. “Oh my goodness, look at you.”

Shadow huffed softly and looked away from her while Sonic smiled shyly.

“Have you made up? Did you mate?” Rouge asked with genuine interest. She approached them.

Sonic lifted his head and growled when she got too close. Then he covered his mouth. “Oh, sorry, I…

Rouge raised her hands and took a step back. “That’s okay.” She looked around. She got behind a boulder and pushed it. She grunted and squared her shoulder on it. Her feet slid on the ground a couple times before she was finally able to move the rock in front of the nest some distance away. She let out a breath and wiped her hands before taking a seat on the boulder. “You two got this… look on your face, so welcome to couple’s therapy.”

Sonic smiled in amusement, sitting up to face her. Shadow groaned softly. “Rouge.”

Sonic came to the edge of the nest to be closer to her, but he squeaked when Shadow’s arm wrapped around his waist and pulled him back into the center. Sonic pouted a little, but leaned into Shadow’s side. The alpha did not turn towards Rouge. Sonic pointed his thumb back at Shadow. “Well, first of all, he’s too controlling.” There wasn’t an ounce of sincerity in his tone.

Rouge leaned forward. “Oh my Chaos, he sure is. Why do you think I didn’t take him on my excursion? He would’ve completely taken over.”

Shadow rolled his eyes. He wrapped his hand around the front of Sonic’s neck, his index finger and thumb gripping Sonic’s jaw. “And what about this one? He doesn’t listen.” Sonic tilted his head back and looked up at him, still smiling. Rouge offered a nice distraction.

The bat took note of Sonic’s untouched neck. “I might have to agree with that too. So you’re not leaving, right Shaodw?”

Shadow let go of the hedgehog and leaned back on his hands. He sighed. “Unfortunately, no. It seems that this little faker has trapped me.”

Sonic rolled his eyes and pushed Shadow. The alpha acted so different when other people were around. “You going back to Earth would’ve been an act of self harm.”

Shadow’s ears moved back, revealing that the statement hit a little too close to him. “There are truly things I miss about it.”

“That’s not why you wanted to go. That’s why you told us you wanted to go.” Sonic held his ground. A tension rose between them, both looking away from one another.

Rouge broke it. “What did you guys decide?”

“Oh, uh…” Sonic rubbed his neck over his gland.

“He’s going to be my mate.” Shadow leaned towards his neck.

Sonic pushed up at Shadow’s chin, keeping him away. His face flushed. “We’re holding off until… until we figure out what to say to Knuckles and Amy.” He ignored Shadow’s soft growl.

“Don’t worry about Knuckles. I’ll get him on board.” Rouge waved her hand.

“I wasn’t, really…” Sonic looked down, fidgeting with the blanket. “Amy admitted that she has a crush on me.” Shadow pressed at him again, and Sonic allowed him a bit of grace, spreading his fingers around Shadow’s nose so he could smell his gland. He knew Shadow’s been pissed about it for a while. He got possessive over Sonic a while ago.

“I had a feeling.” Rouge sighed and rubbed her arm awkwardly. “She’s strong-willed. Things must be pretty tense.”

“They’ve basically been trying to kill one another.” Sonic pushed Shadow away again when he felt the alpha’s mouth open.

“I’m surprised she isn’t an alpha. But thank Chaos, right? There would already be bloodshed…” Rouge’s brows clenched.

“If I wasn’t between them, there would be bloodshed. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to hurt her, but obviously, I… I’ve made my choice,” Sonic murmured. “Ouch!” He glared at Shadow when the alpha bit his hand. “Put your muzzle on or don’t touch me.” He scooted away. He looked back to Rouge. “I’m sorry, he’s a little…” Sonic gestured. A little what? He wasn’t sure what was going on with him.

“It’s fine, Shadow’s always been very… instinctual. Should’ve known an omega would unravel him.” Rouge looked them over thoughtfully. Shadow was usually so cold and formal. He was sitting there now with messy quills and slouched shoulders, shamelessly trying to get his mouth on another hedgehog. It was kind of refreshing seeing him like this. He looked real.

Shadow’s fingers curled around Sonic’s neck. “I am not unra—“

“Muzzle.” Sonic snapped.

There was a moment of tense silence. Then Shadow’s hand slowly fell away. His expression was fierce and defiant though he reached down and fastened the muzzle around his head.

Sonic hooked his finger through the bars and yanked Shadow’s head down to his neck. “Now let me talk to Rouge.”

Shadow growled softly. He chomped down on the mouth piece as he pressed his face against Sonic’s gland and breathed it deeply.

Rouge smirked. Wow, Sonic really had a grip on him. She wanted to point this out, but she understood Shadow was reaching his limit on teasing. Sonic truly needed advice anyways. Her smirk smoothed out into a gentle smile. “I think this situation just kind of sucks. I don’t see a way to avoid hurting her. I mean, imagine how you’d feel if Shadow chose someone else. Doesn’t matter how the softly the news is broken to you.”

Sonic frowned and gripped Shadow’s muzzle, deeply upset by the thought. He knew Shadow asked to be his mate, but doubt lingered in his mind. Was the alpha just giving up fighting his urges? Or did he truly love Sonic? He hadn’t said it back. His ears drooped when he felt Shadow’s hand slide across his stomach. Sonic lifted his hand towards the bottom of his chest instead. “How can I show her that he’s good for me though? She thinks he’s hurting me, taking advantage of me.”

“I think that’s just how alpha-omega relationships look to outsiders, darling. Especially if that narrative means she still has a chance with you because you don’t actually want Shadow.” Rouge scanned their faces. She could just see that their hearts were so close to connecting, but something was causing them to miss each other by inches.

That made sense to him. Sonic couldn’t really blame her for wanting to believe their relationship wasn’t real. “But she also just doesn’t like him as a person. In a void, she thinks he’s… stubborn and rude. I want just want them to get along.”

Rouge pursed her lips. “They don’t have to, Sonic. Not everyone has to be friends. Shadow will never be sociable. He’ll never want to be surrounded by a dozen friends. They’ll probably only ever tolerate one another at best. You guys have to stop trying to change each other. You already want each other as you are.

Both of the boys looked at her with big eyes. Then they looked at each other. They obviously hadn’t even realized what they had been doing. How was Rouge so insightful? She only just found out they got together.

Rouge groaned and put her face in her hands. “You both are so dense, maybe this can’t work out.”

Sonic chuckled, turning back to her. “Well, it helps when you tell us what we’re missing. Thank you.”

“You’re both welcome.” Rouge crossed her legs. “So, I’d say… don’t worry about how you tell her. The best move might just be asking her to mind her own business. You could keep them separate.”

Sonic frowned. “I don’t need them to be friends, but I need them to get along. Like I want Shadow to be able to come with us on outings or missions. And I don’t want to have to pretend we’re not together.”

“Just… have a nice, long chat with her. Find out exactly how she feels, what she’s thinking.”

“Can’t you come with me?” Sonic whined. “And tell me what to say.”

Rouge smiled, shaking her head. “No. Amy won’t be as honest if I’m there. You’ll be okay as long as you remember not to try and force her to like him. I’ll try to find a nice man for her, don’t worry.”

Sonic sighed. It would be a relief if she turned her attention to someone else. “I guess I can manage. And you’ll talk to Knuckles?”

“I’ll explain it to him. I think quite a bit of their concern comes with the fact they just haven’t been around other alphas or omegas. I have. I understand them a lot more. So, it’s not difficult for me. I also know Shadow better. Again, you can’t force them to like him, but they probably should spend more time together to get an idea of what’s under Shadow’s mask.”

Sonic nodded. “Right, they just don’t know. Got to give them a little alpha-omega crash course.”

“And a bonus lesson on Shadow The Hedgehog,” Rouge added.

Shadow groaned at the whole situation. Just all of it. He flopped down on his back in the nest. “I don’t want them to know anything more about me or what we get up to.”

“Well, you’re not going to hoard me in this cave forever. I’m going to want to spend time with my friends. I’m going to need to travel with them. You can stay here and brood, or you can share bits of yourself and come along.” Sonic folded his arms.

Shadow sighed. He didn’t want to have to be away from his omega every time he saw his friends. Especially considering the pregnancy. He never wanted to leave Sonic alone again. “Whatever, hedgehog.”

Sonic picked up Shadow’s limp hand and put it on his thigh. His fingers curled around it once he felt his fur. “Grumpy alpha. This is what you sound like. Grrr rah growwwwl.” Sonic opened and closed his hand, mimicking yapping.

Shadow reached up to grip Sonic’s scruff tightly, resisting the urge to growl and prove him right. Sonic yelped, his shoulders rising. “I’d tell you what you sound like, but i’ve got too much self respect to make those noises.”

“I better go before you guys embarrass each other any more.” Rouge giggled at their bickering. While others saw it as toxic or fighting, she saw it for what it was. Playful teasing, a constant, thrilling challenging of one another.

Sonic smiled nervously, a little plea for help in his eyes as he heard Shadow unbuckling his muzzle. “Okay, Rouge… we’ll see you later.”

“Good luck.” She waved to them and then she was gone.

Shadow sat up and pulled Sonic into his lap, biting down into his shoulder. Sonic gasped and gripped Shadow’s arm around his waist. He breathed deeply. “B-Been real bitey, huh?”

Shadow let go after a minute and lapped the blood out of Sonic’s fur. “You make my fucking teeth hurt.”

Sonic turned in his arms to look at him. “I know. I’m sorry…” He whispered, removing his gloves. He slid his fingers into Shadow’s mouth under his lip. Shadow’s mouth hung open as Sonic rubbed his gums with the pads of his fingers. “We’re going to figure this out, I… I’m willing to talk to Eggman about it. I mean, I’d like not to have to tell him I’m pregnant. Just say we’d like to know about your reproduction.”

Shadow relaxed and blinked slowly, holding back a moan at the pleasant massage on his aching tissue. He nodded in agreement. He hoped the human would have some answers, but Shadow knew he’d had difficulty sequencing Shadow’s complex genome.

Sonic found Shadow’s open, drooling mouth too appealing. He removed his fingers and kissed the alpha, using his tongue to rub his gums instead. He pushed Shadow down gently and sat on his hips. Shadow’s hands wrapped around the sides of his neck. It wasn’t a chokehold, it was how he’d hold his face. His thumb rubbed Sonic’s gland. The omega shivered, his tongue falling between Shadow’s teeth to meet his. He tasted like Sonic’s pussy. They wrapped their arms around each other. The kissed slow and gently, wet and sloppy. They kissed until their lips had tingled and nearly gone numb. Then Sonic pushed his fingers back up to Shadow’s gums while Shadow slid his over Sonic’s tongue towards his throat. Sonic sucked, Shadow nibbled. They relished the taste of one another calmly, only a hint of arousal filling the air. They let the energy build between them without acting on it.

Chapter Text

Shadow and Sonic were only able to avoid the topic for another two days. Sonic was beginning to believe the worries he had spilled to Shadow when he began feeling… off. Off is how he put it. Sick, is how Shadow put it. Sonic got tired. Very tired. It was deep into his bones. Maybe weak was the word. And he was nauseous upon waking. It all happened so suddenly. It was like his body had flipped a switch. He didn’t explain how he felt to Shadow, but his body leaked the scent of distress, sending Shadow’s into restlessness. He paced around the nest, waiting for Sonic to admit it, even though the omega just wanted him to hold him.

Sonic sighed softly, curled up in their nest. He didn’t want Shadow to worry, but it looked like he couldn’t hide the state of his body. He watched the alpha circle the nest with flared quills. He wanted to put him at ease. Seeing Shadow like this increased his own anxiety which in turn strengthened his nausea. His mind had to catch up. He didn’t have to be okay with it, but he had to acknowledge what was happening and maybe even start to change his habits to accommodate.

Sonic reaches his hand out of the nest. “Shadow…”

Shadow’s ears flicked towards him. He stopped pacing to take Sonic’s hand, kneeling by the nest. “Sonic?”

Sonic looked over Shadow’s face and traced his knitted brows. It wasn’t fair to keep Shadow in this state. “I’m ready to… let’s talk to Eggman.”

Shadow nodded and kissed his hand. “We need more information. I don’t know how else to get it besides him or going after Black Doom.” So Eggman was the only option.

“I’m not telling him.” Sonic sat up. He closed his eyes until the room stopped spinning. He slowly climbed out of the nest.

Shadow grabbed Sonic’s gear. He knelt back at his feet and put Sonic’s gloves on for him. “I think you should.”

Sonic steadied himself on Shadow’s shoulders as he lifted each foot to put his shoes on. “Let’s do everything we can to avoid it.”

“What if he withholds information that he would’ve shared had we told him?” Shadow walked away to put on his own gear.

Sonic rested a hand on his stomach. He felt empty at the moment. “I’m hungry. Can we get some food first?” Shadow didn’t have any food here. Come to think of it, Sonic had never seen him eat though he admitted to needing to. Since Sonic’s been staying here, Shadow has made quick trips back to Sonic’s home to get food for him.

“Of course.” Shadow took the omega’s hand and led him out of the cave.

Sonic groaned softly at the blinding daylight. “How do you deal with this every time you leave?”

Shadow silently turned towards him and Sonic had his answer. Shadow’s pupils were in a tight slit like a cat’s, but also reminiscent of the black arms. Sonic blinked the light away as he walked with the alpha. He was getting less fond of being out during the day. His nights had become peaceful. And of course, Shadow’s home had about as much light as the end of a sunset.

It took some time to make it back to Sonic’s because they walked at a calm pace. Sonic handled it alright, but his stomach was growling by the time they entered his home.

Tails had already gotten used to the routine. He called from his bedroom. “Give me a minute, Shadow!”

Sonic looked at Shadow, puzzled. The alpha just made his way to the kitchen and started digging around. He knew what Sonic wanted. Sonic came in after him huffed with effort as he attempted to push himself up on the counter. Shadow took a break to put him up there. Sonic smiled and watched Shadow put together a chili dog.

Tails walked out a moment later. He grinned when he saw his brother. “Oh, Sonic. I’m glad to see you. Thought Shadow might hide you away for a while longer.”

Sonic yawned, then smiled at him. “We should probably move over here so we don’t have to keep taking trips back.” Shadow had been coming back a lot. Sonic was typically hungry, and Shadow didn’t have anything like a fridge to keep food edible over periods of time.

After the microwave beeped, Shadow took out the plate and handed it to Sonic. “I wish you’d eat something more nutritious.”

Sonic’s tail wagged when the scent of the food filled his nose. He took a bite and spoke around it carelessly. “Like what? This has at least three of the major food groups. Bread, AKA grains. Beans… uh, vegetables. And a hot dog, meat!”

“You could hardly call that meat. It’s been processed to hell and back. Not to mention it’s scraps. Left over pieces from the unwanted parts of a non-introspective animal.” Shadow put a hand on his hip. Sonic looked at his chili dog, almost put off. But he was really hungry, so he kept eating.

Tails opened the fridge. “We do have some better food. Like fresh fruit.” Sonic’s nose wrinkled. He finished his chili dog, perfectly content with that. Tails popped some blueberries into his mouth. “Amy’s been asking about you.”

Sonic groaned and leaned his head back. “I know. We’re working on it.”

“Working on what?” Tails looked at him with those big blue eyes.

“Stuff.” Sonic rubbed his face. He touched his eye. It wasn’t swollen anymore. There was only a light bruise under his fur.

“Come.” Shadow pulled Sonic off the counter before the conversation carried on.

Sonic let Shadow pull him away. He looked back at Tails. “I’ll probably come back home in another couple days.”

“Okay…” Tails watched them go.

Shadow held Sonic’s waist as they walked. Sonic straightened his back and stretched his arms around his head. “Let’s run?”

“No,” Shadow said simply.

“Why? I’ve been lying around for days, I need to move.” Sonic looked at him.

“What if you trip?” Shadow grumbled.

“What if I… really, Shadow? You know how much of my life I’ve spent running around this island?” Sonic cocked a brow. “If you think you can keep me from running this entire pregnancy, you’ve got another thing coming.”

Shadow made a face of displeasure. He knew Sonic was right. “Can’t we limit it?”

“No way.” Sonic took off running towards Eggman’s bunker.

Shadow growled in annoyance and ran after him. “At least watch your footing, damnit!”

Sonic glanced at his feet. He wasn’t going to trip. And so what if he did? He was fine. Once he got close to Eggman’s facility, Shadow sped up and slid around him to stand in front of him, blocking him from the guns and lasers that popped out of the walls of the building. Shadow put his hands behind him on Sonic’s hips and backed him up.

A moment later, Eggman spoke through an intercom. “What are you two doing here?”

Shadow and Sonic looked at one another. They should’ve planned this out. Shadow spoke first. “We were… hoping you could help us out.” The word ‘help’ definitely came out strained.

Another moment later, the weapons retracted back into the building. The large metal doors in front of them slowly pulled apart, revealing Eggman standing just behind them.

Shadow was comfortable enough to approach now. He stood just feet away and looked up at the human. “What are your PHDs in?”

Eggman settled his hands behind his back and recited his titles. “Physics, chemistry, engineering, biomedical engineering, and bioinformatics. Why?”

“Good enough.” Shadow walked past him into the building. Eggman and Sonic looked at each other. Shadow turned back to them. “Come on.”

The other two walked inside at the command. Eggman told the doors to close, and they did. Shadow hit the down button on the elevator at the end of the hall. They walked inside once it opened. Eggman’s hand hovered over the dozen buttons. “What are we doing?”

“I want to talk about my DNA,” Shadow told him.

Eggman hit the eighth button. “You never gave me an actual sample. You know how difficult it is to get a complete sample of DNA out of a quill?”

“You can have whatever you need if it’ll answer our questions.” Shadow folded his arms.

“Really?” Eggman lit up. He only had a quill because he found it on the ground after Shadow shed for rut. Shadow had never been willing to share additional information about himself in fear it would empower the villain.

Shadow tilted his head, rethinking his wording. “You can have any type of sample you need from my body. I won’t be doing anything else for you.”

“I’m game,” Eggman responded. The doors opened, revealing a laboratory. It clearly wasn’t used for building. Sonic stepped out and looked around. There were computers and holographic screens. There was all sorts of equipment on tables that Sonic couldn’t label. The lighting was bright and cold. Shadow tightened his arms and cautiously stepped into the room. Eggman walked over to a desk with a large keyboard. Above his head was one of the holographic screens. He typed into it, and an image of a helix appeared. Some sections were labeled by letters and numbers, others with question marks.

Eggman turned to face them as he pointed up at the screen. “That’s all I’ve been able to crack. I haven’t even been able to separate the genes coming from either of your parent species.”

Shadow looked around the lab until his eyes caught on metal table with trays of supplies and a box of latex gloves sitting on it. Shadow walked over to it and pushed himself up onto it. He grabbed a blue rubber band from one of the trays and used his teeth to tie it around his upper arm. “Come on, then.”

Eggman walked over to him giddily and grabbed some gloves from the box. He pulled them on and let them snap against his wrist. Shadow flinched at the sharp sound.

“What are you doing?” Sonic came to him, taking a look at the materials on the table.

“Giving him my blood.” Shadow looked at Sonic while Eggman pressed his finger into the inside of Shadow’s arm. Shadow made a fist. Eggman uncapped a needle and pushed it into Shadow’s skin. Sonic made a face and took Shadow’s free hand. To him, it looked seriously uncomfortable. His stomach turned just thinking about how a needle would feel sliding inside of his veins, but Shadow hadn’t reacted. His blood filled vial after vial until Shadow turned to the man and growled. “That’s plenty.”

Eggman gave in immediately. He pulled the needle out and pressed his thumb over the spot he had pierced. “You’re right, Shadow.”

The alpha pulled the band around his arm loose and flexed his hand. He watched the man inspect the vials that were fogging up with the heat from his blood. He set one vial into a machine and turned it on. It began to spin like a washing machine. He placed the other vials in a small fridge.

“I should get some from him too.” Eggman pointed at Sonic.

“What for?” Shadow grumbled, defensive.

“He’s pure hedgehog. Comparing your DNA with his will make it much easier to identify which genes come from Black Doom.”

Shadow looked to Sonic. The man was right. But he didn’t want Sonic to have to expose himself to him. It could reveal the pregnancy too. “Is that okay?”

“Um, I guess.” Sonic pushed himself up next to shadow on the table. Eggman stood in front of Sonic and reached for his arm.

Shadow put his hand up and dropped to the ground, getting between them. “Let me do it.”

Eggman looked at him for a moment but didn’t argue. He through his gloves in the trash and left to sit in a chair near the spinning machine. Shadow sighed and picked up a band. He wrapped it around Sonic’s arm and pulled it tight. Sonic flexed his fingers, already feeling the reduced blood flow.

“How do you know how to do this?” Sonic murmured, watching the alpha’s hands move intricately without hesitation.

Shadow took the cap off a needle with his teeth and pressed around the middle of Sonic’s arm with his index finger, searching for his vein. “Been through it enough times.”

Sonic was so distracted watching him that he didn’t even make a noise when the needle went inside of him. He really wanted to know what Shadow’s life had been before. If he felt at home in a place like this or deeply disturbed. He wondered what they did to him routinely, like bloodwork, and rarely like more damaging things.

Shadow pulled the needle from Sonic’s arm once he had a full vial, but he didn’t apply pressure to the wound. He pulled the band free. He lifted Sonic’s arm and pressed his tongue on the bead of blood that had developed. His lips pressed into Sonic’s arm as he applied just a bit of suction.

Sonic looked down at him and flushed. This was different from grooming, different from biting, different from nursing wounds. The only reason Shadow would be doing this is to taste his blood. Shadow’s tongue then pressed harder into Sonic’s arm, encouraging the bleeding to stop. Shadow pulled away from him and licked his lips. He walked over to Eggman. He paused the machine to put in Sonic’s vial next to his before turning it back on. “How long are you going to run the centrifuge?”

“15 minutes?”

“You can check on Sonic’s in 15, but mine is stubborn. Takes about an hour usually.” Shadow crossed his arms.

Sonic looked at the two and rubbed his arm. He felt a distance from them. A lack of common knowledge. He wasn’t so irritated with having to come to Eggman anymore. Maybe this could reveal more of Shadow to him.

Chapter Text

15 minutes or an hour were both understatements. The centrifuge was just the first of multiple machines the blood was run through, not to mention the waiting for the computer program to make sense of it all. It took hours. Eggman and Shadow butted heads constantly about the best way to decode the information. They sat in chairs with wheels, pushing each other away from the computer to fix whatever issue came up themselves. Sonic walked around the lab touching everything because he was bored. Until Shadow grabbed him when he tried to look inside a biohazard container. He pulled the omega into his lap and reached around him to type.

Eggman glanced at them. “Gross.” He pushed Shadow’s chair away and took over. “It’s almost ready, I got it.”

Shadow sighed deeply and leaned back against the chair, hands on Sonic’s hips. Sonic was absolutely embarrassed sitting on him, but he cared about his dignity less than he wanted Shadow’s body warming his butt and thighs.

Eggman leaned his head back to look up at the big screen. He squinted. “Hell. Sonic’s sample must’ve gotten contaminated.”

“What’s wrong with it?” Shadow frowned. He was sick of dealing with Eggman. He didn’t want to stay for another couple hours.

“There’s pieces of your DNA floating around in his blood. Some of yours got into his vial? It’s kind of exhibiting like… like…” Eggman’s face dropped as some kind of recognition poured over it. He looked them up and down, his mustache quirking to the side over his grimace.

“Like what, Ivo?” Shadow’s brows lowered.

“Like how the father’s DNA becomes present in a pregnant woman’s bloodstream,” Eggman mumbled apprehensively. Shadow’s blank face was enough to confirm it. “Oh, gross!”

Sonic whined and hid his face in his hands. “Damnit. Why did I give you my blood? I should’ve known…” Shadow rubbed his sides, but it wasn’t the most comforting. He knew this is the outcome Shadow wanted. “Please don’t give me shit over this.”

“I’m not going to give you shit over it. Shadow’s DNA will.” Eggman pulled up another image on the screen. To Sonic, it was just scribbles wiggling around. “It’s already trying to dominate yours… you’ll have to hope the offspring don’t leak too much of him into you.”

“Dominate mine? What does that mean?” Sonic’s squinted at the screen, trying to understand what he was looking at.

“I mean… if it gets a good hold of you, it has the potential to alter your DNA.” Eggman scratched his head.

“Alter… what?” Sonic touched his stomach. His heart picked up speed.

Shadow rested his hand over his in an effort to calm him. He rumbled softly. “The pregnancy itself… is it safe? Will the fetuses harm him?”

Eggman sighed and clicked on a different section of the DNA. He pinched his mustache as he read the information related to reproduction according to his alien DNA. “I’m not entirely familiar with these genes. But I don’t think they’re the biggest problem. It’s the energy. They’re going to suck it right out of him to grow. Black Doom’s genes are dominant. You mostly look like a hedgehog, but your insides, your energy consumption and usage, your powers, all related to the black arms. Most of that will be exhibited in your children. To grow all of that, they need a lot of resources that Sonic probably doesn’t have. Not to mention, once they’re big enough to contain some of their own energy, Sonic’s body won’t be able to sustain it properly.”

Shadow fidgeted with his inhibitor rings. “Like me. A push and a pull. I have to give my body as much additional energy as I can so it’s strong enough to handle the energy I already carry inside of myself. Without restricting my power, it could consume my body and leave permanent damage.”

“How many?” Eggman asked gravely.

“Two, think…” Shadow muttered.

“Sonic’s body must grow two of you while also keeping itself alive. It’s your choice, but I have to recommend you terminate.” Eggman turned his gaze to Sonic.

“No,” Shadow growled. “He’ll be able to handle it. I’ll help him.”

Eggman spoke with a shocking firmness. “It’s not your body. It’s up to Sonic.”

“They’re my babies too.” Shadow gripped Sonic’s stomach.

“Easy, Shadow,” Sonic mumbled, pulling his hand to loosen his grip. He turned in his lap to look at his face. “Do you really think you can help me get through this?”

“Yes. There are ways to manage this energy. I’ll bear as much of it as I can for you. I’ll teach you things…” Shadow’s eyes lingered at Sonic’s gland.

Sonic turned Shadow’s chin up to take his attention back. “I’m not going to… abort them. Unless something bad starts happening to me, I guess. Right now, I’m just really fucking hungry.”

Shadow frowned and brushed the back of his fingers along Sonic’s cheek. It hadn’t been long since he ate. He needed real food. A purer form of energy like the kind Shadow consumed. “Let’s go.” Sonic stood from his lap, rubbing his head.

“Keep looking at it. Run tests or whatever. Contact us if anything stands out.” Shadow got up and took Sonic’s hand.

Eggman followed them towards the elevator. “I think you guys should stay longer. Let me run some tests on Sonic and check on his development.”

Shadow urged Sonic into the elevator and snapped back at Eggman. “I’m not letting you make him your little lab rat.”

Eggman frowned. “I wasn’t going to do that. It’s for your safety. It’s not like there’s any doctors around here that would understand this.”

“We’re fine.” Shadow hit the button for the main floor. Sonic and Eggman looked at one another until the doors shut between them. Sonic wasn’t as sure. It might be a good idea to be monitored. And he was right. Though he and Eggman were rarely on good terms, there was no one else to turn to.

Shadow led the way out of the facility and broke into a light run once they were outside. Sonic fell into pace with him. They weren’t heading home though. “Where are we going, Shadow? I’m hungry,” he reminded.

“Sonic…” Shadow sighed. “There are things you don’t know about me.”

Sonic smiled a little. “Do I finally get your whole backstory now?”

“No, I mean, things you don’t know about how I am now.” Shadow kept his eyes on the path ahead. “This body can’t support the immense energy inside of it. That’s why I wear these rings to keep it from getting out of control. I do everything I can to keep my body strong, and sometimes that means I have to do unsavory things.”

“Unsavory things…?” Sonic slowed down a little. “Like what?”

Shadow stopped as they reached a patch of wetland, essentially a swamp. “I need to teach you how to hunt.”

“As in… hunt animals? Are you telling me you eat raw animals?” Sonic thought he would be nauseous at the suggestion, but his stomach growled.

“So much energy is lost from food after death, after processing and trimming. Hot dogs are essentially worthless compared to the energy provided by fresh flesh.” Shadow frowned at the look on Sonic’s face. “Now, I know that sounds bad. That’s why I’ve kept that from you. I know you don’t… kill, but that might have to change.”

Sonic shook his head and wrapped his arms around himself. “I don’t know, Shadow. Can’t I just… I’ll start eating my vegetables, okay?”

“It won’t be enough.” Shadow took his hands. “Just… give it a try. For me. For my babies. You won’t have to kill it.”

Sonic’s heart surged. He had to do it for Shadow’s babies, right? If it would help them, give them the sustenance that they needed. “Kill what?”

“I still want you to learn. So we’ll start easy. A marsh rabbit.” Shadow gestured to the wetlands.

Sonic whined. “But Shadow, rabbits are cute.”

“Is there an animal I could name that you don’t think is cute?”

“…No.”

“Then take your shoes off.” Shadow brought his feet up one by one to remove them. Sonic did as he was told, but he wasn’t really sure why that was necessary. The alpha took a few steps forward before lowering himself to the ground in a crouch and then slinking forward on his hands and the balls of his feet. He slipped in among the tall grass and cattails. Sonic watched him look more and more like just an animal as he removed his shoes. He did the same, though he approached awkwardly on his hands and knees. Shadow’s ears were perked forward, twitching at every sound.

“Can’t see anything,” Sonic whispered.

“I can,” Shadow whispered back. His eyes had changed. They became a light yellow rather than red. His pupils slit again. They were the eyes of a predator. His eyes trailed something Sonic couldn’t see through the grass. “Thermal vision…” He slowly reached over to part into the grass in front of Sonic with his fingers.

Sonic tilted his head and peeked through. There was a brown rabbit sniffing around the ground. He looked from the rabbit to Shadow, then back to the rabbit. “Well? Why don’t you go grab it?”

“Hunting isn’t just about speed. That’s its burrow.” Shadow pointed to a hole in the ground inches away from the rabbit. “If I take off now, even though I’m much faster, it’ll be able to retreat before I can get to it. The goal is to get as close as possible as quietly as possible and watch its position.” He held his finger to his lips, calling for silence as he stalked forward through the grass. Sonic kept his eyes on Shadow as they moved forward together. This was a mistake. He set his hand down on thin twig, causing it to snap.

There wasn’t a tenth of a second between the twig snapping and Shadow springing forward towards the rabbit. At his full speed, he outstretched his hands and snatched it before it could get into the burrow. He slid to a stop facing way from Sonic. The rabbit squealed as he hunched over it, and then it was suddenly interrupted by silence. Shadow turned back towards Sonic, the dead rabbit limp in his hands. He twisted its head until there was a pop, then he tore it off. He dragged his claw down the rabbit’s spine, slicing its skin. It sounded like fabric tearing when he ripped its pelt off. He was left with this bloody mass of muscle hardly recognizable. It wasn’t cute anymore. Shadow rumbled with pride at his catch. He bit into the rabbit’s shoulder. His teeth sunk in like a warm knife in butter. They expertly maneuvered through grooves between the muscle groups to tear them off of the body with ease. He guided the flesh into his mouth with his tongue and chewed.

Sonic had never seen him eat before. But he had seen a similar look of hunger in his eye, a similar look of predation. Did Shadow ever feel the urge to do that to him? Where did the craving for flesh stop? When Shadow fantasized about biting Sonic’s gland, did he ever imagine ripping it out?

Shadow lifted his head and beckoned Sonic, licking his lips. “Come on. I know you’re hungry.”

Sonic frowned deeply and crawled towards him, still unsure of it all. But his stomach growled fiercely when the scent of blood and fresh death hit his nose.

“Your body wants this. Needs this.” Shadow pulled a sliver of muscle off and held it between his teeth. He leaned in towards Sonic.

Sonic didn’t want to eat it. He really didn’t. But he was so hungry. And Shadow made it look appealing. He tilted his head and took the meat into his mouth, his lips brushing Shadow’s as he did. He squeezed his eyes shut as he started to chew. He had prepared himself for the worst. But he was met with… pleasure spreading over his tongue. Nothing like he had tasted before. It was rich and savory, so full of flavor. It’s like he could taste the life he was eating. He swallowed it eagerly, tail wagging. He pulled Shadow’s hands over and bit into the rabbit’s body. He struggled to tear the muscle.

“Let me feed you,” Shadow murmured. Sonic pulled away and opened his mouth. Shadow tore the rabbit apart piece by piece. He fed Sonic the meat with his mouth.

“More… more…” Sonic mumbled between bites to ensure Shadow kept feeding him. He felt life returning to him, energy renewing his muscles, chasing away the fatigue. His stomach was no longer growling. The flesh filled him with warmth.

Shadow made sure the omega was full of meat before he finished it off, eating the scraps of off of the bones. He bit down on the rabbit’s ribs, breaking them up. He put the pieces in Sonic’s mouth. “Eat this too. Need calcium.” Shadow eyes Sonic’s mouth, covered in blood and saliva, smelling of fresh meat and chewing on bone. He had never shared a meal with someone before. No one had ever seen him eat and not looked at him like he was a monster.

Sonic grabbed Shadow’s hand and licked his fingers clean once he had swallowed the bone. “That was the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

Shadow smiled. “Wait until you try deer.”

“I feel amazing. I feel alive, awake.” Sonic got into his lap, holding his face. “You were right. We needed this.” Sonic kissed his lips with an open mouth, pressing his tongue around Shadow’s lips to steal the blood from them. Shadow’s hands rose up his waist. His body was thrilled. It had been fed correctly after starving for days. Electricity lit up his skin under Shadow’s touch. He jumped as he felt a static shock sparking between them. He inhaled deeply, arching his body into Shadow’s. He took Shadow’s hands and moved them down to his thighs where they gripped tightly, making Sonic squirm. Sonic pulled from the kiss, licking his own lips. Arousal filled the air. As soon as he caught the scent from Shadow, Sonic pinned the alpha down into the moist ground, hands on his chest. He smirked down at him. “Fucked me so good, you actually got me pregnant. It was useless trying to keep your sperm from fertilizing me. You shot it straight into my uterus every single time. You did a good job, alpha.”

Shadow growled with a sort of horny frustration at the praise. His cock slid out, falling against his stomach. It twitched as he looked up at Sonic, the sun shining around his head like a halo. He looked like an angel, but he must be a demon, the way he tempted Shadow into sin. His chest heaved up and down rapidly as he easily aroused himself, his mind running over each time he creampied the omega, wondering which one did him in.

Sonic traced Shadow’s tip. The alpha flinched when he felt a shock. Sonic pulled Shadow’s firm cock up, holding it against his own stomach. He looked down at it and rubbed himself against it. His eyes began to glow. “Hmm~ it goes so deep. Don’t want to hurt the puppies. I don’t think we can have sex anymore.”

Shadow’s face contorted into a snarl, but he didn’t make the sound. He gripped Sonic’s hip tightly and lifted his hips up and down beneath him, pushing at him desperately. “Please~ just the tip?”

“Just the tip…” Sonic repeated, getting into a crouch over the alpha’s hips. He slid Shadow’s cock up and down his slit. He let out a soft moan. His pussy was throbbing, begging for it. He kept teasing himself, circling his clit with Shadow’s tip. Both of their bodies grew tenser, fur and quills puffing out. Sonic feared he would explode if he didn’t get some of this energy out. He lowered himself just a bit, taking Shadow’s tip easily. Shadow gasped softly and tried to push Sonic down.

“Ah, ah…” Sonic whispered. “Just the tip.” He bobbed his hips up and down. Shadow’s tip popped in and out of the slick pocket. It was maddening for them both. Sonic’s hole clenched around it each time, trying to grab hold of it and keep it inside. Sonic rubbed at his clit. He didn’t take his eyes off the handsome alpha underneath him. “How many babies did you put in me?”

“Mm, two. Could be three.” Shadow writhed on the ground with tight hands, clearly struggling not to thrust into him.

“One wasn’t enough?” Sonic rubbed himself faster, panting and moaning heavily.

Shadow shook his head. “Wanna put as many inside of you as possible. You’ll look so pretty carrying my pups…” Shadow spread his hands over Sonic’s stomach that was relatively flat for now.

“Oh, will I?” Sonic gripped Shadow’s hand with his unoccupied one. His hole pulsed around Shadow’s tip, sending waves of pleasure through the both of them.

“Yeah… swollen. Growing little tits for them to feed off.” Shadow’s hands slid up to grab Sonic’s chest. Sonic whimpered and leaned into his hands. Soon his body would no longer be his. It would be hijacked by Shadow’s offspring. He wouldn’t be able to be any more Shadow’s. His pussy burned at the edge of an orgasm, irritating with the teasing at its hole. His breathing got quicker and quicker, and his groin almost hurt being overflowed with tension. It finally pushed him over the edge after he found a particularly delicious angle to rub his clit. He squirted on Shadow’s lap sending a particularly harsh spark out of his skin into Shadow’s.

Shadow gasped as electricity shot through his dick. He pulled his tip out, his cock flopping back down against his belly. He licked his lips at the sight of Sonic orgasming. His hands gripped Sonic’s thighs. His ears cocked to pick up the omega’s sweet little cum moans loud and clear. He rolled his own hips against nothing but air, searching for friction, for warmth and wetness.

Sonic got down to his knees and grabbed Shadow’s cock. He put it inside of him and sat all the way down, wiggling his hips on Shadow’s lap. Shadow’s tail wagged underneath him as he panted like a dog. He pushed up against Sonic’s butt. He had thought Sonic was serious about the no sex. Sonic pushed Shadow’s hips down. “Be careful with our babies, my alpha.”

Sonic smirked down at him again and started riding in a slow pace. His cunt was still pulsing from orgasm. Shadow’s hips were screaming at him to move. He wanted so badly to pin Sonic’s face into the mud and drill him from the back, but he truly didn’t want to risk hurting their puppies. So he let Sonic play with him. Sonic lifted his hips up and down slowly like he was tired, but it was clear by the look in his eyes that he wasn’t. He was savoring this. Shadow looked so cute underneath him. And he felt incredible piercing into him. All of his nerves were on alert. He felt each groove pressing into the walls of his pussy.

“Fuck, Shads.” Sonic gripped at Shadow’s chest fur. “Do you realize how incredible your cock is? I don’t want to go a day without having it inside of me.”

Shadow’s ears went back on his head. His voice was raspy. “Your pussy… wanna be in it all the time.”

Sonic grunted and his hips stuttered as he squirted again. He pulled at Shadow’s fur. He throbbed and pulsed tighter around the cock inside him. “You can fuck me whenever you want.” Sonic started bouncing shamelessly, his ass bouncing on Shadow. Shadow moaned loudly. This was more his pace. “You can fuck me at my place or yours. In front of my friends or in the marsh. I don’t care. Just keep fucking me.”

Shadow growled deeply, watching Sonic with heavy lids. His hands followed Sonic’s hips up and down. He started bringing his own hips up to meet him. The sound of them slapping together scared off any animals remaining nearby. “I am never going to stop fucking you. That’s a promise.”

Sonic gasped and giggled, so full of electrifying pleasure. He squeezed his thighs shut on top of Shadow’s stomach and let the alpha take over fucking into him. His clit throbbed under the pressure. He grabbed Shadow’s face and pushed his bloody and slick fingers into his mouth. He grunted as Shadow bit them. He felt the alpha twitch in his pussy. “Don’t cum yet.”

Shadow whimpered around his fingers at the command. His hips slowed down.

“Don’t slow down either.” Sonic pushed his fingers down Shadow’s throat. The alpha gagged but picked up his pace again, slamming into the omega. His claws dug into Sonic’s hips. He already had wounds there, Shadow’s handles. Shadow closed his eyes, his body tight with concentration. His cock was throbbing, pissed off. Sonic moaned freely and let his eyes roll back. His other senses faded away as only pleasure remained. He fingered Shadow’s wet throat, something about it making his clit throb harder. Shadow’s dick was growing hotter inside of him. He didn’t want it to stop, but it was about to burst. “Okay, fill me.”

Shadow gasped sharply, cumming instantly. His cum coated Sonic’s insides. Sonic grinned. He was full of meat, cum, and babies. Couldn’t ask for anything else, really. He continued to ground on Shadow’s knot even though the both of them were trembling. His hands slid up and down Shadow’s torso. Shadow breathed into his touches. Sonic sat back on Shadow’s hips and turned his face towards the warm sun. Maybe things weren’t going to be so bad.

Chapter Text

The energy in Sonic’s body slowly leveled out. The remaining weight of it rested in his stomach. Shadow laid in the mud while Sonic sat on him, leaving all his weight on his hips. He was securely settled on the alpha’s thick knot. He was pretty comfortable considering where they were, though his shins and feet were now caked in the mud. The exhilaration of it all had left him, and now he was staring at the rabbit’s head that lied uneaten next to them.

Sonic’s hands clamped over his mouth. “That poor thing. Shadow, what have we done?” His heart dropped as he looked at the bones scattered on the ground. The rabbit had been cute and small, reminding him of puppies. And what if the rabbit had babies of its own to care for?

Shadow propped himself up on his elbows, looking up at him. He wiped the leftover blood from his mouth. “We ate. We had to.”

“I can’t do that again.” Tears spilled out of Sonic’s eyes. “I ate it raw like it was a fucking hamburger. What if it had a family?” Sonic sniffled. “It didn’t have to die for us. I feel like a monster.”

“Sonic…” Shadow sighed and sat up. “Do you think I’m a monster?”

Sonic dropped his hands and looked at his alpha. “No…”

“Then you surely aren’t one.” Shadow wrapped his arms around him. “You’re an animal. You need to eat. You wouldn’t call a bird a monster for eating a frog, would you?”

Sonic leaned into his chest. “But that’s different.”

“It’s not.” Shadow licked Sonic’s muzzle clean. “You’re an omnivore. It’s normal for you to eat meat. You already eat plenty of it. This is just… removing a few steps. Instead of from a farm to a slaughterhouse to a factory, blah, blah, this is fresh. This is the best way to eat.”

Sonic played with the fur on Shadow’s chest. “Have you been eating like this your whole life?”

Shadow leaned back on his hands, taking a deep breath. “They started me on a high protein milk formula. A mix from different Earth mammals. They attempted to put me on a balanced diet for a few weeks after I got older. I maintained stomach issues, vomiting, loss of appetite. They figured out the black arms are carnivores, and so am I. I simply can’t digest anything else. I can eat cooked meat, but it’s not enough. I’ll become exhausted if I spend enough time on that diet. I’m guessing you need more protein, more energy to support my children. I think you’re still omnivorous, but you have to start eating raw meat regularly.”

Sonic listened silently. Though his mood had dropped, his body felt better. Nothing hurt. He wasn’t tired anymore, even after their session. And he sure enjoyed the feeling it gave him when he first ate it.

“I loved watching you eat my kill.” Shadow kissed his cheek. “This is something we can do together. Everyone else thinks it’s disgusting.”

“Oh, Shadow, I didn’t mean to imply that…” Sonic leaned into his kisses.

“I know. It’s fine. It’s pretty extreme. And your hormones must be all out of place. I don’t blame you for being upset.” Shadow held Sonic’s face and pressed soft kisses all over it.

Sonic relaxed in his hands. Despite the reassurance, he felt guilty. This was a new piece of Shadow, and Sonic had shown negativity to it. He didn’t mean it. The thought of them hunting and eating together made him warm inside. He was okay learning how to hunt himself, but he also particularly enjoyed the thought of Shadow providing for them. He’d eat anything the alpha gave him.

“I said it’s okay,” Shadow whispered, smelling his regret. He kissed Sonic’s neck over his gland. Sonic gripped Shadow’s quills. He didn’t want to pull him away, but he had to when he felt Shadow’s lips part on his neck. He couldn’t really explain what he was waiting for though. Maybe he was just afraid.

“You don’t think we could get home like this, do you?” Sonic looked down at where their privates locked together.

“Not unless you wanna risk someone seeing us like this.” Shadow lied back down and crossed his arm over his eyes to block out the sun.

Sonic looked around over the grass. They were still at risk being seen staying here. There weren’t many reasons to be on the uninhabited part of the island, but you never know. Sonic leaned down and got comfortable lying on Shadow’s chest, tucking his arms between them. He shifted his hips gently, pussy throbbing as Shadow’s knot pulled at it.

Shadow’s hand rested on the small of Sonic’s back. His other one slipped over Sonic’s backside and traced the lips spread around his cock. “You don’t think it actually messes with the babies, do you?”

“No.” Sonic felt confident he would know. “Nothing hurts. Nothing feels wrong. You can hear them, can’t you? They sound okay?”

“Haven’t learned their rhythms yet. It’s hard to define which beat belongs to who. I think there’s two, but there could even be a third hiding among them…” Shadow rested his hand against Sonic’s pussy.

“I don’t think I can handle three. Chaos, how much would I have to eat? How big would I get?” Sonic shivered thinking of how uncomfortable his body would be, how tight his skin would be stretched. There’d be no chance of him running.

“It’s probably two.” Shadow rubbed his back. Sonic whined softly into his chest fur. “I know you can handle it. You’re strong. When the energy becomes too much for you, you can transfer it to me.”

“Transfer it?” Sonic looked up at him.

Shadow nodded. “I can absorb some of the excess from you if I take my rings off. Like you’re an emerald.”

“Won’t that be too much for you?”

Shadow shrugged. “Better me than you. Keeping you safe and healthy… it’s not just about you anymore. It’s about our puppies. We can argue about whether you or I should carry the other’s suffering, but it’s non-negotiable that our children come first.”

Sonic started to purr.

Shadow smiled, stroking Sonic’s quills. “You like hearing that?”

“I know you’ll take care of us. I trust you completely, Shadow. I wouldn’t be able to go through this with anyone else.” Sonic tilted his head up and kissed Shadow’s neck. The alpha had a gland too, but Sonic didn’t feel urges to bite it. Alphas make the bite first, and then omegas can bite back to seal the bond. He kissed around Shadow’s gland, breathing him in.

“Mm.” Shadow grunted softly, turning his head. His neck was just as sensitive as Sonic’s. He turned his head away. Sonic lied his head on his shoulder and kissed him lazily with open lips. He started to lick. And then he started to bite near the gland. Shadow’s blood was sweeter than the rabbit’s, but still savory too. Shadow breathed deeply, letting out the occasional soft moan. He squeezed Sonic’s ass.

“I should give you more attention… You deserve it.” Sonic went back to kissing, being gentle with his pierced skin. “You deserve everything.”

“Don’t,” Shadow murmured, wrapping his arms tightly around the omega.

“I’ll make you believe me one day,” Sonic promised. He bit into Shadow’s neck again, just under his jaw.

Shadow gasped, his brows pushing together. Sonic rarely bit him. Of course, he loved it. One of his favorite things was having Sonic’s short claws slash down his back while they fucked. He had gone through so much pain… been hurt by so many people. To be hurt by someone he loved, to be hurt with love… it brought him some kind of sick pleasure. And worst of all, it made him feel safe. It embarrassed him which did not help with the conflicting feelings of distress and arousal.

Sonic pulled up to nuzzle Shadow’s face. He could smell the mix of emotions. The alpha is so complicated… It didn’t have to be that way. Shadow closed his eyes, nuzzling back into him and emitting a low rumble. They rested until Shadow’s knot shrunk, unable to do much else.

Shadow heaved a sigh as his cock slipped out. Sonic leaked cum onto his groin. Sonic huffed a breath too. He didn’t mind the emptiness as much as usual though. Something else was beginning to fill him on the inside. Sonic tucked Shadow back into his sheath for him and clumsily got to his feet. He stretched as far as he could. “Let’s go shower before our fur gets matted.”

“Might be too late for me.” Shadow got up and tried to look at his backside. He was covered in mud.

“Yikes.” Sonic looked him up and down. “I’m going to need to scrub you down.”

“Great. Just had to push me down in the mud, hm?” Shadow walked through the grass and picked up his shoes.

Sonic smiled, following along and grabbing his. “I couldn’t help myself. Look at you.” Sonic wrapped his arms around one of Shadow’s. “You’re so damn sexy.”

Shadow grumbled, avoiding his eyes as they started walking for home. “Well… I think you are too.”

Sonic kissed his shoulder, humming. “Thank you.”

Shadow nodded formally. They carried on together until they reached the top of a hill. Ahead of them, Amy and Tails sat on a picnic blanket chatting. Sonic sighed and let go of Shadow’s arm. He couldn’t ignore them, but he really hoped Amy didn’t start something. He walked ahead of Shadow over to their spot.

Amy looked them both up and down. “What happened to you two?”

“Huh?” Sonic looked down at himself. “Oh, we got distracted during a run. Tumbled straight into the swamp.”

Tails looked them over too. He knows when Sonic is lying, but he wasn’t sure what the true explanation could be. “Well, we were going to meet Rouge and Knuckles on the beach in a few minutes to watch the sunset. Wanna come?”

Sonic smiled to receive the invite. He smiled wider when Amy seemed hopeful he’d accept. He had missed what they used to be. He missed his friends in general. He didn’t want to see Shadow any less, but he wanted to see them more. It was going to be tough to balance. He looked to Shadow for his approval. The alpha gave a short nod. Sonic held a thumbs up. “We’ll be there. As soon as we get this mud off…”

“I don’t envy you guys.” Amy shook her head.

“We’ll manage. See you later.” Sonic walked off towards his home. Okay, that went fine. He didn’t even notice her glaring. And Shadow didn’t instigate. Good. This could be done. Shadow wrapped his arm around Sonic once they got some distance away. “I’m so happy you came around to physical affection,” Sonic cooed.

“Only if it’s you.” Shadow opened the door for the omega.

Sonic stepped in and pulled Shadow’s hand, heading for his bathroom. “Good because I don’t want anyone else touching you.”

“But you get to cuddle up with your friends all cozy?” Shadow dropped his shoes in Sonic’s bedroom.

“Wouldn’t have to if you cuddled me every night.” Sonic leaned into the shower to turn on the water.

“You’re right. We should live together.” Shadow folded his arms, a serious expression on his face.

Sonic looked at him. It made sense. They practically had been on and off. But it felt like a real step forward. “Um. I don’t know who would go where. Privacy at your place, comfort at mine.”

“I’d like to be alone with you. But I understand my cave isn’t ideal. Perhaps… we should consider a new place.” Shadow looked at his feet.

“You mean…” Sonic stepped close to him. “Like build a home together?”

“We should consider it. Especially with pups on the way. We need more space.” Shadow took Sonic’s hands, looking at them instead.

Sonic nodded, rubbing Shadow’s knuckles with his thumbs. “You’re right. I mean… I don’t really want to abandon Tails, but long term, this house won’t work for us.” Sonic pulled him into the shower. “I think we can wait a bit longer though.”

Shadow turned around so the water could soak into the fur of his back. “What is it with you and waiting? Didn’t wait to get pregnant.”

Sonic lightly slapped Shadow’s back. “Maybe I learned my lesson jumping into things then.”

“Hmph.” Shadow crossed his arms again.

Sonic lathered soap in his hands and got to work cleaning Shadow’s back. “You’re usually patient. Way more than I am.”

“I usually have forever to wait…”

Sonic sighed deeply. His hands scrubbed through Shadow’s fur, pulling and rubbing at the mud as it rehydrated. He wanted Shadow to stop thinking about that. It must be so draining to think of death each day. But it hadn’t been very long since the concern first came to him. It would take years to guide Shadow into acceptance.

It took quite a while to get Shadow clean. Having sex outside was pretty fun, but they should probably stick to rock or grass. Shadow turned back to him and knelt down. He collected soap in his hands and rubbed up Sonic’s legs. Sonic lifted each of his feet, letting Shadow wash him. Shadow’s head leaned forward into his crotch. He brought his hand up and used his thumb to clean out Sonic’s pussy.

“What’s it smell like?” Sonic rubbed Shadow’s ears.

“It’s hard to explain. It’s like both of us melded together. And something else. I can smell pregnancy on you. It makes me… you know.” Shadow gripped Sonic’s thighs.

Sonic smiled down at him. It did soothe him that Shadow was enjoying his changes, admiring his work. It all felt okay when Shadow was on his knees, desperate to fill his lungs with Sonic’s hormones. Shadow nuzzled his nose into him. Sonic purred softly. “Don’t get yourself riled up. I want to meet them at the beach.”

“Don’t I have time to eat it?” Shadow mumbled, opening his mouth. His teeth parted against Sonic’s soft tissue, suggesting he might mean literally.

Sonic couldn’t help but grin. He put his hands over Shadow’s eyes. “We better not.”

Shadow put his hand on Sonic’s stomach and gently pushed him against the shower wall. He pulled Sonic’s hips forward. His tongue flicked the omega’s clit. “I want you to feel good all the time.”

“I do feel good.” Sonic inhaled deeply. His body was still surging with that energy. Hunger and fatigue would’ve already been reaching at him if he had eaten regular food earlier. He leaned his head back against the wall and lifted one of his legs over Shadow’s shoulder, permitting him.

Shadow shifted forward, nearly beneath him. He tilted his head back and licked firmly at Sonic’s cunt, flattening his tongue to stroke over as much of the warm flesh as possible. Sonic relaxed, settling on Shadow’s face. The alpha gave slow licks along his slit for a little while, earning pleased breaths and moans from the omega. Then he closed his mouth around Sonic’s clit and started to suck. His teeth grazed along it as he shifted his head. Sonic groaned softly. His fur began to stand up as he feared being bitten. It sent a shiver up his spine. Shadow’s tongue curled around Sonic’s clit. It was so warm in his mouth… Sonic pushed his hips back and forth against Shadow’s face, essentially fucking his mouth with his little clit.

Shadow rumbled happily and looked up at him. His hands ran up and down Sonic’s hips. Sonic met his eyes, huffing softly. He put his hands on the side of Shadow’s head to hold it still as he pressed harder, trying uselessly to fill his mouth. For a second, he wished he had a cock just to watch Shadow choke on it.

Sonic gasped, hips twitching as Shadow’s finger slipped into his pussy. His finger curled in towards Sonic’s belly and rubbed his insides. He moaned freely. Shadow stuck his tongue out. Sonic looked down over his face and bit his lip. He rubbed himself up and down Shadow’s tongue, riding it. It was just a little rougher than Sonic’s. The perfect texture to grind on.

“Mm~ good alpha. Hold still for me.” Sonic gripped his ears tightly. Shadow rumbled to him, conveying he wouldn’t want to move anywhere else. Drool spilled from his mouth.

Sonic whimpered as his clit began to throb on Shadow’s tongue. His pussy pulsed around Shadow’s finger which was pinned on the perfect spot inside of him. His stomach felt heavy with pleasure. His groin was growing hot and tense. His muscles started to clench, and he struggled to move the way he wanted on Shadow’s tongue. “Lick me. Lick me.”

Shadow closed his eyes and lapped at Sonic’s clit. Immediately, Sonic’s hips twitched and trembled. He pulled on Shadow’s ears, groaning. He felt the edge, so close. His mouth hung open.

“Faster, Shads,” Sonic demanded, grabbing Shadow’s head and shoving his face into his cunt. Shadow opened his mouth wide over Sonic’s pussy rubbed his tongue rapidly back and forth over Sonic’s clit. Sonic’s moans were broken up by growing gasps, his chest rising and falling quickly. “Ah-hah-fuck!” Sonic squirted into Shadow’s mouth, hips jerking into his face. He pulled Shadow’s head as deep into him as he could. He didn’t care that the alpha couldn’t breathe.

Shadow’s tail wagged behind him. He pumped his finger in Sonic’s pussy. His tongue swirled around Sonic’s clit. His finger was suddenly jamming up and down into him.

Sonic whimpered loudly as more squirt was pushed out of him. None of it splattered on the floor. Shadow swallowed it all. He didn’t stop. Sonic’s throbs grew stronger and stronger until the pounding began to hurt. His insides burned. He weakly pushed at Shadow’s head. “T-Too much.”

Shadow only pushed a second finger into him and continued lapping at his clit.

Sonic quickly became a squirming mess. His legs trembled, threatening to give up. Shadow grabbed his thigh and secured both of Sonic’s legs over his shoulders, supporting him. After whimpers of pain left the omega, Shadow pulled his fingers out and grabbed Sonic’s wrists, pinning them to the wall. His tongue never stopped, but it was now running from his clit to his slit. Sonic could breathe a bit easier when it left his clit but it always came back around. Sonic closed his eyes, his hips writhing around against Shadow’s head. “Sh… Shadow…”

Shadow opened his mouth widely, his teeth touching Sonic’s mound and the bottom of his cunt. The omega’s heart was racing, but he trusted Shadow. Shadow bit. Bit his pussy. It wasn’t as hard as he bit the rest of his body, and he avoided his clit, but he bit alright. Sonic winced and squeezed Shadow’s head with his thighs at each one. His body felt hot. He held his breath and accepted each love bite. Finally, he could come down from his orgasm. It was a trade.

Sonic opened his eyes again. “You can’t eat me…”

Shadow grumbled softly licked at the bitten skin, an apology on his tongue. None of them bled though. He was conscious of the pain they could cause. He lifted his head out of Sonic’s crotch finally and looked up at him. “But you taste so good.”

Sonic laughed softly, letting out the breath he was holding. He tried to get down from Shadow’s shoulders. “Come here.”

Shadow supported Sonic’s thighs in his hands as he rose to his feet. He brought them around his hips, sensing the weakness remaining in them. He put his hands on the wall and leaned in towards Sonic’s face. “I’m here.”

“Don’t go anywhere.” Sonic closed his legs around Shadow’s waist. He set his arms over the alpha’s shoulders and kissed him softly. Shadow’s tongue delivered the taste of himself to Sonic. It seemed a bit sour to him, but he imagined it must be so sweet for Shadow.

They kissed until the strength returned to Sonic’s legs and the hot water was gone. Sonic reached behind him to turn it off. He pulled from Shadow’s lips and turned his head to look out the bathroom window. It was orange outside. “Come on. We’re going to miss it.”

Chapter Text

The boys had gotten dried off and put their gear back on. They had to wait a few more minutes for Sonic’s body to settle down, for his pussy to seal back up. Shadow kept his hands off him thankfully, leaning against the back wall while Sonic leaned over the counter to look in the mirror. He stretched his lips open with his fingers and inspected his teeth to make sure there was no blood or meat stuck in them. They did feel a little funny. He licked his teeth and sighed, dropping his hands. He imagined himself biting into that rabbit like a non-aware animal.

“Ready to go?” Shadow’s eyes were planted on Sonic’s butt. His pussy was hidden by fur now.

“Yeah.” Sonic stood up straight. Shadow headed out of the room. The omega had a difficult time taking his gaze off of his own eyes. He finally pulled away once he heard the front door open. He ran to Shadow’s side and left the house with him. The sun was getting low in the sky. The moon was already out, prepped to take its place. “Will you be agreeable please?”

Shadow folded his arms. “I won’t start anything. But I will finish anything.”

“I guess that’s all I can ask for.” Sonic looked at him. “I just want to have a nice night with everyone I care about getting along. No drama. We’re not going to tell them anything yet.”

“Alright,” Shadow murmured.

Sonic had no fucking idea how to break the news to them that they were going to mate. He refused to think about telling them he was pregnant. He would hide it as long as he could. Maybe he would start wearing shirts? They’d have to be big and fluffy.

Just before the grass morphed into sand, four pairs of shoes sat around the trunk of a palm tree. The two stopped by it to place their shoes down among the group’s. They took off their gloves too. This was an appropriate setting. Plus, it kept sand from getting in their gloves and driving them crazy. Sonic’s feet sunk into the sand as he walked along. The fire pit was empty but surrounded by spread out blankets. Knuckles, Tails, Rouge, and Amy sat together. The girls had changed into bathing suits. They had an open cooler next to them.

Tails lit up when he saw the hedgehogs coming. “Over here, guys!”

Amy looked happy to see him at first, but her posture drooped when she saw Shadow. She’d been hoping he wasn’t going to come.

Sonic smiled happily and sat down next to Tails. The fox passed him a soda. He pulled off the cap with a little puff as the pressure released. He took a sip. “It’s nice to see everyone together. Seems like someone’s always off doing something.”

Shadow sat down a little bit behind them in the sand instead of one of the blankets. Knuckles grabbed a soda from the cooler and leaned over to offer it to Shadow. The alpha looked him over suspiciously as if he could’ve poisoned it. Ultimately, he accepted the bottle. Knuckles patted Shadow’s shoulder with a heavy hand. Shadow’s lip pulled up a little, but he let the echidna touch him. Seems like Rouge had already talked to him. He was offering Shadow approval. The alpha didn’t care for it, but he kept their conversation with Rouge at the front of his mind. He was willing to behave if it reduced stress for Sonic. Sonic looked back at Shadow, smiling a little. He wanted Shadow to sit closer like he was actually part of the group, but he wouldn’t push him.

Amy crawled over to sit down on Sonic’s other side, her back a few feet in front of Shadow. “You’ve been spending a lot of time away. We’ve missed hanging out with you.”

Sonic’s ears lowered as he looked at her. “I know, I’m sorry. I’m trying to figure things out right now.”

“I hope you know you can come to us for help,” Amy pouted, leaning her shoulder into his.

“I know.” Sonic hummed. “You guys are always here for me.” He looked around at his friends. He rubbed the top of Amy’s thigh, and she glanced back at Shadow. Rouge shook her head at Sonic, but he wasn’t sure why. Amy took the light touch as an invitation. She wrapped her arms around Sonic’s waist. Then there was a loud pop and fizzing. Everyone turned around. Shadow’s hand was curled around the air, now soaked with soda and pierced by shards of glass.

“Okay.” Sonic took a deep breath. He set his bottle down and got up out of Amy’s arms. He walked to Shadow and grabbed his wrist. He pulled the alpha closer to the group and pushed him down on the blanket. He sat down next to Shadow and pulled his hand into his lap. He carefully picked the glass out of his palm and fingers. “Shadow’s going to be part of our little family now. You were all on board when I first invited him here. I don’t know what happened between then and now, but he’s willing to actually join us now. So if anybody has anything to say to anyone else, let’s get it out now.”

Tails looked around at everyone nervously. No one spoke, so he began. “I’m glad he came. I want to be his friend.”

“I’d just like to see what he looks like when he’s having fun,” Knuckles nodded.

“You know where I stand.” Rouge smiled at them.

None of them were willing to look at Amy. None of them except for Sonic. “It’ll make me really happy if we could all be together.” He reached to touch her shoulder. He held onto Shadow’s hand in his lap to ensure he wasn’t giving her more attention than him.

Amy sighed deeply. “You’re a headache.”

“That, we can agree on,” Shadow muttered. There was a sort of shocked silence, then everyone laughed together, exceedingly ready to break the tension. Shadow’s ears went back and he shrunk as if the sound startled him.

“Well, sorry, guys. Thanks for tolerating me.” Sonic smiled as he lifted Shadow’s hand and licked his blood off of him. Shadow sighed, watching him. His fingers twitched but didn’t reach for his face.

Tails stood up. “You’re just putting bacteria in the wounds by licking them.” He walked over to them and offered his hand to Shadow. “Come on. The salt water will clean it out.”

Shadow hesitated, glancing at Sonic. Then he nearly dragged Tails to the ground as he used his hand to get up. The two of them walked to the water.

Sonic purred softly, watching the most important boys in his life get along. He drank a couple swallows of soda before he lied down on the blanket between his friends. He balanced the bottle on his forehead.

“You’re going to be pissed when that spills all over your face.” Rouge picked it up and moved it aside.

“Hm.” Sonic rubbed his head. “You’re right.” Amy settled by his head and rubbed her thumbs into his temples. He allowed this because it felt awesome. He relaxed, closing his eyes.

“Is your head hurting?” Knuckles asked him.

“No, it’s just… full of thoughts.” Sonic sighed and interlocked his fingers on top of his stomach.

“Would you like me to hit you so they go away?” Knuckles joked.

Sonic chuckled and shrugged. “I’m considering it. I mean, it hasn’t kept me up or anything. I’ve been sleeping a lot actually.”

“Someone tiring you out?” Rouge nudged him with her foot.

Sonic covered his mouth to hide his grin. “No! Can’t a hedgehog just be tired on his own?”

Amy scoffed. “You only ever complain about being tired if you’ve been up for days or you’re beat up.”

Sonic didn’t have a good response for her. He was getting his pussy beat up. And he was pregnant. That’s why he had been tired. She didn’t need to know that. He lied still like she couldn’t see him if he did. He listened to Knuckles and Rouge speaking softly to one another, relating the beauty of the sunset to one another. Part of him envied them. Their relationship was kind and soft, the way Sonic and Shadow only were in private to apologize for hurting the other. Splashing sounded from the ocean, and Sonic leaned up to check on his boys. To his horror, Shadow was holding a thrashing Tails under the water.

Sonic dashed to the edge of the water. “Shadow, what are you doing?”

Shadow pulled Tails up out of the water. “What?”

Tails gasped and shook his head, flicking water out of face. He pushed his wet fur back on his head and looked over at Sonic. “We’re just playing colors.” He turned back to Shadow. “Purple.”

“Wrong.” Shadow dunked Tails back in the water.

“Oh…” Sonic let out a breath of relief and sat in the sand, just out of reach from the waves.

Shadow pulled Tails back up. “You thought I was drowning him?”

“N-no. I just…” Sonic rubbed the back of his neck. He didn’t want Shadow to think he didn’t trust him.

“Blue?” Tails asked hopefully.

“Close. No.” Shadow shoved his face back under the water. Sonic wrapped his arms around his knees and watched them.

As soon as Tails came back up, he exclaimed, “Green!”

Shadow’s grip on Tails’ fur released. “Congratulations, fox.”

“Yes!” Tails threw his arms up. “Okay, your turn. I got my color.”

“Um…” Shadow looked at the sky. “Orange?”

“No.” Tails pushed Shadow’s shoulders.

The alpha didn’t move. “Oh, sorry.” He lifted his feet from the ground to float so Tails could push him under.

Sonic looked up as Rouge and Knuckles passed him to join the two in the water. He huffed softly and rested his cheek on his knee. His ears twitched as Amy stepped next to him.

“Still afraid?” Amy asked softly.

“I’m not afraid, I just can’t swim. It makes sense not to go in the water if you can’t swim. Plus, it’s about to get dark. Shouldn’t be in the ocean when you can’t see anything…” Sonic practically rambled, rubbing his shins.

“Well look out for you. I’ll hold your hand so you don’t get swept away.” Amy smiled, offering her hand.

“I don’t know, Ames.” Sonic chewed his bottom lip, feeling anxiety start up in his chest at the thought of floating, darkness above and below him.

Then Shadow started wading through the water towards the shore. Sonic watched his body reappear over the ocean as he walked up onto the beach, dripping thick beads of water as he went. He stopped in front of Sonic, looked down at him, and offered his hand. “I’ll teach you.”

Sonic had to lean back to get a full few of the alpha standing in front of him. His heart jumped in his throat. Shadow always had this unfaltering authority in his frame that commanded respect and obedience. As an omega, it appealed to him. A strong, capable alpha, Shadow was. As Sonic, it appealed to him too. A formal, uptight hedgehog to tease and pick apart, Shadow was. And even though his stance was firm, there was a softness in his eyes now that only seemed to appear when he looked at the omega. Every time Shadow looked down on him, Sonic was reminded the alpha is way, way out of his league. He had no idea what he did to get his hands on that powerful body. Long term, too. His gland throbbed. Suddenly he wanted to be bitten, to be claimed before Shadow could realize he could do so much better.

Sonic cleared his throat. Amy was easily forgotten. He slipped his hand into Shadow’s and let the alpha pull him to his feet. Shadow wrapped his arm around Sonic’s waist and backed towards the ocean, pulling the omega with him. Sonic rested his hands on Shadow’s chest, stepping with him. “Thought you didn’t want to be touchy around them,” Sonic mumbled.

“Every time I touch you, I care less and less about who sees it.” Shadow brought him into the water, slowly dragging him deeper. Like a siren, Shadow was irresistible singing his sweet words. Sonic followed him in without hesitation. The water was cool, but Shadow’s body was warm. Their hands became hidden under the water. Sonic wrapped his arms around Shadow’s waist too. While this wasn’t visible, it was clear the hedgehogs’ bodies were too close together not to be touching somewhere.

“I can’t believe you’re actually in the water.” Tails grinned, floating next to them.

Shadow’s eyes never left Sonic, but Sonic looked to Tails, smiling. “It’s not so different from a bath. Plus… if I don’t learn, I’m sure I’ll regret it when I fall in a lake sometime.”

Tails nodded. “I’ll be less nervous walking the river with you once you learn.”

Shadow gripped Sonic’s hips securely. He lifted the omega so his feet left the ocean floor. Sonic held onto Shadow’s shoulders, frowning a little. It felt so wrong having his feet off the ground. “Think of your feet like paddles. Think of the water like a solid. Like climbing. Push your feet down against it, and you will rise.”

Sonic kicked his legs awkwardly. His shoulders dipped under the water and he panicked, his legs moving uncoordinated until his feet hit the ground again.

“Hold onto me.” Shadow commanded. “Don’t touch the ground.” His hands slid down to Sonic’s leg. He held his calf and his thigh, moving his leg for him the right way. “Like that.”

“Hm.” Sonic was easily distracted by the movement of Shadow’s hands. They were a lot warmer than the water around him. He craved them. He moved his other leg the way Shadow was showing him, and he rose a little higher. He smiled. “Hey, I think i’m doing it.”

“Mhm. And it’s even easier if you use your hands too.” Shadow let go of his leg to pull his hands off his shoulders and bring them into the water. “If you want to float, just move them up and down.”

Sonic nodded and tried it out, doggy paddling in the water. It was working, until he got nervous without Shadow holding him up and dropped back to the ground.

“Did you know humans are born knowing how to swim? Most animals are.” Shadow took Sonic’s hands.

“But… people drown.” Sonic looked at him.

“Because they panic. They overthink and chase their instincts away.” Shadow lifted him, then let go.

Sonic started to swim again. That made sense to him. “Well, how do I go places?”

Shadow thought about how to show him. “You add a back motion as well as the down. Using the water to drag yourself forward.” He gently pushed him over to Tails. “Let me show you.”

“Okay.” Sonic wrapped his arm around Tails. He could stand at this depth, but he felt better holding onto someone. Tails patted Sonic’s chest.

Shadow dipped into the water, going horizontal. He started to swim freestyle at the surface. He extended the length of his arms only to draw them each stroke. His legs shifted up and down. He was nearly silent cutting through the water. His movements were elegant. Sonic watched the muscles of his back flex under his wet fur that shined with the last bit of sunlight. Sonic nearly swooned as the alpha turned and swam back towards him. He made it look so easy.

Shadow stopped in front of him, letting his feet return to the ground. He ran his hands over his quills, slicking the water backwards to keep it from going down into his eyes. “Wanna try?”

Sonic closed his legs as his gland yelled at him. “Uh, could you show me with… you know, your hands?”

“Mhm.” Shadow took him from Tails. He set one hand across Sonic’s thigh and the other on his chest. He tilted the omega horizontal. “Keep your head to the side over the water.”

Sonic turned his head as told, letting Shadow arrange him. He moved one hand to Sonic’s belly, the center of his mass. His other hand extended Sonic’s arm and performed the motion. Sonic moved his other hand like that. “Got it.”

Shadow shifted the other way and gripped Sonic’s calf. He lifted his leg up and down. “See, it’s easy.”

“Mhm.” Again, Sonic was distracted. Shadow wasn’t quite touching him the way he wanted.

“How’s the lesson going, boys?” Rouge swam over.

Shadow set the omega back down, and Sonic leaned into him. “Pretty good. The only thing holding him back is fear.”

“Well, we won’t let anything happen to you, darling. Give it a shot.” Rouge smiled encouragingly.

Sonic looked from her to Shadow. Shadow nodded. Even if he wasn’t ready, any one of them could get to him before something went seriously wrong. Sonic took a deep breath and gave it a go. He did what Shadow showed him, though he splashed noisily and moved quite slow.

Shadow pushed off the ground and swam after him. His head was turned towards Sonic. He smiled. “You got it. Swim with me.”

Sonic’s head almost went under as he stopped to admire Shadow. He shuddered and straightened his back, trying to mimic Shadow’s form. Slowly, his motions became smoother. Him and Shadow were able to swim side by side. Sonic smiled to himself. He stopped when Shadow did. He looked back the way they came from and frowned. His friends were quite far now and nearly just silhouettes in the low lighting. Shadow understood his concern. He gave Sonic a boost, sending him back that way. He followed.

Chapter Text

Sonic managed to swim back to the group all on his own, trailed by Shadow. They didn’t become easier to see as they got closer. It was just dark now. Couldn’t see much of anything but the stars and the moon’s reflection in the water. He stood on the balls of his feet. Shadow came up behind him and wrapped his arms around him. He hugged him tightly and bowed his face into Sonic’s neck.

“Shadow?” Sonic reached back to touch Shadow’s muzzle. He couldn’t truly tell if any of their friends were watching them. But if he couldn’t see them, they probably couldn’t see him either.

“It’s asking for me…” Shadow kissed Sonic’s neck. “Even through the water and the salt, I can smell it.”

Sonic tried to turn around in Shadow’s arms, but the alpha tightened them. His hands slid up to Sonic’s chest, his fingertips barely reaching above the water. He gripped, and Sonic bit his lip. He knew why Shadow had started touching him there, and it embarrassed the shit out of him. Sonic arched his back. His chest filled Shadow’s hands while his ass pressed back into Shadow’s hips. He was helpless in Shadow’s powerful arms. All he could do was whimper, “Don’t bite.”

Shadow sighed deeply. One of his hands crossed down Sonic’s body, stopping just above his groin. Then he let go. Sonic sighed in relief. He turned to face Shadow, bringing his arms around him. He looked over at the shapes of his friends. Knuckles and Rouge were splashing one another. Tails was floating on his back speaking with Amy. He looked back to Shadow. A soft yellow glow shined around the alpha’s pupils.

“I can see your body heat,” Shadow told him, his eyes shifting up and down.

Sonic touched Shadow’s cheek. He couldn’t see him anymore. Just glimpses of his muzzle depending on where his glowing eyes were. “What does it look like?”

Shadow lifted his hands out of the water. He cupped Sonic’s head. “Your head is mostly green. It’s cool.” His hands moved down to his cheeks. “Except here. It’s yellow.” His hands moved further down, now tracing Sonic’s gland. “Red hot.” Sonic took Shadow’s hands gently and moved them to his chest. “Orange.” Next, he brought the alpha’s hands to his waist. “Green.” Then his belly. “Red. It used to be yellow.” The two of them looked at each other. Sonic slowly pushed the alpha’s hand down to his groin. “Thats been red since I brought you into the water,” Shadow whispered.

Sonic made one more glance to his friends. They seemed to be entertaining one another. He kissed Shadow’s lips. The alpha kissed back, leaning in close. They were lucky that the sound of the waves lapping at the shore hid the sound of their tongues lapping at each other’s. They opened their mouths together and tasted each other. Their bodies inched closer and closer to one another until they were pressed together. Sonic did his best to keep the kiss tender. To keep their touches lightly affectionate. But with thermal vision, Shadow could literally see what was on his mind. And the alpha seemed to have less inhibitions all of a sudden. Shadow rested his hand on Sonic’s butt and dipped his fingers lower and lower until his fingers spread Sonic’s lips and entered between.

Sonic gasped quietly and gripped Shadow’s chest fur. He spoke as low as he could manage. “S-Shadow. Tails and Amy… and Rouge and Knuckles…”

Two of Shadow’s fingers sunk in until his knuckles rested at Sonic’s entrance. He looked down at Sonic. “Do you want me to stop?” Sonic didn’t answer. Well, not verbally. His pussy clenched around Shadow’s fingers. Shadow started pumping in and out. Sonic covered his mouth with his hand and closed his eyes. He slumped against Shadow’s chest. The water reached to his chin. He managed to keep noises to himself, but his breathing was clearly off, sounding like he had run for miles. There was a turning in his stomach as the pleasure reached deeper inside of him. He opened his eyes a bit, watching the shapes of his friends. In a twisted way, this is what he wanted. To be intimate with Shadow, full of pleasure, but also surrounded by those he loved.

“So you’re a world class swimmer now, hm?” Amy came closer to them.

Sonic opened his mouth, expecting Shadow to stop, but the alpha’s fingers moved rougher, circling his walls and stretching out his entrance. “U-uh, not quite.” He spread his legs in the water so Shadow’s large hand could fit between. His insides throbbed as Shadow jammed at his g-spot. Sonic was nearly panting. He cringed. He could feel moans pushing at his throat, begging to be released. “It’s a bit tiring, no? Works… works out the whole body.” He felt Shadow’s cock erupt out of his sheath against their bellies. Oh, no.

Amy nodded. “That’s true. Your arms are probably pretty weak since you use your legs for everything.”

Sonic’s brows furrowed. “My arms are not… weak…” he objected, but they were trembling now, hands clutching at the alpha’s fur. He felt dirty. So dirty. His entire body became hot.

“Yeah, sure,” she said sarcastically.

Shadow grabbed Sonic’s hip and started rubbing his cock on the omega’s belly. Sonic attempted to stop him, pushing at Shadow’s hips. Sonic cleared his throat. “How about, uh, we arm wrestle later? I’ll show you.”

“You’re on,” Amy spoke with determination. She looked their way for too long. Sonic was silent, willing her to find something else to do. She gave up eventually and swam back to Tails. Shadow pulled his fingers out.

Sonic let out a big breath. He grabbed at Shadow’s wrists as the alpha spread his thighs. Sonic shook his head. “We can’t.”

Shadow’s eyes scanned Sonic as his hips found their way between his thighs. He guided his cock to Sonic’s pussy and pressed at his hole. “Then tell me to stop.” He was very slow in sliding inch after inch inside the omega’s tight cunt, giving him plenty of time to object.

Sonic whimpered softly and spoke nothing. Shadow put Sonic’s legs around his waist and held Sonic’s hips. He started moving in and out of him. He kept his shoulders tense and still. He kissed Sonic’s lips. Sonic kissed back for a little while, but Shadow’s cock stroking up and down his insides filled him with a pleasure that had to be expressed. Before his body could force a moan out of him, Sonic moved his head to bite down on the alpha’s neck. Shadow was the one to gasp and cover his mouth this time. His claws took their place in Sonic’s hips as he thrusted faster up into him.

Sonic moaned into Shadow’s fur, shutting his eyes. It did good to muffle his sounds, but Shadow could feel the vibrations, feel how much pleasure he was giving his omega. Sonic clenched and unclenched his jaw. Shadow’s quills stood up as he was chewed on. His cock twitched. His breath was quick now too. He spread Sonic’s pussy around his cock with his fingers. He flowed in and out quickly and easily. It encouraged him to move even faster, his hips hitting into Sonic. Sonic had to bite down harder. Shadow’s hips came to a sudden stop when his movements became so erratic they caused a splash next to them.

Sonic let go of his neck to catch his breath. His pussy pulsed, annoyed at the sudden lack of moving pleasure. Shadow tilted Sonic’s chin up and kissed him again. Sonic smiled softly and leaned into the kiss. The alpha wrapped his arms around Sonic’s waist and pulled him close. His hips started up again, but much slower. Almost gentle. He pulled until his tip was barely constricted by Sonic, then pushed until even his sheath was nestled into his cunt. Sonic’s mouth dropped open. His back arched each time Shadow pushed in deep. Shadow slid his tongue into Sonic’s mouth and traced every groove. Sonic gripped the fur on his cheeks and started to suck the alpha’s tongue. His eyes rolled back.

Something about this pace was maddening. He pulled so far out that each time he went balls deep felt so much sweeter. He wanted to keep Shadow that deep forever. He supposed he sort of was keeping Shadow that deep for the next several months. He loved thinking of it that way a little too much. Could he resist turning around and getting pregnant again right after these pups are born?

Shadow petted Sonic’s head with one of his hands. He withdrew his tongue and pulled the string of Sonic’s saliva into his mouth. He rested his forehead on Sonic’s. “I… I love you too…”

Sonic smiled, his heart warming. His tail wagged. “You’re not just saying that because my pussy feels too good, right?”

Shadow huffed and rubbed Sonic’s back. He stopped pressed all the way up inside of him. “It’s MY pussy. And yeah, it feels too good. But that’s not why I’m saying it.”

Sonic breathed slow and deep, trying to get comfortable with Shadow’s cock filling his stomach. Tingles rolled up his body. “Um… y-your pussy?”

Shadow tilted his head up to breathe into Sonic’s ear, “It’s mine. It’s mine, it’s mine.” His hand slid between them to cup Sonic’s pussy around his cock. He ground his hips now, staying deep.

Sonic hissed softly as Shadow’s tip nudged his cervix. He nodded and hugged Shadow’s neck. “It’s all yours, Shadow.”

Shadow rubbed his pussy lovingly, kindly. He pressed soft kisses to Sonic’s face. “Good boy~”

Sonic’s face flushed hot. He hid it into Shadow’s neck and kissed his gland. “Bite or not… I’m already your boy.” Shadow let out a shaky sigh. Sonic could feel his thick cock throbbing inside him. “Your boy, yours… don’t worry…” he whispered against the alpha’s sensitive gland.

“Hmm~” Shadow shoved himself against Sonic’s pussy as cum spilled from his tip.

“Mm~” Sonic’s insides clenched up as he came the moment he felt Shadow’s hot seed. He rubbed Shadow’s shoulder and rested his head on the other one as Shadow’s knot took its place, ballooning inside of Sonic. Shadow rested his cheek on Sonic’s head and shifted his hips around slightly, taking what little movement he could. Sonic’s pussy pulsed around him. With both of them working, pleasure refilled Shadow’s belly as soon as it had left. It took barely any time at all for him to dump another load into the omega, leading Sonic into yet another orgasm. He just loved being filled by him so much. Shadow was out of breath now, trying to gain it back quietly. He let the current sway them. The rest of the world was forgotten.

Until fifteen minutes later. Amy, Rouge, and Knuckles got out of the water. Tails approached them. “We’re going to get a fire going. The water’s gotten pretty cold. You coming?”

Sonic lifted his head and looked towards Tails even if he couldn’t see him. “Um…” He flexed his pussy. Yep. Shadow’s knot was still massive inside him. “I’m going to practice swimming a little more. We’ll be out in a little bit.”

“Okay.” Tails swam for shore.

Shadow bowed his head into Sonic’s chest. Sonic stroked Shadow’s quills. “You regret what you did?”

“No.”

Sonic smiled. “Me neither.”

Shadow walked up closer to shore. Once the water got to their waists, he crouched down. He sat in the sand as close to shore as he could without exposing their state. He settled Sonic on his lap. The omega purred softly, nuzzling his pussy on Shadow’s knot. The water pushed at their waists gently. He rubbed at Shadow’s chest and looked down at it. He hadn’t really thought about it before, but he touches Shadow’s chest quite a bit. Nothing like the way Shadow touches his though. He gave it a try, squeezing it.

“Hm?” Shadow looked down at his hands. “There’s nothing there for you. It’s flat.”

“Well, so is mine. You’ve been all over it.”

“Yours is not flat.” Shadow cocked a brow.

“Yes it is.” Sonic’s looked down at himself.

“No, it’s round. Fleshy. Omegas have bigger chests. Males and females.” Shadow cupped Sonic’s chest, showing how his hands curled instead of laid flat.

Sonic watched. His fur puffed a little. “Oh. Guess I never realized…”

“Plus…” Shadow moved his index fingers across Sonic’s chest through his fur like he was searching for something. He pressed down his fingers when he found it.

A jolt spread from Sonic’s chest straight down to his groin. His fur puffed out all the way. “What was that?”

“Your nipples are coming in,” Shadow said casually. “Your body is changing very quickly…”

“My what?” Sonic spread his fur, trying to get a look. He couldn’t see anything. “I’m growing nipples?”

“How did you think you were going to feed them?” Shadow tilted his head.

“I-I don’t know.” Sonic pressed at his chest. “Wait, how do you know that?”

“How do I…? Well, I’ve been trying to learn… about it. Had Tails teach me how to research on the computer when I was stopping by for food one day,” Shadow spoke almost bashfully.

“Oh, Chaos, Shads. I hope you cleared your search history.” Sonic’s rubbed his brow.

“What’s a search history?” Shadow asked innocently. He tensed up when fire burst into the air, illuminating them in a soft orange light. His eyes shifted from yellow back to red.

Sonic looked over. They had gotten a large fire going in the pit. Rouge and Amy stood close to it, holding out their hands. It wasn’t necessarily cold, but they were wet. The climate here was temperate and mild. Pleasantly warm during the day and refreshingly cool at night. There was barely a change in season. Sonic recalled the night he met Shadow. It was snowing. Freezing. The only things that kept him warm was the scent of a dominating alpha and the heat of their bodies as they ran and tousled. He was sure then that the planet was hostile, and Shadow didn’t belong there.

“You’re not cold, are you?” Shadow muttered, rubbing Sonic’s arms.

“No.” Sonic looked back to the alpha, smiling at his face he could finally see again. “Are you?”

“No.” Shadow watched the group. “My pussy is keeping me warm.”

Sonic pressed his hand over Shadow’s mouth, blushing. “Are you seriously going to call it that now?”

Shadow looked into his eyes and nodded.

“Damnit, Shadow. I’m trying to prove to you it’s not about the sex, but you make me horny all the time.” Sonic groaned.

Shadow chuckled softly. He pulled Sonic’s hand away. “It’s okay, Sonic. I know it’s not about that for you. Who’s the one always starting it? I can see inside of you. I know exactly what gets you going.”

Sonic bristled, scanning his face. He felt just a little bit violated. “You’re doing it on purpose? Saying things like that, touching me the way you do?” He always thought Shadow was oblivious of his effect on Sonic.

Shadow smirked a little. “Maybe not all of it… but you were pretty easy to figure out once I realized you were an omega.”

“Asshole!” Sonic pushed his chest.

“What?” Shadow rumbled, pulling Sonic against him.

Sonic huffed and tried to get away. “I’ve been trying so hard.”

“Why? What’s the point in resisting?” Shadow’s finger tapped Sonic’s clit.

Sonic gasped and slapped his hand. “Quit. I don’t want to be stuck in the ocean for another two hours. It’s just starting to shrink.”

“Mm, fine.” Shadow leaned back on his hands, eyeing Sonic up and down.

Sonic’s eyes mirrored his, taking in the alpha in a new light. “But it’s not about the sex for you, right?”

“I don’t think so. I mean feeling protective over you, enjoying seeing you nesting and feeding you. Those things wouldn’t be of interest to me if it were only for the sex. I’m simply… enjoying myself. I’m around you because I want to be around you. And sometimes sex comes up later. I don’t come to you for it.”

Sonic wore a small smile. “I didn’t think about it like that. That’s true. We’ve never planned on having sex ahead of time. We probably should do more planning so we don’t end up knotted in the fucking ocean surrounded by innocent bystanders.”

“Nah. Truthfully? This gets me off. You’re mine. They think they can touch you? They think they’re closest to you? No.” His quills slowly started standing up. “And Amy needs to keep her motherfucking slut hands off of you,” Shadow snapped.

Sonic winced as the alpha raised his voice. A couple of their friends looked at them, but it seemed like they hadn’t actually heard what he said. He took Shadow’s hands and tucked them between his thighs to calm him down. Shadow’s quills slowly laid back down as he felt the lips stretched around his knot. Sonic kissed Shadow’s head and pulled him into his chest. Amy was being disrespectful, touching Sonic the way she did. But they weren’t mated yet. She didn’t know. Shadow breathed in his scent and relaxed.

A little while later, Shadow’s knot had disappeared. Sonic pressed a quick kiss to Shadow’s lips before carefully getting off of his dick. He let out a breath. Shadow sighed softly and rubbed at Sonic’s pussy, cleaning him out with the salt water. Sonic’s nose scrunched up. It stung a little. He wondered if Shadow’s knot created little tears in his thin flesh every time.

Once Sonic wasn’t leaking anymore, He stood up. Shadow looked up at his pussy. Sonic pushed his face away the second he caught him staring. He walked up the beach. He smoothed his fur over his crotch, trying to hide it before it was ready to seal. Shadow grumbled and tucked himself away. Empty and soaked, the cold reached into Sonic’s skin now. He stood a foot away from the fire and held his arms out.

“Nice of you to join us.” Amy spoke from where she lied on a blanket, staring up at the stars. Tails was marking the constellations and Rouge and Knuckles were cuddled together close to the fire.

“I’d say I’m a pretty good swimmer now.” Sonic turned around to get some warmth on his back. He saw Shadow sitting in the sand a couple yards away. He stared into the flames. Sonic frowned. He walked back over to the alpha and crouched in front of him. “You should come dry your fur.”

“It’ll dry from here,” Shadow muttered, not looking at him.

“Hey. I got into the water for you.” Sonic took his hand. Shadow looked at him with a wary frown. “You’ll catch a cold or something. Come with me.”

Shadow sighed and reluctantly got to his feet. He let Sonic lead him over to the pit until he felt the warmth from the fire. He took a step back.

Sonic looked back at him. “It’s contained. It’s alright.” Shadow shook his head, his grip on Sonic’s hand tightening. Sonic’s lips pursed. He took Shadow’s hand with both of his and brought him over to an empty spot on the blankets. Shadow lied down, turning his back to the fire. His ribcage lifted and collapsed with each heavy breath. The omega lied down behind him, sheltering him from the radiating warmth. He tucked his arms between them, letting the backs of his hands and forearms rest against the alpha. Sonic turned his head to admire the stars. He looked to their moon. It was different than the one from Earth. It was smaller and more yellow than white. He thought of the Earth’s moon. There, Shadow had smiled at him for the first time. Sonic smiled now, weaving his fingers through the quills on Shadow’s back.

Chapter Text

They hadn’t discussed this beforehand, but everyone let everyone else fall asleep on the beach under the stars. Sonic woke to brightness flashing his eyelids and voices murmuring beside him. Where the hell was he that it was so bright? He grimaced as nausea settled in his belly. He reached around. He felt… sand? Oh, right. He recognized the voices as Shadow and Tails. He tried to open his eyes, but the sun burned them. He kept them squeezed shut and reached around, blindly looking for the alpha. His hand landed on fur eventually and he scooted in close to the warm body. He pressed his face into a shoulder. His brows furrowed. He sniffed the air. He didn’t smell Shadow’s hormones.

Shadow cleared his throat from a few feet away. Sonic sat up and put his hand over his eyes, finally opening them. He looked down. He had cuddled up to Amy.

Amy grinned at him. “Morning.”

“Sorry.” Sonic rubbed his eyes, leaning away from her. Shadow grabbed his waist and dragged him over next to him. Sonic smiled. “Hey.”

“Hi.” Shadow rumbled.

“I’m surprised you let us sleep out here.” Sonic squinted up at him.

Shadow frowned when he looked at Sonic. He grabbed the omega’s face and pulled his eyelids open.

“Hey! It’s too bright.” Sonic pushed Shadow’s hands, blinking away tears.

“Your eyes…” Shadow tilted Sonic’s chin up.

“What about them?” He opened one of them to look into Shadow’s. Shadow looked serious, so the omega opened both eyes.

Shadow glanced at the group. “Are you hungry?”

“Uh… yeah, I could eat.” Sonic’s brows furrowed in confusion. He had a feeling that eating some meat would cure his nausea.

“Sonic’s hungry, so we ought to get going.” Shadow stood up.

“Do you guys want to have a picnic?” Amy hummed.

“No,” Shadow said flatly.

Sonic sensed his urgency. He was inclined to follow his alpha. He got up and brushed the sand off his hands. “Thank you, Amy, but Shadow has a uh… special diet.”

“What do you eat?” Amy looked up at him.

Shadow typically held his secrets whether to keep others at a distance or hide things he was ashamed off. But Sonic was beginning to make him believe things that disturbed him about himself weren’t so bad. “Meat.”

“So, uh, we’re going to be on our way.” Sonic pushed Shadow’s back, getting him to move. “But we had lots of fun! Seriously. Thanks for the invite, and I’ll try to be more available.”

“Okay…” Amy mumbled. “Well, don’t forget you owe me an arm wrestling contest.”

“You bet.” Sonic saluted her and walked off with Shadow. They picked up their gear but didn’t put it on. They’d need to make sure all the sand was off of them. He looked to Shadow. “What’s going on?”

“Your eyes look like Christmas.” Shadow looked him over.

“I don’t know what that is. Just say it plain.” Sonic sighed.

“You might just have to see it.” Shadow took his hand. “Come on.” Since he didn’t have on his air shoes, he teleported ahead several yards at a time. Sonic started to run, averaging a similar pace alongside Shadow. The alpha led the way to Sonic’s home. He dropped his gloves and shoes and pulled Sonic into the bathroom. Sonic looked up at him expectantly, but he just pointed to the mirror.

Sonic looked at himself in the mirror. It took him a second. He gasped and leaned in. “What the hell?” He pulled his own eyes open. Crimson was staining into his green irises, sprouting from around his pupils. It was the same red as Shadow’s.

“I think I’m okay taking you back to Dr. Ivo.” Shadow watched him, lip twitching.

“Uh, yeah, we’re going back.” Sonic turned his head left and right, watching his eyes.

“Do they hurt or anything?” Shadow stepped close behind him.

“No. What if they turn red? Red doesn’t look good on me.” Sonic whined.

Shadow put his hands on his own hips. “Thats what you’re worried about?”

“Uh… it’s one concern I have. It looks like the red in your eyes. What did Eggman say about your DNA fucking with mine?”

Shadow’s ears went back. “Surely my DNA can’t modify yours like this.”

“Take a look, Shads.” Sonic turned around and looked into his eyes. “What else could this be?”

Shadow frowned as guilt weighed him down. He should’ve thought about how his alien DNA could affect him before putting it inside of Sonic over and over. What a monster. How far would this go? Would Sonic start looking more like him? Get some of his powers? And would he return to normal after giving birth?

“It’s fine. It’s okay.” Sonic took Shadow’s hands, not liking the solemn look on his face. “We didn’t know what was going to happen.”

“Exactly. I should’ve been more cautious…”

“What’s done is done.” Sonic shrugged off his fear, wanting to appear put together for Shadow. “Now we can only take steps for the future.”

Shadow nodded, squeezing his hand. “Do you want to eat before or after we see Ivo?”

“After’s fine.” Sonic turned on the sink and washed his hands to flush out the sand. Shadow brought his hands around Sonic’s sides and washed his hands with him. Shadow then grabbed the hand towel and dried off before handing it to Sonic. He left to grab their gear they had set down. They pulled them on and mirrored one another as they crouched to brush out any sand from their feet.

Once their shoes were on, Shadow took his hand. He pulled Sonic out of the house. “I think we should move our nest over here.”

“What makes you say that?” Sonic moved with him at a steady pace towards Eggman’s lair.

“We can store extra meat in your fridge. I mean, I wouldn’t keep it for more than a day. Better fresh, but we might not be able to go out every morning. Plus Tails is there for support if needed… later, when I’ll have to leave you to hunt, he can watch you.”

Sonic frowned a little. “I want to keep going with you.”

“There will be a time when you must stay in the nest. “Shadow squeezed his hand. “But we don’t have to talk about that now.”

They didn’t have to argue about that now. Sonic would fight tooth and nail to maintain his freedom. “We can move to my place… nice to have a shower, Tails, and supplies.”

Shadow got in front of him as they approached the bunker, but this time, no weapons presented themselves. The doors pulled open. Eggman must’ve changed their facial recognition to the non-threat category. The two looked at one another.

“Come in,” Eggman spoke through the intercom. “I’ll meet you in the lab.” Shadow moved aside so Sonic could walk into the building with him. They look the elevator to the lab.

Eggman was already there. He looked them over. “Did something happen?”

“Yeah, my eyes.” Sonic walked over to him and looked up at him.

Eggman leaned down to take a look. “Oh, my. Isn’t that the color of Shadow’s eyes coming in?”

“Yeah,” Sonic nodded. “We’re afraid that… can you check how our DNA is interacting now? See if anything’s changed?”

“Sure. I’ll just need another sample.” Eggman pointed to the table.

Sonic got up onto it without complaint. Shadow sighed softly as he came to stand between his legs. The alpha tied a band around his arm. “I don’t like pricking you.”

“It doesn’t hurt that bad.” Sonic looked down at his arm, watching as Shadow felt for his vein. “It’s worth the peace of mind.” Shadow begrudgingly pierced the omega’s skin and attached a vial to the end of the needle to collect his blood.

“Will you let me run some other procedures now?” Eggman watched them.

Shadow grumbled. “Like what?” He pulled the band off of Sonic and withdrew the needle.

“Like an ultrasound. Taking measurements of his growth. Probably a good idea to take a sample of his amniotic fluid. It’s a little early for that though.”

Shadow kissed Sonic’s arm and looked back suspiciously at Eggman. “What do you know about pregnancy?”

“Enough. Women’s health is important.” Eggman shrugged.

“He’s not a woman, he’s an omega,” Shadow growled. “I’m sure he’ll present quite different than human females.”

“I ask you again, Shadow. Who better to come to?” Eggman folded his arms. The healthcare system here was… dated. There was a stark lack of technology. There were little instances of disease or complications among the animal folk, so little more than herbs and casts were required. Pregnancies happened naturally and privately, rarely ever causing a problem for the birthing parent. But most animal folk weren’t impregnated by a lab-grown alien hybrid more powerful than any other living thing on their planet. “Besides, I went to the library.” Eggman picked up a book and passed it to Shadow.

The alpha looked it over. The title read ‘Pregnancy in Omegas’. Shadow opened it and looked through the table of contents. It was split into months of development. It had entries for both males and females respectively.

“I’m sure you’ve done research too,” Eggman started, “But I have a real background in biology. I can pick out the differences, figure out why they’re happening, and whether they’re a threat with more reliability. At the very least, you need my tech.”

As they stared at one another, Sonic took the book from Shadow and opened it. He skimmed information about month one in males. It was a very short chapter. It simply said his smell might change at the end. Any other changes wouldn’t be noticeable. The only way you could know you were pregnant at that point is if you missed your heat. He flipped to the next month. Increase in appetite. Nausea. Firmness under the navel. These things were already happening to him, but it would be impossible for him to be two months along. His heartbeat picked up. They were growing too quickly. Would his body be able to keep up?

Shadow rested his hands on Sonic’s thighs. “Are you alright with that? I won’t let him hurt you. Just simple things, like measuring and an ultrasound.”

Sonic shut the book and nodded. “It doesn’t bother me.” He figured Shadow was relating to his past of being a lab rat for scientists, poked and prodded and pushed. “But are you fine? Being in here, around all of this?” He rested his hands on Shadow’s.

“Yeah, I’m…” Shadow wrapped his arm around Sonic’s waist and pulled him down from the table. “I’m good. I just don’t want any of this to scare you.”

Sonic leaned against him. “Don’t worry about me. This stuff is pretty interesting for someone who doesn’t actually know anything about it. Some of it seems like magic.”

“Magic,” Shadow scoffed softly, pulling away to start Sonic’s blood in the centrifuge. “You’ve got this pleasant little world view. I’m happy for you.”

“Sounded a little sarcastic.” Sonic pinched his fingertips together.

“Not sarcasm, jealousy.” Shadow sighed, watching the machine spin. Sonic rubbed Shadow’s back. The alpha turned to him. “Do you know what religion is?”

“It’s like a world view, isn’t it? Like how we put so much emphasis on energy, the connection between all living things?”

Shadow leaned against the table, folding his arms. “Yes, but humans typically believe in… a superior being. This creature that created everything. And that it knows everything that will ever happen. It planned everything that will ever happen, each individual and story hand crafted.”

“That sounds… unrealistic,” Sonic put carefully, unsure how Shadow felt about it.

“They believe in it to comfort themselves. It assures them that… someone is looking out for them. And everything was meant to happen. It’s all leading up to something. And as long as you’re good, you’ll spend eternity in paradise after you die. I really… really wanted to believe it, but I just couldn’t.” Shadow rubbed his head, closing his eyes as he reflected. “Observing others living with that reassurance, that security… led me to an intense envy.”

Sonic was quiet for a little while, just looking at his face. Here Shadow was again, sharing part of his past without being prompted. The omega had to think about his words. He needed to reward Shadow for this. Sonic leaned up to kiss Shadow’s forehead. “I can see how that would look appealing… as complicated as your creation was. But if that were true, you wouldn’t be able to control anything. Everything would already be written for you. And that’s not what you want. The Ultimate Lifeform writes his own story, chooses his own destiny.”

Shadow smiled, his eyes lifting to Sonic’s. “That’s right. I am my own God.” Confidence returned to his frame.

Sonic smiled back at him. It was beginning to feel like Shadow was his God too. “You don’t need to think positively, but if you want to, I could teach you.”

Shadow pulled Sonic close. “I wouldn’t consider myself a pessimist. I am a realist, and it keeps me prepared.”

“That’s what a pessimist would say.” Sonic taps his chest. “But if you like it that way, that’s fine. Be who you are.”

Eggman gagged from a few yards away. “Good, God. Get a room.”

Shadow scoffed, glancing at him. “This is one of the most appropriate things we’ve done in front of others.”

“Whatever, just keep sap out of my lab. You’ll get everything sticky.” Eggman grumbled and sat at the big computer.

Shadow smiled at Sonic. “We could get everything sticky. But it wouldn’t be because of sap.”

“Shadow!” Sonic giggled, flushing. Seeing Shadow flirty sent a rush through his body every time.

“What?” Shadow rumbled. He knew what. He pecked Sonic’s lips.

Sonic pressed his nose against Shadow’s as he leaned into him. “You know what. But I swear to Chaos, you will keep your hands above my waist only while we’re in here.”

“I can agree to that.” Shadow looked down at Sonic’s body. He lifted his hands toward Sonic’s chest.

Sonic grabbed his wrists and pulled his hands apart, away. “Not there either.”

“Hmm. Whatever.” Shadow gave up, dropping his hands.

Sonic grabbed Shadow’s pouch in a tight grip, causing the alpha to inhale sharply and hold onto the table. “Feel like I need to put a muzzle on this. You’ve gotten out of control. Is it my pregnancy hormones driving you crazy? Or are you trying to prove to yourself I’m yours even though I’m not bitten?”

Shadow’s ears shot back on his head. He was looking at Sonic’s hand on his crotch, but he made little glances up at the omega. His pouch pushed back into Sonic’s hand as blood migrated to his cock. “Just… the first one.”

When Sonic felt movement under his hand, he pinched the opening to Shadow’s sheath shut. “Do not.”

Shadow huffed, the muscles in his belly tensing up. He tightened his hold on the edge of the table. He was trying to draw his blood back to his brain, but that just kept him thinking about it. The centrifuge beeped behind them. They looked at each other.

“Bring it on over.” Eggman called to them.

Shadow clenched his jaw while Sonic slit his eyes. The omega let go of him, and he quickly turned around to handle the machine. Sonic smirked. He could understand why Shadow played with him. It was fun and exciting. Especially for him as an omega, to have this kind of control over an alpha. Sonic put his hands on the middle of Shadow’s back. He started dragging his claws down, barely light enough to avoid piercing his skin.

Shadow’s fur started standing up as he took a deep breath. He grabbed the vial from the machine and pushed his other hand on his crotch. He slipped away from Sonic to bring the vial to the doctor. Sonic watched him fondly. Eggman put the vial in some other machine and typed something into the computer.

“This’ll take a little while. Not as long as yesterday. Let’s go to the med floor while we wait.” Eggman got to his feet.

Chapter Text

Shadow returned to Sonic. They got in the elevator and moved up a couple floors. The doors opened into a short hallway with a few rooms branching off either side. Eggman pointed for them to go into one. It looked like a patient room at a doctor’s office. The walls were lined with a sink, counters, and cabinets. There was also a bookshelf with books and notebooks. In the center of the room was a raised, reclined metal chair. Shadow scooped Sonic up and lifted him onto it. Sonic looked around and kicked his legs. This is all completely strange for him, but he met it with curiosity instead of apprehension.

Eggman returned wheeling in a bulky machine with a screen. He pushed it aside and rummaged through the drawers in the counters. He handed Shadow measuring tape he found and took a note book from the shelf. He turned to blank page and lifted a pen out of his pocket. “I wish we had a true baseline, but at least we’re early.”

Shadow wrapped the tape around Sonic’s waist. “How low?”

“Across his belly button,” Eggman pointed.

Shadow moved the tape and laid it over itself in front of Sonic’s belly button. He related the number to the human who wrote it down. Sonic looked down at himself. He wondered if the number was different weeks ago.

“How long ago did this…?” Eggman trailed off, hoping they understood his question.

“Not sure. But the first time we got together was somewhere around four weeks ago. That’s the furthest along he could possibly be,” Shadow answered for them. Sonic didn’t think it had been that long. They were good about using plan b during Shadow’s rut. Well, if it even worked for him.

“You want to do it all?” Eggman pushed over another machine held high off the ground with a metal pole.

“You won’t be touching him.” Shadow grabbed the pole and brought the machine next to the chair. He pressed a button. Sonic watched and let the alpha do what he needed with his body. He clamped something on his index finger. Then he wrapped fabric around Sonic’s upper arm. The machine hummed and started getting tight around his arm. Sonic’s brows furrowed, but he held still. Shadow turned the screen towards Eggman so he could write down the numbers. Shadow then removed the thing on his finger and his arm. “What do you have all these things for anyway?”

“For my own health. A lot about this planet is similar to Earth, but I have to remain watchful over my systems. Plus, I… sometimes I find animals that are hurt. Not like you animals, the non-speaking ones.” Eggman admitted reluctantly that he helped the wounded. Sonic smiled at that. Maybe he wasn’t the worst.

Shadow brought over the other machine and took a look at it. “They didn’t use this one much.”

“Might have to shave him…” Eggman muttered.

“We’re not fucking shaving him.” Shadow gripped a rounded device that was connected to the machine with a cord.

“Didn’t they shave you?” Eggman cocked a brow.

Shadow’s ears went back, embarrassment flooding inside of him. He looked away. “Sometimes. Let’s just try it the way it is first.”

Sonic tilted his head, watching them bicker. “Well, what does it do?”

Shadow looked at him. “Oh, it… shows you your organs. It can see inside from the outside.”

“On Earth, it’s used to see unborn babies a throughout a pregnancy. But it can be used to check on the state of organs too,” Eggman added. Shadow turned in the machine and the human pointed. “Don’t forget the jelly. If you don’t shave him, make sure you really get it in his fur.”

Sonic looked down at himself. Are they saying they’d be able to see his pups? Sonic’s heart started beating faster. It was a mix of excitement and fear. That would cement that this is actually happening. Shadow took one of his gloves off and squirted this clear goo in his palm. He pressed his hand on the bottom of Sonic’s stomach and rubbed the gel into his fur. Sonic gasped softly. It was cold.

“Lay back,” Shadow said softly. Sonic leaned back against the reclined seat and watched as Shadow’s hand rubbed a circle over his stomach, nearly reaching down between his legs. Then he smoothed the fur down one direction. He rested the back of his messy hand against the omega’s thigh. Shadow pressed the end of the device he was holding onto Sonic’s stomach.

They heard it first. Ba… dum. Dum-ba-dum. It sounded kind of like Shadow’s heart if it was muffled by even thicker fur. And as if there were two of them, just out of sync with one another.

Eggman looked at his watch. “They’re beating so slow…”

“That’s fine. Mine rests around 20 or 25 beats per minute.” Shadow squinted at the black and gray screen. He moved the device around, looking for something.

“That’s slower than an elephant’s.” Eggman looked up at him with shock painted on his face. “But you’re so small.”

Shadow ignored him with a sigh. He moved the device lower. Found it. He turned the screen towards Sonic. He couldn’t tell what he was looking at at first. The majority of the screen had this scratchy gray layer over it. There was a black circle in the middle. And within that were two gray, ovular shapes.

Shadow pointed at the shapes, speaking softly. “There. There they are.”

Sonic reached out towards the screen, but he couldn’t touch it from where he lied. “Those… those are our…?”

Shadow nodded. “Yes,” he whispered.

Sonic burst into tears. It was violent and sudden like an eruption. He whimpered. “Our babies. Those are our babies.”

Eggman quietly slipped out of the room to give them a minute. Shadow smiled softly, gazing lovingly at the teary omega. “Yes,” he repeated.

It hit Sonic now. Hit him hard. He was carrying Shadow’s pups. He had a duty to them and to the alpha to keep them safe. To feed them and grow them. There they were, these little beans resting inside of him. They were helpless. They depended on him, and he depended on Shadow. “They’re so cute,” Sonic sobbed. The image on the screen shook with his body.

“Uh, I mean…” Shadow glanced back at the screen, at the vague and now blurry gray shapes. “Yeah, puppy. They are.”

Sonic’s ears stayed perked towards the machine. He was jealous of Shadow now. He could hear their little hearts all the time and know they were safe. Sonic wanted one of these machines. He wanted to watch them all the time. Sonic rested his hands on the top of his stomach. “I’m sorry I haven’t been listening to you. You’re just looking out for us, I know that.”

“It’s alright.” Shadow pulled the device away and the screen went black. Sonic whined loudly and pulled his hands back down until the image came back on the screen. He sniffled through deep breaths. Shadow stepped closer, but he left his hand in the right spot. He petted Sonic’s head with his free hand and kissed it while Sonic watched the screen. “Soon you’ll be able to feel them. I promise.”

Sonic nodded and gripped onto Shadow’s chest fur. Now he wanted them to grow quickly. He wanted to know they were there. He wanted the heaviness in his belly, he wanted to feel them squirm and stretch as he moved. He couldn’t wait.

Shadow wiped Sonic’s tears away and kissed his cheeks. He had already had this revelation quietly. As soon as he had heard their hearts. He hadn’t considered how the idea might have been distant from Sonic until now. Shadow pulled the screen closer. Sonic shifted to the side as Shadow got up in the chair. He put one arm around the omega’s shoulders as Sonic cuddled into his chest. He kept pressed over Sonic’s womb. The two of them watched the screen and listened. If they paid attention, they could even see little twitches of pixels, their beating hearts. Sonic reached out and touched them with his fingertips.

A few minutes later, Eggman knocked at the door. Shadow kissed Sonic’s cheek and got back to the floor. “Come in.” Sonic wiped his eyes as the man entered the room.

“Let me take measurements of them.” Eggman approached. Sonic frowned as he turned the screen away. “Hold it still.” The screen was attached to a keyboard like it had some additional functions. He clicked some buttons.

Sonic gazed down at his stomach, breathing softly. At the moment, he wouldn’t want them to be anywhere else. He’s glad they’re inside of him. His heart already ached thinking of the day they would have to part.

Eggman wrote the lengths of the embryos in his journal. “They’re already touching the edges of your uterus. They should still just be attached to one wall. Either they’re growing really quickly or they’re going to be bigger than pure hedgehogs.”

Shadow frowned with worry for his omega. “I don’t see why they’d be bigger. I’m the same size as Sonic.”

“Me neither. They’re probably just growing rapidly, trying to escape the phase of dependence as quickly as possible to ensure survival of parent and offspring. But hedgehogs are built to guard their offspring and keep them close as long as they can to ensure they get plenty of time to develop before being exposed to the world. They grow slowly and gently.” Eggman pressed another button on the computer. It printed out something square. “They seem to be leaning into your genetics more than Sonic’s, as we feared.”

Shadow grabbed hold of Sonic’s hand. Was this all so selfish? Sonic had seen them. It was too late to consider the other option now. He felt horribly conflicted. It was like what’s needed to protect Sonic and protect his children were mutually exclusive.

“My body will adjust. I can handle it,” Sonic sounded genuinely sure of this. “My eyes… Shadow’s DNA will only make me stronger, make me capable of bearing his pups. I’m sure that’s what it’s doing.”

Shadow cupped Sonic’s cheek. He admired his positivity, his confidence, but he was worried. That was easy to say right now. Things were easy right now. In a month or two? Sonic’s life could become a nightmare. They just didn’t know. And there’s nothing that scares Shadow more than ignorance.

Eggman wrote the date on the photo. He offered it to Sonic. The omega looked at it and grinned. It was what had been on the screen. He rubbed his thumb over it. He teared up again but tried to stay in control. While he was distracted, Shadow turned the machine off and put the device away. He accepted baby wipes from Eggman and rubbed Sonic’s stomach to get the goo out of his fur. His stomach growled under Shadow’s hand.

“I think it’s time to feed you again.” Shadow scooped Sonic into his arms, but he didn’t set him back down this time.

Sonic kept his eyes on the photo, holding onto it tightly. “Okay.”

Eggman sighed. He had to admit they were kind of adorable. “What even happened? I thought you hated him even more than you hated me,” Eggman was addressing Shadow.

“Uh…” Shadow looked at Sonic’s pretty, teary-eyed face. “It was always love-hate. But when I found out he was an omega… there was more room for the love to grow.”

“Would you have gotten together if he was an alpha or a beta?” Eggman asked curiously.

Shadow sighed, bringing Sonic close against his chest. “I don’t know… We probably would’ve never taken the first step. But the feelings wouldn’t have been that different. And he wouldn’t be pregnant.”

Sonic’s tail wagged as he looked at his stomach. “I’m glad I’m an omega then.”

Shadow smiled a little and breathed in his scent. “Me too.” He glanced at Eggman. “We’ll start checking.”

“Okay.” The man nodded. “Make sure you feed him plenty. Better for him to eat too much right now than too little. Can’t let the embryos feed off of him…”

“I will.” Shadow nodded to him. He carried Sonic out to the elevator and brought him outside. He started to glide across the grass.

Sonic yawned. He held the photo to his chest so the wind wouldn’t take it from him. “What are you catching for us today?”

“Something bigger. I’ll grab a deer. Feed both of us full. Put some extra in the fridge.” Shadow had eaten little yesterday to make sure Sonic had all that he needed. He’d rather eat enough to tide him over the next couple days.

“A deer. Those are pretty big. Do you normally hunt them?”

“No. It’s too much for me to eat before it goes bad. But it tastes really good. And between the two of us, it might be a good idea.” Shadow headed towards the forest, but he didn’t go inside. He set Sonic down. His ears rotated around his head searching for noise. “They’re very skittish. So take off your shoes and watch your step.” Shadow pulled his off and set them next to a rock so they could find them later. Sonic nodded and took his off. He folded the photo and stuck it deep in his shoe.

Shadow took his hand and walked with him slowly around the edge of the forest. His eyes shifted to yellow. “We have to catch them while they’re in the meadow before they can take off into the forest,” he whispered. Sonic took note of Shadow’s eyes. He squinted his own. For a second, he thought he saw something orange, but it disappeared when he blinked. The alpha stopped at some point and lowered himself into the grass. He watched Sonic get down. He moved Sonic’s limbs to get him into proper form, a position that kept him low, allowed him to move quietly, but also would let him push off in a burst of speed if needed.

Together, they stalked along the tree line until a small herd of deer came into view. There were three does, two bucks, and one fawn. Sonic frowned when he saw the baby. Shadow wouldn’t hurt it or its mom, right? Would it be okay if it lost a member of its herd?

Shadow shifted his weight as he scanned the herd. He motioned for Sonic to stay put. He took a few more steps forward, changing direction slightly. Then he leapt forward. He ran until the deer reacted, lifting their heads and bounding for the trees. Shadow teleported closer and closer until he was able to get on the back of a buck and bring it to the ground. He crouched over it, mounting it similarly to the way he mounted Sonic. The deer thrashed and threw its head back, hitting Shadow in the face with its antlers. Shadow grunted and grabbed the base of them. He leaned around and bit deeply into its throat. The deer’s scream slowly faded into silence. The rest of the herd had retreated into the woods. It was just Shadow and the buck in the meadow.

Shadow released his bite when he felt its pulse stop. He stood up straight and dragged it through the meadow by its antlers to Sonic, leaving a trail of blood behind it. Sonic looked up at him when he dropped it in front of the omega. He thought he’d feel sad or disgusted. But his stomach growled. And he felt pride for his alpha.

Shadow crouched down and sliced with his claws. He started ripping off the pelt. He tore a shoulder muscle off its body and handed the flesh to Sonic. Sonic purred softly as he bit into it. He struggled to tear pieces off of it.

“Maybe your canines will get bigger.” Shadow reached to take the meat back so he could bite it into pieces for him, but Sonic growled, sinking his teeth deeper into the flesh. The alpha just chuckled softly and left him to eat his way. He pulled a strip of flesh off of the ribs and started eating it. His teeth slice through it easily, creating little bite sized pieces in his mouth that he swallowed with ease. Both of their tails wagged as their mouths were filled by savory flavor. It was better than rabbit. Less earthy.

Eventually, Sonic’s jaw got tired of all the chewing but he wanted more. He opened his mouth, gazing at Shadow with his new eyes, watched the alpha’s mouth work the meat with ease. Shadow came closer to him. He bit little pieces off and delivered them to Sonic’s mouth with his fingers until Sonic tried biting them. Then he brought meat to Shadow’s mouth with his teeth. Soon enough, the deer’s entire leg had been reduced to bone and its organs were exposed under its ribs.

Shadow was full. His eyes were glowing with energy as he watched Sonic eat. The omega’s mouth still hung open eagerly, drooling a mix of saliva and blood over Shadow’s lap. His breath was slow as his own blood flowed low, away from his head, to aid with digestion. “You’re still hungry?” Shadow muttered around some flesh as he brought it into Sonic’s mouth.

Sonic whimpered. “No… but it tastes so good. Want more~” He swallowed and licked his lips. “Want your meat too…” Sonic looked Shadow up and down. The alpha felt absolutely naked under his gaze. He leaned back and took a deep breath. Sonic crawled over the deer and pushed Shadow back. His hand rubbed at Shadow’s bulge. “Fuck… why does it make me feel like this? Watching you hunt and… this energy…”

“Ahh…” Shadow grunted, exposing his long, bloody canines. His cock slowly pushed through Sonic’s hand.

“Look at this thing~” Sonic bit his lip as he looked down at Shadow’s cock with large, hungry pupils. He lowered himself and nuzzled his face on Shadow’s dick. “It put strong, healthy pups in me so fast. I should thank it.” He secured his hands around Shadow’s base and took him into his mouth. He lowered his head halfway onto Shadow’s dick. His tail wagged quickly as he started sucking. His throat spasmed around Shadow’s tip like he was trying to swallow it.

Shadow groaned and grabbed Sonic’s quills. “Ugh, Sonic…” He was already panting. Sonic took him deeper, smearing blood and spit smearing all over his cock. Shadow’s eyes began to glow too as he watched. He lifted his knees, opening his legs around Sonic’s head. Sonic’s throat felt just like his pussy, except he was actively sucking him. Lewd noises filled the air as Sonic bobbed his head. He even gagged around him each time he pushed to Shadow’s base, but he wasn’t deterred. His tongue stuck out of his mouth, cupping under Shadow’s shaft. His teeth grazed Shadow’s hot flesh. Shadow moaned softly. His entire body flushed warm. Sonic looked so damn cute choking on his cock.

Shadow put one of his hands back on the ground and lifted his hips against Sonic’s face. He held onto the omega’s quills and started thrusting up into his throat. Sonic’s body tensed up as gagged with more intensity. Shadow’s crotch became soaked in blood and spit. Sonic’s fingers dug into the ground as tears filled his eyes. “S-Sorry…” Shadow muttered. “But I have to fuck your pretty little face.”

The alpha started a merciless pace from filling Sonic’s mouth to filling his throat. Sonic’s neck bulged with the added girth inside it. He never got used to it. He gagged and cried on Shadow’s dick until his hips trembled. He rested them back on the ground and pushed Sonic’s face down o into his groin. Sonic squirmed and huffed into his fur through his nose. Shadow’s cock twitched in his throat and Sonic swallowed around it. Shadow held him there until Sonic’s throat was cramping around him and the omega was unable to hold still, grabbing onto his thighs and writhing on the ground.

“Fuck!” Shadow pulled Sonic all the way off. His cock twitched in the air. Sonic gasped loudly and started panting in front of his dick, mouth open wide. Shadow gripped his own cock. “I’m so close… what do we—“ He grunted as Sonic took the alpha’s tip into his mouth. He swirled his tongue around it and started sucking hard. He wanted to taste it. He bobbed his head a little, just a few inches. He stroked Shadow’s shaft eagerly with both his hands, the deer’s blood mixed with Sonic’s spit acting as lube. “Holy shit…” Shadow’s thighs tensed up as he watched Sonic’s every movement. His face was begging for Shadow to cum. Shadow grabbed his quills tightly. “I’m…”

Sonic stroked faster, but he pulled off of Shadow’s tip. He stuck his tongue out, aiming Shadow’s cock at his face. It only took one good look at Sonic’s slutty expression for Shadow to bust. Cum shot out of his tip, spraying Sonic’s face and tongue. Sonic kept stroking until every single drop had made it somewhere on his face. He tightened his hands around Shadow’s knot as he pulled his tongue back into his mouth and tasted Shadow’s sperm. It tasted like a fucking high end dessert to him.

“What the fuck…” Shadow pulled Sonic’s head up to get a good look at the omega covered in his cum. He’d never imagined him like that before. He had always just thought of his cum filling Sonic’s pussy. But he liked this. It was like a form of marking him.

“Put it in. Put it in me, alpha.” Sonic grinned, squeezing Shadow’s knot.

“You’ll tear,” Shadow growled.

“I don’t care.” Sonic turned around and bent over the corpse, putting his ass up high in the air. His cunt was swollen and dripping slick. He wagged his tail enticingly, looking back at Shadow.

Shadow growled louder and got to his feet over the omega. He pressed Sonic’s face into the ground with his hand and lowered his hips. His cock slid straight down into Sonic’s welcoming pussy, but it stopped at his knot. He pushed, but it wouldn’t go in. He spread Sonic’s ass, pulling his lips open. When they still wouldn’t let him in, he grabbed onto Sonic’s shoulders and yanked him back while simultaneously shoving his hips against his ass. Sonic cried out and gripped onto the grass as Shadow’s knot forced its way in. A small amount of blood dripped from Sonic’s hole. Shadow grabbed hold of Sonic’s hips and closed his thighs around them, crouching over Sonic. He humped into the tight hole eagerly, leaning his head back as pleasure rocked through his body. His knot was stuck inside now. It pulled at Sonic’s pussy with each movement. Sonic winced and gasped on the ground. Both his belly and his pussy felt stretched with fullness. His clit throbbed painfully as he squirted onto the ground. He loved when Shadow used him like an animal.

Shadow felt him leak on his cock. He smirked and moved his hand under Sonic. He rubbed the omega’s clit. “That was fast. You like it when I fuck you from behind?” Sonic nodded quickly, spreading his legs wider. Little moans and whines flowed from his mouth. His back arched up as Shadow slapped his clit. Electricity sparked up his spine. He whimpered. Shadow moved rougher, frustrated that he couldn’t get a good thrust in. “You’re a whore for my cum, aren’t you?” Sonic didn’t know that word, he only knew he’d do anything for Shadow’s cum, so he nodded. “Then milk me.” He patted Sonic’s clit, making the omega’s insides clench.

Sonic closed his eyes and focused on using his muscles. His insides stroked and squeezed around Shadow’s cock, though they struggled around his knot stretching them thin. Shadow kept humping and panting, moving as quickly as he was able to. He grabbed at Sonic’s head and turned it towards him so he could see his cum covered face. He groaned loudly as he came again, this time filling up Sonic’s pussy. Then he wrapped his arms around Sonic’s waist and held him pinned back on his knot.

Sonic’s pussy let out a weak little squirt as his body became limp in Shadow’s arms. He breathed heavily. His muscles continued to contract instinctually now, urging every drop out of Shadow. Shadow grabbed the rag-doll Sonic and set him on the ground next to the deer. He sat on the back of Sonic’s thighs and pressed his hands on the small of Sonic’s back. He closed his eyes, twitching in the nice, warm cunt as he caught his breath. He licked his lips and wiped his mouth. Little sparks of energy jumped out of Sonic’s pelt as he lied there in the grass resting. He felt strangely full of energy but exhausted at the same time. Shadow leaned down over him, shielding Sonic’s body from the sun. He moved his arms underneath the omega and kissed his neck, inhaling his gland.

Slowly, Shadow’s hips started to move again, pressing into Sonic’s ass. Sonic bit his lip and smiled. He squeezed his thighs shut even though Shadow’s knot was putting pressure on his pelvis. Shadow’s hands moved up to grip Sonic’s chest. His fingers pressed into the sensitive spots on either side. Sonic gasped and clenched around Shadow’s cock. He put his elbows on the ground so he could lean up a little. Shadow’s hands kneaded and played with Sonic’s chest. The omega felt a churning in his belly, but it was good, like butterflies. The kisses on his neck sent tingles right down to his groin. “Don’t stop,” he whispered.

He whimpered as Shadow bit into his neck near his gland. Shadow’s hips were slow, softly pressing into him. Sonic’s pussy pulsed around him gently. They continued to give each other orgasm after orgasm until the last of their excess energy was expelled and the glow faded from their eyes. Sonic was overflowing with semen, and Shadow’s knot as hard as a rock inside him.

Chapter Text

They had to spend quite a while lying in the grass. Shadow’s knot was stubborn stuffing the omega. But that’s what happens when he cums over and over. Eventually he was able to pull out and his seed flowed out of Sonic.

“Hm?” Sonic lifted his head. He had nearly fallen asleep.

Shadow rubbed his stretched out cunt. “My knot’s finally down.”

Sonic purred softly and lifted his hips up against Shadow’s hand. “Guess we have to make a new one.”

Shadow scoffed. “No, we need to get this meat in a fridge.” He stood up, his feet at either side of Sonic’s hips.

Sonic rolled over onto his back and looked up at him. The alpha’s cock was soft, hanging low towards his thighs. Sonic had rarely seen it like that. It was usually put right back into his sheath. He grinned at it. “It’s so cute. Like a… really fat worm.”

Shadow grumbled, hot with embarrassment as he stuffed his cock into his sheath. Sonic pouted when it disappeared. He reached up and Shadow took his hands, pulling him to his feet. Sonic wrapped his arms around Shadow’s waist and licks at his mouth, grooming the blood off of him. Shadow opened it, and the omega licked around his lips and teeth. Shadow stroked his back. When Sonic was done, Shadow did the same, licking in his mouth. He absolutely left all that cum on Sonic’s face on purpose.

Shadow pulled away, crouching by the deer. He rooted through its organs, pulling out everything except for the liver and heart, which he found to be healthy eating. Then he pulled the deer’s head off and slung the body over his shoulder, standing back up. Sonic walked over to their shoes and sat on the rock so he could pull them on. Shadow Held onto the deer as he knelt down and put his own on. Sonic stood up, humming softly as he looked down at Shadow’s head by his his crotch.

Shadow looked up at him. He glanced at Sonic’s leaking pussy. “What’s got you so horny?” He gave in pretty easily though, leaning in to lick his own cum from Sonic’s thighs and pussy.

“Hm. Think it’s the hormones.” Sonic looked at the photo of their pups. “I like… It’s about being close to you to, you know? Not just about feeling good. We’re closest when you’re stuck inside of me. It’s assurance that we will be together for at least another hour.”

Shadow made a slight face at the bitter taste of his cum. He got back to his feet and cupped his hand under Sonic’s pussy. “Should I hold this instead of your hand?”

“Mhm.” Sonic smiled, purring loudly and shutting his legs around Shadow’s hand.

Shadow smiled back at him and kissed his lips. He rubbed gently, but he didn’t go for Sonic’s clit or his hole. It was as non sexual as a touch there could be. Sonic leaned into his kiss and returned the favor, cupping Shadow’s groin and feeling the way his cock rested in its pouch. Shadow broke the kiss to look down at Sonic’s hand. “I can’t hide it when I’m turned on.”

Sonic’s thumb traced the opening to his sheath hidden under his fur. “Good. I know you’d hide it if you could.”

“Hmph,” Shadow huffed in amusement. “You’re right. Come on then. Before this goes bad.” Shadow patted his pussy and started walking. Sonic quickly fell into step with him and held Shadow’s wrist to keep his hand there. It was warm and pleasant, protecting the most sensitive part of him from the outside world. “I figure we can drop this off then gather your nesting materials from the cave.”

Sonic nodded. “Sounds good. We should consider getting a separate fridge though. I’d hate to freak out tails with a corpse sitting next to his box of blueberries.”

“We could keep a mini one in your room.”

“Good idea.” Sonic smiled. “Doubt we’ll ever get around to getting one though.”

“Yeah…” Shadow sighed. “We’ve gotten pretty distracted.”

“I think that’s okay.” Sonic held up the photo.

Shadow smiled at it. “They’re just blobs.”

“Yes, but they’re our blobs. Right up in there.” Sonic rubbed his hand.

“Ours? Sure you didn’t hook up with anybody else?” Shadow was kidding, but he wasn’t very good at joking. His face always looked so serious.

Sonic huffed. “In case you forgot, you tore me open the first time we had sex. I was clearly virgin. You might not have been though.” He poked the alpha.

“Who would I have had sex with? A human?” Shadow rolled his eyes. Obviously, he had been a virgin too.

“Rouge…” Sonic muttered.

“Rouge?” Shadow made a face. “What makes you think that?”

“She’s always flirting with you and you let her.” Sonic looked at him.

Shadow shrugged. “She’s that way with everyone. I let her be herself. She doesn’t actually like me that way. Never has.”

“I think she would’ve slept with you if you asked her.”

“Oh, for sure. But she didn’t have feelings for me or anything.”

Sonic grumbled, but then he softened. “Why didn’t you?”

“I don’t know. I wasn’t romantically attracted to her, and I was raised under the impression that only romantic partners had sex.” Shadow’s hand twitched.

“You hardly hesitated to take me.” Sonic rubbed his arm.

“When will you stop interrogating me about that?” Shadow sighed.

“I just want to understand you.” Sonic leaned to kiss his shoulder.

“I don’t understand myself,” Shadow admitted. “I didn’t understand my feelings for you at the time. You wore me down, so I gave in. You being an omega really had an impact. Made it a lot harder to hold myself back. I think… I think I’ve wanted to be with you for a while. It was complicated though, you have to understand. I thought you were an alpha.”

Sonic hadn’t thought about that as much as he should have. Of course this had been so difficult for Shadow to accept. Alphas never caught true feelings for each other. It would never work if they did. That’s what Shadow had thought, that his feelings must be platonic and there was nowhere for them to go. He had likely just began to accept that. And then one day Sonic flipped a switch and everything opened up. It must’ve been so confusing for him. “I’m sorry I lied… but you understand why, right?”

“Yeah, I do.” Shadow nodded. “But I feel like a fool for not noticing. All that wasted time…”

Sonic reached up to rub Shadow’s ear soothingly. “Don’t call yourself a fool. Call me a jerk, okay?”

Shadow leaned into his touch. “You’re not a jerk for that. Look what happened. Everything’s changed. Your friends are judging you.”

“Well, I wouldn’t say judging…” Sonic pulled away.

“They’ll never understand you like I do.” Shadow stopped outside of Sonic’s home and let go of his crotch.

“Well, let’s…” Sonic gestured as he took a deep breath. “Let’s paint that as a positive and not their misconceptions as a negative.”

“Meaning it’s acceptable the way they’ve began to infantilize you?” Shadow opened the door. “And that Amy thinks if she just gets a bit more assertive and more handsy like an alpha, you’ll fall into her lap?”

Sonic’s ears lowered. He hadn’t created such a direct phrase in his head for the way they were treating him, but Shadow was right. “Uh, they mean well…”

“Do they?” Shadow muttered, walking in after him. He went into the kitchen and dumped the deer onto the counter. He grabbed some ziplock bags from the pantry.

“You don’t think Amy is actively trying to sleep with right now, do you?” Sonic sat at the bar.

Shadow scoffed and grabbed a knife, twirling it among his fingers. “Do I think she’s trying to get herself in between us and prove she’s somehow better for you?” He sliced into the deer’s hip, dragging the knife around the edge of its thigh. He grabbed hold of its leg and popped it out of its socket, pulling it off completely. “Yeah, I do. You notice she’s been touching you even more lately? Physically getting between us? Always looking at me like I should just give up each time you accept her touch?” Shadow flipped the deer and placed his hand on its ribs as he sliced into the other thigh. “It’s completely unacceptable. And rude. She needs to understand that you’re mine. You’re mine. You can’t be anymore mine.” Shadow crushed the deer’s ribcage, shattering its bones and splattering its blood onto the counter.

Sonic gulped. Each of the alpha’s movements were typically meticulously calculated, but lately… crushing the deer, the bottle on the beach yesterday… Was Shadow imagining someone in his hands when he lost control?

Shadow cleared his throat and wiped his hand on the deer’s fur. He pulled off its other leg and continued to break it down. He tossed a bone shard in his mouth and crunched it with his molars. “Perhaps I’m being naive thinking she will give up once I’ve mated you.”

“I’m sure she will, Shads…” Sonic watched him fill several plastic bags with flesh and sealed them. He pulled out the heart and the liver and placed them in a bag as well. He opened the fridge and tucked the bags into a drawer. Sonic reached for a piece of rib too. He held the end in his mouth and bit down. His nose scrunched with effort as he bit down, but he couldn’t get the bone to snap.

Shadow turned around and took it from him. “What are we waiting for again?” He nipped at the bone, breaking it into small pieces. Sonic opened his mouth, and Shadow leaned over the island to deposit them into his mouth.

Sonic was able to chew the smaller, fractured pieces. There was soft bone marrow inside. It was a concentrated form of many vitamins that he needed. It’s crazy to think his body was growing organs and bones right now. “They’re genuinely starting to come around to you. But they don’t really know you yet. Don’t know how we feel about each other. If I suddenly say, by the way, we’re mated forever now, they’ll shut you back out. It’s too far of a push.”

Shadow set some of the rib bones on the counter. He grabbed the rest of the corpse and opened the back door to throw it out. “I don’t care if they like me.” He came back and chewed up another bone as he wiped down the counter with a rag. He grabbed Sonic’s face. The omega opened his mouth and accepted the bones.

Sonic chewed them on one side of his mouth. “Yes, but I do. Let it go.”

Shadow sighed as he finished cleaning up the counter. He rinsed the knife in the sink and put it away. He rested his hands on the counter.

Tails exited his workshop and Sonic grabbed the bones, hiding them under his arm. To his surprise, Tails walked straight for Shadow and offered him a small box. “Here you go.”

“You work quickly.” Shadow gently took it from him.

“I like making things for people. I already had most of what I needed anyways.” Tails smiled.

Sonic leaned over the counter, trying to get a look. “What is it?”

Tails looked at him, then scanned his face with a confused expression.

“Oh.” Sonic looked away, assuming Tails had noticed his eyes.

“What’s all over your face?” Tails grabbed a clean rag and soaked it in water from the faucet. He walked over to Sonic.

“My face?” Sonic touched his cheek. It was sticky. He looked at a milky substance coating his fingertips. Oh, right. Shadow smirked, watching. “Uh, opened this pack of icing. And it… it exploded.” Sonic’s face got hot as Tails wiped around his mouth with the rag. Then the fox leaned up to groom Sonic’s head, sticking his tongue out. Sonic quickly pushed him away. “No! No, don’t do that. I got it.” He grabbed the rag from Tails and cleaned off his face before Tails could try to lick him again.

“Alright.” Tails gave in, putting his hands up. “You probably should shower. It looks a bit stuck in there.”

“Uh, yeah.” Sonic nodded and touched his fur again. “I will.” He glanced at the smirking alpha. He was kind of marked too. His groin had this extra white fur like the hair on his chest. It was stained with blood. Damnit. He turned his hot face away from them both.

“Are you guys staying here now?” Tails asked.

Shadow hummed. “Mhm.” He played with the box in his hands.

“Neither of you are in… though right?” Tails looked between the two.

“No, we’re not in our breeding cycles. We’ve just…” Shadow looked at Sonic. What were they supposed to say? The others did know how much time they spent together truly, but Tails would.

“We were trying to make his cave homier, but we gave up when it started leaking ground water everywhere. So he’s coming to stay here for a bit,” Sonic lied. He felt a little bad about it, but he couldn’t tell him the truth.

“Are you going to build a real home?” Tails smiled excitedly at Shadow. They had all been pushing him too.

“Maybe.” Shadow muttered, unwilling to lie himself.

“Well, you should.” Tails grabbed a glass of water, then returned to his workshop.

Shadow grinned at Sonic, flashing his teeth. Sonic groaned and hid his face in his hands. “Shut up.”

Shadow walked over to him and started licking the cum off his face. “I like that~ Wanna cum on you more. But I love cumming inside so much…”

Sonic huffed and tilted his head as Shadow groomed him. “Would you wear my cum on your face?”

“I have.” Shadow licked his lips. “Just can’t see yours as clearly.” Sonic had squirted on his face several times soaking his fur. And they had rarely cleaned off before greeting others.

Sonic smiles. “Oh, yeah. You eat my pussy kind of a lot.”

“Tastes too good.” Shadow pulled him up out of his seat. He grabbed the bones from the counter. “Let’s get your bedding. You’ve been out of the nest for too long.”

Sonic agreed, but he didn’t really want to admit that. He headed for the door. Shadow dropped off the bones in Sonic’s bedroom and left with him.

Chapter Text

Sonic and Shadow’s steps slowed as they entered his cave. Sonic walked to the nest and began to take it apart. He pulled out their quills. Shadow walked along the walls. Sonic looked up as music filled the cavern. Shadow stood in front of the record player, brushing his hand across it. Sonic tilted his head. The alpha had gotten quiet. He looked around the area, at the little things that decorated the space. He dropped the blankets and walked up behind him. He wrapped his arms around Shadow and leaned in, nestling his chest between the quills on Shadow’s back. The music was pleasant, but it sounded a little strange. Sonic could tell it was old, and there were little breaks in the tune as the needle jumped over nicks in the record.

Sonic settled his hands across Shadow’s torso as he felt the alpha start to sway. He kissed Shadow’s shoulder. “You should bring your things.”

“Hm.” Shadow sighed softly, his hands, which had become bare at some point, tracing the wooden player. “It’s the end of an era.”

“The beginning of another. The glass is half full, Shadow.” Sonic turned his head, trying to get a look at his face.

“More than half.” Shadow turned around in his arms. He grabbed Sonic’s hands. He held one of them out and placed the other on his shoulder. His other hand was on Sonic’s hip.

“What are you doing?” Sonic looked down at their unusual position. It definitely wasn’t a hug.

“Don’t animal folk dance?” Shadow smiled softly, bringing Sonic’s hips against his. He grasped Sonic’s hand in his and led him. He pressed into Sonic gently, stepping between his feet.

Sonic took a step back and looked at their feet. “Not like this…” He stumbled a little as Shadow tried to guide him around the cave. He could tell there was a rhythm Shadow was following, but he wasn’t sure which direction he was supposed to step.

Shadow put Sonic’s arms around his neck and wrapped his own around Sonic’s waist. He picked the hedgehog up without so much as a grunt of effort. He set Sonic down on top of his feet. Sonic adjusted, standing on Shadow’s shoes. Shadow stepped around fluidly now in perfect synch with the music. He didn’t need to look where he was going. He looked up into Sonic’s eyes. Sonic smiled down at him, looking back, as Shadow moved them together.

“I think your eyes are beautiful like this…” Shadow whispered, looking between the both of them.

Sonic smiled and stepped further up on Shadow’s shoes, pressing close to his body. “I guess… maybe red does look good on me.” He shifted his hand down Shadow’s arm, petting the red marking in his fur.

“I think so,” Shadow murmured as he dipped Sonic, moving his hand onto Sonic’s thigh to pull his leg onto his hip.

Sonic held onto his neck and looked over his face. He leaned in and kissed his lips. Shadow grabbed Sonic’s other leg, bringing the omega up on his hips. He stood up straight. Sonic shimmied further up his waist, legs wrapped just under his ribs. Shadow had to tilt his head back to keep their lips connected. Sonic cupped his cheeks and rubbed his thumb into the soft fur. He pulled away slowly. He wanted to keep looking at his alpha. Shadow gripped Sonic’s sides and tried to pull him down so he could reach his lips. He pressed Sonic against the wall and leaned up on his toes to kiss along Sonic’s jaw.

Sonic smiled and pulled Shadow’s quills gently, bring his head back. “I wanna look at you.”

Shadow took Sonic’s hand. Their fingers interlocked. He seemed to think about that, his fingers tracing Sonic’s knuckles. He turned around to place his own back against the wall. Sonic dropped back down onto his feet. Sonic looked at him with nothing but love and adoration. Shadow raised his arm to spin Sonic. The omega let him, smiling as he stepped back and spun on the ball of foot. Shadow’s hand left his grasp.

When Sonic turned back around, Shadow was on one knee in front of him. The omega flushed immediately. Something about seeing the alpha kneeling before him always made his heart race. He was frozen in place as Shadow took his left hand in both of his. Shadow kept his eyes low. He pulled Sonic’s glove off and draped it over his thigh. He brought Sonic’s hand to his mouth. He rubbed it with both of the soft pads on his thumbs and kissed Sonic’s knuckles. He lips trailed down to the tip of one of Sonic’s fingers. His touch was so kind, so lovely. Sonic’s stomach filled with butterflies as he watched. His skin tingled where Shadow touched.

The alpha pulled one of his hands away. “I know you’re not ready to be bitten… and I have accepted that. Mostly. But I want to show that you’re mine… that we’re…” Shadow reached into his shoe and pulled out the little box from earlier that he had tucked inside of it. “On Earth, when two people’s love for one another transcends that of anything else, they marry. They give each other rings to wear, and they don’t take them off for the rest of their lives. They’re buried in them.” Shadow opened the box, revealing a shiny silver ring. A tiny ruby was imbedded in the center, the color of Shadow’s eyes, which still weren’t looking at Sonic. “I thought silver would look best with your fur. Anyway, you might think this is stupid, but… will you marry me?” He finally looked at the omega.

Sonic’s eyes had grown wetter with each word Shadow spoke until they had spilled tears over onto his muzzle. They flowed freely, dripping down onto his chest and the floor. His tail wagged like crazy behind him. Shadow was expressing his love his way, offering himself, his culture. It meant everything to Sonic. He wanted this too, a way to represent that they were already bound to one another. “Yes,” he whimpered. “Yes, I will.”

“Don’t cry…” Shadow whispered and got down on both knees. He shuffled closer, his knees at Sonic’s feet. He kissed the tip of Sonic’s third finger, then took the ring from the box and slid it up onto the base of it.

Sonic lifted his hand as soon as it was on to get a good look at it. He had never seen someone wear metal on their hands. He traced it with the fingers of his other hand. The metal was polished expertly, reflecting Sonic’s face back at him. It complimented his fur and skin tone perfectly, and the ruby was a little piece of Shadow represented in it. “It’s so beautiful.”

Shadow wrapped his arms around Sonic’s thighs and rested his cheek on the omega’s belly. Sonic could feel a tear from him soak into his fur. Sonic giggled softly, just out of happiness, an overwhelming happiness and energy in his chest that had to be let out. He petted Shadow’s quills slowly, looking down at the alpha holding him. He brought his left hand to his chest, holding his ring close to his heart.

Then Sonic looked at Shadow’s bare hands holding him. “I want you to wear one too.” Sonic took his hands. “I want to show you’re mine.”

Shadow nuzzled his face into Sonic’s stomach as if he were hiding it. “I told Tails… what I wanted him to make.”

“I’ll get him to make one for you too.” Sonic leaned to kiss Shadow’s hands, then placed them onto his hips. Shadow kneaded his flesh with a light touch and kissed the firmness in his belly. Sonic felt those butterflies’ wings flutter. “Let’s go to my room. I want to make you a nice, big nest, alpha. A permanent one.”

Shadow nodded and rubbed Sonic’s hips. He found it difficult to pull away. He slowly rose to his feet. He grunted as Sonic collided into his chest, squeezing him in a tight hug. Shadow sniffled but tried to hide it by clearing his throat just after. He hugged Sonic back firmly, but he didn’t squeeze. “I’d like that…” he murmured.

Sonic leaned back to press many kisses onto Shadow’s face. The alpha smiled and tried to turn away. Sonic gripped Shadow’s head. “Take my love!”

Shadow grumbled and stopped moving. He even puckered his lips. Sonic pressed kisses to his lips, a loud purr pouring from his chest. Shadow let out a breath and opened his mouth, trying to kiss him deeper. Sonic pulled away from him completely then. He gathered their bedding and shoved it into Shadow’s arms. Shadow huffed. Sonic grabbed his glove but didn’t put it back on. He didn’t even want to wear it anymore. He wouldn’t be able to see his ring. He took another look at it as Shadow headed for the cave’s exit. Sonic looked around Shadow’s space. He didn’t really want to mess with anything, but he did grab Maria’s sweater. He folded it and placed it over his arm before he caught up with Shadow.

Shadow looked at him. He saw the sweater and smiled sadly. Sonic rubbed the fabric and smiled softly. He leaned to kiss Shadow’s cheek. “Race you home!” Sonic took off.”

“Sonic!” Shadow started after him, but he made no real effort to beat him. He wasn’t going to encourage the pregnant omega to move faster and get reckless.They both dashed straight into Sonic’s bedroom.

Sonic backed towards his hammock, looking Shadow up and down. “You let me win.”

“So what if I did?” Shadow dropped the bedding on the floor, interested in the way Sonic was looking at him. He pushed Sonic in the nest and climbed on top of him.

“Hey!” Sonic grinned and pushed at Shadow’s chest. He watched his ring become hidden under the long chest fur. “Don’t start anything, I need to make the nest.”

Shadow took Sonic’s hand and kissed his ring. “Always testing my patience…”

Sonic watched his lips touch the silver. A purring remained thick in his chest. “I really… really love it. I need you to understand that.”

“I do. I think I do…” Shadow kissed Sonic’s forehead. He leaned over the hammock to grab the blankets. He pulled them over both of their heads. It was dark between them now, but both of their eyes glowed softly to one another. Sonic pulled the alpha down and kissed him. Shadow rumbled softly, his tail brushing against the blankets as it wagged. He pulled back. “Don’t kiss me if you don’t want to start anything.”

Sonic smiled at him, looking over his face. His hands slid down Shadow’s back and closed around the base of Shadow’s tail. He’s rarely caught it wagging. “Is someone excited?” He wasn’t one to talk. His tail struggled to move pinned beneath him and he had no control over his purring.

“I’m happy.” Shadow nuzzled his nose against Sonic’s.

Sonic grinned so wide his mouth hurt. He loved receiving all of this expressive affection from the typically closed off alpha. “What are human mates called?”

“Well, you know how gendered their culture is. When people are married, the men are called husbands, and the women are called wives or a wife,” Shadow explained. He tilted his head at the omega beneath him. He was certainly a boy, but he bore children like a wife.

“Are you going to be my husband?” Sonic hummed. Shadow’s tail wagged furiously in Sonic’s hands. His face flushed. He considered being snarky, but he refrained. He just nodded. Sonic rubbed the base of Shadow’s tail, almost stroking it. He kissed Shadow’s face. “You’re going to be the best husband. I know all the humans would be jealous.”

“Sonic…” Shadow smiled and leaned his head into the omega’s chest.

Sonic hugged him close. “I love you, Shadow…”

Shadow rubbed Sonic’s side gently. “I love you too.”

Sonic smiled happily and rubbed up and down Shadow’s back. “Now let me nest so we can relax.”

Shadow let out a long sigh but he retreated out from under the blanket. Sonic pushed the blanket off of himself and stepped out of the hammock. He got to work building. Every single wrinkle was placed on purpose. It was the largest nest he had ever built too. It would be suited to support them postpartum if need be. Shadow watched him with large pupils. His omega was so good at his job.

Once his masterpiece was ready, Sonic lied in the center of his nest in his back. He pulled his legs up against his chest. His thighs were pressed together, but his pussy was spilling out between them, shiny with slick and even a little puffy, somehow already prepared to receive even though it hadn’t been touched. Shadow could actually see it producing slick as the omega stared at him. It dribbled down over his puckered asshole and settled into the fur of his tail that was tapping on the bed.

Shadow had never seen something so gorgeous. He didn’t even realize his cock was already out of its sheath and twitching as it hung in the air. He pushed off his shoes and slowly climbed into the nest, eyes swallowing every inch of the presenting omega. Sonic’s tail hit the bed harder as Shadow got closer and his breath quickened. The alpha whimpered softly as his tip slid up Sonic’s warm slit. Sonic’s cunt pulsed under his dick, beckoning him in. Shadow put his hands on top of Sonic’s around his legs. He looked down at Sonic’s face, his own looking flustered with fluffed up quills.

Sonic smiled up at him. He kicked his feet briefly. “I’m ready for you, Shadow.”

Shadow let out a breath and touched Sonic’s cheek as his hips rolled, rubbing his cock up and down Sonic’s pussy. He pressed forward with his hips. His tip pushed at Sonic’s clit then at his hole. He was steadily twitching the tip of his cock jumping around. It even caught on Sonic’s ass for a moment, causing the omega to hiss and arch his back. “Hm~” Shadow pressed his tip at the tight ring.

Sonic gasped through his teeth as a stinging spread through his behind. “S-Shadow…” With a bit more pressure, the tight space rejected him, sending his cock popping back up to Sonic’s pussy. Sonic let out a breath of relief, then gasped again when Shadow’s tip finally sunk into his vagina. Sonic moaned as the alpha brought his hips down, pushing all the way inside. His cock slid through the omega’s insides into its special spot. Sonic rested his feet on Shadow’s chest and moved his hands down to hold Shadow’s hips.

Shadow breathed deeply as he slowly moved his hips back and forth against him. He grabbed Sonic’s ankles and spread his feet to his shoulders so he could look down between them. His dick was shining with slick now. The section of it just outside of Sonic’s lips was a lighter pink from the constriction. He watched it disappear into Sonic’s cunt over and over. Sonic’s moans were long and soft. He rubbed the fur on the alpha’s hips and tilted his head. He’s not sure Shadow’s ever been quite this gentle with him.

Shadow nestled his groin against Sonic’s pussy for a few seconds every time he pushed in. His hands found their way between Sonic’s thighs onto his belly. He could feel the firm spot shift up each time he was balls deep. He rubbed Sonic’s tummy with a smile. Sonic spread his legs open all the way, dropping his feet. He bit his lip as lied fully exposed. He brought his hands on top of Shadow’s. Shadow looked down at his pretty pussy and licked his lips, wishing he could eat it while he fucked it. His ears perked forward as he listened to the little wet noises it made, like it was moaning for him too. He rolled his hips in a longer motion, his cock pressing into different parts of Sonic’s walls.

“Mmm…” Sonic gripped Shadow’s hands tighter as he felt his cock applying pressure to his g-spot. Slowly, pleasure grew in his belly. His stomach pressed into their hands as he breathed deeply. Shadow got lower, sitting back on his heels and angling his cock into just the right spot. Sonic had to close his eyes. The steady rhythm of his stomach stuttered as his squirt trickled down around Shadow’s dick.

Shadow smiled at this development. He pressed in deep, resting firmly on that spot. He touched Sonic’s pussy with finger, feeling how wet it was. He brought his fingers to his mouth and moaned softly as Sonic’s cunt started to pulse around the length of his dick. He could see it flex.

Sonic whimpered. His breath quickened as his hips squirmed. Shadow was pressing right into his sensitive spot. His insides didn’t know what to do. There was a light cramping spreading through his tunnel that felt like heaven for the alpha.

“Sorry…” Shadow whispered and started moving again. His pace remained slow. Eventually, it went from long draws in and out to grinding, his fur rubbing Sonic’s clit while his tip rubbed the omega’s cervix. Sonic’s eyes were shut tightly and his brows were furrowed. He was gripping onto Shadow’s hand and his own stomach. Little whines and moans pushed through his throat.

Shadow took his fingers from his mouth and reached down to open Sonic’s. The omega gave in immediately and stuck his tongue out. Shadow’s fingers slid over it and into his mouth. Sonic sucked on them slowly while his pussy sucked in Shadow’s dick. He grunted softly, watching Sonic suck. “You’re so… so pretty.” He inhaled deeply as his semen spilled into Sonic.

Sonic bit his fingers lightly, brows knitting tighter. His hips twitched as a little more squirt spurted from him. He was filled with warm. His brows slowly loosened as a knot swelled at the entrance to his cunt. He slowly opened his eyes and looked up at his alpha. Shadow was panting softly, staring at his knot stretching out Sonic. Sonic reached up and pulled on his chest fur. As soon as Shadow saw his face, he rumbled and leaned down over him, wrapping his arms around him. Sonic closed his legs around the alpha’s hips. Their chests vibrated against one another’s as Shadow rested his face against Sonic’s neck and smelled. Sonic held up his hand, taking another look at his ring. He could see them both in the reflection. He placed his hand on Shadow’s head and fingered through his quills. He smiled as he gazed up at the ceiling.

Chapter Text

A day had passed, and the couple had stayed in their nest. Sonic spent most of his time knotted. He just wanted to be close to Shadow, to be connected and consumed. He wasn’t particularly horny, though he felt it took his pussy longer to hide itself between sessions for some reason. It’s evening now, and tomorrow they would need to go hunting again when they got hungry. Sonic liked hunting with his alpha. He wants to try to take something down this time and provide for Shadow. He wondered if he could surprise Shadow somehow, but the alpha might as well be attached to him. He couldn’t imagine Shadow just letting him go out on his own without at least needing to know exactly where he was going and what he was doing. His scheming was interrupted by a knock at his door.

Sonic gently pulled himself from Shadow’s arms and tried to get out of the hammock. He forgot Shadow’s knot was locked up inside him. Too much of his weight was out of the hammock before he realized. He got caught in the middle of his movement and tipped the hammock over. Sonic yelped as he fell to the floor, tugging the sleeping alpha down on top of him. The knot was nearly ripped out in the process, leaving a small tear in his lining.

Shadow groaned after he fell on top of Sonic. He put his hands on the floor and pushed himself up, gazing down at Sonic. “The hell? Oh, Chaos are you alright? I fell on you.” Shadow wrapped his arms around Sonic and shifted so the omega could sit in his lap.

“I’m okay, it wasn’t your fault.” Sonic rubbed his aching forehead. “I didn’t realize we were still locked.

“Sonic? Sonic, are you alright?” Tails peeked his head in. He’d heard them fall.

“I’m fine.” Sonic shut his legs. He couldn’t get off of Shadow’s lap. “Give me a second.” Tails nodded and shut his door again. Sonic sighed.

Shadow leaned around to take a look at his omega. He touched his stomach and his pussy, a soft whine coming from his throat.

“I’m okay. We’re okay.” Sonic leaned his nose into Shadow’s cheek. Shadow rumbled softly and nuzzled Sonic’s nose. Then he got to his feet, carrying Sonic with him. He cuddled up back into the nest with him. Sonic lightly pushed at his arms. “Wait, Tails needed something.”

“You can’t go anywhere right now.” Shadow rubbed his fingers around Sonic’s stretched cunt, smearing the little bit of blood.

“We can though. Take me to the door.” Sonic patted Shadow’s arm. Shadow sighed softly and yawned. He dragged them back out of the nest. Sonic stepped back onto Shadow’s feet so the alpha could easily walk him over to the bedroom door. Sonic opened it a little, and both hedgehogs peered out. “Tails?”

The little fox jumped up from the couch and walked over. He looked between the two of them, wondering silently why the didn’t just open the door all the way. “I finished it.” He held up another little box.

Sonic grinned and took it, bringing it to his chest. “Thank you!” He was so excited that he pushed the door aside and pulled Tails into his arms. Shadow bristled as their noses nearly touched over Sonic’s shoulder. Shadow leaned away. Sonic kissed his brother’s head. “Whatever you need, just let me know. I owe you.”

Tails awkwardly glanced away from Shadow, but he smiled at the affection. “I had fun making it. He pulled away from the hug and gently took Sonic’s hand. “This is what it’s for?”

Sonic looked down at the ring on his finger. He glanced back to Shadow. “Yeah, I thought Shadow would’ve told you. It’s a human tradition.”

“Shadow doesn’t tell me much. But that’s neat. It looks pretty cool.” Tails rubbed his thumb over the silver, admiring his work.

“Yeah, cool.” Sonic almost found the word offensive. It meant so much more than that. He felt Shadow’s hands pull at his hips. “Thanks, again, but we gotta… um, we can hang out tomorrow!”

“Okay, Sonic.” Tails seemed amused by something. He left them to their devices.

Sonic shut the door and squeaked as he was immediately lifted off the ground. Shadow carried him into the nest. He laid on his back with Sonic on top of him. He put his hand over the omega’s, touching the box. Sonic lifted his hand away. “No, you can’t look yet. I wanna do the thing.”

“The thing?” Shadow took Sonic’s wrist.

“The kneeling thing,” Sonic said matter of factly, and Shadow let him go. He smiled and held the box against his chest again. He spread his legs around Shadow’s.

Shadow rested his hand on Sonic’s stomach and kissed his cheek. “Did you plan your speech?”

“My speech?” Sonic fidgeted with the box.

“Your proposal?” Shadow smiled to himself as he kissed Sonic’s neck. “You’ve got to convince me or I might say no.”

Sonic gripped the box. Shadow was just joking. He agreed to it by already asking Sonic, right? He’s joking. Sonic’s chest tightened as he broke into sobs.

“Sonic?” Shadow frowned deeply and turned Sonic’s head to get a look at him. He wiped Sonic’s tears. “I didn’t mean it. I won’t say no.”

“I know, Shadow.” Sonic closed his eyes and touched the alpha’s hand. “I just… I feel everything so strongly right now… even just a split second of worry…” Sonic sniffled.

“I hope your hormones will level out as you get adjusted to being pregnant.” Shadow kissed his cheek. “You’re doing great so far though.”

“I am?” Sonic looked at him. He felt sick in the mornings. He was often argumentative with his alpha. He spent half his time crying, and just a few minutes ago he made them both fall on the floor. To be doing mediocre would be a stretch of the truth.

“Yes,” Shadow said easily, rubbing on his belly. “You’ve already adjusted to eating raw. And you know, even when you’re sleeping, your body is working hard to grow them. It’s doing so good.” He pushed his hips up against Sonic and hugged his waist.

“Hm~” Sonic opened his legs wider. “Thats true… you’re welcome, by the way.”

“I’m welcome?”

“Yeah. I’m growing your pups all by myself just for you. You’re welcome.” Sonic smiled.

Shadow nuzzled Sonic’s gland, breathing deeply. “I wish I could carry them for you. I would take them in a heartbeat.”

Sonic flushed a little, his gland releasing some sort of instinctual smell. Shadow pregnant with their pups? Sonic shut his legs around his throbbing clit. “Mr. big better alpha would let me get him pregnant?”

Shadow’s nose pressed into his gland curiously. “I’m just saying… I know this is going to be hard for you. I’m stronger; my body would be able to handle it better.”

Sonic used to roll his eyes whenever Shadow mentioned being better or stronger, but he could accept Shadow was right now. Plus, he was going to struggle because of Shadow’s DNA. Shadow wouldn’t struggle with his own. It was still a nice thought, filling Shadow. Sonic’s not sure if other omegas felt that way about their alphas though. He looked down as he felt Shadow’s fingers rubbing around his clit. Sonic relaxed on his chest and closed his eyes. He imagined it, if his clit were a cock and Shadow’s fingers were his insides. He betted Shadow would cry when he was entered for the first time. Maybe when he first came from it too. What a pretty thought.

Shadow played with him casually, and Sonic enjoyed it. He didn’t need more, he was focused on the fictional images in his head. He opened his eyes when Shadow fell out of him, his knot down. Sonic reached to put him back, but then he looked at the box in his hand. He smiled and scrambled out of the nest. He beckoned his alpha. “Come on.”

Shadow smiled too, sitting up. He slowly stepped down out of the nest and tucked his arms behind himself shyly. Sonic stepped close to him and kissed his lips. As soon as Shadow’s head leaned into him, he pulled away. He tilted his head to press kisses to Shadow’s gland. His hands moved around behind Shadow to take his. Shadow let out a soft breath, his posture slacking. Sonic slowly dropped his way into a crouch as he kissed down Shadow’s chest. He took a moment to nuzzle into the soft fur. Then he kissed down the center of Shadow’s belly, his hands sliding down the alpha’s arms. Sonic knelt on both knees before Shadow. His hands slid across his hips. Sonic kissed his soft, warm tip. He tucked Shadow back into his sheath with the lightest touch and kissed the opening.

Shadow watched him closely, sifting his fingers through Sonic’s quills. He expected the omega to stop there, but he didn’t. Sonic’s hands came down his thighs as he got lower and lower. He kissed around the insides of Shadow’s thighs, then both of his knees. He leaned all the way to the floor to kiss the top of Shadow’s foot. The alpha’s tail started to wag as he viewed Sonic bowing at his feet. His pouch bulged, but he tried not to give in to those feelings. His pupils grew with both love and arousal.

Sonic slowly lifted back up, dragging his nose up Shadow’s leg and stopping at his groin. His tail wagged too as he smelled Shadow’s pure alpha sex scent inside of his sheath. He leaned his face against Shadow’s pouch, scooting closer. The backs of his fingers trailed up and down Shadow’s shins. “Shadow, I… I love every part of you. If I could only touch one inch of you for the rest of my life, I’d still be happy, no matter where it is.” Sonic’s hands slid up Shadow’s torso, into his chest fur. Shadow turned his head away, breathing into his hands. “Hey.” Sonic reached up for him. He took Shadow’s face. The alpha inhaled a shuddering breath and looked down at him. His eyes were glossy, but not quite holding tears. “Let me look at you forever.” Sonic slowly pulled his hands away. He lifted the box and opened it. “Will you be mine? Will you marry me?”

Shadow huffed when he saw the ring and put his hand over his face, trying to hide. His fingers parted over his eyes though. The ring was gold instead of silver, the color of his inhibitor rings. In the center, a small emerald. The color of Sonic’s eyes. Well, most of them. It seemed so much more beautiful to him than the ring he’d crafted for Sonic even though they had the exact same structure; they were made from the same mold.

“Alpha!” Sonic whined.

“S-sorry! Yes. I will, I will.” Shadow nodded and gave Sonic his hand.

Sonic grinned and kissed the tip of his red finger like Shadow had done to him. He slid the ring onto him. “Good.”

Shadow looked at his hand hovering in front of Sonic. He smiled widely but bit his lip trying to rein it in. Sonic got back to his feet and grabbed Shadow’s hips, kissing his lips. Shadow hummed and cupped Sonic’s cheeks. They kissed softly and gently for a few minutes, slowly backing their way to the nest. Sonic pulled from his lips and took Shadow’s left hand. He looked at their rings together.

“I love it, Sonic.” Shadow looked at him. “I’m so glad that we can… that this…” His brows furrowed. He was unable to find the words.

“I know.” Sonic kissed his chin. “Me too.” Shadow picked Sonic up and turned around to set him in the nest. Sonic hummed, sensing some more sex coming his way. He put his foot on Shadow’s chest to prevent the alpha from getting on top of him. “Let me eat a little so I don’t get hungry in the middle of the night.”

“Hmm.” Shadow leaned into his foot, looking Sonic up and down. “Okay.” He backed up and left for the kitchen.

Sonic put his arms behind his head and crossed his legs. He’d be content to be knotted the rest of the night after a snack.

“Would you like my heart?”

Sonic sat up. Shadow was standing near the nest cupping the deer’s heart in his hands against his chest. It was nestled in his fur, staining it and his hands with blood. Sonic’s ears perked up, his pupils flexing. He dropped out of the nest and stepped to the alpha. He looked from Shadow’s face to his chest. He took Shadow’s hips and backed him to the nest. Shadow lied on his back and watched his partner crawl on top of him. Sonic pushed himself between the alpha’s legs. Shadow’s breath quickened as he saw something new in Sonic’s eyes. He was finally getting that predator look.

Sonic leaned his head down and sunk his teeth into Shadow’s heart. The flesh was soft and warm. Shadow must’ve heated it up. Savory flavor filled Sonic’s mouth, and he moaned softly, pressing his groin against Shadow’s. He chewed the flesh and swallowed. “Your heart is all mine~” Sonic pressed his hands down on Shadow’s hips. He started eating him, pressing his face into the organ and the organ into Shadow’s chest. Shadow’s back arched just a little. The inside of his thighs brushed Sonic’s hips. His cock tentatively peeked from his sheath as if it was afraid of being eaten too. The sounds of Sonic devouring the heart, bringing the bloody flesh into his mouth, was akin to the sounds his cunt made when it took cock. Sonic licked the ripped organ and wrapped a hand around Shadow’s dick. He brought it down between his legs. He pushed his hips forward against Shadow’s groin, allowing it to slip in. He slowly started pumping his hips back and forth. His legs were shut while Shadow’s were open. He was on top. He might as well be the one fucking the alpha.

Shadow whined softly, tilting his head to watch Sonic’s hips thrust between his legs. His face felt uncomfortably hot and his lower belly filled with warmth as his heart raced. He glanced back to Sonic eating on his chest. He gripped Sonic’s arms and swallowed his shame as he brought his legs around Sonic’s waist. He truly felt like he was getting fucked. He couldn’t be sure if that wet warmth was around him or inside of him, he just knew it felt good, and Sonic must be feeling good too. That made him twitch, thinking of Sonic pleasuring himself with his body.

Sonic lifted his head. Blood was soaked around his mouth. He kissed Shadow’s lips firmly and didn’t wait for permission to push his tongue between his lips. He had meat in his mouth that he was now pushing into Shadow’s. Shadow moaned softly in his mouth as Sonic’s tongue pushed a piece of the heart down his throat. He grunted and opened his eyes when Sonic pinned his legs against his torso and leaned up. Shadow’s dick was pointed out between his legs. Sonic groaned softly as he slapped his hips against the back of Shadow’s thighs. His slick covered Shadow’s ass. It was all so… humiliating. Shadow hid his face in his hands. He couldn’t watch, and he didn’t want Sonic to see his face twitching and melting into ecstasy as he released little moans. Sonic let this go on for a few minutes. He was leaning over Shadow, biting and tearing at the organ. He finished it at some point and bit into Shadow’s actual chest.

Shadow gasped, his legs tensing shut. Sonic growled softly and grabbed his thighs, spreading him open like he had a pussy. He thrusted faster, rising up and down the length of his cock carelessly. Shadow groaned and turned his head away as Sonic bit all over his chest as if searching for loose flesh. He had never sunk his teeth this deep into him before. The alpha couldn’t control the twitches in his hips bringing himself up against Sonic’s hot cunt.

Sonic eventually released his chest and leaned up straight again, gazing down at Shadow. His mouth dripped drool and blood down onto the alpha. “Look at me,” he panted. Shadow’s fingers clenched around his face. He couldn’t bear it. Sonic grabbed Shadow’s hand and pulled it away. “Watch me fuck you like you’re my omega.”

“Ahah~” Shadow whimpered pathetically as his eyes glazed over Sonic’s body above him. He shook his head, gripping at the bedding. He shook his head again, but now his back arched off the bed as his cock pumped his seed into Sonic. He quickly grabbed Sonic’s hips to press him down on his knot. “Deep, put it deep,” Shadow begged.

“Fuck.” Sonic gasped, grabbing hold of Shadow’s thighs as he ground against him. The knot swelled large in his pussy. “Good omega~ accepting my cum.” His pussy clenched around Shadow as he squirted at his own words, soaking Shadow.

Shadow panted, letting his tongue hang out of his mouth. He rubbed Sonic’s belly between his legs. “Feels so good… give me more.”

“You want more?” Sonic smirked and lifted as much as he could on Shadow’s knot before squishing himself back down.

“Mhm.” Shadow nodded now, moaning to him. “More cum.”

Sonic rubbed Shadow’s thighs as he pulsed and clenched his cunt around Shadow’s length. He continued to grind slowly. The alpha was reduced to a whimpering and writhing puddle underneath him, staring in awe up at Sonic. He shot another load within minutes. Sonic started to purr as he became full. He lifted Shadow’s hand to his mouth. He licked blood off of his ring and kissed it. “Let me hold you.” Sonic lied down on Shadow’s chest, sliding his arms beneath him to hug him. Shadow’s legs immediately wrapped around his hips. He moved his arms over Sonic’s shoulders, mimicking the way Sonic often held onto him.

“K… Kiss me. Please?” Shadow licked his lips. His body began to tremble as Sonic continued grinding between his legs.

“Mhm.” Sonic smiled at him and kissed his lips lovingly. Shadow gasped at his mouth and he spurted more cum inside him. Sonic chuckled softly before sliding his tongue between Shadow’s lips and holding him close. He finally let the alpha relax, lying down all the way. Shadow held onto Sonic’s quills, but his trembling arms eventually fell away. Sonic continued kissing him, tasting him, exploring his mouth as Shadow’s tongue lazily followed his around. He throbbed inside Sonic for the next hour.

Chapter Text

Several days passed. The partners had lost track of them. It was a hunting day or they still had leftovers in the fridge. Sonic didn’t leave his home much, but he and Shadow began to spend time with Tails some days. It started with Shadow hanging around nearby as Sonic and Tails did something, but eventually it become the three of them cuddled up on the couch watching movies. Shadow was actually surprised to find that he wasn’t jealous. He seemed to understand Tails as a part of Sonic’s family even if they weren’t related by blood.

Sonic laid in Shadow’s arms at the moment, consciousness slowly pulling him from the depths of sleep. They took the mornings slow. It’s when Sonic felt the most fatigued and sort of sick. As Sonic opened his eyes, nausea filled his belly and rose up his esophagus. He quickly leaned over the hammock and vomited onto the floor.

Shadow sat up behind him and rubbed his back. “Sonic? Are you okay?”

Sonic groaned softly, his noise wrinkling at the terrible taste in his mouth. “Yeah, it’s just… the morning sickness.” He looked down at the vomit on the floor. It was a mix of red and yellow.

“It’s never made you throw up before, has it?” Shadow got out of the nest and went to Sonic’s bathroom.

Sonic rubbed his head and slowly lied back down. He took deep breaths, trying to settle his stomach. “No…” He looked down at his stomach. It was different now. Slightly raised, rounded at the bottom. The first visual indication of pregnancy. He was afraid to see his friends in case they asked him about it or realized at all. For now, it could be passed as he’d had a few too many chili dogs, but there’s a timer on it all, and he was no closer to mending things with Amy.

Shadow crouched down with a towel and cleaned up the vomit. “Do you think eating will help?”

“I don’t know, what if I just throw it up?” Sonic sighed, watching. He felt bad having Shadow clean up his mess.

“Well, we’re out of food anyway.” Shadow picked up the towel. “Maybe your stomach will settle by the time I get back from hunting.”

Sonic whined. “Don’t go without me. I’m almost ready to make a kill myself.” He closed his eyes when the room started spinning.

“You’re not leaving home right now. We can wait a little while if you want, but I don’t want you to be hungry.” Shadow disposed of the towel. Shadow was right. Sonic feels terrible. He’s not sure he could walk without throwing up again. But his body slowly relaxed once he felt a large hand cup his stomach. “Starting to see it.”

“Oh, Chaos. Why did I agree to this?” Sonic hid his face in his hands. His body is going to become warped and unrecognizable. And his friends… they’re going to be so freaked out.

“You don’t like it?” Shadow’s hand shifted to his side.

“Like it? Why would I…?” Sonic opened his hands to look at Shadow.

The alpha was looking down at his belly with love pouring from his eyes. His tail patted the hammock gently. “Now we’ll get to see them from the outside. Get to watch them grow.”

Sonic smiled at him and sighed. It was difficult to be upset about it all when Shadow was so happy. He grabbed the photo of them from the nightstand. “They’re already so much bigger.”

“Your body must be doing a phenomenal job to grow them so quickly,” Shadow rumbled his praise.

“Yeah, yeah.” Sonic flushed a little. His brows furrowed and he covered his mouth as he was hit with another intense wave of nausea. Shadow lied down next to him and kissed his cheek. He rubbed circles into Sonic’s stomach, and that actually managed to chase away some of the sickness. “I’ve heard nausea only happens in the first part of pregnancy. Maybe it’ll be over soon since they’re growing so fast.”

“I hope so.” Shadow curled his body towards Sonic.

The omega closed his eyes again and tried to settle comfortably in the nest. He held onto Shadow’s wrist, keeping his hand there. The alpha’s scent was soothing for him too. They lied quietly until Sonic’s stomach growling broke the silence.

“Got to get you some food.” Shadow kissed Sonic’s shoulder.

“I’m feeling better. I can go.” Sonic took a deep breath. He was, but it wasn’t all gone.

“I think you should rest.” Shadow sat up.

“Shadow, I’m not going to be able to go out for much longer before everyone will know. Please.” Sonic looked up at him, grabbing his arm.

Shadow sighed and leaned down to kiss Sonic’s forehead. “Fine… but we’re going to walk.”

“Thank you, alpha.” Sonic sifted his fingers through Shadow’s chest fur. Shadow climbed out of the nest, and Sonic had to close his eyes to steady himself as the hammock swung. Shadow grabbed it to stop it then offered his hand. Sonic opened his eyes again and slowly got out with Shadow’s help. He’s pretty sure the meat will settle his stomach. His alpha got down on his knee put Sonic’s shoes on for him before he pulled on his own. Lately they haven’t worn their gloves out, especially when they’re only going out to hunt.

“What’s on the menu today?” Sonic smiled down at Shadow, thinking of when he proposed.

“Maybe deer again?” Shadow leaned forward to press a kiss to his stomach. “I liked how it lasted for days.”

“I wanted to give it a shot today. Catching something.” Sonic rubbed Shadow’s ear.

Shadow looked up at him and shook his head. “I’m not letting you go after a deer. They kick. And the buck’s antlers… I’ve definitely gone blind for a day thanks to them.”

“Um, how about rabbits? We could catch a few of them to have some later.” Sonic watched Shadow rise.

Shadow took his hand. “As soon as we make a move, they’ll all bolt. Let’s find a flock of birds. Geese. When you catch one, the others just fly a few feet away and settle back down as if nothing happened.”

“Okay.” Sonic smiled. He hasn’t tried any bird yet.

“But they’re usually in the water…” Shadow sighed. He walked out of the bedroom with him. “Let’s just take a look around.”

“I’m okay with the water. I want to get used to it. I want to follow you anywhere,” Sonic said sweetly as they walked outside. Just a few feet ahead of them was Amy walking towards the house. Oh, no.

Amy stopped and smiled at them. “Oh, hey guys. I was just coming to check on you.”

Sonic clasped his hands together in front of himself, but he couldn’t find a decent way to hide his stomach without drawing attention to it. The good news is she was distracted by the sight of his bare hands. “H-Hey. We were just headed out for lunch.”

“Mind if I walk with you?” Amy slowly pulled her gaze up from his hands.

“Uh, sure.” Sonic turned to walk towards the village. There was nothing for them to eat there, but he wasn’t going to walk out to the uninhabited section of the island after just telling her they were having lunch. Shadow and Amy fell into step at his sides. Shadow’s fur was standing up.

“Eggman’s been silent. Do you think he’s scheming again?” Amy looked over at his face.

“No.” Sonic shook his head. “After everything, he agreed to take a break.”

“That’s unlike him. Are you sure it’s not a trick?”

“I’m sure,” Sonic glanced at her. He was begging her not to press him for answers in his head.

“What have you been up to in your free time?” Amy eyed Shadow on Sonic’s other side before looking back to Sonic.

“Well, Shadow’s been living with Tails and I,” Sonic admitted. “So we’ve just been… uh, talking, going on runs. He’s been teaching me some things.”

Amy leaned closer to him. “Hey, look at me.”Sonic frowned and stopped walking, looking down at her. “What’s wrong with your eyes?” Amy took his face in her hands, looking into his multicolored eyes.

Sonic blinked and pulled out of her hands. “Um, they’re fine. They don’t hurt or anything. I just woke up one day and…” He shrugged, unsure what else to say about it.

Amy put her hands on her hips. “Is something going on with you? I feel like… things have been weird, right?”

Sonic rubbed his eyes, sighing. Shadow placed his hand low on Sonic’s back. “It’s omega stuff. You wouldn’t get it.”

“But Shadow does?” There wasn’t actually toxicity in her tone despite the words themselves being combative.

“Yes, as I’ve told you many times,” Sonic said through his teeth.

“Have you ever thought about spending more time around other alphas and omegas?” Amy tilted her head.

“No.” Sonic crossed his arms. “I have nothing against them, but I’m not going to seek them out.”

“Maybe you wouldn’t be so pent up if you had others around that understood you better,” Amy said gently.

“Shadow is enough. I have him to talk to.” Sonic rolled his eyes.

“Alright, alright.” Amy tucked her hands behind her back. She looked at her feet shyly. “Well, anyways, a couple of my friends are visiting from the mainland. I thought maybe you guys could help me welcome them? I have a day planned.”

Sonic softened as he watched her. “Yeah, Amy.” He felt bad when she got all timid like that. He brushed his hand along her arm. “We’ll come. I’m… I want to spend time with you guys. It’s just… really hard to explain what I’m going through. And you’re not making it easy. You, specifically.”

“You’re not being honest with us.” Amy looked up at him, and for a moment, that shyness was gone. She quickly looked back down. “I mean, I think everything could settle down if you really took the time to explain everything.”

A soft growl rumbled through Shadow’s throat behind Sonic. He was seeing something the omega wasn’t. Sonic put his hand back against Shadow’s stomach to calm him while he responded to Amy. “We’ll… I promise we’re going to sit down and talk it all out. Eventually. I’m not ready yet. I’m still… gathering my thoughts. But we can hang out as long as you don’t push me.”

“Alright, I won’t.” Amy smiled. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.” She leaned forward to kiss his cheek. He sighed as he felt Shadow press against his back.

The two of them watched her prance away. Shadow bowed his head and kissed at Sonic’s neck. He could feel his teeth brushing against his skin. Sonic patted Shadow’s muzzle to get him off, feeling possession leaking through Shadow’s mind.

“She’s up to something.” Shadow huffed, wrinkling his nose after it was tapped.

“She’s not a villain, Shadow.” Sonic leaned back into him. She wasn’t scheming. “As much as she may seem like it to you.”

Shadow grunted and pulled away from Sonic, walking off towards the empty part of the island.

Sonic pouted and jogged after him. “C’mon. You don’t really think she’s planning something nefarious, do you?”

“Well, she wasn’t being sincere.” Shadow folded his arms.

Sonic caught up to him. “Relax. You know she wouldn’t do anything to hurt me, don’t you?”

“Yes…” Shadow glanced at him.

“Then what does it matter? However she tries to pull us apart, we’ll get through it.” Sonic squeezed Shadow’s shoulder and smiled. “You’re my husband.”

Shadow took his hand and kissed his ring, smiling. “Well, technically, we’re not married yet. Haven’t had a wedding.”

“What’s that?” Sonic wrapped his arms around one of Shadow’s as they walked.

“It’s the ceremony. What makes it official. The partners’ friends and families come. You recite why you want to get married and then some… guy calls it done,” Shadow told him.

“But we don’t have families. And we didn’t want our friends to know. We did talk about why we wanted to get married. So it might as well be done with.” Sonic rotated his hand, watching the ring reflect the sun.

“If you want to call it done, I’m alright with that.” Shadow hummed, stopping as they came up on the edge of the swamp. They got lucky. There was a flock of geese out of the water, sifting through the tall grass searching for insects and plant roots to eat.

Sonic followed his gaze to check out the birds. They looked pretty fat. Sonic licked his lips. “Might as well.”

“Okay, husband.” Shadow wrapped his arm around Sonic’s waist. “You want to catch something for us?”

“Yeah.” Sonic nodded. Pressure grew in his gums as he imagined biting down into one of the birds. He tried to tune into his senses the way Shadow did, smelling the air. “What should I know about birds?”

“Well…” Shadow crouched in the grass, his eyes shifting to yellow. “You don’t have to worry about them running. Just have to get your hands on them before they take off. Be ready to jump. Ambush is pretty much the best method for all the prey around here.”

Sonic crouched down too. He was ready to push the grass down with his hands, but he could still see the geese. They were a mixture of colors. Red and orange and yellow, but everything around them was blue. Sonic stalked through the grass. Shadow watched him move. His eyes had turned yellow too. Sonic was able to see their thermal imprint like Shadow now. Shadow smiled and got comfortable hanging back.

This new vision made things a lot easier. He could see them without sticking his big blue head in their line of sight. They didn’t know he was there. They waddled along without a care in the world. Once he was close, Sonic braced his body and sprang towards them. He was already pinning one of the birds down before the others even managed to open their wings and take off. Sonic smirked. Poor, slow things. The goose screeched and batted its wings on the ground. Sonic grabbed its long neck in both hands and hunched down to take its head into his mouth. His teeth sunk into its throat with unusual ease. It thrashed in his mouth as his teeth closed around its vertebrae and squeezed until the joint popped out of place. He spit its severed head onto the ground.

Adrenaline filled his chest and blood filled his mouth. He’d made a kill. All on his own. He grinned and scanned the landscape. Some warm colors were ahead of him. The geese had landed again a few yards away. Sonic didn’t bother stalking them. He took off towards them, and they lifted into the air again, but he leapt after one of them. He sunk his claws into it and dragged down it with him. He fell into a crouch on the ground and quickly bit into its neck, this time ripping its windpipe out and severing its carotid artery, which he was actually able to pinpoint with his warmth-seeking vision. He let out a small growl into its feathers. His ears twitched as he heard footsteps. He turned around and saw a rainbow of warm colors walking towards him. He shifted his vision back to normal to see his alpha. His posture melted, his ears flattening submissively, and his tail wagging gently as he dropped to his knees. He held up the limp body of the goose, offering it to him.

Shadow crouched down in front of Sonic and looked him up and down. He grabbed Sonic’s chin to tilt his head up and pulled some feathers off of his mouth, letting them flow to the ground. He gazed into Sonic’s eyes. His voice was low and just a little raspy. Sonic recognized it as arousal. “Is this for me?”

Sonic nodded, his tail wagging faster as he grinned at the alpha.

Shadow’s eyes trailed down to Sonic’s mouth. He took the goose’s body from him and dragged his claws through its skin to take it off. He licked his lips. “My, my, look at those teeth. They’ve grown.”

“Hm?” Sonic brought his fingers up to his mouth, touching his teeth. Shadow was right. His canines felt longer, sharper, though they were still smaller than the alpha’s. He purred when Shadow pressed his lips against his. He opened his mouth and Shadow’s tongue traced his teeth. He bit it lightly, but it was enough for Shadow’s delicious blood to pour into his mouth. He moaned softly and sucked on Shadow’s tongue, pulling blood from the puncture wounds. The alpha’s hands worked between them to strip the goose. Once Shadow’s tongue bled no more, the alpha pulled from the kiss and licked Sonic’s saliva from his lips. He pulled a leg from the goose and sunk his teeth into its thigh. He ripped off a chunk of meat. Sonic moved closer to him, watching him closely as he ate his kill.

“Don’t need me to feed you anymore.” Shadow tilted the leg towards Sonic.

Sonic bit into it and tore off muscle easily. He chewed and swallowed. His nausea was long forgotten. “But I like it when you feed me.”

“Then I’ll feed you forever.” Shadow took some meat in his mouth and leaned in to give it to Sonic. The omega accepted it happily but connected their lips before Shadow could bring him more. They fed each other more and more of the bird, taking paused to taste each other’s mouths from time to time. Their arousal grew, filling the air with both of their scents mixing together. Sonic was getting full, so he lied back on the ground and spread his legs. His fur stood up with static, little bolts of electricity sparking around his torso. Shadow’s fur started to stand too the closer he got to his husband. His fingers pushed into Sonic’s pussy, pumping in and out of the slick hole without hesitation.

Sonic moaned softly and looked up at Shadow. He shook his head and grabbed his cock. He tapped it on his own cunt. “You know what I want.”

“Are you going to shock me?” Shadow bit his lip, watching the electricity pulsing around Sonic’s body as he leaned over him.

“I’ll try not to… but I’m definitely going to scratch~” Sonic felt Shadow’s chest fur, then dragged his fingers down to his belly, pressing his claws in harder as he went. Shadow gasped at first, on the edge of a moan, but then he hissed, his body clenching up. Something wet and warm flowed down Sonic’s hands. The omega looked at them. They were painted with blood. His claws. They were longer too. And sharp. He looked to Shadow. His belly was gashed open, bleeding freely down to his groin and staining his fur. “Oh, Chaos, Shads, are you—“

Sonic had to interrupt himself with a moan as Shadow’s cock suddenly filled him. He opened his legs wide and did shock the alpha from the inside. Shadow grunted and grabbed Sonic’s hand. He pressed it against his open wound and started thrusting into his cunt.

Sonic groaned, curling his toes as he felt Shadow hitting him deep. “W-Wait, Shadow, you’re hurt.” He pressed his hand firmly on the gashes, trying to stop the bleeding and prevent anything else from spilling out if they were that deep.

“Let me take care of you first,” Shadow whispered, but it was clear his movements weren’t about Sonic. The alpha’s eyes were squeezed shut as he thrusted slowly, savoring each inch of Sonic hugging his cock.

Sonic whimpered, his legs beginning to tremble as his g-spot was nudged gently. It was like a tease. He couldn’t help but to dig his claws into Shadow’s flesh. Shadow moaned and thrusted hard, snapping his hips forward between his thighs. Sonic gasped. His back arched off the ground as Shadow reached his deepest. He looked up at the alpha that was biting his lip. He pressed his hands on Sonic’s chest and started humping him. Sonic panted softly. “You like it, don’t you?”

Shadow’s brows furrowed. He didn’t open his eyes or speak. One of his hands migrated down to rub over Sonic’s clit erratically. The omega squeaked and shut his legs between them. Shadow growled and rubbed his hand faster. His humping became rougher, the space where their bodies met heating with friction.

“Hah~ s-slow down.” Sonic writhed on the ground. His back arched more and more as Shadow rubbed him furiously, not letting up. Then Sonic’s body tensed as he squirted. Shadow immediately spread his legs open wide and started thrusting quickly, nearly pulling out all the way and slamming back in. Sonic cried out and gripped at Shadow’s wound, needing something to hold onto even more than the alpha needed him to apply pressure. He was fucking the squirt right out of him. Sonic’s cunt pulsed and spurted squirt around his cock. Shadow groaned and stared down at the shiny wet flesh stretched around him.

“I’d let you slash my guts out as long as I could fuck this tight little cunt after.” Shadow popped it the way Sonic popped his muzzle.

Sonic whimpered, his hips twitching up against his hand. He forced his hands loose and pressed his palms on Shadow’s stomach. “I’ll slash your guts out as long as you fuck it like this.”

Shadow growled, an expression of extreme arousal. He reached to grab the quills on top of Sonic’s head. He pulled the omega’s head to make him look down at his pussy. “Watch,” he commanded.

“Yes, alpha~” Sonic whined, panting like a dog, his tongue dripping saliva onto his chest. He could see his pussy stretching thin around Shadow’s cock. It nearly closed around him when he pushed in, and when he pushed out, Sonic’s hole became a ring clinging to his dick, begging it not to go. The sight filled his belly with heat. Sonic doesn’t get to see it much. He groaned as he squirted again and his insides began cramping. He grabbed Shadow’s wrist. Keep holding his head up. He wanted to see Shadow’s knot stretch him even more.

“Fuck, I’m going to fill you up so good. Our babies ought to move out of the damn way…” Shadow put his hand on Sonic’s stomach and tensed his fingers, nearly gripping it.

Sonic whimpered and pressed his belly into his alpha’s palm. “I’ll always have room for more of your babies,” Sonic promised.

“Good boy~” Shadow slowed down, but he thrusted hard, pulling on Sonic’s head as he did. He groaned and his hips stuttered against Sonic as he came. Sonic purred loudly as he watched Shadow’s cock swell. His pussy nearly turned white under all the pressure. He rubbed his own pussy, feeling Shadow’s base and his stretched lips. Shadow panted hard and let go of his head. He pressed his palm into the mud, hunching over Sonic.

Sonic’s eyes were hazy, his mind lost somewhere in ecstasy. But he could feel something dripping on his belly. He looked lazily at his hands. He stuck his fingers in his mouth, licking Shadow’s blood off them. So sweet. He wished Shadow could be his meal every day. His fingers then trailed down Shadow’s torso and touched his wounds. His fingertips pushed into one of them. Shadow winced and instinctively pressed his hips firmer against the omega. Sonic felt the warm, wet flesh briefly. He pulled his fingers away. “We gotta… gotta wrap that. Get you to sleep.” Shadow nodded. He rubbed his eyes, feeling a little tired now. Sonic leaned up on his elbows. He nuzzled his face. “I can get you home.”

“I got it,” Shadow mumbled. He slowly got to his feet, pulling Sonic up on his waist. Sonic wrapped his arms and legs around Shadow and kissed his lips. Shadow ran his hands through Sonic’s quills as he kissed him back. Their lips broke a moment later, and Shadow grabbed the geese’s bodies. Sonic took them for him, and the alpha dashed home. He hoped to be fast enough that they’d be a blur to anyone they passed, but each long stride pulled at his knot. They might as well have been fucking the whole way. Both were panting by the time they got back into Sonic’s house. Shadow shoved the geese in the fridge, not caring about breaking them down or hiding them at the moment. They were in Sonic’s room a moment later.

“Under the sink,” Sonic said breathlessly. He held onto the alpha as he leaned over to grab bandages from under the sink. Sonic reached to wet a rag at the tap. He dropped to his feet, leaning his hips forward so their thighs and groins were pressed together. He tried to ignore the fact both of them were throbbing between his legs. He wiped the wound and cleaned his fur. Shadow was silent, but his cock was twitching in Sonic. Sonic smirked at the feeling. He dropped the rag and wrapped gauze around Shadow’s waist to cover the deepest parts of the claw marks. Shadow was watching his movements. Sonic sliced the gauze with his new sharp claws once it was thoroughly wrapped. Then he shoved his thumb over the wound through the bandages and moved his hips back and forth against Shadow as much as he could on his knot.

Shadow gasped and grabbed Sonic’s ass in both hands. Their stomachs pressed together each time Sonic came against him. He groaned and sunk his claws into Sonic’s butt. The omega gasped too, lifting his leg. Shadow hooked his arm under Sonic’s knee and pressed him against the wall. He thrusted up at his cunt, but they were reduced to humping against one another as the knot was reluctant to move. Sonic grabbed Shadow’s throat too, sinking his claws into each side. Shadow had this strange grin on his face as he leaned into Sonic’s hand. He rumbled, pleased. His panting stopped under the pressure. His hips struggled against him rapidly until there was another load filling the insides of the omega. Shadow swayed and Sonic slid a few inches down the wall. He had to let go of Shadow’s throat. The alpha sucked in air greedily and snatched Sonic’s hips. He walked quickly to their nest and got inside.

Sonic bit his lip and watched Shadow’s face as he lied on his back. He pressed his foot into Shadow’s wound as his pussy clenched and massaged. Shadow’s moans got higher and more pathetic. Sonic put his other foot on Shadow’s chest. They were the only thing keeping the alpha from falling on him as he was milked dry. Shadow looked at him with these terribly tired bedroom eyes that made Sonic want to play with him for the rest of the day.

Chapter Text

Sonic was being gently rocked when he woke up the next morning. Like the hammock was swaying. But the movement was concentrated in his hips. Shadow was steadily thrusting into him from behind. Sonic curled up a little and covered his mouth. There was pleasure in his groin but great discomfort in his belly. “Shadow… You’re going to make me throw up.”

Shadow grunted softly, nuzzling his face in Sonic’s neck. His hand slid across Sonic’s hip onto his belly. “I’m almost done.”

Sonic whimpered and opened his mouth to take deep breaths. He tried to push down the bile rising in his throat. It felt like he was on a boat, and he’s the type to get terribly sea sick. He gasped as Shadow thrusted hard against his butt and released his seed. Sonic clamped his hand over his mouth. Shadow filling him just seemed to push his stomach contents further up.

Shadow moaned quietly and curled around Sonic’s back before shifting gears. He stroked Sonic’s quills. “I put a trash can on the floor in case you need it.”

Sonic opened his eyes. He leaned over and grabbed it, holding it under his face. He wasn’t sure if he was actually going to throw up. Shadow rubbed his back, and he closed his eyes again, relaxing. Shadow rarely slept. Even safe and comfortable with his omega, he liked to watch over him at night while he was vulnerable. But he often teased himself touching Sonic and watching him in his sleep. One day, Sonic woke up to see Shadow so hard and swollen that the opening to his sheath was cutting off circulation. Then Sonic told him he didn’t mind if Shadow used him in his sleep. Sonic often woke up knotted or leaking semen. He didn’t mind at all. Except for now. He still felt like he was rocking even though his body had stilled.

“I… probably shouldn’t have…” With arousal fading away, Shadow was coated in guilt. “I’m sorry.”

Sonic shook his head. He cleared his throat and set the bin down. He slowly retreated back into the hammock and lied down. “It’s okay.” He spread his legs a little, getting comfortable on the knot.

“I thought you’d sleep a bit longer. You’re not nauseous when you’re sleeping.” Shadow nibbled the edge of Sonic’s ear.

Sonic’s ear twitched against Shadow’s face, smiling. “I would assume not.”

Shadow cupped Sonic’s jaw and rubbed his thumb on his lip. “I can smell the bile. But not until the moments you’re waking up.”

Sonic leaned his mouth away and covered it. “Oh, why would you tell me that? Take me to brush my teeth.”

Shadow rumbled, turning Sonic’s head back towards him. “I don’t care what you smell like.” He kissed his lips.

Sonic’s first instinct was to kiss back, but he pulled away. “I must taste awful.”

“Don’t care,” Shadow repeated, pulling Sonic’s mouth open. He stuck his tongue inside, licking the other hedgehog’s teeth and tongue.

Sonic was embarrassed of course, but he didn’t deny the alpha. He did his best not to think of how he must taste as he kissed Shadow. Their tongues met and brushed against one another. Shadow’s edged to the back of Sonic’s mouth, getting just a little too close to his throat. Sonic pulled from his lips and quickly leaned over the hammock to vomit into the bin.

“Do I taste that bad?” Shadow smiled a little, patting Sonic’s back lightly.

Sonic groaned and hung limply over the edge of the hammock. “You taste amazing, Shads. But you tried to fondle my uvula.”

“I did not.” Shadow chuckled softly. He lied over Sonic’s back, resting his chin between Sonic’s shoulder blades.

Sonic reached a hand back into the nest to rub Shadow’s thigh pressed against him. He wiped his mouth with his other hand. “How’s your belly? You get some sleep?”

“Enough.” Shadow nodded, consciously pressing his stomach against the omega. He kissed at his back. “It’s still there, but it’s not open.”

“I wanna be cleaned up when we go out today. So no biting.” Sonic looked back at him. Shadow grumbled and dragged his teeth through his fur. Sonic bit his lip. “I’ll let you do whatever you want to me later. As long as you play nice. Because we can shut in for days after making this appearance.”

“You’ll let me bite as much as I want?” Shadow’s nose brushed up Sonic’s back.

“Yeah~” Sonic hummed.

“Wherever I want?” Shadow breathed on Sonic’s gland.

It had been swollen for days. Its scent was palpable. It had even begun to ache a bit. He wanted to say yes. His gland wanted him to say yes. “Anywhere but there.” Sonic pushed Shadow’s face away gently. “I’ll even let you make my pussy bleed.”

“My pussy, you mean?” Shadow hooked his arm around Sonic’s neck.

“Mhm.” Sonic smiled, holding onto Shadow’s arm. “That’s what I meant.”

Shadow kissed his cheek and sighed. “I guess that’s a good enough deal.”

“No yelling or growling or breaking shit, right?”

“Within reason…” Shadow’s pulled the omega back into the nest in his arms.

Sonic closed his eyes. “You are not reasonable.”

“Neither is the way Amy touches you,” Shadow muttered.

“Are you seriously getting jealous thinking about girl hugging me while your knot is locked into me and I’m pregnant with your pups?”

There was a pause. Then quiet words. “It’s not jealousy…”

“Sure.” Sonic cuddled into his arms. Their limbs became tangled, and their quills mixed in with one another’s. They lied together for a long while. Sonic didn’t throw up again, and the nausea faded. Shadow’s knot shrunk, but Sonic kept pressed against his groin so his soft cock was kept warm inside his cunt. Shadow was forced to press kisses along his neck and shoulder, unable to bite.

Sonic’s stomach growled. “Right on schedule.” He looked out his window at the state of the sun.

Shadow’s cock fell out as he sat up. “I’ll be right back.”

Sonic took his arm. “I don’t think I should eat.”

Shadow frowned, gazing down at him. “Why?”

“Raw meat gets us both going. We’re probably going to scratch and bite and I’ll be knotted for at least another hour.” Sonic sat up in front of him. “Amy’s expecting us for brunch. Let’s see if I’m still an omnivore.”

“What if it doesn’t do anything for you? You’ll be starving.” Shadow took his hand.

“Then we’ll… call it early. If I really get uncomfortable.” Sonic kissed his nose and stepped out of the nest.

After a long shower and a quick trip to the market, Sonic and Shadow stopped at Amy’s doorstep. Before either knocked, Sonic turned to Shadow. He smoothed out the alpha’s puffy chest fur and licked at his cheek. “Remember what I said?”

“Be nice, and I get to bite the shit out of you later?” Shadow huffed, but he let his omega groom him. They wouldn’t be this affectionate inside.

“Something like that.” Sonic pecked his lips. “Ready?”

Shadow looked Sonic’s body up and down. “Mhm.”

“Mhm,” Sonic repeated and took a deep breath. He knocked on her door.

A moment later Amy opened it and gave him a big hug like she hadn’t just seen him yesterday. Sonic was immediately nervous, ears pointed to the alpha beside him, but there wasn’t so much as a growl from him. Amy pulled away and smiled at him. “I was beginning to worry you wouldn’t come.”

“Oh, are we late?” Sonic tilted his head.

Amy had to think about it. “Not really. But you happened to be the last to show.” She stepped out of the way.

As they walked in, Shadow paused, his fur bristling. Sonic looked at him with his brows furrowed. What’s riling him up? He handled the hug just fine. Sonic smelled the air. There were traces of his friends and food. And some other vaguely familiar smell that didn’t bring Sonic any concern. He lifted the melon in his hands. “We didn’t know what you already had, but we figured we should bring something since you’re hosting.”

“Thank you!” Amy hummed. “I’ll get something to cut it with if you set it on the table.” She walked off for the kitchen.

Sonic looked up at Shadow, whispering to him. “What’s the matter?”

“Uh…” Shadow’s nose twitched.

“Well, I’m hungry, so…” Sonic took his hand and pulled him along. He nearly had to drag the alpha into the dining room. A long table was set and covered in plates of finger foods like little meats and cheeses. Rouge was sitting at the table fiddling with a toothpick. At the head of the table sat Scourge, a particularly bold omega, leaning back in his seat with his feet propped up next to a bowl of chips.

Before Sonic could have an outburst, Scourge smelled the air and looked up at the pair. He dropped his feet from the table and stood up. “Sonic The Hedgehog!” He walked over to them, walking a circle around them. His eyes were on the alpha. His scent filled the air around them. “I see you’ve brought a tall glass of water with you. Unclaimed?” He stopped in front of Shadow and grabbed his jaw, tilting the alpha’s head to the side to get a look at his neck. “Whatever would you be waiting for?”

Shadow’s nostrils flared and he stared at Scourge with wide eyes. He’s never been around another omega. Sonic grabbed Scourge’s wrist, his lip pulling up. “Our relationship is none of your business.”

“Relationship? I wouldn’t call it that.” Scourge shrugged and yanked his arm from Sonic’s grip. He leaned against the table.

Amy walked in from the kitchen with a knife. She looked at the three hedgehogs, and her lips sort of wriggled around as she tried to maintain control of her expression. “You remember Scourge, don’t you?” She took the melon from Sonic and placed it on a platter.

“Of course, I remember Scourge,” Sonic said through his teeth.

“Well, he’s been thinking about moving this way. Thought we could show him around today.” Amy started slicing the melon.

Scourge had a little smirk on his face, still looking at Shadow. “I didn’t know there were any alphas out this way.”

“Well, we just have the one.” Amy pointed the knife towards Shadow before going back to the melon. “But maybe you guys would get along.”

Sonic understood it all now. The jealousy. He’d even argue this was worse. Much worse. An omega was here. And Shadow had been reacting to him since they walked into the home. He looked at Shadow now. The alpha’s fur and quills were still bristled, but he had his eyes on Sonic. He was looking to him for guidance, for reassurance, and that made Sonic feel just a little more secure. His stomach growled.

Shadow cleared his throat and took Sonic’s arm. His voice was almost timid. “You should eat.” Sonic sighed and nodded. He and Shadow sat down at the table.

Amy set the knife down and arranged the melon slices on the platter. “Let me get Knuckles and Tails from out back.” He walked off. Sonic reached for a chili dog he saw on the table.

Scourge sat on the table next to Shadow. His legs were spread quite impolitely with one of his knees brushing Shadow’s arm. “Since Sonic had decided to be rude and not introduce you, why don’t you introduce yourself?”

Shadow’s leg bounced nervously under the table. He wouldn’t look at Scourge. “My name is Shadow. I moved here a few years ago from another planet.”

“Oh, really? Me too. Which one?” Scourge leaned in.

“Earth,” Shadow answered stiffly.

Their little conversation was pissing Sonic off, but it wouldn’t exactly be reasonable to shut it down. He looked to Rouge as he chewed his chili dog. She looked nervous too. She tried to smile at him.

Knuckles and Tails came into the dining room. Tails sat at Sonic’s other side and Knuckles patted Sonic on the head. “Hello, hedgehogs.”

“Hey.” Sonic watched the echidna move around to sit by Rouge. He was oblivious to the tension as was Tails. Sonic relaxed just a bit when Scourge moved away to sit back down at the head of the table.

Amy sat too. “I know you and Scourge haven’t always gotten along, but I thought you’d have more in common now that you’re open about being an omega.”

Scourge popped some grapes in his mouth. “Can’t believe you managed to hide it for so long. What made you come out of the closet?”

Sonic swallowed the last of his chili dog. It tasted good to him, but he no longer saw the point of the bread. He went for the finger sausages on toothpicks. He twisted his ring around his finger. “It was an accident. My heat got off schedule. There was no way to put the mask back on after…”

“That’s tough. So you and Shadow just help each other out during breeding cycles?” Scourge ran his fingers along the table cloth.

Sonic bit down on a toothpick until it snapped. He pulled the end of it out of his mouth. “Kind of.”

Scourge nodded and let the main conversation shift to others at the table. Sonic was unusually quiet. Anyone who hadn’t picked up the tension immediately were getting clued in now. Shadow kept glancing from Scourge to Sonic. He was the only individual that wasn’t eating anything. Eventually, everyone else’s eating slowed down, and Amy suggested they go check out the market district. Rouge and Tails helped her to collect the leftover food and put it in the fridge. Knuckles left to lie down on the couch and fight off a nap.

Sonic rubbed Shadow’s thigh under the table, and the alpha parted his legs, sending one of them close to Sonic. Shadow looked at him and whispered, “Do you want to leave?”

Sonic sighed and rubbed his forehead. This moment isn’t the problem. It’s that it happened at all. The lead up. Amy had stared him dead in the face yesterday and acted all sweet. How long had she been planning to put Scourge in a room with Shadow, knowing what he’d do? Leaving wasn’t going to help. It felt hopeless now like she would never give up on him or believe that Shadow is sincere.

“So how is he?” Scourge asked, now leaning over the back of Sonic’s chair.

Sonic was already frustrated with the conversation. “What?”

“In bed. I bet his knot gets huge.” Scourge walked past Shadow’s chair. The alpha flushed.

Sonic watched him, growling softly. “That’s none of your business.”

“Maybe it will be.” Scourge sat himself in Shadow’s lap.

Sonic jumped up from his seat, knocking the chair over onto the floor. He shoved Scourge onto the floor too and climbed in Shadow’s lap to hiss down at him. “Get your sleezy ass off of him!”

Scourge smirked, leaning up on his elbows. It’s impossible to tell if he was actually attracted to Shadow or if he was just happy to piss Sonic off. “Why should I? He’s not yours.”

“Just because we’re not mated… that doesn’t mean he’s not mine!” Sonic insisted as three heads peeked out of the kitchen to observe the confrontation. Shadow held onto Sonic’s waist and pulled him down gently, trying to settle him. It didn’t work.

“That’s exactly what that means.” Scourge cocked a brow.

Sonic got off of his alpha to stand over Scourge. “He is mine. I’m already carrying his pups. He chose me to have them, not you. Not anyone else. Not ever.”

The room was stuffed full with silence for long enough that Sonic had realized what he said. He covered his mouth with both hands and looked around. Amy was standing in the doorway to the dining room. Her eyes were locked onto Shadow, who looked completely overwhelmed with the situation at the moment. “You got him pregnant?”

Shadow blinked, and slowly, his gaze shifted to her. He smiled.

Rouge tried to grab her, but Amy was almost as fast as Sonic sliding across the table, picking up the knife, and knocking Shadow into the floor. Shadow groaned loudly as she stabbed into his chest. He grabbed the hand of the blade, and she let go. She started hitting him in the face with both fists, but it wasn’t even enough force to make his head move. “And you didn’t even mate him? What is wrong with you?” She screeched.

Shadow lied there on the floor, letting her hit him. He was still smiling. They knew now. He and Sonic could mate.

Sonic was horrified to see his alpha stabbed. Horrified like it could’ve been the death of him. He grabbed onto one of Amy’s arms and tried to pull her off. “Ames, wait, I—“ The air was knocked out of him as Amy’s elbow hit him in the midsection and sent him falling back against the table then to the floor.

And then everyone lunged for Shadow, except for Scourge of course. But by the time anyone reached him, he had grabbed Amy’s head in his hand and threw her through the wall of the house. She tumbled outside. Shadow shrugged off the hands trying to restrain him. He pulled Sonic to his feet and cupped his cheeks. “Are you okay?”

Sonic was looking out the hole in the wall, trying to see if Amy was okay. “S-Shadow, don’t. Please don’t. I’m okay. Really, I’m good.”

Amy reappeared panting and bleeding from her head. She stumbled into the house again and walked into another room. She returned with her hammer and stepped up to them, cocking her arms back. Shadow’s hand might as well have teleported around her throat. Her arms hesitated as she choked. He lifted her off the ground, and slammed her down on the table, breaking it in half underneath her. “Not around Sonic!” he snarled. He grabbed her ankle and began to drag her outside.

Sonic grabbed her hand and planted his feet on the floor, trying to slow the alpha down. “Shadow! Come on, alpha~ Take me home.”

Shadow looked back at him. The sweet words might have worked, but Amy gathered enough consciousness to snatch her hand from Sonic and take her hammer. She swung it into Shadow’s legs as hard as she could, and both of the alpha’s knees dislocated. His legs contorted into an unnatural shape as he fell onto his hands and knees. Shadow’s fur stood high, his quills prickly. He stared back at Amy as he unhooked his inhibitor rings and let them hit the floor with a clang. His eyes began to glow. As he got to his feet slowly, his knees popped into place on their own. Amy gasped and reared her arms back to swing at him again, aiming for his head this time. Shadow simply put his hand out. The hammer stopped instantly as it came into contact with his palm. Shadow lunged for her and bit into her throat. She screamed the loudest, most piercing scream any of them had ever heard. When Shadow pulled back, he had her flesh in his teeth. He spit it onto the ground. She wasn’t even worth eating. Amy dropped her hammer so she could grab her throat. It was pouring blood onto the floor. She gurgled and gasped, her body twitching. Shadow wiped his mouth and got off of her.

“Amy? Amy!” Sonic cried, getting on his knees by her head. He pressed his hands at her throat firmly, but it wasn’t doing a thing for the blood loss. She needed help right now. He lifted her into his arms and dashed for Eggman’s facility without even giving Shadow another glance.

Chapter Text

Shadow’s fur slowly settled down. He wiped blood from his nose and stepped over to Scourge who was still on the ground, staring at him, but there was no longer an ounce of lust or playfulness in his eyes. Shadow hit him across the face, sending him all the way against the floor. “Learn some fucking manners,” he growled. Scourge yelped and scrambled out of the house. He took a deep breath and stood up straight, holding onto the table. He looked down at the knife sticking out of his chest.

Rouge approached him tentatively, stepping through the broken furniture and dishes littering the floor. She wrapped her hand around the handle. Shadow shook his head and took her wrist. He could feel his heart beating into the knife. If she pulled it out now, he would bleed until he passed out. He rubbed his brow. His omega had left him for the first time since they discovered he was pregnant. And that made Shadow sick to his stomach. But he knew why. Amy would’ve bled out if the fastest of them hadn’t taken her. Hell, she even still might bleed out. He watched Tails and knuckles leave the home.

Shadow looked at his friend. “If I go to him, I’ll kill her.”

Rouge’s face was dark and sad. She picked Shadow’s chest fur out of his wound. “I know.”

“But I need to make sure he’s okay. He can’t be alone, Rouge. He’s pregnant.” Shadow grabbed her hand tightly.

“I-I know, Shadow.” Rouge stepped back. She’d never seen him like this. Not this violent, driven by instinct. She didn’t realize the depth of what it meant to be an alpha and have a growing family to protect.

Shadow let go of her hand, seeing her fear. “Can you check on him? Please. Tell Eggman to check on the babies.”

Rouge’s brows furrowed. Eggman already knew? What has been going on? “Yeah, sure…”

“Go on then.” Shadow gestured at her. Her gaze lingered on his chest for a moment, but she ultimately flew away. The alpha spun in a circle, taking inventory of the mess around him. “Oh, Chaos. What have I done?” He lifted both ends of the table, but obviously they wouldn’t stay together. He looked at his trembling hands. He searched the floor until he found his rings. He quickly clasped them over his wrist, and the energy inside him calmed. He was filled with fatigue then. He’d used his energy to heal his legs instantly, but he shouldn’t have. He felt aches in his body now. He just wanted his omega. He wanted to be held, and he wanted to listen to all of those hearts.

It wasn’t that Shadow regretted hurting Amy. No, she deserved this. And most of him hoped she would die. He didn’t see another way to solve this. But he was afraid that Sonic was upset with him. Not even a kiss goodbye before dashing away. He didn’t want Sonic to be upset, even if Shadow’s actions were justified. A part of him hoped she lived so Sonic wouldn’t have to grieve her. But this was over. He was done playing this game. Sonic had a decision to make. Shadow had let himself be strung along for too long. His wounded heart pulled him to his husband, but he forced himself to stumble towards home.

—————————————————————

Amy was lying in a hospital bed. Her neck was bound in bandages. The rhythm of her heart beeped through a monitor. She was awake but barely. She had her head turned away from him, tears in her eyes. Sonic wasn’t really trying to catch her gaze. He was sitting in a chair by the wall. He rubbed his forehead, grappling with the loneliness settling heavy in his stomach being away from his alpha. Even without being mated, his body knew who his pups belonged to, and he was supposed to be with him. His pups were just fine. He’d been in the way of Amy’s arm and lost his balance. He wasn’t exactly hit. He did have them checked out when Rouge came to him from Shadow. He was holding a new picture now. They weren’t just ovals anymore. Their heads had begun to differentiate themselves from their bodies. Growing rapidly indeed. The transition from the bottom of his belly to his pubic mound was no longer flat. He traced his fingers up and down the center of his stomach. Their father protected them fiercely. He felt completely safe whenever he was around.

Sonic sighed softly and rested his cheek on his hand. “I don’t feel bad for you.” Sonic mumbled. “You’ve made it impossible.”

Amy whimpered softly and clutched the thin blanket draped over herself.

“I mean. Damn. You stabbed him. Stabbed my alpha.” Sonic chewed his lip, thinking of Shadow and hoping he was alright. He needed to go check on him. “And bringing Scourge here? That was a snake move, Ames. You’re lucky, really.”

Shadow knew how to kill. The only reason she isn’t dead is because he injured her intending to watch her die. He nicked her artery, not severed it. She still would’ve bled out in minutes, but Sonic was able to get her here, and Eggman did a rush job to cauterize her wound. She had been at the edge of her life. Some strength began to find her again now as she received a blood transfusion. It wasn’t real blood. Something Eggman cooked up that mimicked Sonic’s. She needed hedgehog blood, but he wasn’t willing to give her his fresh blood because his babies needed it.

“I know you can talk,” Sonic looked at her. “He didn’t get your pipes.”

“What do you want me to say?” she whispered. Pain was rich in her voice whether it be physical or emotional.

Sonic tapped his foot, considering. “Are you done? Like really done.”

“Yes,” she mumbled, defeated.

“Obviously, he’s a permanent part of my life now. He is not going anywhere. But you… your place in my life isn’t concrete. If you don’t accept him, you don’t accept me, and we can’t be friends anymore. That’s the end of it.” Sonic gripped the arms of the chair. “I’ve given you enough chances. And you played me like a fool.”

“I’m sorry…” Amy sniffled. “I’m sorry that he decided to take you. I was just trying to show you that you’re not special to him. Like you are to me.” She stared at the wall.

Sonic groaned. “I am special to him. You don’t know what it’s like to be loved by someone who hates everyone else. It literally breathes air into my lungs. It makes me feel like I can’t die. It makes me feel like the last star in the universe, the only light in a dark world. You… you’ve never paid attention to him. Your eyes were always on me. You haven’t seen the way he looks at me.” Sonic got up from his chair. “You need to see it. That’s the last hand I’m offering you.” He loomed over her hospital bed, his lip pulling into a small snarl. “Don’t bite it.”

Amy flinched. “Okay…” It wasn’t clear to her what he was going to do, but she didn’t want to fight with him.

“I’ll be back.” Sonic took a deep breath. “Think about it while I’m gone. You want to be Shadow and I’s friend? Or you want to never see me again? Up to you.” He left her with that. On his way out, he suggested his friends go see her because he wanted to be alone with her again when he got back. He rode the elevator up to the surface. He took his time walking home.

He walked into a quiet home. He hoped Shadow was here. He looked around and caught a small blood trail leading to his bedroom. He opened his door and followed the trail to their nest. Shadow was resting on his back, his hand resting on a pile of stained gauze that was pressed against his chest. He was wearing his muzzle strapped tight around his head. His tail patted the nest and his breath quickened as he saw his omega. Sonic climbed into the nest and Shadow immediately leaned up to press his cheek into Sonic’s stomach and listen to their babies.

Sonic stroked his quills, looking down at him. “We’re okay.” His body slowly relaxed under the alpha’s touch. He showed Shadow the picture. Shadow dropped his gauze to pick up the photo. He smiled. Sonic pushed him down gently. He lied across Shadow’s stomach and took a look at his chest. There was a slit in the center from the blade. It was deep, sinking through his muscle between his ribs. With each slow beat of his heart, blood bubbled out of the slit. Sonic pressed his face into his chest fur and licked the edges of the wound gently, collecting the blood with his tongue. Shadow’s breath became heavier. Sonic slipped his finger in the slit and felt his wet flesh. It was like a warm pocket around him. He could feel movement. Thumping under his finger tip. He looked up at Shadow. “Why are you wearing your muzzle?”

Shadow puffed out his chest, pressing into Sonic’s touches. “I’m not taking it off until you let me bite you.”

Sonic reached up to trace the leather. A small smile curled his lips. “Shadow…”

“There’s no excuse anymore.” Shadow gazed down at him. “You have to choose.”

“I have. I want your heart.” Sonic’s hands brushed up through his chest fur. He dragged his tongue across the stab wound with just enough pressure to dip inside. He was drawn in by its warmth and sweet flavor. His tongue sunk between his ribs.

Shadow shivered, his breath catching. He squirmed in the nest. He cupped Sonic’s cheek. “It was yours ages ago.”

Sonic pressed his face into Shadow’s chest. The alpha hissed as Sonic licked his insides, spreading the wound around his tongue. Shadow’s claws ripped into the nest. His heart beat faster, spurting blood into Sonic’s mouth. Sonic forced himself to pull away. He lifted his head and wiped the blood off his mouth. He gathered the gauze and pressed it into Shadow’s chest. “Shouldn’t play with it…”

Shadow panted and ran his hands through his own quills. He looked down at his chest and then Sonic’s mouth. Did Sonic just… eat out his stab wound? Fuck, Shadow loves this hedgehog. He bit down on the bar in his muzzle, whimpering.

Sonic put his hands on either side of Shadow’s muzzle, holding it. He could tell Shadow was biting. He kissed the front of the muzzle softly. “Come with me.” Sonic slid down out of the nest. He offered his hand. Shadow took it. Their hands were soft and bare. He got out of the nest on unsteady legs. Sonic wrapped his arms around Shadow’s waist to help support his weight. “Are you okay?”

Shadow slowly opened his aching jaws. “I used my energy a little… irresponsibly.” Shadow looked at him. “I’ll be fine after a little sleep.”

“Alright. We need to take care of something first.” Sonic started walking slowly with him.

“We do?” Shadow’s hand ran along the wall. Sonic opened the door and helped him out. Shadow looked out at the landscape. “Is she alive? I can’t see her. I’ll kill her.”

“No, you won’t.” Sonic took Shadow’s hand and put it on his stomach. “Because that could put the pups in danger.”

Shadow nodded in agreement immediately. How could he have been so careless earlier throwing Amy around? She could’ve hit Sonic. He was calmed easily by the omega’s touch. He rubbed his belly. He let Sonic led him all the way to Eggman’s bunker. The alpha did become more nervous and unsure though. His ears lowered on his head and he had to be pulled by his hand. Sonic brought him all the way into Amy’s room. They stood by the doorway.

“Can we have the room for a little while, guys?” Sonic glanced around at his friends. They looked at each other first, then nodded. They gave Shadow as wide of a girth as they could while they passed. Sonic shut the door and walked over to Amy’s bed while Shadow remained frozen and bristling by the door. Sonic smiled over at him. “Come to me, alpha~”

Shadow’s ears drooped submissively. His fur flattened down as all of his attention moved onto the omega. He walked over slowly to stand in front of him. Sonic reached up to unstrap his muzzle. Stars filled Shadow’s eyes as his tail wagged excitedly. Was Sonic finally going to let him bite? Sonic grinned and even flushed a little at Shadow’s elation. He set the muzzle down next to him on the bed and kissed Shadow’s lips. Shadow kissed back eagerly and took his hips. Sonic cupped his face and guided him down. The tips of their tongues traced one another as Sonic lied down across the bed and Shadow followed. Sonic pulled away from the kiss and scooted along the bed until his head hung off the edge. His neck was fully exposed, his throat bulging towards Shadow. He looked over at Amy who was staring at them.

“He knows how to be gentle. He loves me.” Sonic’s fingers moved through Shadow’s quills as the alpha leaned down and kissed his neck with light pecks. He lowered himself to press his body against Sonic. His lips parted and his tongue touched Sonic’s neck. He inhaled deeply against his gland. Shadow was just too excited. His cock slid out of his sheath between them. Sonic smiled and felt his chest. His thumbs rubbed the edges of Shadow’s wound. As Shadow’s tongue slicked his gland, hot moisture settled between Sonic’s legs. “The pregnancy could hardly be called an accident. He’s been trying to claim me for a while. But I didn’t let him.” Sonic gasped softly when Shadow’s canines brushed his swollen gland. “I was afraid of how you guys would react, but… it doesn’t matter. You don’t matter to me like he does. He’s the father of my pups, and I—“ Sonic yelped when Shadow’s teeth sunk deep into his gland.

Sonic’s vision went white. He was flooded with flashes of Earth and the ARK, Shadow’s life before him. He saw labs and syringes and wires. But he also saw a warm bedroom, fairy lights, and a record player. He saw drawings and rollerblades and board games and the stars. He saw a beautiful blonde girl. And then he saw fire. Fire everywhere, blinding him, burning him. And then darkness. Numbness with flashes of the fire and a hot, visceral rage covering up a cold overflow of despair and hopelessness. Then red lights. Lightning in the night sky. Tokyo and the moon. Green Hill. Himself.

Sonic had been filled with every emotion accompanied by these images all at once. The rage, love, adoration, desperation, loneliness, and the fear… oh, the fear was the most intense. It shook his body and caused tears to spill from his eyes. “Sh-shadow! Shadow!” Sonic cried, hugging him tightly. Shadow pressed his face deep into Sonic’s neck, biting down hard. His own tears soaked into Sonic’s fur. Everything he had hidden away was now Sonic’s too. “My sweet Shadow…” Sonic sobbed, cradling his head. “I’m so glad I found you.” Shadow wrapped his arms around Sonic and dug his claws into the omega’s back to hold onto something. He felt his head spinning. Sonic was finally his, and he didn’t have to carry everything alone anymore.

Amy watched. For her, it was like a car crash. She couldn’t look away. She had seen it in both of their eyes. Love. Devotion. Like they could only see one another. The way Shadow held Sonic now, it wasn’t possession. It wasn’t to prove anything. It was simply to hold him. Amy’s worst fears were confirmed. It was real. Their feelings for each other were both mutual and intense. This whole time, she’d been attacking someone that truly tried to make Sonic happy. She’s never felt sicker.

After another moment crying together, Shadow slowly let go of his gland. Now it was marked forever with his unique teeth print. It would never heal. He lifted his head to look at Sonic. He wiped his tears away. “I’m sorry I made you feel all of that… I forgot that when… I didn’t want you to cry.”

Sonic whimpered and tried to stop crying, but he just kept thinking about how these emotions had made him feel in a moment, but Shadow had felt them for decades. “I want to take some of your pain. All that pain… It’s ours now,” Sonic whispered. Shadow wanted to deny that at first. Say his trauma is his own, and Sonic shouldn’t have to feel any of it, but that was over. He couldn’t shut down anymore. Sonic was part of him now. Sonic’s eyes trailed down to Shadow’s neck. His new sharp teeth were aching. Now he wanted to bite. He bit his fist. “I think… we should go back to our nest before we seal it.”

Shadow nodded. He wanted to be home safe with his omega. They both needed to rest and feed. His own gland swelled on his neck, preparing to receive. Shadow lifted Sonic off of the bed and set him down on his feet gently. Sonic took his hand and looked at Amy. He could tell by the look on her face she understood now. So Sonic didn’t care to stay. Didn’t care to talk about it. All he could think about was sinking his teeth into Shadow’s gland.

Chapter Text

Shadow licked Sonic’s blood and hormones from his teeth. The omega was ready to be back in their nest, but the alpha had been reminded of Amy’s presence. He gave her a side eye as he slid down into a crouch, his legs parting on either side of Sonic’s.

Sonic’s tail wagged as he watched. His clit throbbed even though his groin hadn’t even been touched yet. “Oh… you don’t think she gets it yet?” He sat back down at the foot of her bed. He put his feet up on the frame, bending his knees with his thighs parted. The edge off his butt was off the bed. His pussy was open and dripping down towards the floor.

Shadow shrugged gently, eyeing Sonic’s cunt with heavy lids. He dropped to his knees and came closer. He stuck his tongue out, and just a moment later his snout was pressed into Sonic’s wet pussy. He opened his mouth, licking it up. He inhaled deeply through his nose. His fur started to stand again as his favorite scent filled his lungs. His tail wagged furiously.

Sonic moaned softly and leaned to look over Shadow’s head. He smiled warmly. “Just look at that tail~ so excited just to taste me and make me feel good.” He rubbed the top of Shadow’s head between his ears. Shadow rumbled happily into his pussy. His claws kneaded at the bed as he sucked on Sonic’s pulsing clit.

“Chaos, I get it!” Amy covered her eyes with her hand. She curled up, pulling her feet up away from them.

Sonic leaned her way and grabbed her wrist tightly, pulling it away from her face. He opened his mouth to speak but saliva practically poured out of it. “Fuck…” He wiped his mouth. He was salivating like crazy. He needed to bite Shadow. “Do you get it? Do you see—mm—do you see the love?” He stuck his fingers in his mouth, rubbing his aching gums.

“Yes, okay? Obviously, he… he’s in love with you. Even more than you are with him. I get it.”

Sonic looked down at Shadow. That wasn’t true. But he did look at him like that, didn’t he? Sonic smiled widely as he watched Shadow suckle at his pussy. He glanced at his stomach. It hid Shadow’s face from him whenever he inhaled. Damn, one day it would be so big he couldn’t see Shadow at all. He should savor this view while he has it. He cupped Shadow’s cheeks in his hands and licked his lips, trying to pull his spit back into his mouth. “Are you going to make me cum right here?”

Shadow shrugged again, humming. He looked up at Sonic with large pupils. The whole front of his muzzle was hidden in Sonic’s cunt.

Sonic’s fingers trailed down Shadow’s face onto his neck. He prodded at his gland. It was swollen. Sonic groaned and clenched his teeth. “Shads… I need to bite you.” He hadn’t given Shadow himself yet.

Shadow just circled his tongue around Sonic’s clit. His claws found their place in his hips and began to knead there. Sonic shivered and breathed deeply. He rolled his hips against the alpha’s face. He wasn’t even concerned with cumming. He wanted to bite. But if Shadow was intent on it, he would follow his tongue into an orgasm so they could return home. He grunted softly as his pussy started to pulse in Shadow’s mouth. Shadow grabbed hold of Sonic’s hips and picked him up. He held Sonic up over his face.

“Hm?” Sonic whimpered softly, bringing his knees to Shadow’s shoulders. He held onto his quills as Shadow stood up. Sonic hunched over his head as the muscles in his groin began to tighten up. He wasn’t sure what Shadow was up to as the alpha took a few steps, but his orgasm was coming up quick. The alpha set his knee on the bed.

“Oh, don’t. Please, I swear I accept that you’re together.” Amy held her hands up and shimmied to the other side of the bed.

“Hm?” Sonic looked over with hazy eyes, but it was already over. Shadow’s tongue had been relentless chasing his orgasm. He squirted. As he did, Shadow pulled his face out. Sonic hissed as all touch left his pussy. It pulsed in the air. Without Shadow’s mouth beneath him, he squirted onto the bed. Onto Amy.

Shadow pressed a wet kiss to Sonic’s clit then dropped him down onto his hip, almost holding him like a child. Sonic panted and drooled. He rubbed his pussy on Shadow’s jutted hip, still looking for pleasure to carry him through orgasm. His thighs closed around Shadow’s torso. Shadow growled lowly, jabbing a finger at a wet and embarrassed Amy. “That right there is the closest you’ll ever get to tasting any part of him. He is mine through and through. You could never love him as deeply as I do. We are mates. A beta like you could never even love something that deeply. He deserves better than that. He deserves someone that can protect him, but also understands that he is capable of advocating for himself. He deserves someone who can give him a family. He deserves me. And if you love him a sliver of the amount that I love him, you’d be fucking ecstatic… to see us together.” He lifted his head as Sonic caressed his neck, feeling at his gland. He bit his lip. His cock twitched as he imagined being bitten. It had been out this whole time. It was getting red now and starting to swell, not having been touched by anything. He didn’t even care. He looked over Amy’s body and the bandages around her neck. “But… Sonic does love you as a friend. And when he bites me, I’ll feel that too. The next time I see you, I’ll offer you my hand. If you take it, I’ll forget. For Sonic. And respect will have the opportunity to grow between us.” Shadow wrapped his arms around Sonic. “The first step is to let me have the last word.” He stared into her eyes.

Amy had trouble making eye contact with him. She kept glancing from his eyes to various parts of the room. She wiped her face with the blanket, remaining silent. Shadow nodded to her. He picked up his muzzle from the bed. He held onto his omega and carried him out of the room. Their friends in the hall watched them go quietly.

Sonic pressed kisses all over Shadow’s face in the elevator. “Shadow~ you mean it? You’re willing to put it all behind you?”

Shadow looked at him, his face serious. “Yes. For you, my heart.” He took Sonic’s left hand.

“Oh, Shadow. Shadow…” Sonic murmured, hugging his neck tightly. He felt the love so strongly now. He felt… Shadow. He bowed his head and drooled over Shadow’s gland. “I want to mate you so badly.” He clutched at Shadow’s quills.

“Soon, my heart.” Shadow rubbed Sonic’s back. He walked for home. Sonic writhed on Shadow’s body, tightening his arms and legs. He tried to get as close as he could. He lapped at Shadow’s gland, essentially slobbering over it. His hands got rougher moving through Shadow’s quills, around his face and neck. By the time they got home, Sonic was manhandling Shadow’s head, pulling it every which way and searching for the angle that gave him the best access to Shadow’s gland. It smelled and tasted fucking incredible. Fuck chili dogs, fuck Shadow’s blood and cum. This. This was the best flavor in the universe. Shadow let Sonic get as rough as he wanted. Until they reached the bedroom and Sonic’s teeth tips touched his skin. He pulled Sonic’s head out of his neck and jammed the muzzle over Sonic’s face.

Sonic’s eyes widened as he was dropped into their nest. The muzzle was strapped around his head before he could even process it. Then he let out the loudest whine he ever had. His ears flattened back on his head as he looked up at his alpha. “What… why?”

Shadow stood at the edge of the hammock, eyes swallowing in the form of Sonic’s body. “Do you know how hard it’s been for me not to bite you? You denied me for so long. You picked them over me.”

Sonic shook his head quickly. That’s not true. He had just been trying to balance them. He watched Shadow climb on top of him. His gaze caught Shadow’s poor dick. It was almost an instinctual motion for him to reach for it. Shadow took his wrists before he could and pinned them up by his head. He leaned low. Sonic caught a whiff of the intense smell from his gland. Immediately he was lifting his head towards Shadow’s neck and smelling. He bit down on the bar in the muzzle. It did relieve some pressure in his gums, but it’s not what he wanted. His heart was racing. Was Shadow not going to let him bite? He held his teeth down for a while, then released to speak. “I’m so sorry. I would take it back if I could. Should’ve let you bite me during our first rut together.”

“No.” Shadow let go of Sonic’s hands. “I wouldn’t change any of it. I wouldn’t risk losing anything we’ve experienced together. I cherish it all. Every knot. Every argument. Every race. Every injury. Every look we’ve ever shared. Every time I bit into that plastic dreaming of mating you.”

Sonic looked up at him with love in his eyes. His mouth was practically frothing. What Shadow said was sweet, but Sonic’s head was spinning. He had one thing on his mind. He had to seal the bond. He had to make secure the father of his pups, this great and powerful alpha that had offered himself to him. Sonic gasped out and spit bubbled in his mouth as he spoke. “Please. Please let me bite you! Please. I promise I’ll be—I’ll be a good boy. I’ll never deny you again. Just take off the muzzle,” he begged desperately as if his hands weren’t capable of doing it.

Shadow’s ears slowly moved back as he stared at Sonic’s face, at his teary eyes. His cock twitched between them. Sonic basically never begged. He demanded. But this was different. Shadow had all of the control. Shadow grabbed the muzzle tightly. Sonic whimpered and blinked his tears away. His vision was getting blurry, but he wanted to see his alpha. “You’ll never understand how goddamn pretty you are, and it sickens me.” He slowly unbuckled the muzzle. He gripped Sonic’s jaw tightly, squeezing his cheeks.

Sonic was nearly choking on his own spit. His eyes were locked on that gland. It was singing to him. “Let me bite… let me mate you, please…” he whispered. Shadow’s grip loosened. He was still afraid of losing himself, but anything he lost would just be filled by Sonic’s emotions, his thoughts and desires. And that was alright with him. He let go completely. His claws dug into the nest, bracing. Sonic licked his lips and leaned up. He gripped at Shadow’s back as his tongue dragged over the gland. His teeth brushed it next. And then they sunk in.

And suddenly, Shadow was no longer in the room. He was living Sonic’s life. It surprised him how much pain was present, much of it because of himself, how he had been the one denying Sonic for years. But this pain was overshadowed by so many good things. By friendship and adventure and courage. Shadow was filled with… contentment. He felt… okay. Like it was all okay and it would always be okay. He wasn’t so afraid anymore.

Every muscle in Sonic’s body relaxed besides his jaws. It was complete. They were one now, sealed forever. Nothing else mattered. Sonic couldn’t be happier. He would always be safe now and so would his puppies. He didn’t need anything but Shadow. He let go of Shadow’s gland and licked his lips. He rested his forehead against Shadow’s. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m…” Shadow cupped Sonic’s cheek. “I’ve never been more okay.”

“Really? I think your cock must be hurting something fierce.” Sonic smiled, pecking his lips.

Shadow chuckled. “Oh, it is. But I think you know how I feel about that.” He put Sonic’s hand on his chest over his wound.

“I do. I do know how you feel.” Sonic’s fingers prodded at the wound. He gasped and looked at his own chest. He felt… pain. Him and Shadow looked at each other. They had the same idea, of course. Their lips collided, their arms tangling amongst one another as they tried to get a hold. Shadow rubbed Sonic’s pussy and groaned loudly, his lips falling from the kiss. Sonic licked Shadow’s lips and grabbed his cock, squeezing. He gasped too. He felt this additional pleasure in his groin but not necessarily his pussy. It was like a phantom pain but good. Sonic yelped as he was suddenly flipped onto his belly.

Shadow’s hand was between his shoulder blades, pinning him down. His cock rubbed up Sonic’s ass against his tail. “I have to claim every part of you…”

Sonic wasn’t sure what he meant. They had just claimed each other already. But Shadow’s cock against him got him excited. He lifted his butt against it. The alpha’s hand rubbed at his pussy, but it moved all the way up, smearing slick across Sonic’s asshole to the base of his tail. Wait, did he mean…? Sonic looked back at him. “Are you sure? You don’t know how it’ll feel.”

Shadow bit his lip and rubbed his tip on the tiny hole. It must be so tight inside. It was another virginity for him to claim, a new feeling for him to give his mate. He had to provide. “I’m sure.”

Sonic gripped onto the nest, panting softly. He knew this was going to hurt. Shadow was quite thick. He’d never thought about taking Shadow there honestly, but— “Fuck!”

Shadow was pushing his cock into the tight space. It fought him, squeezing hard. His dick bent, almost unable to get further. He held onto it to keep it straight and jammed it all the way inside. “Oh, god!” Shadow nearly fell on Sonic once he was balls deep. He gripped onto the omega with trembling hands. It was hot and so tight around him that it nearly hurt. He did feel a different pain in his backside. He felt Sonic’s pain of being split open by his dick.

Sonic moaned loudly. Yeah, Shadow’s cock inside of him hurt. A ring of blood formed around his base. But Sonic also felt so much pleasure, Shadow’s pleasure. He’d never felt anything like it. It wasn’t like being eaten out or even like getting fucked. It was new. So he loved it. Even if Shadow was ripping him apart.

Shadow’s groans melted into whimpers as he tried to thrust. It was weak. Sonic’s hole clamped around him as if it was knotted. And every inch of movement filled him with so much pain and pleasure he was seeing stars. Sonic panted and winced at each movement. He felt so full. His actual stomach was threatened now. His uterus wasn’t even in the mix though it begged for the alpha, feeling neglected. His pussy was swollen and readily producing more slick. It ached, never feeling more empty. It all made him dizzy.

Shadow couldn’t hold himself up anymore. He lied down on Sonic’s back. The breath was squished out of the omega. Shadow pressed his hips firmly against Sonic’s ass, then relaxed. He repeated this over and over. His breath was hot in Sonic’s ear. “It hurts so good…” His head tilted down and his tongue trailed over the bite mark in Sonic’s gland.

Sonic couldn’t speak. He was gripping at the nest, but it didn’t ground him. Tears flowed freely down his cheeks. It was so much. Not bad, but so much. Their bodies trembled against each other. Sonic yelped when his stomach and his hole started cramping out of nowhere. Intense pleasure spread throughout his body. It was a release. Was this an orgasm? He didn’t squirt like he usually did with Shadow.

Shadow panted hotly on Sonic’s neck. “Holy shit.” He grabbed Sonic’s hands. “I’m… I’m going to knot it. Hold on…” He moved his hips just a little faster, sliding his cock in and out of the pulsating hole. Sonic gripped onto his hands tightly and squeezed his eyes shut. Shadow groaned loudly as his cum sprayed Sonic’s insides, a different inside that it ever reached before. His knot swelled. And swelled. Sonic cried, his claws piercing Shadow’s hands. His hole ripped. It had to in order to make room. Blood spilled down over his pussy. Shadow was moaning at all of it, the pain and the pleasure. He squeezed Sonic’s hands and kissed hastily at his neck. “Good boy~ you’re doing it.”

Sonic panted hard, out of breath. He had no room in his body. He couldn’t stop crying. It was all just so intense. He was happy though. Shadow had knotted every hole he had to offer, put his seed into each receiving organ. He was glad Shadow had taken all of his body. He wished Shadow could do it all again for the first time every time, even with how much it hurt.

Chapter Text

About a week had passed. Life had been quiet for the couple. It had been like a honeymoon. They only left their nest to hunt and shower and they wouldn’t have it any other way. They hadn’t spoken to anyone either. Sonic was just now getting over his limp from the sudden anal after they mated. Shadow had been quite amused by it until he got out of the nest and had a limp too. They learned that they could feel each other’s emotions and physical sensations now. It’s said that this is an ability that can be controlled. It’s usually off but can be used to check on a mate’s safety if separated or check how they’re feeling if words can’t be shared. They haven’t figured out how to get control of it yet, and the sex was incredible. Though Sonic often had to fight Shadow to keep him out of his ass. The alpha had taken a liking to its elasticity and the pain it brought.

Sonic was looking himself in the foggy mirror, tilting his body and touching his stomach. Shadow was standing nearby struggling to get his fur dry with a towel. “You can definitely just see it now,” Sonic said. It was still early, but he was sure it was undeniable now. It wasn’t that his stomach was big, but it had the beginning of that shape.

“What’s it matter?” Shadow gave up on the towel and shook his fur out. “They all know now.”

“Yeah, but… I don’t know. It’s kind of intimate.” Sonic sighed. “You think every time they see my stomach they think about how you cum inside me?”

“I hope so.” Shadow smirked.

Sonic folded his arms and looked back at him.

Shadow scratched his ear. “I mean, no. It’s way more noticeable to you than them anyway.” He walked up behind Sonic and wrapped his arms around him.

Sonic scoffed and looked at him and his mate in the mirror. “They’re growing so fast, by the time next week rolls around, you’ll have to roll me around the house. It’s all they’ll be able to look at.” Sonic tapped his fingers on the counter. He felt something poke into his lower back. “Put that thing away; we don’t have time for it.”

Shadow grumbled and kissed at Sonic’s shoulder. “Why do we always have something to do when I’m horny?”

“Maybe you’re always horny.” Sonic smiled. Shadow had definitely opened up with his sexuality. There wasn’t a chance in hell he could hide his arousal from Sonic now. He felt it. In fact, he felt it so deeply, his pussy started to expose itself. “Stop! You’re getting me going.” He wanted to hit Shadow to snap him out of it, but that would probably only drive the alpha further into it. And he would just hurt himself.

“What do you mean stop? I’m not even doing anything. That’s just how I feel.”

“I mean stop thinking about whatever you’re thinking about.” Sonic rubbed his face. “We have to learn how to control our bond…” Between the two of them, they were always hungry. Always horny. Always everything all the time. It was extreme.

Shadow sighed softly against Sonic’s neck. “Yeah.”

Sonic turned around in his arms and smiled at Shadow. He always had this wet dog look to him after a shower. He smoothed his hands over Shadow’s fur to settle it. “Looking good.”

“Don’t lie to me.” Shadow rolled his eyes.

Sonic laughed. He licked Shadow’s forehead, grooming him. “I’m not. You haven’t been this clean in days.” Sonic had scrubbed him. He was nervous. He wanted things to be okay between everyone. When he found out Amy was out of Eggman’s care, he invited them all over. They haven’t seen each other since the crashout. So he had made sure not to bite or claw Shadow the last day or two and made him sleep off the rest of his marks. They were greatly relieved to see Shadow’s mate mark remained raw as it would for normal hedgehogs. And now Sonic was doing the final touches to clean them up before their friends arrived. He didn’t want anyone to be uncomfortable. So no bite marks, no groping or fucking in front of them.

Shadow had to close his eyes to get his cock to return to its sheath. He told himself later. It was good not to have sex every time they wanted it right? So they wouldn’t get tired of it. As if. “Just keep your legs shut and maybe I can get through it without doing something unsavory.”

“I can do that.” Sonic fixed Shadow’s quills. He knew his smell was driving Shadow mad. He wondered if the alpha would get used to it. It didn’t make much sense to him, why his body put out such an attractive smell. He was already pregnant. Didn’t need to be bred. Sonic finished prepping them both. He pulled Shadow by the hand into the living room.

“Ah, they emerge from their week long slumber.” Tails grinned at them from the kitchen. He was prepping snacks.

Sonic ran over to him and squeezed him. “Thanks for giving us space.”

“You’re welcome.” Tails hugged him back. He was glad to have his brother back though.

Shadow’s ears flattened as he watched them. He was still grappling with Sonic’s feelings filling him. He felt a strong fondness for Tails now. Sonic could feel longing from Shadow, so he beckoned him over. Shadow walked over slowly.

Sonic rubbed Tails’ shoulder. “Now that Shadow and I are mated, we share a lot of our feelings towards… other people and things.”

“So… I have another brother?” Tails looked up at Shadow.

The alpha huffed softly, looking the fox up and down. He awkwardly patted him on the head. He wanted to say that was a stretch, but he was… afraid? Afraid of hurting Tails’ feelings. So he just stayed quiet. Tails smiled at him.

Sonic purred softly. It was self soothing. He grabbed the bowl of chips from Tails and brought it to the coffee table. He stood by the window, looking out at the vibrant landscape. This was going to make or break everything. Declare if Sonic could have his mate and his friends like he used to. He saw them coming. It was all of them like he’d hoped. Knuckles, Rouge, and even Amy. She looked healthier than the last time he saw her, but there was still a cautious bandage on her neck.

Sonic backed up so he wouldn’t see them staring. He waited by the door until he heard a knock. He should’ve waited a second longer because they all looked surprised when he opened the door. “Hi!”

They smiled, but Amy’s was nervous. Rouge took the lead, stepping forward to hug him. “Hello, darling. I’m so glad you’re having us over.”

Sonic hugged her back and kissed her cheek, his tail wagging gently. “Come in, come in.”

The three of them entered into the living room. They each set a gift box on the coffee table. Sonic flushed. Are those for them? That’s so sweet… Rouge and Knuckles sat down on the couch. Amy and Shadow looked at each other from opposite sides of the room. It became quiet, everyone else looking between them, waiting for something to happen.

Shadow closed the distance, striding across the room. Everyone tensed, but he stopped a couple feet away from her. He held out his hand. Sonic begged in his head. Amy looked at Shadow’s hand. She took a deep breath and grabbed it. Shadow squeezed it lightly. An apology crossed his mind. He felt a small fondness for her too now, coming from Sonic. But he said he would forget. And that meant there was nothing he knew of to apologize for.

Sonic hugged Shadow excitedly and gave him a smooch, thanking him. He hugged Amy more gently. He looked her over. “How have you been feeling?”

Amy smiled a bit from his touch. “It’s… just now starting to hurt less.”

“Good.” Sonic sat her on the couch. He sat on the coffee table in front of her. “I’m glad. I know I haven’t visited, but I have been thinking about you.”

“I understand.” Amy nodded. “I needed some time too…”

Rouge took Amy’s hand for support. She smiled at Sonic. “We all understand. We brought peace offerings. To show that to you.” She picked up the largest box. It was tied up with ribbon.

“Oh, you shouldn’t have. Seriously,” Sonic whined. He pushed the box away.

“Just open it.” Rouge grinned.

Sonic was about to cry already. He pulled the ribbon and lifted the lid to the box. He smiled softly. It was clothes. Soft clothes. He looked through them. It was a big sweater, some fitted pairs of shorts, and even some pretty panties. He thought each piece was beautiful. They must be hand crafted. But he looked at her with a tilted head. It was kind of a weird gift.

Rouge beckoned him closer and he leaned in. She whispered in his ear. “I’ve had some pregnant friends. Eventually your vagina won’t sheath itself anymore. It’ll be out all the time.”

“Oh.” Sonic flushed a little as he looked at the shorts. Shadow’s ears went back. He sat down in a lone chair and folded his hands on top of his lap. Sonic shut his thighs and glared over at the alpha. Everything related to pregnancy made Shadow horny. It was pretty cute until Sonic was trying to complain or they were around others. He turned back to Rouge. “Thank you so much. This is so thoughtful. I love them all. They’re so cute.” He leaned to hug her.

Rouge hummed and rubbed his back. When they parted, she glanced down at his stomach. “Do you know when you’re due?”

Sonic sighed and put the lid back on the box. “I’m actually not that far into it.” He set the box aside and leaned back to show his belly. “We found out that Shadow’s DNA… well, you know how he’s like half black arms? Apparently that part of him is dominant when it comes to reproduction. They’re growing rapidly. We have no idea how long the gestation will be, but we think it’ll be shorter than normal.”

“Is that safe? Has it been causing you pain?” Rouge frowned.

Sonic shrugged. “It hasn’t amounted to anything yet. I throw up some mornings, but lots of pregnant omegas do. But his… DNA has changed my body. See my eyes? They have some red in them now. And my teeth and claws.” Sonic bared his fangs. “They’re longer, almost as long as his.”

Knuckles leaned towards him. He hadn’t even noticed Sonic’s eyes changed. “How far will these changes go?”

“That’s the thing. We don’t know. We don’t know anything.” Sonic watched as Shadow walked over and sat on the floor by the coffee table to be closer to him. He rested his hand on the small of Sonic’s back. He smiled at Shadow, and they looked at one another with a little bit of concern. “We’re just… learning new ways of living with each change. Trying to be ready for anything. We were warned this pregnancy could be pretty tough with Shadow being the Ultimate Lifeform and cross species. My body wasn’t really built to sustain him… so it means a lot that you guys will support me. We don’t know how hard things are going to get. We might need help or just… someone to talk to.”

Amy picked up her box and put it on Sonic’s lap. “We love you. We’ll do anything we can to help.”

Sonic smiled softly. He hoped she meant it. He opened up the box. His brows furrowed. It was a pair of earbuds connected to some sort of device. Part of it looked kind of like a belt with a disc in place of a buckle. It had velcro on it. “Um… it looks cool! What is it though?”

“Put the earbuds in.” Amy told him, and he did. She took the belt and unstrapped the velcro. She leaned forward and wrapped it around his stomach, putting the velcro back together behind his back. Shadow tensed next to him, so Sonic took his hand. He watched Amy pull the disc down to the bottom of his stomach. It had a little screen and some buttons on it. She pressed a couple, then soft noises filled his ears. Ba-dum. Ba-ba-dum.

Sonic squealed excitedly and looked at Shadow. His tail wagged rapidly. “I can hear them!” He put his hands on his stomach. This is the best gift ever. He was tearing up. “Here, listen.” Sonic took one of the earbuds out and put it in Amy’s ear, not waiting for permission. Even if there was bad blood between her and the boys, everyone loved puppies.

Amy seemed surprised when the sound hit her ear. Reluctantly, she smiled. “There’s… more than one?”

“Oh, yeah.” Sonic nodded. “He gave me two.” This was somewhat unusual. Male omegas typically had single pup litters. Their hips were smaller and they produced less milk than females, leading to complications with larger litters. Sonic blamed Shadow’s ultimate sperm.

“Is that… can your body handle that?” She frowned. Now she was starting to fear for him.

“I’m sure it can. Shadow will do anything to support it.”

Rouge took the earbud from Amy. “Gimme.” She put it in her ear and grinned. “Aww, listen to them.”

“I want to hear too.” Knuckles leaned his ear towards Rouge.

Sonic took the earbud from his own ear and gave it to the echidna. He smiled widely watching them listen to his pups. Tears fell from his eyes and he wiped them away quickly. “This is so sweet. Such a kind gift. I love it. Shadow can hear them, but it made me sad that I couldn’t. Now I can listen to them all the time.”

“Open mine now.” Knuckles put another box in his lap.

“Okay.” Sonic smiled and opened it. He laughed. It’s just a chili dog in a box. It was a mess, the beans and sauce had gotten everywhere.

“They got to eat, right?” Knuckles gestured.

“Oh, yeah. Yeah, they do.” Sonic picked it up even though it made his hands messy. He took a bite out of it. “My appetite has been… problematic. I pretty much only eat meat now like Shadow.”

“I didn’t even know Shadow ate to be honest. Never seen him do it,” Knuckles commented.

“I eat raw meat. Freaks most people out,” Shadow muttered.

Sonic finished his chili dog and licked his fingers. “I like it raw now too, but he can only digest meat. I can still eat normal stuff. It’s just not the best.”

“Is that why I’ve been finding dead animals in the fridge?” Tails dumped some blankets on the couch.

“Uh, maybe.” Sonic looked down shyly.

Rouge and Knuckles handed him the earbuds back. The bat stood up and took his hands. “Come sit on the couch.”

“Okay.” Sonic smiled and moved to sit by Amy. Rouge put a blanket over him. She pulled Knuckles up and sat the echidna in the recliner. She sat on the arm, leaning into his side. Sonic beckoned his mate. Shadow came to the couch and settled under the blanket with Sonic. He put his arm over the back of the couch and kissed his face. Sonic smiled and put one of the earbuds back in his ear.

Tails pulled a blanket with him as he sat on the floor in front of them. He pulled the blanket up his body and leaned back on Sonic and Shadow’s legs. “What do you guys want to watch?” He turned on the tv.

“Hm, I don’t care. I’m just happy to have everyone here.” Sonic smiled, looking around at his friends. He purred softly as Shadow rubbed his stomach under the blanket.

“Me too.” Amy glanced at them, sitting by them on the couch. Sonic nudged her playfully with his shoulder.

Tails put on some cartoon movie. The omega listened to the heartbeats of his babies. Shadow’s rubbing on his belly became a little firmer, and a tent formed in the blanket. Sonic smiled and rolled his eyes. He put his leg over Shadow’s, pressing his dick down between his legs. This had Sonic spread a little, which was a bad idea. Shadow’s hand slid down to his inner thigh where he gripped. It didn’t take much. Sonic was slick now, pussy exposed. Shadow’s finger nudged his clit gently. Sonic relaxed, leaning under his arm. The touches were light and slow. A gentle pleasure spread through their bodies, gentle enough that their breaths hardly changed. They were happy.

A couple movies later, Tails had fallen asleep curled up on the floor by the couch. Rouge and Knuckles invited the couple to dinner, but Sonic politely declined, and the two left. Amy left soon after. They bid each other well wishes. Sonic promised to see her again soon. And then Shadow and Sonic were left alone on the couch. As soon as Amy had shut the door, they’d started kissing each other. It flowed into a makeout as Shadow’s fingers prodded at Sonic’s slit. Sonic moved his leg off of the alpha and moved the blanket away, dropping it onto Tails. Soon, Shadow was lying Sonic down and getting between his legs.

Sonic pulled from the kiss to look between them. “Poor thing.” Sonic cupped his hand under Shadow’s throbbing cock and rubbed gently. Both of them let out a breath. Sonic lifted his legs, angling his cunt up. “I’ll make it better.”

Shadow kissed his neck softly and easily sunk into his pussy. They moaned together. Shadow rested his forehead against Sonic’s closing his eyes. He thrusted slowly, wrapping his arms around Sonic. The omega cupped Shadow’s cheeks and nuzzled his face. His brows furrowed. The beats in his ear changed rhythm.

“Their hearts are beating faster,” Sonic mumbled, scanning Shadow’s face.

Shadow nodded, pressing his stomach against Sonic’s as he began to grind. “They get excited too…”

Sonic wrapped his arms around Shadow, his fingers pressing into his back. Did their pups know what they were up to? He worried for a moment that it was distressing for them, but he was barely moving. Shadow wasn’t being rough. They must be responding to the pleasure filling his body. He rubbed Shadow’s back gently, feeling his muscles shift under his fur as he worked his hips. His clit throbbed. He loved feeling Shadow move. It always seemed so effortless, so skilled, even though he’d been a virgin when they got together. “I’m happy,” Sonic whispered.

“Me too.” Shadow pecked his lips.

Sonic wrapped his legs around Shadow and used them to pull his hips down gently with each thrust. His insides opened up for Shadow with no hesitation each time he plunged deep. He was so wet from being played with earlier, his slick was all over the couch and Shadow’s groin. Meanwhile Shadow’s dick was rock hard and stiff inside him, reaching far into his body. Shadow kissed Sonic’s forehead and breathed deeply into his quills. Sonic moved his hands around Shadow’s sides to slide his fingers into his soft chest fur. Then he moved one of his hands between them. His fingers rested against Shadow’s slick cock, feeling it pull on his pussy as it went in and out. There was no better feeling. Sonic arched his back and let out a heavy breath as throbbing grew in his pussy. His belly felt hot. The babies’ hearts were racing now. His cunt clenched around Shadow as it released a little stream of squirt.

Shadow was soon reduced to panting and gripping at Sonic’s back. His hips stopped moving. “Your orgasms are always so intense. I feel it in my whole body.”

Sonic smiled and rubbed Shadow’s sides. “Having a pussy has its perks.”

Shadow kissed him deeply and began to move again once Sonic’s body calmed down some. He rubbed Sonic’s thigh as his tongue entered his mouth. He moved just a little faster, but he didn’t get rough. Sonic moaned softly into his mouth. He winced as he sunk his claws into Shadow. The alpha gasped softly and pressed deep into his pussy as he released his load. He grunted and moved his face to kiss at Sonic’s gland. The omega smiled as Shadow’s knot took its place. He rubbed Shadow’s back and kissed his head. He closed his eyes and relaxed on the couch.

Chapter Text

Things were getting serious now. Sonic’s stomach had grown. He could actually feel the weight of it pulling him down now, and it couldn’t be hidden no matter how hard he pressed on it or sucked in. The sight of him undeniably pregnant had flipped a switch in Shadow. Sonic had to fight with him each time he wanted to leave the house. They fought until he cried and then Shadow felt bad and let him out. He cried on purpose half the time. It was the only way he could get Shadow to budge. The alpha had become… territorial over Sonic and the nest. Sonic was almost positive he didn’t sleep at all anymore. Shadow often spent time out of the nest now. He would pace around the bedroom or crouch in the corner, watching the door or Sonic.

It was time for them to get a place of their own. Surely Shadow would be less on edge if they were alone and owned the entire home. Sonic didn’t think Shadow would hurt Tails, but it’s best to be cautious and leave a situation where Tails could accidentally get too close. Sonic wouldn’t mind being on their own either. Sometimes he was embarrassed when they got loud in their bedroom or came home humping each other’s bloody bodies after a hunt. They weren’t exactly in shape to be building a home though. But his friends and even Eggman offered to build one for them. Everyone Sonic thought about them doing that for him, he teared up. He loves his friends so much. The mates waited for their home to be finished with gratitude and patience.

Sonic woke up in the middle of the night. He wasn’t exactly cold, but he was craving Shadow’s body heat. By the cool feel of the nest next to him, he could tell Shadow had been out of it for a while. Sonic sighed and pulled the new blanket Tails got for him further up his body. “Alpha, come to bed.”

There was a grumble from the far side of the room.

Sonic rubbed his eyes before he opened them. The room was dark, but he could see glowing red eyes staring at him near the door. It was almost a little creepy. Usually Shadow’s rings glowed around the center too, but Sonic couldn’t see them. Did he take them off? “Come warm me up…”

Shadow blinked.

Sonic huffed and pushed the blanket back down under his stomach. “Your puppies are cold, Papa.”

The red orbs rose. Shadow strode to the nest. He stood next to it. His hands slid up Sonic’s thighs onto his belly. They spread out. He could barely cover the whole thing now.

Sonic breathed in his hands. He touched Shadow’s bare wrists. “Shadow… put your rings back on.”

Shadow grumbled softly, his fingers curling around Sonic’s tummy.

“Shadow.” Sonic grabbed Shadow’s face and pulled him down. “You’re the strongest alpha I’ve ever met. I know you’re the strongest creature on this planet. You’re probably the most powerful in our solar system. You could kill anyone that walks through that door within three seconds even if both of your arms were cut off. I believe that. You don’t need to take your rings off to protect me. But you could accidentally use too much energy and hurt me. So put them back.” Sonic kissed Shadow’s forehead.

Shadow growled softly and nipped Sonic’s ear. He pulled away to grab his rings and fasten them.

“Where’d your words go?” Sonic held his arms out. Shadow crawled into the nest and under the blanket. Sonic turned onto his side so Shadow could cuddle up behind him. Shadow kissed on Sonic’s cheek, securing his arms around him and pressing on Sonic’s butt. “You’re becoming like one of those animals we hunt.”

Shadow’s tail started to wag as he rubbed Sonic’s stomach. “Protect…”

“No one is going to hurt us.” Sonic yawned. He reached over and pushed on the nightstand to make the hammock sway like a cradle.

“Go back to sleep.” Shadow nuzzled his ear.

“Mm, don’t leave the nest. Hold me all night.” Sonic closed his eyes, relaxing. Shadow became still around him. Sonic gripped onto Shadow’s arms. He slowly fell back asleep.

Sonic purred softly as soon as he woke the next morning. Shadow was still pressed against him. He opened his eyes and stretched his legs. They seemed to ache most of the time now. But they didn’t get too bad before he could convince Shadow to let him out.

“Are you awake?” Shadow’s fingertips reached up to prod Sonic’s eye.

“Yes.” Sonic giggled and pushed his hand away. “You wanna see me?” He rolled over with a grunt. He felt like his belly was a separate thing he had to lug around. It pressed into Shadow once Sonic faced him.

Shadow looked down at it, tail wagging. “Good morning, babies.”

“Oh, I don’t get a good morning?” Sonic cupped the side of Shadow’s face.

“Good morning, my heart.” Shadow looked to his face and pecked his lips. “You’re aching.” He gently pushed Sonic on his back.

Sonic had to let out his breath as the puppies weighed down on his organs. “Thats what happens when you don’t let me run enough.”

Shadow sat on Sonic’s thighs, straddling him. “It’s not just your legs. It’s everywhere.”

Sonic watched Shadow, purring louder as he got on top. He watched the alpha’s hands find his chest. He started to massage. Sonic gasped, his brows furrowing. He hadn’t even realized it was sore. “I should massage here every day. Start stimulating it so it’s ready when the time comes. It’s barely grown.” His thumbs shifted to rub the little nipples Sonic was growing. They were still hidden by his fur at the moment. Thankfully, they had learned to control their bond for the most part, so Shadow didn’t share the intense feeling.

“Mmgh, sensitive…” Sonic arched his back, pressing his belly into the air. It felt like little shocks were going to his groin. His pussy unsheathed almost instantly. Shadow smelled the air and licked his lips. He panted softly and grabbed Shadow’s hands.

Shadow massaged his tender chest and rubbed circles into his sensitive nipples. Soon he was hard against Sonic’s belly. He rolled his hips, sliding his cock up and down Sonic’s tummy.

Sonic’s claws dug into his wrists. “O-okay, okay. Enough.” His nipples felt raw already. It was brand new flesh, soft, without fur, and untouched.

Shadow whined softly, but he stopped playing with them. “We’ll have to work on getting them used to touch.” He leaned down and opened his mouth.

Sonic quickly put a hand over his mouth. His cheeks turned hot. “Shadow… you’re not going to… are you?” Shadow gently took Sonic’s wrist and pulled his hand away. He dragged his hot tongue over Sonic’s nipple. Sonic squeaked and squeezed his legs shut. “I don’t think I’m ready for that! I’ll let you rub them every day if you think it’ll help them develop though.” Sonic brushed his thumb across Shadow’s lip.

Shadow kissed his finger. “Very well.” He sat up straight and pressed his hands on Sonic’s stomach. He rubbed across it with just a little firmness.

Sonic relaxed and closed his eyes. “Yeah, that’s nice…” His skin had been stretching so quickly that it was a little painful. His fur had even gotten thinner around the area. Shadow massaged around his tummy while he rubbed his cock on it. Then shadow grunted and something hot landed on Sonic’s stomach. Shadow’s hands smeared it around like it was massage oil. Sonic opened his eyes to see Shadow’s tip dripping thick cum onto him. Shadow rubbed it over his whole belly. Sonic smiled softly and rubbed Shadow’s arms. “Making it yours?”

“Mhm.” Shadow tucked his cock down between Sonic’s thighs. He shifted his hips.

Sonic squeezed around Shadow’s knot. “It’s going to ruin my fur.”

“You should tell that to someone who cares.”

Sonic gasped at him and hit his chest playfully. “So rude.”

“Hm.” Shadow pushed his tip up at Sonic’s cunt. “You’re mine.”

“Are you reminding yourself?” Sonic cupped Shadow’s cheek.

“I’m reminding you.” Shadow nipped his finger. His cock pushed in. It stopped at his knot. He started to rock gently as if he were riding Sonic.

Sonic moaned softly and smiled at first, but then he pouted. “I can’t see.” His stomach prevented him from watching Shadow’s dick sink between his thighs.

Shadow paused to tuck some pillows under Sonic’s head and upper back. “How’s that?”

“Little better.” Sonic peered over his stomach as Shadow started moving again. He melted against the pillows, licking his lips. His pussy had been begging for him. It feels so good. Shadow leaned to kiss and nibble Sonic’s ear. The omega rubbed Shadow’s chest, purring.

“You’re so beautiful like this.” Shadow leaned down to nuzzle his face. “My mate, I love you.”

Sonic whimpered softly, starting to feel emotional. He clutched Shadow’s chest fur. “I love you too.”

Shadow looked down at their bodies. He rubbed at Sonic’s clit with two of his fingers. His lips kissed down Sonic’s neck. Shadow’s mouth opened and his tongue came out to play as he kissed Sonic’s chest. Sonic panted softly. He held onto his mate’s quills and watched. He bit his lip, but he didn’t stop Shadow as his mouth opened around the omega’s nipple. He pressed his tongue against it. Sonic let out a shuddering breath. His clit throbbed in Shadow’s fingers. Shadow spread Sonic’s pussy lips and pushed his knot between them, but it didn’t have enough room to go inside with Sonic’s legs shut. Shadow’s lips became a ring around Sonic’s little nipple. He started to suck.

“Hah!” Sonic pulled at Shadow’s quills. His pussy clenched around him. His hips pushed up at Shadow as he squirmed. His mouth was hot and wet. It was too good. “They’re not r-ready…” he whimpered.

Shadow rumbled softly and squeezed the other side of Sonic’s chest, kneading it. He ground his hips down slowly into Sonic’s pussy. His focus was on Sonic’s chest. He pulled back, but he didn’t let go of Sonic’s nipple, pulling on his skin. Sonic cried out and dug his claws into Shadow’s head. Shadow let the nipple fall from his mouth with a pop. The air felt cold on it now. Sonic panted, looking from his chest to Shadow. His nipple was peeking from his fur now. Shadow started massaging that side of his chest as he lowered his mouth onto the other nipple. He sucked like a hungry puppy.

Sonic couldn’t control the whimpers and whines flowing from his mouth. His pussy throbbed, and his chest tingled. He watched Shadow suckle and purred so loudly he could barely hear himself think. He hugged Shadow’s head. His body was twitching all over, but he forced himself to take deep breaths. He wouldn’t be able to stand feeding his pups if his nipples were this sensitive after they were born. Shadow’s right. They need to be desensitized. Shadow’s teeth grazed the skin around his nipple, and that was just too much.

“Ah!” Sonic squirted, making a mess between his thighs. He pulled at Shadow’s quills. “Stah… stop it.” He clutched his cramping stomach, and that was enough to get Shadow to let go. Shadow nuzzled his face between Sonic’s pecs. He placed soft kisses on his nipples. Sonic’s back arched off the bed with each one. Oh, no. Shadow likes it. He’s going to give him the business every day now.

Shadow smelled his chest. “No milk yet… We’ll give it a little more time.” He cupped Sonic’s chest and kissed it wetly.

Sonic grabbed Shadow’s face. “You’re so… fuck.” He bit his lip.

Shadow pecked Sonic’s lips. His tail wagged. “Can I put my knot in?”

“Mhm.” Sonic nodded. Shadow pulled out and moved off of him. Sonic spread his legs wide. The alpha got between them and pushed back inside. He spread Sonic’s cunt with his thumbs and pushed harder until his knot popped in. He groaned softly while Sonic squeaked. Shadow rubbed Sonic’s sticky stomach and moved his hips a little, nestling his knot in Sonic’s tight walls. Sonic took a deep breath. He was so full. And heavy. “Shads… can you put me on my side? They’re lying on my intestines…”

“As you wish, my heart.” Shadow had to move one of Sonic’s legs over to the other side of him as he turned Sonic. Then he lied down behind his omega, hips pushed up against his butt to keep his knot in.

Sonic smiled softly. He grabbed the listening device from the nightstand. He put one of the earbuds in and pressed the disc to his tummy to check on his babies. Their hearts were a little quicker than normal, but nothing to be concerned of.

Shadow cupped his belly. “I like having you wrapped around my knot. But I wish I could fuck you with it.” He wiggled his hips, getting the only movement he could.

Sonic spread his legs and put one of them back over Shadow’s. “Then every time we had sex, we wouldn’t stop until you were dry.”

“Wouldn’t mind that.” Shadow licked at his shoulder, grooming him.

“I don’t think I can handle that many loads anymore.” Sonic rested his hand on Shadow’s. He felt stretched out and full and he hadn’t even been came inside of this time.

“I told you ages ago. You’ll take every load I give you.” Shadow grabbed Sonic’s jaw.

Sonic’s tail wagged between them. “Yes, alpha.” He closed his eyes as Shadow pressed gentle kisses to the side of his face. He flipped flop between these loving, impossibly kind touches and rough grips. He’s not sure what triggers either of them, but he didn’t dislike either anyway.

Sonic yawned. He takes 1-3 naps a day now. He was pretty much always tired unless he was eating. Then he would have a short burst of energy, but the rough sex would tire him out soon after. He was extremely happy with Shadow. He felt safe and loved. But his body was beginning to wear him down. His skin was stretching. He was exhausted. His legs constantly ached because he needed to run more. He was heavy and off balance. He couldn’t lie on his stomach anymore and he could only tolerate being on his back for half an hour at most, which didn’t leave many options. He was stiff stuck in the nest all day and all night. His legs grew more desperate for movement while the rest of his body begged to just melt in the nest and sleep it all away. Shadow was only getting firmer in demanding Sonic stay in the nest while the omega was only getting more uncomfortable. They were about to reach a difficult stage if they weren’t already in it. The good news is he knew their sex life would never suffer.

Chapter Text

Sonic was cuddled up with his alpha. He lied on his side, resting his heavy belly on top of Shadow who was lying on his back. Sonic’s hand ran up and down Shadow’s torso, feeling his fur and the curves of his fine musculature. He’s so handsome. He smelled so good too. Sonic nuzzled his face in Shadow’s chest fur and licked at it. Shadow rumbled at the attention. He shifted closer. Sonic’s fingers moved down to spread over Shadow’s bulge. He started to rub it. Shadow tilted the omega’s head up and kissed him softly. Sonic hummed softly on his lips as he felt Shadow grow in his hand. He wrapped his hand around his shaft. It was hot and thick. Sonic salivated into his mouth as he felt it. He pulled from the kiss and looked down at the pretty pink thing. He climbed on top of Shadow the opposite way. His head was down over Shadow’s lap while his belly hung down to rest on his chest.

Shadow’s hands slid up Sonic’s thighs onto his butt. He spread the omega’s cheeks and eyed his swollen pussy and round belly. “Damn. Bring that pregnant pussy over here.” Shadow grabbed his hips and dragged him back closer to his face. He shoved his face into it.

Sonic huffed softly, but his tail started to wag. He settled down slowly, letting his tummy press firmly against Shadow. He put his elbow on either side of Shadow’s hips and held onto the base of his cock. He took the tip into his mouth and swirled his tongue around it. It tasted like Shadow and his own pussy. A mix of sweet and salty. Delicious. He opened his mouth wide and lowered his head. Shadow grunted, breathing softly into his cunt. Sonic slowly moved his head up and down, sliding Shadow’s cock up and down his tongue. He closed his mouth around it and sucked. He could feel it pulse as if it were an artery.

Shadow tensed, lifting his face from Sonic’s pussy. “Watch the teeth, my heart.”

Sonic hadn’t even realized his lips had retracted over his teeth. He relaxed them again and closed his eyes. He purred softly as he took Shadow into his throat. Shadow tilted his head to the side to watch Sonic. His fingers lightly danced around Sonic’s clit. Sonic gagged a little, then lifted his head up. He sucked on Shadow’s tip for a moment. His tongue prodded at the little hole. He wants Shadow’s cum. It tastes yummy. Before he knew it, he nibbling Shadow’s tip with his incisors.

Shadow gasped and grabbed Sonic’s quills, bringing his head up. “What are you doing?”

Sonic whimpered and pulled against his grip, sticking his tongue out in an attempt to reach Shadow’s dick. Shadow let him go. Sonic immediately took him back in his mouth and turned his head to chew on it with his molars.

“Ah…” Shadow groaned and leaned up a bit. His legs tensed up. “Sonic… you’re not horny, you’re hungry.”

Sonic just kept purring. He nicked Shadow’s sensitive skin with his canine to draw blood. Then he sucked hard, collecting every decadent drop. Shadow’s cock twitched in his mouth. Sonic’s stomach growled.

“Do not eat my fucking dick.” Shadow pulled Sonic’s head back up. Sonic licked his lips, staring down at the bloody tip. “Tell me what you want, puppy.” Shadow pushed two fingers into Sonic’s drooling mouth. Sonic chewed on those instead. He used his canines sparsely to draw blood. “Deer? Rabbit? Duck?”

“You,” Sonic slurred around his fingers. “Mm… spaghetti.”

“Spaghetti?” Shadow cocked a brow. What the hell did he want spaghetti for? Sonic pulled away from his fingers and bit down on the side of his cock. “Ow! Alright, I’ll get you some spaghetti. Quit.” Shadow pulled at his ear. His cock was throbbing. It was hot in a twisted way, but if anything was too overstimulating for Shadow, it would be sharp teeth sinking deep into his dick. He stroked himself with a little frustrated scowl. It wasn’t going to go back in its sheathe now. He could walk around with it out or drag Sonic around on his knot while he cooked. Sonic watched him stroke it. He pressed kind kisses to it now. There was an entire bite mark in his shaft and fang holes in his tip. Shadow leaned over to grab Sonic’s watch from the nightstand. He pushed the omega’s head down. “Suck. And don’t bite me or I’ll knot your mouth.” He started texting Tails while Sonic got back to work.

Shadow had asked Tails to get some noodles, tomato sauce, and beef for them. He was happy to do it. Sonic had gotten bitey again, so now his jaw was stretched open around Shadow’s knot, and his stomach was full of cum. Shadow was relaxed, just lied back watching Sonic’s cunt pulse and drip onto his chest. He listened to Sonic’s whines. The front door opened, and Shadow bristled, but Tails called to them that it was just him. He relaxed again and looked down at his mate. “Have you learned your lesson?” He pushed his hips up at Sonic’s face.

Sonic nodded and gagged. He shifted his belly. He was getting uncomfortable having it compressed. Shadow teleported to a standing position out of the nest. He had his hand under Sonic’s tummy to keep it from landing on the hammock as the rest of Sonic’s body dropped. Shadow turned him on his side so he could be more comfortable. Sonic stretched his jaw, wincing.

“You want to visit with Miles while I cook?” Shadow moved his fingers through Sonic’s quills.

“Yes!” Sonic got up on his knees.

Shadow opened a chest by the wall. He tossed Sonic some spandex shorts. His cunt wasn’t going to sheathe itself before he got riled up again eating. “You’ll stay where I can see you.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Sonic nodded. He wiped his mouth and lied back to pull the shorts up. Shadow pulled on a black pair of Sonic’s leggings. It shrink wrapped his hard, knot-swollen cock against his hip. He thought it was fine as long as Tails couldn’t see his skin. Sonic watched his mate. “You know, you look kind of good in those.” They kept his fur down, showing off his exact slender curves. Not to mention the way his cock was teasing through the thin fabric.

Shadow walked over to the nest and picked Sonic up. “I like you better with your cunt hanging out.”

“Your mouth’s gotten dirty.” Sonic traced Shadow’s lips.

“Because you kissed me with stained lips.” Shadow kissed him lovingly. Sonic kissed back, smiling. He wrapped his arms around his neck. Shadow squeezed him gently. He carried Sonic to the bedroom door where their lips broke. Shadow sighed softly and tried to calm his nerves. It felt wrong to have a seriously pregnant omega out of his nest. But he knew Sonic ached for movement and his friends. He wondered what other couples did. Was he more protective than other alphas? He reluctantly opened the door to the bedroom and set Sonic down.

Sonic trotted over to Tails who was standing in the kitchen. “Hi.” He hugged the fox, but it was awkward with his belly in the way.

Tails rubbed his back. “I’m glad you’re out.” Sometimes he caught them on the way to or from a hunt, but they didn’t spend time together much anymore. He pulled away and looked down. “Oh, you’ve gotten so… um…” Tails scratched his ear. He didn’t want it to come across wrong.

“Tell me about it.” Sonic huffed and sat down at the bar. He seemed just a bit fattier in his chest too. Shadow’s worked diligently to stimulate it each morning.

Shadow walked into the kitchen and took a look at what Tails brought. He got everything he asked for. He rumbled softly and licked at Tails’ ear in appreciation.

Tails smiled at him. “You going to be alright having him out here for an hour?”

“At least it’s not outside. I hate taking him outside.” Shadow looked around the cupboards for a pot. He filled one with water.

“Don’t get him started or he won’t let me out when we finish our leftovers.” Sonic shook his head.

“Why don’t you guys just get meat from the market?” Tails lifted a package of raw beef Shadow had asked for.

“Better for him fresh,” Shadow answered. He turned on the stove. “And they don’t sell bones. He needs a lot of calcium to grow the babies’ bones.” At the thought, Shadow opened the fridge and and collected some rabbit femurs. He handed them to his mate.

“You know pasta has like negative nutritional value, don’t you?” Tails looked at the back of the box.

Sonic started crunching on the bones. “We should put some mustard on these.”

Shadow and Tails looked at him. Shadow cleared his throat. “Yeah, I think he’s having cravings. I’ll allow them as long as they’re supplemented. Pasta with raw meat, mustard with bones.” Shadow passed Sonic some mustard from the fridge.

“I’m mated to a control freak.” Sonic squirted mustard along one of the bones and bit it.

Shadow rolled his eyes. He put his hand on his hip as he watched the pot. “He’s mated to someone cautious.”

“I understand you both.” Tails walked around to sit next to Sonic at the bar. The omega purred and started grooming Tails’ head like a parent getting their kid ready for school. The fox let him do it. “I worry about him not running though. Wasn’t there talk that their energy would overwhelm him? He needs to get it out.”

Shadow dumped the pasta into the pot once the water was boiling. “I’m hoping I can absorb the excess when the time comes. It might process like radiation, making me weak and aching, but i’ll heal.” He rolled his shoulders just thinking about it. He picked up a big utensil and stirred the pot.

Sonic finished his bones and looked down at his stomach. He still felt good in regards to energy. He was tired. He definitely didn’t have too much. Only after he ate.

Tails looked at it too. “Have they kicked yet?”

Sonic and Shadow looked at each other. They hadn’t thought about that. Sonic smiled excitedly at the prospect, but Shadow frowned, fear raising his fur. “No,” Sonic answered, putting his hands on his belly. “They’ve been totally still. I worry about them sometimes, but Shadow would know if something was wrong, my alpha.” Sonic got distracted for just a moment, shutting his thighs as he looked at the crude shape of his cock in the leggings. His poor pussy didn’t have any cum in it.

“Hopefully, they won’t get too rowdy…” Shadow grabbed a plate. He looked to Tails. “You want some? I can cook a little of the beef for you.”

“That’s alright. Let him eat as much as he wants.” Tails rubbed Sonic’s back.

“Very well.” Shadow respected that. He brought the pot over to the sink to strain the noodles. Then he dumped them back into the empty pot and picked up the jar of tomato sauce.

“No sauce!” Sonic said quickly.

Shadow turned and raised an eyebrow. “You want plan noodles?”

Sonic got down from the chair awkwardly and walked over to him. Shadow watched as Sonic took his hand and pulled it over the pot. The claw on Sonic’s thumb pierced into his wrist and sliced across. Shadow grunted and clenched his fist as blood spurted from his wrist into the pot. Shadow looked up at him with wide eyes. Sonic was gazing down into the pot with hunger painted in his eyes. The blood continued to flow. When Sonic thought there was enough, he lifted Shadow’s wrist to his mouth and pressed his tongue against the wound to apply pressure. Shadow’s tail wagged.

The alpha could feel Tails staring. He chuckled nervously and adjusted his cock as it bulged out against the leggings. “Cravings…” He grabbed a rag and pulled his wrist away, using the help of his teeth to tie it around his wound. Sonic licked blood from his lips and took the utensil to stir the pot. Shadow opened the raw meat and dropped it in. The entire pot became a rich red.

“Aren’t you worried he’s going to eat you one day?” Tails looked them over.

“Absolutely. But I’ll heal.” Shadow looked at his mate.

“Oh, yeah?” Sonic lifted Shadow’s hand up to his mouth, but Shadow pulled away before he could bite.

“That doesn’t mean you’re free to do it. Sit your ravenous ass down.”

Sonic pouted, but he did as he was told and sat back next to Tails. Shadow put some pasta and meat on a plate and slid it to Sonic with a fork. Sonic immediately picked up the fork and gathered some pasta. He stuffed it into his mouth and moaned. It was as good as he imagined it to be. His tail wagged quickly as the taste of Shadow filled his mouth.

Tails made an icky face at it. “What’s it taste like?”

“Bliss,” Sonic mumbled around a mouthful. He loved the bits of meat in it that really made him feel like he was eating his mate.

Shadow leaned over the island, putting his elbows on it. “He gets… excited when he eats. So heads up.”

“Okay.” Tails watched Sonic another moment before turning to Shadow. “Your home is almost ready.” He grinned.

Shadow smiled and let out a breath of relief. “Yeah? I can’t wait to see it. Our gratitude cannot be overstated.” He looked down at the counter. The only thing that concerned him was isolating Sonic from Tails. But he’s pretty sure it’s normal for mates to shut in alone, especially in the latter half of pregnancy.

“We’re really excited to see how you guys react to it.” Tails hummed. They had worked hard to keep secretive about it and make it a surprise.

Shadow tapped his fingers on the table. The day was going to be difficult. Sonic would be out. They’d have to take their nest apart. Move all of their things. And be around others. He hoped he would still able to show his gratitude through the stress. He rubbed his nose as he caught a whiff of Sonic’s active arousal. He looked at the omega who was already staring at him. His mouth was stained with Shadow’s blood.

The alpha walked over and leaned on the bar next to Sonic. He licked his thumb and rubbed Sonic’s muzzle. “You’ve made a mess of yourself.”

“Sorry,” Sonic mumbled. He wasn’t sorry. He tried to bite Shadow’s thumb, but it was pulled away from him.

Shadow’s hand cupped Sonic’s stomach. “I can take care of you or you can spend some more time with Miles.”

Sonic whimpered softly, looking between the two. “Maybe… we can try to watch a movie together.”

Tails smiled happily. “Yes! Let me clean up for you guys. You can pick the movie, Sonic.”

Sonic nodded. “Thank you.”

Shadow went ahead and walked to the living room. He sat on the couch and pushed his leggings down to his thighs, letting his cock spring out. Sonic was slower to reach the living room. He purred and shut his thighs when he saw Shadow’s cock out.

“Quickly, now.” Shadow beckoned him. Sonic dashed to him and fell into his lap. “Easy, puppy.” Shadow’s fingers slipped into Sonic’s shorts and pulled them down under his butt. The alpha lifted him a little bit and got his cock inside. Sonic sat down and wiggled his hips. He opened his mouth to moan, but Shadow’s hand clamped over it. His other hand was between Sonic’s thighs, spreading his lips. He pushed his hips up until his knot popped inside. Sonic yelped in his hand, but it was muffled sufficiently. Shadow slowly let go of his mouth. “You good?”

Sonic took a deep breath and nodded. He could stay quiet. He tightened around Shadow’s knot as the alpha put a blanket over their laps. Sonic relaxed against his chest, spreading his legs on top of his. His body slowly adjusted to the stretch. He was able to find something to put on by the time Tails had finished cleaning the kitchen.

Tails skipped into the living room and crawled onto the couch. He got under the same blanket as the pair and curled up at Shadow’s side. The alpha let out a little huff, but he rubbed Tails’ head. Sonic purred happily and leaned to groom his best friend. Tails relaxed. The three of them did. The movie was hardly paid attention to. They were just enjoying each other’s company.

Chapter Text

The trio watched movies until Tails and Sonic fell asleep. The alpha was left watching bright colors flashing across the tv screen and lighting up the dark room. There were many heartbeats against him and soft rhythmic breaths that calmed him. He’d do anything to keep life like this. Forever. He wants this forever. It’s time to get back to the nest though. He turned off the tv. He held Sonic against him as he stood up. He used his other hand to lay Tails down on the couch. His soft cock fell out of the omega. He turned Sonic around and spread his legs around his waist. He brushed his finger under Sonic’s jaw on the tender part of his neck. “Hold onto me, puppy.”

“Hm?” Sonic shifted. He wrapped his arms and legs around the alpha tightly.

Shadow’s arms were free now, so he picked up Tails in a princess carry. Sonic turned his head and smiled down at his brother. Shadow walked to Tails’ room, shouldering open the door. He laid the fox down in his bed as Sonic kissed at his neck in appreciation. Tails curled up and the alpha tucked a blanket over him. He turned off Tails’ lamp and returned to their own bedroom.

“You’re going to sleep with me tonight,” Sonic said as the alpha climbed into the nest with him. It wasn’t a question.

Shadow sighed and lied on his back. “What does it matter if I sleep?”

Sonic grabbed Shadow’s wrist. The cloth was stained red now. “This is going to keep bleeding if you don’t.”

Shadow looked at it. He pulled the rag off his wrist and pressed his wound at Sonic’s lips.

Sonic held onto his wrist with both hands and licked up the blood. “I’m serious. Me sucking on it isn’t enough.” He did close his mouth around it though, pressing his tongue against it.

“Hmm…” Shadow let out a long sigh as he watched his mate. “Fine.”

“Good.” Sonic let go of his arm and cuddled into his side. Shadow rumbled softly and put a hand under Sonic’s belly to help it up on top of him. The omega moaned softly. He only realized how much stress his body was under once the weight was carried for him.

Shadow rubbed his tummy and kissed his head. “But… who will watch out for you?”

“You.” Sonic tapped the alpha’s nose. “You’ll wake up if so much as a cricket chirps outside.” Shadow huffed softly, his nose wrinkling. Sonic rubbed his chest. Then he put his hand over Shadow’s eyes. “Settle down.”

The alpha heaved a dramatic sigh, and Sonic yawned. He lied his cheek in Shadow’s chest fur and let his hand rest over Shadow’s eyes. He fell asleep with ease. Shadow was still reluctant. But he wouldn’t be able to hide it if he didn’t sleep. He looked around the room and listened some more, but he only found stillness and silence besides the sounds of life coming from Sonic and his children. He wasn’t sure who he was afraid of. If it were anyone but Sonic on the line, he’d be totally confident in his ability to protect the individual. But with a less than cautious pregnant mate, he felt weak and afraid. He wished he could carry the babies for them. He wouldn’t mind having to stay in a nest and sit still. He’d do anything. They were too precious to risk for anything at all. He kept his hand spread over Sonic’s belly and sort of forced himself to sleep. He had more control over it than most individuals.

Sonic woke up in the middle of the night. He was alarmed for some distant reason. He sat up and felt around, but Shadow was with him. They were both safe. But he heard whimpering. It triggered something instinctual in him. He rested his hand on Shadow’s shoulder. It was shuddering. The disturbed noises were coming from Shadow. Sonic stroked Shadow’s quills, leaning over him. “Alpha?” He seemed to be sleeping. He must be having a bad dream. Sonic shifted to get under Shadow’s head, letting it rest in his lap. “Shadow, wake up.” He pushed at his shoulder gently.

Shadow clutched onto Sonic’s thighs, curling into a ball next to him. He was nearly sobbing in his sleep, whimpers and whines breaking through his throat.

“Shads.” Sonic pushed harder.

Shadow dug his claws deep into the muscles of Sonic’s thighs. During sex and such, he scraped across the surface of Sonic’s skin. He never had them perpendicular to him, never stabbed him.

“Alpha,” Sonic gasped. He didn’t know how to get him up, so he just slapped him in the face. Shadow jumped. His claws retracted as his eyes shot open. He felt at Sonic’s body, gathering his bearings. “Shh. You were having a nightmare. You’re up now.” Sonic rested one hand on his head and took his hand with the other.

“Can’t wake up. I don’t get to wake up,” Shadow whispered. Tears still flowed readily down his face.

“You are awake. You’re here with me.” Sonic rubbed his thumb into Shadow’s ear, massaging him. He purred in an attempt to soothe the alpha.

“I’ll live my nightmare. My nightmares… our puppies too, I… no. No, no, no,” Shadow cried, rolling over to turn his back to Sonic. “I can’t. Don’t make me watch.”

“Shadow…?” Sonic frowned deeply. He rubbed the hedgehog’s arm. Was it a night terror? He heard that it’s like nightmares, but they continue for a while after you wake up. He leaned down and kissed Shadow’s cheek. “I promise you’re awake. Whatever happened in your dream, I’m fine. The puppies are fine. Just listen to them.” Sonic pulled Shadow’s ear a little.

This didn’t seem to make the hybrid feel any better. He grasped at his own mouth trying to mute his sobs. Pathetic. Selfish. He was going to upset Sonic if he didn’t get himself under control. He tried to take deep breaths, but he could hear their heartbeats and feel Sonic’s gaze.

Sonic watched Shadow, gaze sad and pouring concern. Maybe the dream hadn’t been about him. He looked around the room. Their friends had helped them to get the rest of Shadow’s things here. They could move everything in one go when they go to their new home soon. He leaned over Shadow and grunted trying to reach the guitar against the wall by the window. He pulled it into his lap and closed his eyes. How had it gone? He could see her fingers dancing over the strings. He angled his hand on the neck. He could hear it clearly. He copied her as he replayed an important memory of Shadow’s in his mind. He played with her, like they were one in the memory.

Shadow stopped crying. His ears turned. He lowered his hands and slowly shifted to look over at Sonic. Sonic was focused. He wanted to do it right. He smiled as he felt Shadow’s head come back to his lap next to the guitar. A warm hand caressed his stomach. Sonic started to hum the notes as he played. He wiggled his hips to make the hammock start to sway. Shadow closed his eyes and listened to the old song he hadn’t heard since He was living on the ARK. Since Maria was alive to play it for him. He felt a calmness wash over him. A safety.

“That’s a good alpha. I’m here. We’re here…” Sonic murmured. He wished so dearly he could’ve met her. Someone that loved Shadow as much as he did. He wished he could’ve saved her almost as much as Shadow did. He could feel that yearning from him. The disappointment and the guilt and the rage. He hoped that with Shadow’s memories, he could embrace who she was. Bring part of her back to him, keep part of her alive. He had no idea that the similarities he and Maria already shared were what convinced Shadow to follow him to Green Hill in the first place.

Shadow gently licked at the claw wounds in Sonic’s thighs, an apology on his tongue. “I dreamed… that you died.”

Sonic opened his eyes. His fingers went still against the strings. “You want to groom me over? See that I’m okay?”

“You weren’t wounded in my dream.” Shadow rubbed his face up and down Sonic’s thigh. “You were old.”

Sonic’s heart dropped. “Oh.” He still had no idea how to comfort Shadow when that came up.

“I just realized… we’re having pups. I’ll watch them die too,” Shadow whispered, tears filling his eyes again. “I can’t take it all.”

“Shadow…” Sonic stroked his quills. “Maybe they’ll be immortal too. And they can look after you for me.”

“I wouldn’t wish that on them,” Shadow murmured. He lifted his head a little and kissed Sonic’s belly softly. “I just want to stay here. Stay in the nest with you while you’re young and excited. Keep the babies in your belly where they’re safe. I don’t want to move. I don’t want time to pass. I don’t want you to give birth. I don’t want you to have another birthday. I don’t want our—“

“Hush.” Sonic put the guitar down. He held Shadow’s head and gently pressed his face into his belly. But he was crying too now. He tried to blink them away. “Damnit, Shadow. If you keep worrying about the future, you’ll miss what’s right in front of you. We are.” Shadow wasn’t hung up on the past anymore. He didn’t dream about fire anymore. He didn’t spend days in a funk wondering how she could’ve been saved. He had skipped the present to worry about the future. Sonic’s inevitable death. And maybe he’d even have to outlive their children too, something a parent should never experience.

Shadow closed his eyes and kissed his belly firmly, spreading his hands over it. Sonic slowly lied down on his back. Shadow followed. Sonic grunted as Shadow curled up on top of him around his belly. He rested his cheek on top of it, tail wagging silently.

Sonic rubbed at Shadow’s ears with both his hands. “Good Papa. Listen to them. Can you smell them?”

Shadow pressed his nose at Sonic’s skin and inhaled deeply. He nodded.

“Good, good. Now give them kisses.” Sonic watched the alpha. His purring became genuine as Shadow pressed soft kisses to his tummy. Shadow seemed to be calming down, thoroughly distracted following Sonic’s instructions. “Can you groom them?”

Shadow nodded and started lapping at Sonic’s belly to clean him. He imagined cleaning his puppies just beneath the surface. They must taste like Sonic’s insides. Sonic ran out of things to tell him to do, but Shadow’s licks morphed into slow, wet kisses. His stomach glistened with Shadow’s saliva.

Sonic smiled softly. He relaxed in the nest, feeling a warmth filling his stomach. It felt really nice on his weary skin. Shadow’s mouth was always such a pleasure. “Mmm…” His eyelids grew heavier. He rested his hands on his chest and let his eyes close. Shadow seemed to be doing alright now. He kept his ears cocked for a little while, listening for any whimpers or crying. Shadow only rumbled softly as he made out with Sonic’s belly. He fell asleep again, but he hoped Shadow would wake him if he got upset.

The next morning, Sonic woke up naturally to the sun reaching through his window and filling the space. He was on his side now. He let out a long sigh and shifted his legs. There was pressure between them. He was full with a knot. He rubbed his face and opened his eyes to see Shadow leaning over his shoulder and staring down at him. The alpha rumbled when Sonic looked at him. Sonic smiled and touched Shadow’s cheek. Shadow nuzzled his body up close against the omega and kissed his face softly.

“Hm, did you get enough sleep?” Sonic’s hand trailed down Shadow’s arm to feel at his wrist. The wound was dry, sealed, but it was raised like a brand new scar.

“I missed you.” Shadow cupped Sonic’s stomach and nuzzled his face.

“I never left.” Sonic chuckled softly, cuddling back into him. He spread his legs a little to make room. “Are you doing okay now?”

Shadow sighed, resting his chin on Sonic’s arm. “I don’t know what to do. I feel helpless.”

“Well, Shads…” Sonic put his hand on his mate’s and rubbed his ring with his thumb. “Isn’t that kind of soothing? There isn’t anything you can do. No point in fighting. No way to fail either. If it’s old age that gets me, you won’t be haunted by how you could’ve saved me.” He lifted Shadow’s hand and kissed it.

“Do you think that I would die? If I was severed into pieces. My limbs regrow, but my head?”

“Why are you asking about that?” Sonic frowned, scanning Shadow’s thoughtful expression. Shadow met his gaze. “No, no. You’re not going to do that.” Sonic rubbed his muzzle on Shadow’s hand.

“That’s not fair,” Shadow whispered, opening his hand to give Sonic his palm.

“You have to be there for our pups. They’ll still be around. And maybe we can get pregnant again later when I’m older so you’ll have company for a while.”

“Then after they die.”

Sonic took a deep, agitated breath. “But what if they have kids? Your grandchildren, you should be there for him.”

“Our line will stop eventually. Sonic, this world will stop spinning eventually. Sometimes, I don’t think you understand the scope of what my lifespan means.” Shadow closed his eyes, laying his head down.

Sonic frowned deeply. “So… our only option is to just try not to think about it?”

“Mhm…” Shadow sighed, squeezing him gently. “But trying not to think about it is thinking about it. I hate how much of my mind it’s taking over. It’s impeding on the happiness I feel with you now. But when I sleep, I can see it.”

Sonic could only think of distracting him as a solution. He moved Shadow’s hands onto his chest. “Well, I need you here right now. In this moment.”

Shadow pressed as close as he could, settling his knot in Sonic’s canal. He started his massage like a cat making biscuits. Sonic let out a breath. The soreness hanging in his chest felt richer every day. It had gotten soft and fatty. They had been waiting to feel a bulb of firmness in each side—milk ducts. His chest was preparing for them. Shadow turned his head and moved one of his hands to the side. He lapped at Sonic’s little nipple, and the omega grabbed his quills. He breathed deeply. Shadow was mindful of his claws as he gripped at Sonic’s chest. He closed his lips around the nipple and started to suck. It had grown enough now that he could feel the texture on his tongue. They were even visible now, becoming a dark pink that stood out against Sonic’s pale chest.

Sonic grunted and closed his legs around Shadow’s knot. The alpha looked so pleased to be suckling on him. It made Sonic’s face and chest feel hot. And maybe his groin too. He was a little embarrassed. He felt kind of… exposed. He cleared his throat and teased Shadow in an attempt to regain the control. “Should I… grow a third one for you?”

Shadow simply nodded as he licked at the nipple in his mouth. His hand slid up and down Sonic’s chest, even reaching a little below it and squeezing. He opened his mouth and rubbed his nose on Sonic’s nipple. “Next time, I’m going to put even more pups in you. And you’ll have nipples for each of them.” He traced a line from Sonic’s nipple down over his belly.

Sonic’s ears shifted down and his cheeks burned due to several things. Next time? More pups? When female omegas had large litters, they could grow up to six nipples in two rows down their torso like seen on dogs. Would that happen to him? He shook his head even though his tail wagged. “I can’t carry any more.”

Shadow leaned up and grabbed hold of Sonic’s thighs. He rolled the omega onto his back, splitting his legs around him. He put his hands down on the mattress on either side of Sonic’s belly and leaned over him. He attempted to make eye contact with Sonic, but his eyes kept getting distracted by the omega’s body. “You don’t want more of my pups?”

Sonic whined. “No. That is not what I meant.” His fingers slid into his alpha’s chest fur. “I’ll give you as many puppies as you want. Just… spread out. Little litters of one or two?” He bared his neck as a peace offering.

Shadow leaned down and kissed at his neck. He licked his gland gently, over his bite mark. One of his hands squeezed Sonic’s chest. The omega let out a little huff and gripped at Shadow’s long fur. He pressed his chest into Shadow’s hand. “Can’t we have just one with three?” Shadow murmured.

Sonic took a deep breath, feeling their two babies weighing down on him. “Maybe. Let’s see how this goes first. We don’t even know how big I’m going to get. Eggman thinks we’re only about halfway in.”

Shadow kissed Sonic’s face all the way up to his ear. Sonic’s ear twitched. “I want to make you pop~” his hot breath flowed deep into Sonic’s ear when he released the last ‘p’.

“Shadow…” Sonic whispered shakily, arching his back. Thank Chaos he was already pregnant, or he’d beg Shadow for five. He’d give his body to Shadow, to his pups with no regrets.

“Let me just… put a few more in there…” Shadow said in a gravelly tone. He pressed his hand on Sonic’s stomach and ground his hips against him, shifting his knot inside him.

Sonic already had a load in him. He could feel the warm, thick fluid pooled inside. The omega whimpered softly, spreading his legs wide. “By a few, you mean you’re going to pump me until you’re dry, don’t you?”

“Mhm.” Shadow nodded. He stuck his tongue out and put his mouth on Sonic’s other nipple. His teeth grazed Sonic’s chest as he closed his mouth around it and sucked. He tried to move his hips back and forth. His knot pulled at Sonic’s tight cunt each time he drew back.

Sonic groaned and wrapped his arms around Shadow’s head. He was already panting whether it be from excitement or stimulation. The skin on his chest was tingling. He looked down at Shadow’s mouth. He wanted to make milk for him. He would try. He’d eat more bones, he’d stay in the nest, he’d let Shadow suck at him all day. He wanted to give Shadow everything he asked for. One of his hands reached down Shadow’s back, feeling him move. Sonic started to moan softly. He winced and scratched Shadow with his claws when the alpha sucked harder. Sonic was barely paying attention to his pussy. What he felt in his chest was overpowering. He had hardly noted another load of cum filling him up. Shadow came easily once his knot was already swollen. It was sensitive too, not meant to be played with. Shadow breathed roughly against Sonic’s chest, grunting and whining on his nipple. He grabbed at the other side of the omega’s chest. His belly pressed against Sonic’s.

“Hm~” Sonic held Shadow’s head tighter, gripping at his ears. Shadow’s tip was pushing his cum deep inside the omega towards his already stretched out uterus. His hole burned just a bit as Shadow fucked at it with his massive knot. “How many more will you give me, my big alpha?”

Shadow let go of Sonic’s nipple, but he immediately got to licking at it. Sonic started to squirm. “One…”

“Just one?” Sonic grabbed Shadow’s quills, his panting pushing his nipple up at Shadow’s tongue.

“T-two…” Shadow grunted and pushed his hips hard against Sonic as he dumped another yet another load into him. He gripped both sides of Sonic’s chest tightly.

“Hah! Mmm…” Sonic breathed unsteadily as he grabbed Shadow’s hands. His clit throbbed and throbbed until his whole cunt pulsed, releasing squirt around the knot. “Fuck…” His insides cramped around Shadow, doing their job squeezing and milking to gather every drop from him. Sonic hissed and cupped the bottom of his stomach. The cramping seemed to reach up a little beyond his groin.

Shadow took Sonic’s wrists and pinned them down on above his head. “Shh, shh. Take it. Take it, puppy~” He continued to move his hips though they were trembling now.

“I’m trying…” Sonic whined and writhed underneath him. He kicked his legs a little in frustration. He just couldn’t spread them wide enough to make more room. He was so full. His body acted on its own to pleasure Shadow. He was powerless pinned beneath Shadow, getting a good breeding. He breathed like he was already in labor. “Am I doing good, alpha? T-tell me I’m doing good.”

Shadow rumbled to him and kissed his forehead softly. He rocked his hips between Sonic’s legs. Sonic’s hips were pulled back and forth as his cunt wouldn’t let go of the knot. “You’re doing so good. My good boy~ You’re going to be such a good mama…” Shadow kissed his lips and pushed his tongue inside Sonic’s mouth.

“Mmph.” Sonic opened his mouth as his eyes closed. Butterflies filled his stomach as he let Shadow’s tongue explore and fill his mouth. He’d give Shadow every hole he had happily. And he would be a good mama for him. He’d bring him as many pups as he asked for and raise them in his image. He loved Shadow. Oh, he loved Shadow. A warmth spread over his eyes as they filled with tears. He wiggled his wrists in Shadow’s grip. The alpha let him go and he hugged him tight, bringing their bodies together. He was getting dizzy and needed someone to hold onto. Shadow’s touches became gentler. His hips became slower. But he didn’t stop until his balls had been completely emptied into the omega’s cunt and the both of them couldn’t see straight anymore.

Chapter Text

Shadow was lying on his back in the nest, his arms behind his head. His eyes were closed and his body was relaxed besides his ear twitching with each slobbering gag that came from Sonic. The omega was needily gulping down his cock, laid on his side by Shadow’s legs. He rested his cheek on his alpha’s thigh and had his cock turned to the side into his mouth. His lips touched Shadow’s sheath even though taking him that deep was making the omega gag each time he tried to breathe in. Shadow breathed softly. He really couldn’t think of a better way to spend the morning. He opened his mouth in a little gasp as Sonic’s throat spasmed around his length.

“Mmm…” Shadow moved his hands down his own body towards his cock. He wrapped his hands around his base and watched Sonic take it. It felt fantastic, but the massaging Sonic’s throat was doing was actually him attempting to swallow Shadow’s cock. Swallow like it was food. He pulled his dick all the way out when he saw Sonic’s lips pulled back over his teeth. “Easy, little vampire.” Shadow pushed his thumb into Sonic’s mouth, rubbing his gums.

Sonic whined softly when his throat became empty. He let his mouth hang open as Shadow rubbed him. “I wasn’t gonna bite.”

“Yes, you were.” Shadow stroked himself slowly. His cock was nice and slick from Sonic’s spit. “Stop sucking me off every time you get hungry.”

Sonic eyed Shadow’s dick and leaned for it even though Shadow put his hand on Sonic’s face to stop him. “Okay, I admit I’m hungry. You know what would be good?”

“What?” Shadow sighed. He held Sonic’s quills to keep his head still. He rubbed his dick on the omega’s face.

Sonic stuck his tongue out against it, purring softly. “Mmmeat shake.”

“Like you want me to put some meat in a blender? I could put some bones in there too. Then you could have plenty without getting tired of chewing. That’s not a bad idea.” Shadow let his tip push at Sonic’s mouth. Sonic took Shadow’s hand off his quills and brought him back into his throat. He sucked and bobbed his head. Shadow moaned and bit his lip. “You oughta make me cum soon if you want my knot to go down before we have to see Ivo.”

Sonic hummed softly and pulled off. He licked his lips and crawled up Shadow’s body. Shadow’s hands found his hips. The omega whispered in his ear.

“You… really? You’re going to make me do that?” Shadow looked at him.

Sonic grinned and nodded. He kissed Shadow’s cheek. “It’ll be good for us.”

“How is that…?” Shadow huffed, his face feeling a little hot at the idea.

“Haven’t you heard? It’s full of protein.” Sonic got off of him to lie on his back. He rubbed his round belly. “Go on. Look at me, I’m wasting away.”

Shadow looked him up and down. “Yeah, sure you are.” It was quite the opposite. Not just his stomach and chest either. His hips were getting thicker, rounder. He leaned down to press a kiss to Sonic’s stomach. “The things I do for you…” Both hedgehogs smiled.

Shadow attempted to swallow his pride as he left the nest and walked out of the bedroom with his erect cock out. The house was empty and quiet thankfully. Shadow grabbed a rabbit from the fridge. It was already skinned. He ripped its flesh to pieces and dropped them into the blender. Then he broke and crushed its bones in his hands before dropping the splinters in. He held his hand over the blender and sliced his palm. He let his blood flow for a little while. It would serve as the replacement for ice or milk. Then he licked at the wound to get it to stop. He took a deep breath. His ears went back on his head as he started to stroke himself. His grip became firm around himself. He stroked quickly. He closed his eyes and imagined Sonic lying in their nest all pretty and pregnant. And he thought about feeding his babies. In a few minutes, he was twitching. He grabbed the blender cup and held it below his waist. He grunted and leaned his head back as he shot his cum into the cup onto the blood and meat.

Shadow’s ear twitched when he heard a creak nearby. He turned his head. Tails had just opened his door. He was staring at the alpha. Fuck. Shadow smiled awkwardly and offered a little shrug. “Cravings, you know…” He put the cup back in the machine.

“I’ll get food later.” Tails shut his door.

Shadow groaned as he slammed the lid onto the cup. He hit the button to blend it. Why didn’t he just take it to their bedroom to finish in it? He’s been aching to move into their new home more and more each day. He watched white mix with red. He blended it until it was all one pink color and all pieces of bone had been ground. Shadow grabbed the cup and went back into their bedroom.

Sonic was sitting up in the nest now, holding his watch. “It’s a little later than we thought. Might have to get moving soon.”

Shadow grumbled. “Just making me show my knot to everybody, hm?” He passed Sonic the shake.

“Since when do you care?” Sonic opened the lid and smelled it. He grinned and purred.

“Since neither of us are in our breeding cycles. No excuse anymore.” Shadow picked up a pair of shorts for Sonic. He started rubbing the fabric on his gland.

Sonic sipped the shake and moaned happily. “Fuck, did you put some of your blood in here too? More of this please.” He took a couple gulps.

“Yeah.” Shadow made sure the shorts thoroughly smelled like him before he walked back to the nest and put them on his mate. Sonic’s cunt had unsheathed for a session not long ago and just never shut.

Sonic shifted his hips to help Shadow get them on. He looked down at his chest. “Do you think I should start wearing shirts when my nipples get bigger?”

“Hm, I think it’s fine.” Shadow reached out to squeeze his chest.

Sonic wrapped his hand around Shadow’s knot and squeezed. “Can you stuff that into some pants for me?”

Shadow growled softly. It should be in Sonic’s pussy. He turned away to get a matching pair of shorts. He pulled them up to his navel, stuffing his cock across his hip. It didn’t conceal much.

“Thank you,” Sonic cooed, and Shadow calmed a bit. Sonic got out of the nest and walked over to him. He rubbed his palm firmly over Shadow’s knot and brought the cup to his lips. “Try it.”

“Mmm… think i’d like it more if you squirted in it instead.” Shadow sniffed the shake. He could smell himself in it. It would taste bitter to him.

Sonic pressed his belly against Shadow as he took another gulp. “Would you really drink that?”

“Of course I would.” Shadow’s hands moved behind him to grab his ass under his tail. He rubbed his cock under Sonic’s stomach.

Sonic felt Shadow’s chest. “Don’t get too distracted.”

“You make it impossible.” Shadow’s hands slipped into his leggings.

“Nah ah.” Sonic stepped back. “I want to see the babies today, so we can break in our new home for a while, stay in.” It had been finished. They were getting together for the reveal later. Shadow was nervous this morning, so Sonic got to sucking to relax him. He didn’t start because he was hungry. Having Shadow’s dick in his mouth made him hungry.

Shadow grabbed at Sonic’s pussy through his leggings. “You’re teasing me on purpose.”

Sonic gasped and shook his head. “I am not.” He took Shadow’s wrist and pulled his hand away. “Just think about how much fun we’ll have later in our brand new home.” Sonic’s finger trailed from Shadow’s chest all the way down to the waistband of his shorts. Now he was teasing.

Shadow grabbed him and turned him around. He shoved Sonic’s shorts down under his butt and pressed his hips against his bare ass. Sonic bit his lip and rubbed back against Shadow. His pussy was slick and ready to take him. But Shadow pulled away from him. Their only contact was Shadow slapping his ass. Sonic jumped, letting out a cute little squeak, and looked back at him. Shadow pulled Sonic’s shorts back up. “You’re right. Let’s wait.”

Sonic huffed and finished his drink. Now his clit was throbbing. They were both frustrated. He rubbed at his cunt just a little before he pulled his shoes on. “Let’s go.” He walked for the door, but Shadow grabbed his hand.

“Let me scent you first.” Shadow walked in a circle around him. Sonic smiled. He didn’t think it was necessary, but he thought it was cute the way Shadow wanted to make sure everyone knew who Sonic had been impregnated by. He watched as Shadow dashed in a circle around him, rushing him with air scented like him. Sonic’s tail wagged. Shadow slowly came to a stop in front of him. He took Sonic’s hands and rubbed them on his gland one at a time.

“I love you,” Sonic murmured with affectionate eyes.

“I love you too. Even though you drive me crazy.” Shadow kissed Sonic’s forehead. He leaned over to pull on his own shoes. Then he held one of Sonic’s hands and took a deep breath. This was going to be a tough day for him.

Sonic kissed his cheek. “You got this, Papa.”

Shadow nodded and put Sonic’s arm in his, walking with him outside. He looked around and listened for any signs of a threat, but it was just the breeze and the birds. Sonic rubbed Shadow’s arm and purred to him softly. The walk to Eggman’s felt painfully slow to Sonic, but he could feel stress pouring out of Shadow just being outside with the omega. He wasn’t going to argue about wanting to run. He might’ve if they weren’t planning to do lots more stressful things later. The large doors to Eggman’s facility opened for them, and they walked inside. In the elevator, Shadow’s arm wrapped securely around Sonic’s waist. Sonic leaned into his side. When the doors opened, they walked into the hall.

Eggman poked his head out of the exam room. When he saw them, he walked out and met them in the hallway. It had been a little while since they last came. Eggman pushed his glasses up his nose as he looked at Sonic’s stomach. “My, how big you’ve gotten.” He glanced over at Shadow, then put his hand out to hide him from his vision. “Jesus. You too, Shadow. Is that a 12-gauge in your pants or are you just happy to see me?”

Shadow growled softly and pulled Sonic in front of him to hide his boner. “Just call it a 12-gauge.”

Sonic smiled. “Sorry. We weren’t watching the clock and you know, it can’t go back in its sheath for a while after.”

“Well, I appreciate he’s in some pants, at least. Come on.” Eggman beckoned. He went into the exam room.

The hedgehogs followed him in. Shadow gently picked Sonic up and put him on the table, kissing his cheek as he did. The omega leaned back and made sure his shorts were off his stomach.

“Has everything gone okay? Haven’t had any issues with energy yet?” Eggman asked as he put on some gloves and brought the ultrasound machine closer.

“Everything’s fine with me so far. I mean… I’m always hungry now, and I’ve had some cravings, but nothing problematic. A little worried for Shadow though. He’s so protective. He doesn’t sleep anymore.” Sonic rubbed Shadow’s head between his ears. Shadow knelt down and rested his chin on the table next to his mate. His quills bristled as Eggman put the jelly on Sonic’s stomach. Sonic smoothed them back down with his hand.

“He’s doing his job. It just so happens that taking care of himself is optional for him.” Eggman turned on the machine. He put the sensor on Sonic’s stomach. He didn’t have to look for Sonic’s uterus anymore. It was in the front of his abdomen, lying on top of most of his digestive and urinary organs. Heartbeats came through the speaker. There were two vaguely baby-shaped blobs curled against one another. Sonic started to purr. Eggman opened his journal and looked from it to the screen. He used the technology to take proper measurements of the fetuses. “Last time I saw you, they were the size of lemons. Now they’re each the size of a stubby eggplant. They’re growing even quicker than I thought. Doesn’t it hurt?”

“Not mu—“

“Yes,” Shadow blurted, laying his forehead down on the table.

Sonic looked at him, brows furrowed. “Have you been keeping your bond to me open? I thought you could control it now.” He rubbed in Shadow’s ear.

Eggman crossed to the other side of the table. He reached down and pressed two fingers at Shadow’s neck, checking his pulse. “It’s not your bond. He’s taking your pain. You know you’re going to have to let him feel it when he gives birth, don’t you?”

Shadow leaned away from Eggman and shook his head. “What if he passes out?”

“He won’t know when to push if he can’t feel his contractions and where the babies are in his canal. He needs the pain,” Eggman spoke with complete seriousness.

“Wait, back up.” Sonic sat up, looking down at Shadow. “You’ve been like… feeling my pain instead of me? Why didn’t you tell me? I didn’t even know you could do that.”

Shadow didn’t look at him. “I knew you wouldn’t want me too…”

“Shadow…” Sonic whined. He tilted the alpha’s chin up. “Is that why you’ve been so on edge? How bad is it?”

Shadow rested his head in Sonic’s hand, his eyes closed. “It’s pretty bad. Sex chases it away for a little while.”

Sonic looked at his stomach, then at the screen, at the babies causing his alpha pain. “You don’t have to do that for me. I can take it.” Sonic took Shadow’s hands.

Shadow shook his head, sighing. “You need to grow our babies under as little stress as possible. Plus, my tolerance for pain—never mind. We can talk about it later.” Shadow kissed his ring.

“They’re moving.” Eggman pointed to the screen.

“What?” Sonic leaned closer to get a good look. One of the babies’ arms shifted and straightened like it was stretching. Sonic put a hand on his stomach. He could feel a vague squirming in his belly.

“They’re probably going to start kicking soon.” Eggman looked at Shadow.

“You don’t think they’ll grow their claws in the womb, do you?” Shadow murmured, watching the screen apprehensively.

“I can’t answer that…” Eggman shook his head. “Normal hedgehogs wouldn’t, but your DNA already made Sonic grow lengthy claws. I don’t know. Stay alert.”

Shadow nodded and rubbed his eyes. He watched little movements from their babies. He kissed Sonic’s stomach, and both of their hands stretched out.

Sonic grinned. “They can sense you.”

Shadow smiled and leaned forward. He put his chin on Sonic’s stomach and let his throat press against it. It vibrated into his belly as he rumbled. Both babies reached for the top of Sonic’s stomach.

“That’s so sweet,” Sonic whimpered, watching them as he pet Shadow’s head. “They know their Papa.”

Eggman hit a button to screenshot the scene and print it out. “The babies themselves look healthy. They must be to be growing so quickly.”

Shadow sighed in relief and pressed soft kisses to his mate’s stomach. “They better be. I’ve been losing blood trying to keep him fed.”

“And I really appreciate that.” Sonic looked down at Shadow on his belly. He lightly massaged Shadow’s scalp, earning a soft moan from the alpha. Well, now Sonic wanted to curl up with him, take him inside, hold him close.

“Here.” Eggman handed Sonic the new photo. Then he turned off the machine. Shadow turned his head and started grooming Sonic’s belly, but his face wrinkled as the jelly coated his tongue. “Don’t eat that!” Eggman pushed his head and grabbed a paper towel to wipe the jelly off his tongue. He wiped Sonic’s belly off too.

Sonic giggled as Shadow looked at him with an expression of disgust still taking over his face. “Didn’t taste very good?”

“No.” Shadow shook his head and got back to his feet.

“No?” Sonic pulled his head down. He kissed him, offering his own flavor to replace the glycol. But he got a taste of it too, and his nose wrinkled against Shadow’s.

“Quit making out in my exam room,” Eggman folded his arms. He made a gross face too.

Shadow pulled away, his hand rubbing across Sonic’s tummy. He would’ve gotten hard if he wasn’t swollen outside of his sheath already. “Sorry,” he lied. Maybe Sonic would have to start wearing shirts. If only to keep Shadow’s cock from joining the conversation so eagerly.

Eggman checked his watch. “We’re meeting by Amy’s aren’t we?”

“Yeah.” Sonic held onto Shadow’s arm as he slipped down off the table. “Is it time to get moving already? I’m not used to it taking so long to get everywhere.”

“I would say so. If we’re moving at a stroll.” Eggman stepped aside so Sonic and Shadow could go through the door first.

Chapter Text

Shadow walked between Sonic and Eggman. He kept his arm secure around his omega. His fingers pressed at his hip, but he was conscious of his claws. Sonic rubbed at his hand. He had hoped they were past the aggression and violence, but the alpha was extremely sensitive right now. Their friends had to be distant and respectful. And Sonic had to be sure to shut down anything that might trigger Shadow before it even starts. Amy was sitting in the grass outside her home accompanied by all of their friends.

“Hey, guys!” Sonic approached, but he didn’t come as close as Eggman did. Shadow hugged Sonic from behind. His hands spread out over his belly protectively. He eyed the others over Sonic’s shoulder. Sonic reached to tap Eggman’s arm. “Pass this around.” He handed over the ultrasound photo.

Eggman took it from him and sat down in the lawn. Rouge practically snatched it from him and squealed. “Oh, my, look at them! They’re turning into true little hedgehogs now. They’re growing so fast, you must be so excited to meet them soon.” She showed the photo to Knuckles, who tilted his head and smiled.

“Um…” Sonic looked down at Shadow’s hands around him. “We haven’t even really talked about after they’re born. We’ve been so occupied. Oh, fuck, it is soon, isn’t it?”

“Oh, honey, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Rouge passed the photo to Tails.

“I wonder if they’ll be alphas or omegas.” Tails looked at the photo closely.

“I’m hoping for betas.” Sonic sighed. “I don’t think I can handle more alphas in the house and the thought of my child struggling through heat scares the shit out of me.”

The photo was then passed to Amy. Amy sighed fondly and touched the photo. They were pretty damn cute… “You’ll let us babysit, won’t you?”

Sonic hummed. “Mhm. I imagine we’ll be able to start socializing them about a year after they’re born.” He’s sure Shadow wasn’t going to let anyone near their puppies right after they’re born. He hardly let anyone near his belly now. While Sonic didn’t feel particularly protective at the moment, he’s sure he’ll become more like Shadow once he meets them.

Shadow cleared his throat. “Thank you all for creating a home for us. I couldn’t imagine raising our puppies in a space that wasn’t our own. But… now I know we’ll have the security and privacy we need. And maybe I’ll be able to loosen up a little…” Shadow pressed a kiss on Sonic’s gland.

“It was a lot of work,” Knuckles sighed deeply.

“But we were happy to do it.” Rouge nudged Knuckles.

“Enough waiting. Let’s show them.” Amy stood up and wiped off the back of her dress.

Sonic grinned as they got up. They didn’t know anything about their home. Didn’t even know where it is. He accepted the photo of his babies from Eggman and put it in the pocket of his shorts. “I’m so excited.” He turned in Shadow’s arms and kissed the alpha’s forehead. He whispered to him. “It’s going to be worth it.”

Shadow nodded and pecked Sonic’s lips. “I can do it.”

Sonic took his hand. He let his friends walk ahead of them. He followed with his mate at a safe distance and slow pace. They walked around Amy’s house to the river in the back and followed it along. Shadow’s cave was east, but they followed it west.

Tails looked back at them. “Shadow, you should cover Sonic’s eyes so it surprises him.”

“I don’t want him to trip.” Shadow looked the omega up and down. Then he picked him up in a princess carry. “Close your eyes.”

Sonic grinned and did as he was told. He rested his head against Shadow. His hand settled into his fur and felt his heart. It was faster than normal. Sonic rubbed his fur gently. Is it pain causing that? How bad is this pregnancy really? Later. They’d talk about it later. As he laid in Shadow’s arms, his footsteps rhythmically rocking him, he forgot where they were going. Shadow’s steps stopped as he gasped softly. A whine caught his throat. Sonic opened his eyes, looking up at him. “Are you okay?”

“Keep your eyes closed…” Shadow mumbled, beginning to walk again.

“I could just look at you.” Sonic brushed Shadow’s muzzle with his thumb. There was a complex expression on his face. His eyes grew shiny as he looked off in the distance. Sonic kissed his cheek softly. “Is it perfect?”

“Yes,” Shadow breathed, holding Sonic closer. A moment later, his steps stopped again. “Look, my heart.”

Sonic turned to his head to look ahead of them. Standing tall near a still pocket of the river was a home. Their home. It was in the style of a cottage. It was cozy, not too small, not too big. He looked around. He couldn’t see anyone else’s homes. It was on its own, nearly secluded. It was perfect. He hadn’t seen inside, but he knew it was perfect. He whimpered as tears filled his eyes. “Oh, Chaos… how did you guys make it look so…” It was different than the other homes on Green Hill. Most of them had a similar basic wooden style. But this house had stone and several strange features to it making it unique and… cute.

“Earth. It looks like it’s from Earth. Somewhere on the countryside,” Shadow murmured.

“I offered to make the design for it,” Eggman rubbed his head.

Rouge smiled softly as she filled him in. “Eggman and Tails fitted it with security and safety measures too. Knuckles was hands on building it with the bots. Amy and I decorated the interior.”

“Safety measures?” Shadow asked with interest.

“Take me inside.” Sonic pulled on Shadow’s chest fur. He quickly wiped tears from his cheeks. His friends stepped out of the way so Shadow could walk through with him to the door.

Amy tossed some keys to Shadow, who caught them. “The door can be set in a mode where it can only be opened by scans of your eyes. You’ll have to add your signatures though.”

Shadow smiled. He’d have to test the strength of the door when it was locked, but the idea that only him and Sonic could get in calmed him. He unlocked the door and pushed it open with his foot. They were both shocked to see it was furnished. Greeting them was key rack on the wall and a cubby on the floor for their shoes and gloves. There were even a couple cheeky framed photos of their friends together. Shadow set down the squirming omega and put the keys on the rack. Sonic excitedly ran through the house to check it out.

“Be careful! You don’t know where everything is.” Shadow didn’t stop him though. He didn’t want to dampen Sonic’s happiness and excitement. He moved through the house slowly, almost cautiously. To his right, the hall opened up into a living room with a tv, a couch, and a recliner, just like they’d had in Tails’ home. It had an ottoman and chaise as well as a fireplace under a mantle. To his left was a dining room with a long wooden table with matching chairs. Where had Sonic gone? He continued through the home until he happened upon two empty rooms. Completely empty. They must be bedrooms. Would they live in one of these? No, they looked a little small. In the very back of the home was another, larger room. It was empty besides a gorgeous, pregnant omega standing in the center, basking under the sun shining through the large skylight. Under it, he was glowing, smiling.

“Sonic…” Shadow stared at him, standing still in the doorframe.

Sonic raised his arms up towards the ceiling. “Look how much glass is in here. It’s like being outside! Now I can get sun safely from the nest. We could open the windows on the walls to get a nice breeze in. It’ll be like lounging in a meadow.” Sonic spun in a circle. “This place is so—“

“Beautiful.” Shadow teleported to him, taking his hand and wrapping an arm around his waist. “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. It destroys me that I cannot find the words to express just how beautiful you are. I want you to know. I want you to know so badly, know and never question it.” Shadow knelt down at his feet, looking up at him with sincere, glistening rubies.

Sonic gazed down at his alpha over his tummy. He smiled softly, and hot tears flowed back over his cheeks. He cupped Shadow’s head and rubbed his thumbs into his temples. Shadow relaxed, leaning his muzzle against Sonic’s stomach. “You make me feel beautiful, Shadow. I promise.” Shadow’s hands came up to caress his stomach as he kissed it gently. Sonic rubbed Shadow’s head between his ears and sniffled. “Don’t get riled up now.”

“I just want to kiss you.” Shadow’s mouth trailed across to Sonic’s hip. He kissed down his thigh.

“So kiss me.” Sonic crouched down. Shadow sat back, and Sonic straddled his lap. Shadow’s hands moved into his quills as he kissed him deeply. Sonic’s arms wrapped around his neck as he pressed as close as his stomach would allow. He was able to sit on Shadow’s lap at least. Shadow let out a breath against Sonic’s face and parted his lips, his tongue tracing Sonic’s. Sonic pulled away slowly. He kissed Shadow’s face and neck. “I can’t wait to make love in our new home for the first time… I’ll make a truly permanent nest. One big enough for us and our puppies.”

Shadow’s hands trailed up and down Sonic’s back. “I want our things here…” He nuzzled Sonic’s cheek. “This is our home. Ours.”

Sonic had to push on Shadow’s shoulders to get himself back up to his feet. “Let’s get the process started. In an hour or two, we can do anything we want. Anywhere we want.” He wonted to keep this loving energy going. It was a good distraction for the alpha. Sonic offered his hand. Shadow took it, but it was obvious he didn’t actually use it to get up. They returned outside.

Their friends were waiting, all grinning. Amy clutched her hands together in front of her. “So… what do you think?”

“It’s amazing!” Sonic jumped with his hands out to show off his excitement. “It’s perfect! I wouldn’t change a thing. There’s so much space. We’ll be able to live here forever even as our pups get older.”

“There’s actually a lot going on behind the scenes,” Tails chimed in. “We’re going to get a computer set up for you so you can access the system, but there’s cameras around the perimeter and a lock down mode that’ll secure the doors and windows at night so Shadow can sleep. There’s also a mechanism in the backyard for catching animals that wander by. Maybe you won’t have to leave as much to hunt anymore.”

Shadow rubbed his arm. “That’s extremely thoughtful.”

Sonic pouted, letting out a small whimper. “We owe you guys so much. Anything you need, come to us. Well, maybe we can’t help out right now, but once this is through, okay?”

“We know.” Tails came up to hug him briefly, knowing Shadow would allow him.

Sonic ruffled Tails’ fur. “I’m going to miss you so much.” He broke into a sob.

“Oh, no. Don’t cry.” Tails wiped at his tears. “I’m not that far. Text me any time. I’ll come over any time your grumpy alpha will let me.”

“Don’t worry about him. You can come over any time.” Sonic kissed the top of his head. Shadow huffed.

“Let’s get your things.” Tails hummed. “I know Shadow wants to get settled.”

Sonic nodded and took a deep breath, trying to ward off the last of his tears. “I’ll take him away. Seriously, thank you guys again for all the help.”

“You’re welcome. We’ll be as quick as we can,” Knuckles assured.

“Come.” Sonic took Shadow’s hand and pulled him away. Shadow glanced back at their home and their friends, but he followed his mate. Sonic took him over a hill to make the home leave their sight. He slowly sat in the grass with a grunt.

Shadow glanced back again and sat down with him. “So… they’re going to put all our things in there for us?”

“Mhm…” Sonic watched him cautiously. Shadow’s fur slowly puffed up. “It’s okay. We’re starting fresh. We haven’t even broken in our new room. So it’s hardly like they’re intruding in our space.”

“But our stuff… what if they get their smell on it?” Shadow muttered.

“Then you’ll re-scent it. It’s going to be fine.” Sonic leaned back. The warmth of the sun felt so lovely on his chest and belly. “Enjoy the rays with me.” Shadow sighed softly and squinted up at the bright sky. He wasn’t as fond. He pulled at the grass in his hands. Sonic glanced down at the alpha’s bare hand. “I didn’t get my massage this morning.”

The hand stopped picking at the grass. Shadow closed the space between them, and the omega lied on his back on the soft ground. Sonic smiled at Shadow and put his arms under his head. Shadow’s oversized hands cradled his chest. They squeezed, then began to knead. Sonic let out a breath and closed his eyes. This would take Shadow’s mind off it. And keep him from looking. There might be an issue if he saw them touching any of their sensitive things.

“Hm…” Shadow pushed his fingers in just above Sonic’s nipples. His chest resisted him.

“Ow,” Sonic winced and took Shadow’s wrists. That was the most tender part.

Shadow felt around his nipples with his fingers. There was a firm bulb in the flesh underneath them. “Your milk ducts are coming in…” Sonic looked down at his chest. It did seem to stick out a little around where his nipple was now. Shadow was quick to bring Sonic’s nipple into his mouth. He squeezed the bulb gently as he sucked at his nipple.

“Ah!” Sonic’s back arched off the ground. “Th-that hurts, Shadow. Gentle…” He clutched onto the alpha’s head.

Shadow paused to speak. His canines brushed Sonic’s soft skin. “I can smell it.” He massaged at one side of Sonic’s chest as he returned to sucking the other.

Sonic breathed quickly. He rested a hand against his stomach and rubbed it a little to soothe himself. His chest was aching. The massaging confusingly increased his pain but also relieved some type of soreness deep in his tissue. Shadow’s mouth felt good, but it was too good, overstimulating. A strange feeling filled the right side of his chest, the side Shadow was massaging. It was a release of sorts. A drop of milk beaded out of his nipple and trailed down onto Shadow’s finger. Shadow’s hand stilled for a moment. Then his fingers came together to feel the substance. He slowly opened his eyes and looked over. Sonic smiled excitedly, panting softly. He was finally making milk. He had been getting a little worried. Shadow lifted his mouth from one nipple and latched onto the one that leaked. He suckled it with purpose.

Sonic moaned softly as the soreness flowed out of his chest. Into Shadow’s mouth. His face turned hot as he looked down at Shadow. Was he… swallowing? He sure was. Suckling with a new eagerness that made Sonic’s whole cunt throb. Shadow’s adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed Sonic’s milk. It was thick and very sweet, sweeter than Sonic’s blood. “S-Shadow, it’s working. You don’t have to…”

Shadow rumbled softly and opened his mouth, milk trailing from his lips. He pressed his tongue on Sonic’s nipple and bit around the bulb in his chest.

Sonic gasped. “Ah, Shadow! Shadow, that…” hurts so good. His chest stung. It was refreshing compared to the aching pain he had dealt with for weeks. Shadow must not be taking all of his pain, just the worst of it.

While biting down around it, Shadow pressed his lips to his skin and started to suck again. Sonic whimpered and writhed beneath him, but he didn’t ask his mate to stop. His claws sliced into the alpha’s wrists. A moment later, he didn’t feel so tender. His milk stopped flowing. It was all his body had managed to make. Shadow lapped at Sonic’s nipple and bite wound before lifting his head. He licked blood and milk from his lips. There was a circle of teeth marks around his nipple now. “It tastes delicious. I didn’t even mean to bite.”

“Shit, Shadow.” Sonic looked down at his chest, touching the wound lightly.

“Mmm, sorry.” Shadow wrapped his mouth around his nipple before letting it pop back out.

Sonic hissed and grabbed onto Shadow’s arms. “Are you really doing all this to make sure I have milk for the babies? Or do you just like it? You really swallowed it down.”

“Maybe I was just hungry?” Shadow kissed wetly at his chest. He licked on Sonic’s other nipple. “Maybe I just want to devour every part of you. Everything you ooze.” Shadow opened his mouth, his teeth lightly pressing at Sonic’s skin.

Sonic bit his lip, watching Shadow’s mouth closely. “I feel the same way. That’s why I wanted a shake with your cum in it.”

Shadow sucked his nipple briefly, closing his eyes. Then he let go to speak again. He leaned up to be level with Sonic’s face. His eyes scanned his features, admiring them. “I can’t believe I get to taste you every day. How did I get so lucky?”

“It wasn’t luck, Shads.” Sonic smiled at him, pulling his head down closer. He pecked his lips. “It was you. You made me fall in love with you.”

“I’m sorry…” Shadow kissed his lips.

“Mm.” Sonic kissed back for a moment, then pulled away. “Whatever for?”

“Everything.” Shadow hugged him close, but he sort of had to hunch over Sonic to make room for his belly between them.

Sonic kissed Shadow’s forehead as he started purring to him. He stroked Shadow’s quills. “Thank you. For everything.”

Chapter Text

An hour later, their friends had called them, so Shadow pulled Sonic up out of the grass. The omega was a bit woozy. His tits had been sucked empty and all the blood left his brain to make his nipples puffy and his pussy swollen. He bit his lip as he looked down at himself. His chest was glistening with saliva and deeply pink around his nipples. Both sides had been bitten by Shadow. “What did you do to me? We still have to see them again.”

“You need to start wearing a shirt.” Shadow looked him up and down. He licked his lips as he twisted Sonic’s nipple between his fingers.

Sonic grunted softly and held onto Shadow’s shoulder. His nipples themselves had nearly gone numb from being played with so mercilessly, but his groin still responded. “Don’t want anyone else to see me?”

“These are for me and my puppies only.” Shadow grabbed his chest in both hands and leaned in to nuzzle it.

“Sonic? Shadow?” Rouge walked over the hill looking for them.

Shadow looked back at her, but he didn’t let go of Sonic’s chest. “Yes?”

Rouge folded her arms. “It’s rude to ignore your friends to have sex with each other, you know?”

“We weren’t having sex. He’s got pants on,” Shadow responded, and Sonic huffed as Shadow dragged him over to show Rouge.

Sonic held his tummy as he trudged up the hill with Shadow’s hands supporting him from behind. “He’s found a new pregnancy symptom he’s fond of.”

Rouge glanced at his flushed chest. “Didn’t realize Shadow liked milk.”

“Just his.” Shadow wiped his mouth as he stepped over the hill with Sonic. The three of them got to walking back to the home. Sonic pressed his ruffled quills down as they made it back to the group.

“Think we got everything.” Amy brushed her hands together.

“Can I show you how the security system works though? The computer is in your bedroom.” Tails tapped his fingertips together.

“Yes, please.” Sonic smiled and reentered the home excitedly. He pulled Shadow through the hall into their bedroom. “Oh, wow.” It seemed way less cluttered. this room must be bigger. And instead of all of Sonic’s things filling the room and Shadow’s piled up in the corner, they were mixed together through the room. And in the center under the skylight hung their hammock. No, it wasn’t theirs. It was larger. It was a new one for the new family they were growing. Their pillows and blankets were folded up beneath it ready for nest making.

Shadow rumbled softly and let Sonic go so he could explore the room. Tails took Shadow’s hand and brought him to a computer on a desk in the back. Tails sat down in the chair while Shadow leaned over him to watch the applications and commands he typed on the screen. Sonic picked up Shadow’s guitar. He sat in the hammock and pushed off with his foot to sway. He laid back in it and closed his eyes under the sun. His thumb strummed the tune to Maria’s song. Shadow smiled softly. Tails showed him how to lock up the building and switch up the mechanism to the door. He also showed him how to access cameras. It was pretty thorough. Shadow almost felt safe. He might be able to let his guard down a little bit.

“Thank you, Miles.” Shadow kissed the top of Tails’ head. He walked over to the hammock and put his hands on the edge. His eyes swallowed in his mate. “You should be in a nest.”

Sonic reached for him. “I’ll make the perfect nest for you and your babies.”

“I know you will.” Shadow leaned down into his hands and kissed him softly.

Sonic smiled on his lips and rubbed Shadow’s chest. He pulled back slowly. “Let’s say goodbye to everyone.”

“Mhm.” Shadow nodded and picked him up.

“I’m glad you found each other,” Tails murmured, standing by the desk.

Sonic smiled as Shadow set him down. He walked over to Tails and took his hand. “Thank you. You’ve made this so much easier by the way. Accepting him so easily.”

Tails smiled up at him. “Anyone important to you is important to me. No questions asked.”

“Oh, I can’t believe I’m moving away from you.” Sonic frowned and hugged him close.

Tails rested his cheek on Sonic’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. Ask me over any time. I’ll drop whatever I’m doing.”

“Okay.” Sonic nodded and pulled back to look at him. He’s adorable. Tails pulled his hand lightly and led Sonic out of the house. Shadow followed. The alpha leaned in the doorframe while the other two stood outside in the grass. Sonic looked back at his mate. “Can I get hugs from everyone?”

“Gently,” Shadow muttered.

Sonic hugged each of them normally though they were cautious where they laid their hands and how firm their holds were. “I think… I don’t know, we might be shut in for kind of a while. I’ll miss you guys. But you can message me, okay? Or call me. I’ll be happy to talk.” He stepped back towards his alpha.

“We will miss you too.” Knuckles nodded.

“I’ll be sure to text.” Amy smiled.

“You text us. Keep us updated. And send us more baby pictures.” Rouge pointed at him.

“Okay, I will.” Sonic grinned. “Thank you, guys. Thank you so so so much.”

“You’re welcome. We love you.” Amy stepped back.

“Bye!” Knuckles waved.

The group began to walk, but Rouge smiled over Sonic’s shoulder. “Goodbye, Shadow.” The rest of the group then turned around and said the same thing.

Shadow huffed and shrugged off the attention. Sonic waved at them and watched them go. he let out a long sigh and turned to look at his mate. “So. What do you think?”

Shadow stepped out of the home and walked past Sonic. He slowly walked along the wall of the house. He walked the entire perimeter, disappearing and then showing back up on the other side. He was smelling the air. He stopped, looking down at the ground with his hand on his hip.

Sonic’s folded his arms. “Do not.”

Shadow grumbled and brought his leggings below his groin.

Sonic whined. “Everyone already knows it’s yours, alpha. You don’t have to do that.”

“It needs to smell like me.” Shadow’s fingers slipped into his sheath.

“Shadow,” Sonic said firmly.

Shadow glanced over at him with low brows like an indignant child. He pulled out his soft cock. “I have to mark it.”

Sonic opened his mouth to argue, but the alpha was already starting to pee along where the wall met the ground. He walked along the perimeter again. Sonic jumped back into the doorway to avoid getting peed on. “My mate is pissing on our new house. Why did I fall in love with an alpha?” He sighed, watching him go back around the house. Sonic sat down on the bench in the foyer and struggled around his belly to get his shoes off. He tucked them into a cubby. When he looked up, Shadow was standing just outside the door. Sonic cocked a brow. “Are you done?”

Shadow looked around and smelled the air. He tucked his cock back in his sheath and pulled his leggings up. “Yeah.” He came inside the home and shut the door. He locked it with the keys. Sonic reached for his feet. Shadow put his foot on the bench between Sonic’s legs.

The omega took them off of him one by one and put them in their own cubby. He smiled widely, starting to purr. “Are you ready for me to make our nest?”

“Yes, please,” Shadow cooed, watching as Sonic rose to his feet and backed towards the bedroom. Shadow followed quickly, taking his hands. “Look where you’re going, you’ll trip.”

“Oh, hush.” Sonic pulled his hands so Shadow stumbled into him. Shadow wrapped his arms around Sonic as their bellies came together. He stepped onto Shadow’s bare feet and let him walk him into the bedroom.

“Hmm…” Shadow kissed his lips, and they were making out by the time they entered the bedroom.

Sonic stepped down and pulled away, licking his lips. “Watch me, Papa.”

“Okay.” Shadow nodded. He pulled some quills from his head and handed them to his mate. Sonic purred louder and set the quills in the hammock. He leaned over to gather the blankets. Shadow put his hand on Sonic’s butt and sliced open the crotch of his shorts with the claw on his thumb.

Sonic gasped as he felt cool air on his cunt. He pouted and looked back at Shadow. “I would’ve just taken them off for you.”

Shadow tilted his head as he eyed Sonic’s puffy pussy. He brushed the pads of his fingers up and down the length of it.

“Back up and watch.” Sonic’s stood up straight and turned around to gently push his chest.

“Yes, sir.” Shadow took a few steps back and crouched down comfortably, resting his cheek on his hand.

Sonic smiled and chewed his lip. He leaned over again. He could feel the tight fabric stretch open when he did. He dumped the supplies on the hammock. Since it was so big, he had to pace around it and lean over it to get the nest in its proper shape. He used lots of quills to keep it together. Once it was time for the details, he got inside on all fours. He held one of Shadow’s quills in his teeth as he preened the blankets. He lifted his tail, letting it wag happily. He looked back at Shadow with a smirk written on his face, but he was surprised to see Shadow smirking too and rubbing himself through his leggings.

Oh, shit. Sonic looked away and squeezed his thighs together. His heart rate picked up. He quickly finished off the rest of the nest. He paused as he heard footsteps coming close. Big hands grabbed at his ass and spread him open. Sonic lowered his shoulders against the bed, curving his back. His belly hung low beneath him. Shadow’s thumb rubbed at his clit for a moment, getting a soft moan out of Sonic. Once his thumb was covered in slick, he pushed it into Sonic’s little butthole.

Sonic gasped, his brows furrowing. His tail moved down in an attempt to cover himself. “Hey, wrong hole.”

“Nope.” Shadow pushed his other thumb inside of Sonic’s pussy. He pumped both his thumbs in and out of the warm spaces at an alternating rhythm. His ears perked at the wet noises.

“Oh~” Sonic bit his lip, setting his knees apart on the nest. The sensations were very similar, but there was a difference to them. They sort of melded together though. The wall between Shadow’s thumbs was thin. Shadow leaned over him and kissed just above his holes up to the base of his tail. Sonic’s tail slowly lifted back up. He spit onto Sonic’s asshole and took his thumb out to replace it with two of his fingers. Sonic hissed softly and gripped the nest. He looked down between his legs. He could see shadow pushing the leggings off, freeing his long hard cock. Sonic whimpered softly and cupped his stomach. “Are you going to fill both?”

“Yeah~” Shadow’s fingers slid knuckle deep into his hole while his cock plunged into his cunt.

Sonic moaned but cut himself off with a giggle as his privates filled with a tingly sensation. His toes curled and he leaned his hips down towards the nest. Shadow’s fingers almost came out of him.

“Where are you going?” Shadow climbed on top of him. He put his hand under Sonic’s hanging belly for support. He moved his fingers quicker in and out of his ass.

Sonic grunted, his hole clenching around his fingers. “Nowhere, alpha~ Just getting comfy.”

“Hmm~” Shadow started thrusting against his soft butt. He moaned lowly and spread his hand under Sonic. He rocked him back and forth against his hips.

Sonic’s face heated up. He felt the tingles spread from his groin throughout his body. Full again, in both of his holes. He breathed deeply. Shadow’s hand was helping, but the weight of his stomach was starting to pull uncomfortably.

“Do you wish to lie down, my heart?” Shadow slowed his hips, feeling discomfort from the omega. Sonic nodded. Shadow cradled Sonic with one arm and settled them both down on their sides. Sonic let out a relieved breath. Shadow lifted Sonic’s leg and pounded up against his cunt. His hips pushed at his hands when he thrusted, bringing his fingers deeper into his ass.

“Sh-Shadow…” Sonic arched his back, grabbing Shadow’s hand on his thigh. “Don’t stop, please.”

“Never. I’ll never stop.” Shadow nipped Sonic’s ear. He tilted his head and kissed at Sonic’s neck. He massaged inside of Sonic’s ass. Sonic weakly tried to shut his legs, but Shadow’s claws pierced his thigh, unwilling to let it move. “Is someone close?” His hand trailed down Sonic’s leg and cupped the bottom of his belly. Sonic’s leg rested on his arm.

Sonic breathed heavily, his stomach expanding against his hand. “Feels so good…”

“Mhm…” Shadow’s hand slid down to rub at Sonic’s clit.

“Fuck~” Sonic’s legs started to tremble. His privates were completely taken over by Shadow’s cock and hands and every touch felt overwhelming. Tension grew low in his belly. Just a moment longer and he was squirting into their new nest for the first time. If any of their friends’ scents lingered on their bedding, this would take care of that.

“Ah…” Shadow pushed his cock as deep as it would go in his throbbing pussy. His canines brushed Sonic’s shoulder. “Your ass clenches when you cum too…”

Sonic panted, his legs squirming as they tried to shut. “Alpha…” Shadow withdrew his cock and his fingers. Sonic whined loudly. “Put it ba—ah!” Sonic’s body tensed up as Shadow’s cock stuffed inside of his ass.

Shadow groaned and bit his shoulder lightly. He started humping Sonic’s butt. “So tight…”

“Chaos.” Sonic squeezed his eyes shut. Shadow was rubbing his clit relentlessly. It kept his muscles contracting and cramping around his cock. Shadow’s other arm moved underneath him and grabbed one of his tits. Sonic moaned, but there was a whine beneath it. “My pussy… will you knot my pussy?”

Shadow massaged his chest. He started to thrust into the puckered hole, pulling his cock halfway out before shoving it back in. “What’s the matter, you don’t want me knot in your ass?”

“Hmm~ I like it in my cunt, Papa. Need all your babies in there.” Sonic let his tongue hang out.

“I’ll knot your pussy, puppy, but you’ll have to get me close with this tight ass first.” Shadow panted in his ear. He moved both of his hands onto Sonic’s tummy to hold him still as he pounded his ass. Sonic whimpered and pressed back against him. He was good at using his pussy to milk, but he rarely tried to use his anal muscles. He focused now, but all he could do with them was clench the ring of muscle tight, then let go. Shadow groaned in his ear. “Yeah~ keep that up.” His thumbs rubbed Sonic’s stomach. Shadow’s dick twitched inside of him. Sonic let out little huffs as he became dizzy with effort trying to keep his muscles moving. “Fuck!” Shadow suddenly pulled out of his ass and his cock shot all the way up into Sonic’s pussy. He clutched Sonic’s hips and pushed him down on his cock. His tip spit cum deep inside of him and his knot swelled rapidly. “Yes… love all your holes so much…” Sonic yelped when his pussy was filled again. His ass finally relaxed. His insides were filled with warm and Sonic smiled happily. His pussy got to work on its own milking the alpha. Shadow was still panting and moaning in his ear. “My pussy… mine…”

“It’s all yours.” Sonic nodded quickly and twisted, trying to get a look at the alpha.

Shadow leaned over him and nuzzled his nose. “I love every part of you. I want it all.”

“You have it all,” Sonic whispered, looking up at him, his eyes shining in the sunlight. Shadow kissed him softly, and both of their hands caressed his stomach with the gentlest of touches.

Chapter Text

Sonic and Shadow had ample time to settle into their new home. Shadow was pretty comfortable here. He was even willing to sleep at times, though he had started to have bad dreams each time he did. He only slept when either of them got carried away trying to harvest his blood. And when Shadow slept, Sonic wouldn’t. He would hold the alpha and wait for him to whimper. Then he would wake him and distract him. Distract. He couldn’t soothe him, not really. His fears were rational. His fears were a fact of the future. It brought down the mood in the house a little. That and Sonic had become agitated. He agreed to stay in the house from now on. He had gotten large. His center of gravity was off. Running was too dangerous, and Sonic got very tired being active for too long anyways. Shadow did let him leave the nest now though. It was a compromise. Sonic was free to roam the home. He would go with Shadow to the kitchen when it was time to eat, which was most of the time now. And he would relax in the recliner and watch a movie from time to time. He did what he could to stimulate himself, but he was often bored, leading him to poke at Shadow for entertainment, but Shadow was tired.

Shadow was laid out on his back now, his head hanging over the edge of the hammock. Soft morning light flowed through the bedroom. Sonic thought he looked beautiful in it. Beautiful under the light at all times of day. Sonic was lying next to the alpha’s hips. He had his cock in his throat. He had learned how to take it now. He could do it quietly, with only the sounds of suction and spit coming from where they met. Shadow winced as Sonic sliced his shaft with his canines to make him bleed. He rubbed his forehead as his mate started to chew on his cock with his molars. He didn’t try to fight him anymore. Sonic wanted it more than Shadow cared to resist. He stretched his arms open and gripped the edge of the hammock as Sonic bit down on different areas of his cock.

Sonic purred softly around Shadow’s cock. He rubbed his thigh and gently pushed it to spread his legs. Shadow took a deep breath. Saliva trailed down over his balls towards his hole. Sonic collected saliva with his fingers and rubbed it on his hole. Shadow tensed up as a static shock connected them, making Shadow’s fur stand up. His energy levels had been growing, and he didn’t know how to contain it. Shadow grunted through his teeth as Sonic’s finger entered his hole. It found its destination without a hiccup. The omega had figured out he could make Shadow cum whenever he wanted when he rubbed his prostate. Shadow let out a long moan as Sonic started to massage the gland inside him. His cock twitched between Sonic’s teeth, further piercing itself on his canines. The tight hole clenched around his finger, and Sonic quickly pulled up so only his tip was on his tongue.

“H-hah!” Shadow’s back arched off the nest as he released onto Sonic’s tongue. His legs trembled.

Sonic happily stroked his swelling base and sucked all of the seed from his tip. He let it spread over his tongue. He purred, his tail wagging. He spoke around a mouth full of blood and cum. “You taste so good.”

Shadow panted and lifted his head to see his wounded cock. He dropped his head again.

Sonic swallowed it all down eventually. He wiped his mouth and climbed up, hovering over Shadow’s body with a pout. “Too much?” He leaned down and dragged his tongue up Shadow’s protruding adam’s apple. He bit down around Shadow’s throat. Shadow gasped and reached for Sonic’s quills, but the omega growled, snatching his wrist. Pop. Shadow’s ulna fractured as Sonic’s jaws clamped around his windpipe.

Shadow wheezed and pushed at Sonic’s chest. Blood bubbled from his lips.

Sonic let go and sat up, his ears going flat. “Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to, I… oh, Chaos.” He took Shadow’s hand to look at his dented arm. Another pop.

Shadow yanked his hand out of his grip. He scooted away and held up his palms. “Cah…” He took a deep, whistling breath. “Calm down.” He put his hands around his throat and curled up in the nest.

“Okay, you’re right.” Sonic took a few deep breaths, clenching and unclenching his fists. He needed to be in control of himself. He reached out and gently set his hand on Shadow’s thigh. “I’m so sorry.”

Shadow glanced at him. He plugged the holes in his throat with his fingers. “Inhibitors… you need… inhibitors.” Shadow’s energy was flowing inside of Sonic, strong and healthy. Even if it wasn’t damaging him, it took Shadow years to learn to control it. This was going to happen again. And Shadow is so tired. He lowered a hand on top of his stomach.

“Who can make those for us?” Sonic’s leaned down to press kisses all over Shadow’s face. Shadow shrugged, unsure. He would guess Eggman already had some technology like that to contain Sonic, but Tails more often worked with energy. “Can you sleep?” He lied down and tried to spoon his mate, but his belly kept them mostly separated. He rubbed Shadow’s arm.

Shadow sighed, closing his eyes and nodding. He could sleep. He liked the idea of sleeping now. The rest, the cessation of pain. But whenever it happened, his mind was still working to build a nightmare. But for now, he wanted that sleep to heal his throat at the least so he could speak easily.

In his mind’s eye, Sonic wasn’t pregnant anymore. He was lean and bright standing in tall grass that billowed in the wind, though his muzzle was dusted with graying fur and crow’s feet pulled at his eyes. He looked happy. He was accompanied by Maria. She was wearing the sweater the color of his fur. She looked bright too. Must be one of her good days. Behind them were two opaque gray shapes like shadows, visually undefined, but he recognized them to be his children grown. Had that many years passed already?

“Shadow!” Maria sang to him, waving. “I missed you.”

Sonic smiled softly at him. “My mate. Come join us.” He extended his hand.

A grin slowly took control of Shadow’s face. Was it finally time? He reached for Sonic’s hand, walking forward swiftly. Then a grand flash of light blinded him. He lifted his hands to shield his eyes. Heat. He lowered his hands. A wall of fire had sprouted between them. It was much too tall to only be fed by the grass, like someone had just dumped gasoline on it. So much black smoke filled the air that he couldn’t see the sky anymore. He could barely see the loves of his life through the flames. He stepped back, ears dropping low.

“Shadow? Where did you go?” his sister called to him.

“I’m here, Maria. I’ll find a way to get to you.” Shadow spun around, but he was surrounded by fire. He stepped back until he felt heat on his back, then he jumped forward. His fur stood on end and his quills bristled.

“You have to go through to get to us, alpha,” Sonic told him. “I know you can do it.”

Shadow’s brows tightened as he turned to face them. His chest was heaving with his rabid breaths. “I’m scared.”

Someone else called to him, but he couldn’t make out a voice. He simply knew what was being said without hearing it. “Papa?”

Maria, Sonic, his children, they all called to him like sirens. He had to come to them. If he got through, they could be together forever, he knew it. He braced himself, then pushed off to get a moving start. He dashed into the fire. He didn’t feel anything at first. But where was the other side? They had seemed only feet away. The blazing temperature surrounded him now, and he might as well have been in an oven. And the smell. Singed fur. Cooking flesh. He hated that smell. It was only when his blood started to boil inside of his body that he truly screamed, but the cry was silent. He had no air to expel. It felt as if the fire had entered his lungs.

Shadow couldn’t breathe. His eyes shot open. He felt at his face. Sonic’s hands were there covering his mouth and pinching his nose. It was the quickest way to wake him without hitting him. Sonic released him, and the alpha gasped. He sat up and felt at his neck. There were still holes in his skin, but the punctures to his windpipe had healed.

“You’re up. Sonic wrapped his arms around Shadow and kissed his head. “I’m with you. Still young.”

Shadow flexed his arm and his hand. The bones felt solid. He looked up at his mate, checking his face. It was blue and cream colored. No white, no gray, no wrinkles. He looked down. Sonic still had his belly with the puppies safely inside. Shadow leaned against his chest.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Sonic rubbed his back.

Shadow shook his head and felt his own fur. None of it was missing. None of it was burned.

“I’m sorry, Shadow. For hurting you like that earlier. You’ve been worried about my energy for a while, and I should’ve listened to you. As usual.” He pushed his fingers into Shadow’s quills, massaging his scalp.

Shadow closed his eyes. “It’s okay. No harm, no foul…” He would always heal. “Should’ve tried to get you rings earlier.” He unclasped his own rings from his wrists. He took Sonic’s hands and secured them onto him. “Gold isn’t your color, but they’ll do for now.”

Sonic looked down at Shadow’s cuffs on his wrists. He kind of liked getting to wear Shadow’s things. Another marker of who he belonged to. He looked at Shadow’s face. “What about you?”

“I know how to control it.” Shadow took the rings from his ankles. He picked up Sonic’s foot and rubbed at it for a moment. His ankles and feet swelled after only minutes outside the nest. He put a cuff on each of his ankles.

“That feels… different.” Sonic watched. It was like his body was a tv filled with static and it had just been shut off. It was silent in his skin for the first time in a while.

“They’ll carry the excess energy instead of you.” Shadow rested his hand on one of the rings.

“Thank you.” Sonic smiled softly. He watched Shadow lie back down. He rubbed the alpha’s fluffy chest. “Are you… doing alright?”

“Of course.” Shadow took a deep breath that suggested otherwise.

“You’ve been kind of…” Sonic lied down on his side and gently rested his swollen belly on top of Shadow. “Quiet. For a little while.” Shadow slowly rubbed his palm across Sonic’s stomach while Sonic’s fingers traced his chest. “Is it the nightmares? We could cut my claws so I don’t cut you too deep. I’ll even put caps on my canines if you want me to. Won’t have to sleep anymore.”

“I’m fine. It’s just…” Shadow put his arms behind his head. “Yeah, they get to me. But don’t worry about cutting your claws or anything. Call it… exposure therapy.” If he burned enough, there would be nothing left to set ablaze, right?

Sonic kissed his cheek. “You don’t have to be brave all the time, you know.”

Shadow shrugged, looking down at his loving mate. Of course he did. When he had something like that to protect. “I ought to feed you. Wasting away over there.” Shadow nuzzled the top of his head.

Sonic parted Shadow’s chest fur to kiss his chest softly. “I wouldn’t mind eating. But I know you’re just changing the subject.”

“Rest.” Shadow slipped away, propping a pillow under Sonic’s stomach as he did. He stepped down out of the nest and left the bedroom. He paused in the hall. He pressed his hand on the wall and let his body slouch. He took a breath, then cleared his throat. He stood straight again and walked into the kitchen. They had really taken to the meat shake idea. It wasn’t messy, and it was easy to eat. He grabbed whatever meet was already shredded in the fridge and dumped it into their blender. He opened a drawer to gather the needle and tubing. He put the end of the tube inside the blender and slid the needle into his brachial artery. His dark blood filled flowed through it into the blender. He closed his eyes and pressed his hand on the counter. He opened them again when soft feet padded into the kitchen.

Sonic’s stomach slotted into the curve of Shadow’s back as he rubbed the alpha’s sides. “Thank you for giving yourself to me every day.” His hand trailed down Shadow’s arm and along the tube. He pinched it when the blender was almost full. He lifted it and put it in his mouth over Shadow’s shoulder. He gently held it with his teeth and let the blood flow into his mouth. He sucked a little, swallowing down every drop as a wag found his tail.

“You’re welcome. Cannibal,” Shadow whispered, leaning his head against Sonic’s.

Sonic held the tube in one side of his mouth. He pressed his thumb over where the needle pierced Shadow’s skin and pulled it out. “You would eat me too if I could grow back.”

Shadow took his arm and lifted it to his mouth. He bared his teeth an inch from his skin. He’s right. But he wouldn’t heal. He would scar. Or worse. His lips dropped back down over his teeth and he kissed Sonic’s arm softly. He started the blender. Sonic’s new, soft tits pressed into Shadow’s back as he leaned up to lick at his ear. The alpha’s hands reached back to touch his thighs. “You should sit before your feet swell.”

“Why don’t I sit on you? You’re stressed, Shadow. I can feel it.” Sonic rubbed up and down his sides.

Shadow leaned back a little towards him. He shifted his weight between his feet. “Thank Chaos your cunt doesn’t have teeth.”

“Then your cock would be gone, hm?” Sonic’s hands gently cupped his pouch and started to massage his bulge. He paused. “But… are you like tired of having sex? Is that it? My body’s different now. Is it not—“

“It’s perfect.” Shadow shut off the blender and turned around. “Don’t you say an ill word about it. I love having sex with you. It should be obvious how excited I get with you like this.”

Sonic smiled softly. He cupped Shadow’s cheeks and kissed his nose. “Talk to me. What is it?”

“Sit down.” Shadow grabbed him by the waist and put him up on the counter. He squeezed Sonic’s foot and passed him the shake.

Sonic flexed his feet as he sipped. “They don’t really hurt. I’m fine.”

Shadow tapped his foot on the floor. He put his arms under Sonic’s knees to lift his legs, elevating his feet. Sonic had to lean back, putting his hand behind him on the counter. The heat from Sonic’s cunt flowed invitingly into Shadow’s crotch. Sonic opened his thighs, eyeing Shadow in that way. Shadow leaned in and kissed down his neck, feeling it bulge as he swallowed. Then he kissed across his chest. He cupped one of Sonic’s tits. The feel of the sweet thing and his nipple poking into his pad was enough to draw Shadow out of his sheath. Shadow played with it while Sonic finished his meal. Milk beaded at his nipple when Shadow squeezed. His mouth wrapped around it, and he sucked gently. He wrapped his arms around his waist. He opened his mouth wider than he needed, taking half of Sonic’s breast in his mouth.

Sonic petted Shadow’s head as he set the cup down. “You call me puppy, but you’re the one always suckling. Are you going to make me take care of three puppies?” He rubbed Shadow’s shoulders. He wondered sometimes how deep this interest went. Shadow never had a mother or a father. He was fed nutrients intravenously when he was little.

Shadow’s brows furrowed as he swallowed the omega’s milk. It embarrassed him, the way Sonic talked to him when he tended to his breasts. It embarrassed him because he wanted it. Especially now. He wished to be taken care of. He wished to be held. He wished to be curled up inside Sonic’s warm and soft body. He shifted forward, sinking his dick into Sonic’s slick pussy. So soft. So warm. The fluid in his chamber had been so cold. He moved his hips back and forth slowly. He started to purr.

Sonic grinned and wrapped his legs around him. He hugged Shadow’s head gently. Purring from Shadow was extremely rare. He had only learned how to make the sound after spending enough time listening to Sonic do it. He puffed out his chest, pressing into Shadow’s mouth. “Have your fill.” His pussy had this slow rhythmic throbbing to it that nearly eased all of his mate’s pain.

“Hm~” Shadow’s tongue rubbed Sonic’s tit. His hips plapped against his fatty thighs. He feels so good inside.

Sonic moaned softly. His brows knitted together. There was movement inside of him, but it was deeper than Shadow. He felt a pressure against his skin. Shadow pulled away from him. He looked down at his stomach. He could see the movement. His skin stretched as one of his babies kicked at him. He gasped. “They’re finally kicking! Look at them go!” He touched the spot on his stomach. He grinned up at Shadow, but his face dropped when he saw him.

Shadow’s typically proud posture was hunched, his arm crossing over his abdomen. His face had a small grimace, and his breaths were tight. Sonic looked at his stomach again when he felt movement on the other side. It was their other baby. They were pushing against one another fighting for space. Shadow fell to his knees, bending over his stomach. A whimper forced itself out of his throat. He was still trying to hide it from Sonic.

“Shadow? Shads, what’s the matter?” Sonic got down off the counter and grunted as he got down on his knees. Shadow put his forearms on the floor and pressed his forehead to it, breathing deeply. “My pain…” Sonic held his stomach. How could he forget? Shadow was taking his pain. Later, they’d said, but they never talked about it later. No wonder it didn’t hurt Sonic for both his babies to kick at him. “Give it back to me.” He rubbed Shadow’s back. “I can handle it. You need a break. Alpha, please.” Sonic hugged Shadow’s torso, leaning over him.

Shadow’s tears dripped onto the floor. He could handle being punched, stabbed, bitten, and kicked. But this never stopped. It hurt more every day. His insides burned. His legs and his feet ached. He was so tired. So tired that he listened. He moaned as the pain disappeared from his body.

Sonic felt ten times heavier. He was afraid he was going to fall through the floor. His breathing stopped. They were crushing him, his children. He could truly feel their kicks now punching his organs. It felt as if he was being ripped apart. Pain wrapped through his legs like thorny vines and his breasts had this deep soreness. It might as well have been his whole body that hurt. And so severely. He cried, but he didn’t sob, he had no breath to heave. He gasped when nearly all of the pain disappeared in an instant. He looked back at Shadow who was trembling over the floor. He wiped his eyes and then stroked his stomach, urging his children to calm down. Shadow’s been carrying this pain the whole time, and Sonic had no idea how bad it was.

“The nest. You need to be in the nest. Let’s go.” Sonic pulled at his arm. Shadow slowly climbed to his feet. The omega put his arm over his shoulders and wrapped the other around his waist. Surprisingly, Shadow did lean some of his weight into him. He walked with him slowly down the hall to their bedroom and ushered him into the hammock. Shadow lied on his back with a long sigh. The babies had settled into their new position. Sonic got into the nest and leaned his forehead onto Shadow’s stomach. “I’m so sorry. This whole time, you…” He pressed soft kisses on Shadow’s flat belly and pressed his palms down on it. The alpha let out a breath of relief when Sonic rubbed into it, massaging. “You’ve been pregnant too.”

Shadow closed his eyes, resting his hand on Sonic’s head. He breathed deeply, slowly settling comfortably in the nest.

“I should be taking care of you as much as you take care of me.” Sonic continued his kisses on Shadow’s tummy, but his hands slid up to his chest where he squeezed the lean muscle as well as he could. Shadow moaned softly, pressing into his hands. “And I will. Thank you. Thank you for taking my pain.” Sonic’s thumb brushed his cheek. Shadow leaned into every touch.

Chapter Text

The two mates were lounging in their nest in the morning as they did at most times of day. Their arms were crossed over one another’s. Sonic pushed his fingers into the muscles of Shadow’s belly and groin, giving him a massage that made his breaths deep and sighing. Shadow’s hand rested on Sonic’s belly too, but he only rubbed it with his thumb. Too much movement would rile the babies. They seemed ready to interact with the rest of the world though they were still stuck inside the omega. Being unaware of how this mixed species pregnancy was going to go, Shadow checked Sonic’s cervix each day so they wouldn’t be caught off guard. But so far, Sonic’s body showed no signs of readying for labor despite the puppies displaying an eagerness to be free inside him. Sometimes Shadow was terrified that they’d shift to gaseous oxygen consumption before Sonic could birth them, and they would drown inside of him. But their hearts were loud and steady in his ears all day.

The omega purred softly under the warm sunlight coming through their skylight while the alpha had the edge of a blanket pulled down over his eyes. Until his watch buzzed. He pushed the blanket up to his forehead and tilted his arm. It was a message from Tails. He told Sonic, “They finished your rings.”

Sonic turned onto his side and let one of his legs slide between Shadow’s. His hand moved up into his chest fur. “You want to go out?”

“No.” Shadow wrapped his arm around him. “Tails can bring them here.”

“We could get another check up. I know you’re worried.” Sonic brushed his fingertips along his own belly. He felt fine. He experienced very little pain thanks to Shadow. And over time, he had become confident in his body’s ability to handle Shadow’s children. He had been fine so far. Maybe drained these last few weeks, but nothing unsafe. Shadow’s inhibitor rings had been helping him not to feel so sprung yet exhausted.

“I don’t mean to… say that you can’t handle it… you’ve done so good. You’re the perfect carrier for my seed.” Shadow kissed his head.

“I know.” Sonic smiled. “It’s okay to worry. You can’t feel them living inside of you, you just feel all the bad things. I’d be offended if you weren’t worried about us.” He rubbed Shadow’s torso, his hand moved from his chest fur all the way down to the fur of his pouch.

Shadow pulled him closer, nuzzling the top of his head. “I’m terrified for you to give birth.”

“I… that part, I’m afraid of too.” Sonic murmured. He slowly pushed himself up. He straddled Shadow’s hips, letting his belly hang down on top of him as he sat. The alpha grunted under the weight. Sonic took his hand and kissed his ring. “Listen, Shadow—“

“No.” Shadow pulled his hand away.

“Yes.” Sonic frowned. “We have to talk about it just in case. Give me your hands.”

Shadow reluctantly lifted them. “I don’t want to consider it.”

“I know, my alpha.” Sonic brought Shadow’s hands onto his swollen stomach. “But there are two lives in here. Two. They’re me and they’re you together. If I can’t get them through my canal, you have to cut them out.”

“You’d lose so much blood, Sonic. I don’t know if you’d… you might…” Shadow‘s face scrunched up in displeasure at the thought.

“But you understand that if I can’t get them out, all three of us… we’ll be gone.” Sonic rested his hands on Shadow’s. “If it’s just me or all three of us… you know the answer.”

Shadow felt at his belly, rubbing and gripping anxiously. His hands shifted to Sonic’s hips and pulled him further up his body, closer. “Maybe we should go to Earth. I mean, I know we don’t know anyone there, but their medicine is so advanced. They cut pregnant women open all the time, and it’s safe.”

Sonic immediately shook his head. “Absolutely not. The planet itself isn’t safe. We will be hunted down. It’s not worth the risk. Then it’ll be all four of us. We’ll handle it here. I’m sure my body will adjust as needed. But just in case… I need you to say it.”

Shadow pulled Sonic up his body until the omega was sitting on his chest. He kissed his tummy. “I…” He sighed as he listened to the slow beating in his stomach. Sonic was right. It wasn’t even about choosing him or the babies. They would all die if they didn’t come out. But if Shadow had to cut him open… it could be at his hands that Sonic died. It can’t be his fault when he dies too. His only hope was to have faith in Sonic as an omega to be able to pass their babies. “If they’re not coming out… and they start to deteriorate… I will cut them out of you. As the very last resort.”

Sonic rubbed into Shadow’s ears, making the alpha close his eyes and relax just a little. “Thank you. I’m sure we’ll be fine. Your energy has made me strong.”

“Hm. You’re right. Should give birth without your inhibitors…” He touched the ring on Sonic’s wrist.

“And with the pain.” Sonic rubbed his stomach.

“With the pain…” Shadow nodded, sighing.

“So what do you say we get another check up? Just to ease you a little bit. And see how big they are.” Sonic smiled and carefully got off of him to sit next to him.

“Okay.” Shadow sent Tails a message that they would come for the rings. He slipped out of the hammock and slowly stretched out his body, raising his arms above his head, then leaning to touch his toes. He pressed his hand on his own stomach and waddled around the bedroom like he was pregnant.

Sonic giggled, but he tried to cover the sound with a hand over his mouth.

“What, damnit?” Shadow scowled as he pulled open their dresser.

“I’m sorry, it looks a little strange. You’re still so lean.” Sonic caught a pair of leggings Shadow tossed at him.

The alpha rummaged through the drawers. “I don’t feel lean. I feel heavy.” He returned to the nest with a sweater and pulled it over Sonic’s head. The omega not only had swelling tits situated on his chest now, but also several hickeys and shallow love bites all across his chest. It wasn’t exactly appropriate. His nipples still poked at the sweater though. They were hard most of the time now.

Sonic pulled his quills through the neck of the sweater. “Me too. I can feel that much.” He let Shadow help him out of the hammock before he pulled the leggings up. Shadow went to the hall, put on his shoes, then came back with Sonic’s to put them on for him. Once the omega was fully dressed, Shadow lifted him into his arms with a grunt. Sonic brushed his thumb under Shadow’s tired eye. “Maybe I should walk.”

“But your feet…” Shadow carried him out of the bedroom.

“Would you rather your feet throb or your legs burn? It’s up to you.” Sonic rubbed his chest. Shadow stopped just by their front door. He had that unblinking, thoughtful look on his face. Then he slowly set Sonic down and opened the door for him. “Thank Chaos.” He stepped outside.

“No running.” A soft growl came through the words. He wasn’t playing.

Sonic’s ears lowered submissively, but he waved him off. “Let me be. I won’t hurt myself.” He began to walk.

Shadow walked at his side. He kept his eyes on him, completely uninterested in watching where he was going. Despite that, his steps were surefooted and straight. Sonic kept glancing at Shadow as he adjusted his pace over time to a speed walk. This was a decent stretch for his legs that Shadow allowed. The alpha matched his pace up until Sonic’s gait quickened enough to require his knee to bend. Sonic tried to bolt, but Shadow’s arms were locked around him instantaneously, lifting him off the ground.

Sonic kicked his legs in the air, wiggling in his hold. “Shadow, please! I’m losing my fucking mind in that hammock. Just a few minutes. Let me run for a few minutes.”

Shadow growled at Sonic’s ear. His arms only tightened around him. “Is it really worth the risk to you?”

“I’m not going to fall! I’ve been running my entire life!” Sonic growled back, though his body began to tremble, clearly not interested in challenging its mate. “Besides, you’d catch me before I could hit the ground anyways.”

“I don’t trust myself! You ever thought about that? I’m doing everything I can to keep you guys safe, but I make mistakes. And I’m trying to limit the environment where those mistakes can occur. Don’t you understand that?” Shadow set him down, but he didn’t let go.

Sonic gripped onto Shadow’s arms. His ears twitched around as he absorbed the words. The babies stretched inside him, pushing at Shadow’s arms.

“You’ve riled them up now…” Shadow groaned, letting Sonic go to sit in the grass. He breathed deeply, holding onto his flat stomach.

Sonic sighed as he rubbed his belly, feeling the babies against his palm. “I’m sorry…” He struggled to get down on the ground in front of Shadow. “Feel your babies.” He brought Shadow’s hands onto his stomach, then took their place, rubbing into Shadow’s hips and abs.

“Hm. Mmm…” Shadow’s breath slowly calmed back to normal as his hands spread over Sonic’s stomach, and he actually felt his children moving. Healthy. Strong.

Sonic kissed his forehead. “What’s a few more weeks without running? I’ll be okay.”

“I wish I could carry them for you. I’m sorry you have to go through it.” Shadow looked into his eyes.

Sonic smiled softly. Oh, Shadow. He tapped the alpha’s nose. “You’re doing most of it for me. I’m sorry for trying to run. It was kind of an impulse.”

“Gonna make me put a leash on you…” Shadow’s hand flexed on his stomach.

Sonic knew he wanted to grab his throat. “I won’t do it again. Probably.”

Shadow rolled his eyes and got back to his feet. After that moment of stillness, the babies had settled again. He offered his hand, and his mate took it to rise. “Whose idea was it to make you an omega?”

“Some vengeful God trying to make you sweat.” Sonic took Shadow’s arm and started to walk with him again.

Shadow scoffed. “Probably. Don’t think I’d have it any other way though.”

“No?” Sonic looked at him.

“I’d be pregnant for us, but I wouldn’t want to be the omega. Can you imagine if I was the one with an instinct to listen to you? All hell would break loose.”

“Oh, come on.” Sonic pushed him. He thought he was being serious.

Shadow stumbled but came right back to take his arm. “No, I… if I was an omega, I would’ve never came here. Wouldn’t have trusted a strange alpha.”

Sonic imagined that. If Shadow had been the one with weak legs when they had first met—fumbling like a new fawn instead of expressing the skills he had tailored over the years in their fight. “Well, maybe you would’ve been drawn to me…”

“Even if I was, I would fight it. Still wouldn’t have trusted you.” Shadow shook his head.

“You don’t understand what it’s like for omegas.” Sonic rubbed Shadow’s arm. “But that’s okay. I don’t know what it’s like for alphas.”

“But you managed to fool everyone.” Shadow tilted his head.

Sonic chuckled. “Because none of you have been around another actual alpha. You would’ve known if there was anyone to compare me to. I got lucky.”

“Hm. I hadn’t considered that.“ Shadow smiled a little. “I’m still glad things were the way they were. So we could end up here:”

“At Eggman’s lair?” Sonic padded through the main doors with him.

“Oh, yeah. Love it here.” Shadow whistled. The two of them got into the elevator and made it down to the medical floor where Eggman and Tails were asked to meet them. The doors opened to reveal the two sitting on wheeled chairs in the hall. Tails was spinning Eggman.

Sonic chuckled at them. “Hi.”

“Oh, Sonic.” Tails grinned and leapt over to hug his brother. He had to hug him from the side to stay out of his belly’s way.

“It’s good to see you. Good to be out.” Sonic rubbed Tails’ fluffy head.

“Is everything okay?” Tails put his hands on Sonic’s stomach, provoking a small growl out of the alpha in the room.

Sonic pinched Shadow’s butt, and he went quiet. He didn’t mind Tails touching there. He nodded. “Yes. I just think I should come as often as I can while I can. Getting towards the end. Getting a little nervous.”

Tails frowned a bit, rubbing Sonic’s stomach through his sweater. “What’s your plan?”

“Can we get him sitting? Our feet…” Shadow lifted Sonic into his arms.

“Of course. Come on.” Eggman beckoned them. He wheeled backwards into the exam room. Shadow brought his mate inside and set him on the table. He stood at the end and began to remove Sonic’s socks and shoes.

“Do yours swell too?” Tails crouched down to get a close look at Shadow’s ankles.

“No. I receive nothing physical. It’s all neurological.” Shadow set down Sonic’s shoes and socks. He brought his ankles on top of his shoulders to elevate them as the omega lied back into the table.

“Pretty cool.” Tails bounced back up and came to stand next to the table. “We have these for you.” He set a stack of inhibitor rings on Sonic’s belly.

Sonic smiled widely and picked one of them up. They were silver and shiny. Sonic could see himself clearly in its reflection. There was a slit down the center all the way around like in Shadow’s, but they weren’t glowing yet. “They’re beautiful.”

“Thank you for these. Really needed them.” Shadow unfastened the gold rings on Sonic’s ankles. He grabbed two of the silver ones and snapped them around him. They couldn’t quite slot into the right place at the moment due to Sonic’s swelling, but it seemed like they would be a good fit. The center glowed purple once it was secured. Purple? Must be blue and red.

“You’re welcome,” Tails and Eggman said together as the fox switched out Sonic’s bracelets and handed them to Shadow.

“Did you guys get along okay?” Sonic asked as Shadow put the four gold rings on himself.

“Yeah. Turns out he’s not so bad. Sometimes.” Tails shrugged with a smile.

“Tails is worth working with. He is intelligent. For a child.” Eggman folded his arms.

“Good.” Sonic smiled. Shadow kissed his ankles and set his feet down.

“So, a plan? For when it’s time?” Tails probed.

Sonic nodded. “Kind of. I’m going to give birth in my nest. With Shadow.”

“Are you sure? You don’t at least want some of us with you?” Tails looked between them.

“It’s a bit… intimate for that, isn’t it?” Shadow brought over the ultrasound machine. He pulled Sonic’s sweater up under his tits.

“Yeah, but… what if you need help?” Tails took Sonic’s hand.

Sonic squeezed his hand. “There’s nothing I’ll need Shadow won’t be able to handle.”

Shadow rubbed jelly onto Sonic’s belly. “Stay on standby when the time comes. I’ll reach you if I need you.” He set the sensor on Sonic, and their babies appeared on the screen. Though Shadow was holding it low, taking a look at his mate’s cervix. It was closed and solid like usual. Sonic took his hand and brought his hand higher up so he could see their heads. The babies themselves were quite large now, as big as newborns. Maybe even a little larger.

“You feel like it’ll happen soon?” Eggman sat closer to the screen.

“I mean… how much bigger can I get?” Sonic’s stomach was just about heavier than the rest of his body.

“Well, they haven’t dropped yet.” Eggman examined Sonic’s stomach without touching. “It’s still high.”

“What if they don’t? When should we consider inducing?” Shadow watched his babies twitch on the screen.

“Inducing? I’m not a labor and delivery doctor. I don’t have any drugs that could make that happen. You could try the natural way when you’re ready.” Eggman leaned back in his chair.

“What’s the natural way?” Shadow gave the sensor to Sonic so he could look at what he wanted.

“Exercise, spicy food. Intercourse. For humans, at least.” Eggman listed on his fingers.

Shadow grumbled. None of those sounded like a good idea close to labor. He put one hand on his hip and his other over the computer’s keyboard to take pictures when there was a clear image.

“I’m not so worried,” Sonic chimed in. “My body will be ready when it’s ready.”

“That’s the mindset you should have.” Tails leaned down to groom Sonic’s ear.

“Everything looks okay?” Shadow asked.

Eggman nodded as he wrote down their measurements in his journal. “Yeah. Still growing.”

“Still growing. Of course they are.” Shadow spread his hand over Sonic’s stomach. He was worried for the omega. His skin was already stretched so thin.

“I can’t wait to see the little guys.” Tails lightly pushed Sonic’s shoulder. “Hurry up and have them.”

“They’ll come when they’re ready.” Sonic rubbed Shadow’s hand, then handed him the sensor back. He shut off the machine.

The four of them chatted for a little while. More like three of them. Shadow had knelt down and lied his head in Sonic’s lap. His quills nestled around his tummy while his nose was half way between his thighs, consuming the sweet scent of his pussy. Sonic rubbed the alpha’s ear as they chatted until he could sense Shadow’s patience had worn thin.

“I better get him back before he falls asleep.” Sonic stroked Shadow’s quills. The alpha rose and shook them out.

“Okay.” Tails pouted. “Well, let me know next time you come for a checkup, and I’ll come too.”

“Fine,” Shadow answered. “But only you. No one else.” He put Sonic’s socks and shoes on for him.

“Okay! Thanks.”

Shadow nodded. The mates bid the other two goodbye. They linked arms as they left the facility. The walk home was quiet. Sonic nudged his head into his alpha’s neck along the way. Once inside, Shadow removed his shoes. As Sonic leaned over to take off his own, hips pressed into his bum.

He smiled as he placed a hand on the wall to keep his balance as he pulled his socks off. “Not even going to help me?”

Shadow grumbled as his hands slid along Sonic’s belly under his shirt. He pulled Sonic back against him.

Sonic stumbled between Shadow’s feet. “Did too many people see me today?”

Shadow picked him up and carried him to their bedroom. “Tails touched all over you.”

“My brother, Shadow?” Sonic let the alpha bring him into the hammock. He lied on his back with a long sigh. He lifted his legs as Shadow pulled his leggings from under his butt, bringing them to his thighs.

“Mine.” Shadow slipped his cock inside of his cunt. Sonic was slick and ready as always.

Sonic moaned softly. He pulled his sweater off and tossed it to the floor. “Who do I belong to?”

“Me.” Shadow hunched over him and started humping between his legs.

“Mmm~” Sonic bit his lip as he rubbed his thumbs into the fur of Shadow’s cheeks. “Who’s your omega?”

“You.” Shadow nuzzled his face. He licked at his fur.

Sonic purred to him, closing his eyes. His clit throbbed as Shadow’s cock stroked his insides. His hands slid down Shadow’s back to his butt where he sunk in his claws. “Prove it.”

Shadow growled softly and bowed his head into Sonic’s neck. He pressed his hands at the bed and began to thrust into him. His belly lightly hit Sonic’s each time he reached deep. He bit next to his gland harder than he had in a while.

Sonic whimpered and grabbed Shadow’s quills. He tried to open his legs wider but he was still in those leggings now working to bring his legs to Shadow’s sides. The alpha suddenly clamped his jaws around Sonic’s neck and groaned. “Ah!” Sonic hissed, arching his back the little bit he could under all the weight. The babies were kicking him. It’s hard to have sex without waking them up. Every muscle in Shadow’s body tensed up. Sonic kissed at his face. “Roll over, alpha.”

Shadow let go of his neck, breathing deeply. He was frozen for another moment, but he rolled off once Sonic pushed at his shoulders. Sonic grunted and huffed as he tried to get his leggings off on his own. He kicked them off the hammock and got to his knees. Shadow looked up at him with wide eyes as the omega straddled his hips and slowly lowered onto his dick. Sonic hummed softly as his pussy was filled. He wiggled on Shadow’s lap, settling down with his belly resting on top of Shadow. He put his hands on Shadow’s chest and started to grind on him.

“You’re so fucking pretty,” Shadow gasped. He pressed his hands onto Sonic’s stomach, feeling his children to push at his palms. His abdomen was still incredibly tense, receiving all of the pain.

“Thought… maybe I could ride for a few minutes.” Sonic’s brows furrowed, and his breath became heavy with the effort it took to move around his heavy body.

“Mhm. Ride, please.” Shadow nodded, rubbing at his belly. His cock twitched inside. He looked down to Sonic’s tummy and hushed his babies as the omega began to lift and lower himself on Shadow’s lap. His pussy squelched noisily around him. He gripped onto Shadow’s chest fur as his thighs began to tremble. He was too heavy. Couldn’t keep holding himself up. Instead of lowering himself carefully, he started to plop his ass and belly down onto his alpha. He got into a bouncing rhythm.

Shadow whimpered and moaned. His pupils grew large as his eyes flitted up and down Sonic’s body, trying to take it all in deep detail. His hands shifted behind to Sonic’s ass. He grabbed it and helped the omega lift himself before bringing it back down hard on his balls. Shadow’s claws sunk in as a baby jabbed low in Sonic’s stomach.

Sonic rubbed the spot they kicked. “Hey, puppies. Mm~ Be easy on your P-Papa. We’re almost done.”

“Hah~” Shadow panted. His ear flicked. He pressed his feet at the bed to give small thrusts up at Sonic’s pussy though they were rigid.

“Do you wanna cum on my belly, alpha?” Sonic licked his lips, watching Shadow’s flustered face.

“Mhm.” Shadow nodded. Sonic relaxed his body, letting Shadow manhandle his hips, moving him up and down like a flesh light. A few minutes later, Shadow pulled him off. He quickly grabbed his cock and pointed it at Sonic as cum started to spurt from his tip.

Sonic leaned his tummy forward. “Claim us. Good alpha.” He reached back to rub Shadow’s leg. His pussy throbbed on Shadow’s balls as his stomach was painted with his entire load. As soon as the last drop came out, Shadow put the omega back onto his cock. He pressed his hips up until his knot popped in. Sonic gasped and squeezed Shadow’s hips between his legs. Shadow’s hands rubbed the cum over Sonic’s stomach, and the blue hedgehog started to grind on his knot. “Fuck…” Sonic rolled his hips around on the warm, thick knot. He watched Shadow’s hands on his tummy. He squeezed his owns breasts as his hips started to twitch. He pinched his tender nipples between his fingers, and then he was squirting on Shadow’s lap, soaking his fur. The two of them panted softly and became still, relaxed. Soon, the babies did too, finally settling down after all the excitement.

Chapter Text

Shadow was exhausted. He’s been in so much pain for so long. Most of the time that he’s not catering to Sonic, he meditates. He lays back and stares at the ceiling. He guides his mind away from the pain. He thinks to when he was young living on the ARK. He thinks of Maria encouraging him. And he finds a little bit of peace by the time he has to break concentration. The rope of the hammock creaked as Sonic turned over face down next to him.

Shadow turned his head. “Don’t lay on your belly…” He gently pushed Sonic’s shoulder to get him on his side.

“Fuck off,” Sonic snapped, his snout wrinkling. “I can’t breathe when I’m on my back. All I do is lay on my side. I’m sick of it. I hate being pregnant!”

The declaration felt like a jab to Shadow’s heart. All the joy and excitement had left them. They’re in the trenches now, desperately trying to crawl to the other side. They’ve begun to turn on each other. But Shadow doesn’t go stir-crazy. Though he is tired and irritated and pained, he can still think relatively clearly. He knew Sonic didn’t mean most of the hateful things he would say now. But they still hurt. He was trying so hard to keep the omega happy and comfortable, but it’s impossible. The only good news was he could tell they were close. Sonic’s smell had changed in a way that’s difficult to describe. It was the first major indicator. After that, his pussy stayed swollen, drawing in extra blood flow. So much so that Sonic’s fingers and toes were cold unless they were nestled against Shadow’s body. And the omega’s sex drive had disappeared. He didn’t want to be jostled around, and he didn’t want to be any fuller than he already was. Besides, it couldn’t be done anymore without bumping his belly. It had dropped. Something loosened, and it hung low, applying even more pressure to Sonic’s pelvis.

Shadow was sure it would happen soon. Very soon. He was careful when he meditated, never going into a deep state so he could watch out for more changes in the omega. Each day, he got more nervous. He was unsure when they would cross the line where continuing to carry them would be dangerous. His mind kept circling around what Eggman said could naturally induce labor. But neither of them wanted to have sex. And Sonic only ate meat so he wouldn’t have spicy food. And exercise seemed dangerous in his state. So they waited. And waited. They were both feeling helpless.

“It’ll be over soon,” Shadow muttered.

“I want it to be over now,” Sonic whined. “I can’t take it anymore. I need to move. I need to run. Cut them out.” He grabbed a fistful of Shadow’s chest fur. “Get some tools or medical supplies from Eggman, and get them out.”

Shadow took Sonic’s hand calmly and massaged it until the omega released his grip. “I’m not going to do that.”

“Face it, Shadow. Look at my stomach. They’re too big. Every day they get a little bit bigger, a little bit harder to pass. There’s no way they’re making it through. It’s not like I’m this size from a litter of nine small pups. Two are causing this. They’re huge.” Sonic grasped Shadow’s hands. “I’m afraid.”

Shadow frowned deeply. “I’m afraid too. But we must give your body a chance. It was built for this.”

“No, it wasn’t!” Sonic pushed his mate away. He gruntled and struggled into a sitting position. “My body was built to run. I am not your breeding stock.”

Shadow sighed and brought his hand onto Sonic’s stomach. “I didn’t mean it like that.” He wasn’t very invested in this argument because he knew that Sonic would not have taken much issue with that statement if he wasn’t so sick of being pregnant in this moment.

Sonic’s ears twisted around his head. He was conflicted by his own frustration and the comfort he unwillingly received from Shadow’s touch. “I want to be sterilized.”

Shadow’s fur began to stand up defensively, his body rejecting the statement. “We can discuss it later… when we’re clear-headed.”

“Shadow, I am clear-headed. My hormones are no longer making me throw myself at you. I can think about what I want. You know damn well the next heat or rut, we’re fucked. I’m going to get pregnant again. We can’t control ourselves. Obviously. I don’t want to do this again. And I don’t want a bunch of children. I never wanted children. I mean, what are our lives going to be like now? We haven’t even made one together before I got pregnant. And now we’re going to have these two people depend on us forever. Nothing will be the same.” Sonic slowly rubbed his face with his hands.

Shadow looked up at his mate with sadness. It’s true. Neither of them had actually wanted this. Their bodies did. They were out of control. And the consequences will last the rest of their lives. At least Sonic’s. But there’s nothing they can do about it now. “I’m sorry.”

“I know.” Sonic sniffled and rubbed his eyes. “I just… I hope I love them. What if we don’t love them, Shadow?”

“We’ll love them, I can assure you of that. If we’ve learned anything, it’s that our instincts are strong. They’ll take over. We’ll love them so much that we’ll be grateful you got pregnant. We’ll think it was all worth it. And they will bring us joy for the rest of our lives.” Shadow sat up slowly and pressed kisses to the side of Sonic’s face.

Sonic leaned into the gentle kisses. “We can’t have more. We need to get back to looking out for everyone soon. You have to hold me to that.”

“You’re asking the impossible.” Shadow murmured. His fingertip traced Sonic’s ear. “I want to make a world with you.” Maybe his instincts were stronger. Or maybe he just really wanted to see more good in the world. More of Sonic. If their children could make up a fraction of his reputation, they would be worth all of this and the work they put into raising them.

“Alpha,” Sonic turned his face and brought his forehead to rest against Shadow’s. “I’m mortal. If I had all the time in the world, I’d make generations with you. But I have to be careful how I spend my limited time in this world. And being a stay at home parent is not my lifelong goal.”

“Don’t say that… I hate it when you say that…” Shadow’s mouth went dry as he closed his eyes.

“You need to remember that. Help me live the happiest life I can. I’m okay having these two. They’ll be able to handle themselves in some years, and I can get back to what I’m meant to do. Helping people who need me.” Sonic cupped Shadow’s cheeks.

Shadow didn’t open his eyes. “Fuck the people who need you.”

Sonic sighed and dropped his hands. “That’s why you’re not a hero, Shadow. But someone has to be. I’ve already taken that role, and I’m not going to change for anyone. Not even my mate. You can join me on my journey though. You can be… my hero. Just keep me safe. Keep me happy. You don’t have to change. You don’t have to worry about anyone else. But I do.”

Shadow felt a wave of… guilt? Or shame? It’s true. He’s no hero. He’s done terrible things… but all in the name of people he loves. That’s the difference between them. Sonic would die for anyone. But Shadow would kill for the people he loves. He sees how selfish this is, wanting to keep Sonic to himself. But when has he ever gotten to keep what he wants? He wished Sonic could just live forever with him. He would do anything for that. At least… now he would still have their children once Sonic was gone. But then he would lose them too. He wanted to spend as much time with Sonic as he could before he was gone. The thought crossed his mind to kidnap him and hide him away to keep to himself. Just him and their children. This… greed he had when it comes to Sonic makes him feel terrible. But not terrible enough to stop it. He struggled to keep himself from saying something possessive, instead choosing to grab Sonic’s quills tightly.

“If you don’t let me be me, you’re going to lose me. You know that.” Sonic’s hand wrapped around Shadow’s wrist.

Shadow gripped tighter and his brows lowered on his head. “I hate this.”

“Focus on loving me.” Sonic’s fingers wiggled into Shadow’s fist to pry it open. “All of me. Even the parts that have nothing to do with you.” He kissed the alpha to soften the impact of his words.

Shadow kissed him back, but a huff left his nose. He shifted in front of Sonic and began trying to lay him down.

“Nah ah.” Sonic turned his face away and pushed Shadow’s chest. “I need you to sit with this. You will not claim me to make yourself feel better. To make yourself feel like my words aren’t important or true.” Shadow’s muzzle started to wrinkle, but Sonic put his hands on it before the alpha made noise. “Sit with it.” Shadow’s gaze softened and his eyes began to water. He leaned his face into Sonic’s hands. Sonic kissed his forehead and rubbed his cheeks. “I’m sorry it’s difficult for you. But it’s how things are.” Sonic pulled away from him to lie down on his side. He put a pillow between his knees.

“I love you…” Shadow looked down at him.

“I love you too, Shads.” Sonic took his hand and pulled on him. Shadow lied down behind him and rested his hand on Sonic’s belly. His cheek rested on Sonic’s quills. “I’m glad you’re my mate. I know you’ll come to understand and want what’s best for me.”

Shadow was quiet. His thoughts were jumbled. So were his emotions. He was frustrated that his conversation had hurt him. It frustrated him that he wanted things out of reach. Part of him was frustrated he ever followed Sonic here in the first place. The babies had to come soon. And then they could go back to being themselves together. They wouldn’t be so bothered with one another. Everything would be great between them again. And they’d be glad to have made these pups together. Right?

Chapter Text

Routine had gone out the window. Sonic slept most of the time, be it day or night. He was fatigued, but also he had nothing better to do. Shadow wouldn’t let him go outside. He couldn’t even get up to get food for himself. In some ways, he preferred to sleep in this state. He could leave behind the stress his body was under. And he could run in his dreams. Shadow didn’t object to this. He encouraged Sonic to rest. He himself wished to sleep as well, but he couldn’t. He had to watch Sonic. Had to be aware of the pain. Tensions were pretty high between them, and neither of them knew how to fix it.

Now, it was early evening, and Sonic had fallen asleep for the night. He would be down for a while. Shadow was free to do the things that Sonic was beginning to get irritated with. Like tracing his belly that was pressing into the alpha’s side. Shadow wasn’t sure if Sonic was being overprotective over his pups or if he was just irritated with the alpha. Shadow was a little concerned Sonic’s instincts might urge him to keep an alpha away from his babies, but Shadow should be accepted since they’re mates. He sees that Sonic is just over the pregnancy. Maybe he doesn’t want Shadow to enjoy it either so they’re more likely not to procreate again in the future. Shadow couldn’t imagine never breeding Sonic again, but he also couldn’t imagine having kids at all.

Shadow gasped for air as his insides clenched up pain pounded at his stomach and pushed through into his back. He sat up and grabbed at the hammock. He was trying to suck in air, but the pain in his abdomen was so intense that the rest of his body almost felt numb. He couldn’t even process it. As it went on, he had no thoughts besides that it hurt, and he wanted it to stop. He was grateful when it seemed to disappear less than a minute after it had started. He breathed deeply as he gathered his bearings. He touched his stomach. There was nothing wrong with him. Sonic. He tried not to wake the other hedgehog as he leaned down to sniff his belly. His smell had changed again. It sent a sudden jolt of adrenaline through Shadow, and he no longer felt dead exhausted. He lifted one of Sonic’s legs and checked him. He didn’t see or smell any blood. But his groin was as swollen as ever and seeming to hold itself open around nothing. Is it time?

Shadow turned Sonic onto his back and pulled his legs open. Sonic squirmed under the weight of his belly. He pushed Shadow’s arm away and grumbled, “Shadow… can’t breathe on my back.”

“I think you should be open. Not folded in on your side.” Shadow kissed Sonic’s forehead.

The omega breathed a heavy breath, his face scrunching up with discomfort. “Why?” He couldn’t feel what Shadow was feeling. He tried to roll away from the alpha.

“Mm-mm.” Shadow placed a hand on Sonic’s belly. “Stay here.” He moved his other hand between Sonic’s legs and gently brushed his thumb back and forth across his clit.

“Hm~” Sonic relaxed a little bit, letting his legs hang open. Shadow’s fingers felt him. He was thoroughly slick before the stimulation. Shadow’s finger slipped in with ease. He felt no pressure from Sonic’s walls and the omega hardly seemed to notice. It was quiet for a few minutes.

But then the pain came to Shadow again. He groaned and bowed his head. He thinks this is it. He grabbed Sonic’s arm tightly. “S-Sonic. Wake up.”

“What, Shadow? I’m tired. I’ll eat later.” Sonic tried to roll over again, but Shadow didn’t let go of his arm.

Shadow forced himself to take a deep breath. “It’s time. You’re having contractions.”

“What? I am?” Sonic rubbed his eyes and looked down at himself. Of course, everything looked and felt fine to him.

Shadow panted softly when the pain finally faded again. He dropped out of the hammock and turned on the light in the bedroom. “I think so. It really hurts. It’s coming in waves.” He grabbed a towel from the bathroom and tucked it underneath Sonic.

“Shadow.” Sonic took his hand. “You have to give me the pain now so I’ll know when to push.”

Shadow frowned. “I’ll transfer it then.”

Sonic grunted as he leaned up and put a pillow behind his back to prop himself up a bit. “You’re not an omega, Shads. You won’t know. I’m grateful for you holding this for me for so long. But it’s my turn.”

Shadow climbed back into the hammock next to him. He brought his forehead against Sonic’s. “I know you can do this. I’m going to be here with you the whole time.”

“I know.” Sonic smiled and pecked his lips. “I’m ready. I’m excited to meet them. Let me earn it.”

“Okay.” Shadow grasped Sonic’s hand in both of his. He closed his eyes and released the pain, giving it all back to the omega. His lips curled into an uncontrollable smile. The first time his body lacked pain in months felt like pleasure.

“Ooh, okay…” Sonic let out a breath and squeezed Shadow’s hand. He cleared his throat. “This isn’t so bad. I can handle this. How long do the waves last?”

Shadow opened his eyes. “It hasn’t started yet.” He opened his hands and pressed his snout against Sonic’s cold one.

“But it’s already hur—ah!” Sonic jerked to a sitting position. “Holy f—“ He leaned his head back and squeezed Shadow’s hand as tightly as he could. His jaw clenched shut and he tried breathing through his nose. He’d never felt pain like this before. It was so… internal. So deep.

Shadow felt energized and like he could think clearer now that all the weight was off of him. He pushed Sonic back against the hammock gently. “Lay back. Careful with your teeth.” Shadow brushed his free hand against Sonic’s mouth. Sonic opened his jaws and let Shadow put the side of his hand inside his mouth. Sonic bit down until the contraction stopped. Shadow cupped his mate’s cheek. “Are you going to be okay?”

Sonic was catching his breath. “Um… I think so. How many will there be?” He rubbed his stomach, and the babies shifted inside. He could feel every micro movement from them now.

“I have no idea.” Shadow put his hands on Sonic’s stomach and rubbed it with his thumbs. “I think they’ll get long and longer until you’re ready.”

“Great. Good. Fine. That’s fine. I’m going to be fine. Once we get past this, everything’s going to get better. Just have to get through this. Gods, why am I more nervous now than on any missions I’ve ever done?” Sonic chuckled uneasily.

“Because of who’s depending on you this time. Our babies.” Shadow pressed a kiss to his stomach.

“Right.” Sonic nodded. He tried to get comfortable laying back in the nest. Until it was time to push, all he could do was wait and try not to exhaust himself now.

In the final stretch of helpless waiting, the mates sat together in their nest and comforted one another. Sonic bit down on Shadow’s hand when the pain came, but Sonic’s bites were getting weaker. Sweat dampened his fur. The contractions lasted a minute now with only about two minutes in between. Eventually, Sonic felt open inside. The pressure became a more specific sensation, like he could feel one of their heads pushing at his canal. He felt the urge. In between contractions, while he could breathe, he warned his mate.

“Shads…” Sonic gripped his chest fur. “I’m going to start pushing. It feels time.” But he was afraid. He had already gotten tired.

“Okay, my heart. Let me take your rings. Maybe that’ll give you some relief.” Shadow gently unclasped the silver rings from Sonic’s wrists. Sonic closed his eyes and rubbed his own forehead. Shadow crawled down to settle between the omega’s legs. He took the rings off his ankles.

“Hm.” Sonic took a deep breath as he felt a surge of energy fill his body. Confidence found him again. With a little bit of Shadow’s power, he’s sure that he can do this. It’ll probably be over quickly anyways. The pain came again, and Sonic decided he would start to push. He clenched every muscle in his body that he was able to. He bit down on the blankets and groaned through them.

“Good~” Shadow cooed. He gently licked at Sonic’s pussy the way he would lick at his fur to groom him. “Send them this way.” Sonic’s legs tensed so hard that they began trembling and pulling inward. Shadow rubbed his thighs soothingly but with enough firmness to keep them pushed open.

“O-ow. Fuck,” Sonic whimpered once the contraction was gone. But now he felt like he was being split open. This was a good sign. They were moving. But now he was in a lot of pain whether he was in a contraction or not.

“I can smell them.” Shadow smiled. “They’re close. I know you won’t have to push for long.”

“Okay…” Sonic grabbed one of Shadow’s hands. In the down time, he thought of finally being able to hold their babies and focused on the sensation of Shadow licking him. As soon as the next contraction started, he pushed again. His voice strained. Sonic felt something tear as the baby moved along inside him and blood landed on Shadow’s tongue. His hole opened up much wider, and Shadow could actually see part of a pup. His tail wagged excitedly, but then the contraction stopped. Sonic tried to catch his breath. His vagina was burning. He knew something ripped. A concern briefly crossed his mind. What if it never went back to how it was before? But he didn’t spend much time on that thought as another contraction came quickly. He whimpered as he started pushing again.

“It’s coming. I see it. Keep pushing, baby.” Shadow licked his clit to reward him, and it very slightly eased his pain. Then there was a sudden relief as the baby’s head popped out and the rest of it fell out with ease. Shadow grinned and took the baby in his hand. He wiped the towel on its face to clean the goo off of it. He severed the umbilical cord with his teeth.

Sonic hadn’t even realized what had happened. His eyes had closed, and he was enjoying the very brief lack of pain. Until he heard his baby yip and wail. His ears flicked forward and his eyes shot open. “Give them to me!” Sonic cried, reaching down.

“It’s a boy.” Shadow passed it to Sonic. He was much bigger than any newborn hedgehog should be. He was black like Shadow but lacking markings. His muzzle and chest were pale like Sonic’s.

Sonic licked him furiously, making sure to get all of the mucus out of his mouth and nostrils to ensure he could breathe. Once the baby’s cries were strong and he was relatively clean, Sonic laid him on his chest and helped him latch to his nipple. “Are you hungry?” Sonic whispered, watching the pup with so much love in his eyes. The baby’s mouth was clumsy around Sonic’s breast until some instinct managed to take over and it closed around Sonic’s nipple. “Good boy. My baby…”

“Sonic.” Shadow kissed his stomach. “There’s one more. You need to keep pushing.”

Sonic swallowed dryly. He was tired again and couldn’t take his eyes off his baby. Another one? Right. He rubbed the tiny ear of the pup. “Okay…” He focused on the sensation of the baby feeding from him and not the burning in his groin. At least until the next contraction came. He told himself this one would come out with ease since he was already ripped. He tried pushing, but it was getting difficult like his muscles were fatigued.

“Come on, Sonic.” Shadow gently kissed his pussy. “I want to meet our other baby.”

Sonic’s brows tightened together as he focused on pushing hard. Sharp pain started again as the baby’s head began to pass. When the contraction stopped, he felt a wave of nausea and weakness. “Shadow… I’m so tired.”

“I know.” Shadow kissed all over his thighs. “You’re almost there. And then it’s all over. You want to go for a run? I’ll let you once you get it out. Come on.”

“A run? I wanna run,” Sonic mumbled as he stared at his baby. Could he take him with him? He doesn’t think he’d be willing to leave him anywhere. They could figure that out later. Right now, Sonic needed to stop being pregnant. That sounds nice. He was ready to try again once the next contraction came. He squeaked as he pushed.

“Good, good! Almost there.” Shadow licked and licked at Sonic’s pussy until it opened up and he was licking the next baby’s head. Sonic gasped as it came out. Shadow quickly wiped its face and nipped its umbilical cord. It was a deep navy baby with purple markings. As soon as it started to cry, he offered it to Sonic. “It’s a girl…”

Sonic giggled joyously, so relieved to have both of his children safe in his arms. It was over. He licked her all over. She was so cute. So was her brother. They smelled so nice. Like a mix of both of them. He helped her to his other nipple. Sonic grunted as he had one more weak contraction. His body pushed out the placenta for him.

“You did so good,” Shadow purred as he gently rubbed Sonic’s pussy. “I knew you could do it.”

Sonic’s legs fell down as he yawned. “Hm… can I run now?”

Shadow chuckled softly. “I think you’d fall asleep on your feet, my heart. Maybe tomorrow.” He picked up the placenta and brought it to Sonic’s mouth. “Eat this.”

Sonic licked his lips and slowly ate it out of Shadow’s hands. For now, it tasted delicious, like the meat they usually ate. He wondered vaguely if he’d keep eating Shadow’s diet now that he wasn’t pregnant. Maybe just until he stopped breastfeeding. Sonic licked the blood from Shadow’s hands, and Shadow licked the blood from Sonic’s muzzle. He lied down next to his mate and looked down at their children. The girl was a little bigger. Neither had quills yet. Just soft fur. Their eyes were shut as they fed peacefully.

Shadow leaned over them and tucked his nose into the girl’s belly. “Hm. They smell so good.” Sonic’s hands loosened around the babies. Shadow gently moved them to make sure they wouldn’t fall off of Sonic’s chest. He kissed the cheek of his passed out mate and watched his children. He listened to the soft sounds of their little hearts and whimpers. He’s never felt so much pure warmth and love. He had no regrets. No reservations. No negative thoughts. Only love.

Chapter Text

Shadow had actually fallen asleep. He hadn’t meant to, but he got so comfortable with no pain, the pleasant smells, and the soft white noise of their babies. When he first woke up, it took him a moment to realize that he had been sleeping. Then he opened his eyes and sat up quickly. But he was relieved to see Sonic resting curled around their babies that were breathing slowly. Everyone was fine. He let out a breath of relief.

“I’m glad you got some sleep.” Sonic reached up to touch his cheek. “We’re okay. I actually feel… pretty great.”

Shadow looked him over, and his brows came together. Sonic looked great too. Not exhausted. Not damaged. In fact, his stomach was… back to normal. Already? Shadow’s fingers brushed along his skin. Not even a single stretch mark. He hadn’t seen Sonic’s body like this in a while, but it was still familiar. It was his now. Shadow lifted his mate’s leg and looked between, but he was too messy with dried blood and slick to get a good look.

“I didn’t think it’d be so easy.” Sonic smiled as he watched his children.

“It shouldn’t be.” Shadow tilted his head. Sonic’s eyes still had a little bit of red in them, but it was less now. Only noticeable if you were close. “I want to get you cleaned up.” Shadow kissed his head before he got out of the nest. He went into their bathroom and ran the water. Once it got warm, he plugged the drain. He thought about it as the tub filled then decided on keeping the water low. He returned to the nest. “You got them?”

“Yeah.” Sonic murmured, scooping the babies into his arms. They immediately felt blindly at his chest, searching for his nipples. “They’re always hungry.” He guided them to his nipples. “What if they get fat?”

“I think that’s be a good problem to have.” Shadow smiled in amusement and lifted Sonic into his arms. “Do you have enough milk?” He carried him into the bathroom.

“I think so.” Sonic looked down at his breasts. “I can eat after the bath.”

“Are you still craving meat?” Shadow lowered Sonic into the tub.

The omega made sure the water didn’t reach the pups, but it was no problem since it was so low. He licked his lips, thinking. “Yes.”

“Hm.” Shadow cupped water and brought it up to flow over Sonic’s fit stomach. It was certainly abnormal that it had gone back to its original state so fast. He put some soap in his hands and lathered it. He picked up one of Sonic’s legs and started rubbing it in. He scratched gently at Sonic’s inner thighs to break up the crust.

“Do you think Maria’s quills will have markings like yours?” Sonic rubbed the girl’s head with his finger.

“Maria?” Shadow paused, looking lovingly at his mate.

“Yeah.” Sonic smiled and kissed her head.

Shadow smiled too. “And the boy?” He returned to washing Sonic, rubbing his pussy gently beneath the water.

Sonic’s ear twitched. “Hm. He looks a lot like you. Maybe something like Silhouette?”

Shadow shook his head. “I don’t want him to feel like he’s like me. Or needs to be more like me.”

“I think he’d love to carry a name like yours.” Sonic watched the boy let go of his nipple and curl up to sleep on his chest. “Think of a name as less of something to live up to and more like the first step towards a goal to work for. How about… Hero? Our little hero.” Sonic kissed the boy’s head.

“I like that one better.” Shadow pulled the plug in the tub to drain the water. “Sit here.” Shadow patted the rim of the tub.

“Maria and Hero…” Sonic carefully got up and sat down on the edge of the tub.

Shadow liked those names. He knelt in front of Sonic and parted his legs. He used his thumbs to spread his lips. His vagina looked… normal. He didn’t see evidence of any damage. It didn’t look stretched out either. Shadow put a finger in it. He could feel Sonic’s walls clench around him.

“Hey,” Sonic huffed, shutting his thighs.

“It feels normal…” The gears in Shadow’s head started turning. He tilted his head and bit into Sonic’s thigh.

“Ow!” Sonic pulled his leg away, his brows furrowing. “Alpha? What was that for?”

“I just want to see how it heals.” Shadow licked the bite wound gently. He brought over a towel and dried his mate’s lower half.

“I’m fine.” Sonic stood up and carried their babies back to the bedroom. He stood under the skylight and closed his eyes.

“I know you’re fine.” Shadow followed him. He stopped and watched his mate bask in the sun, just a step out of its reach. “I don’t think you should be.”

“Can’t we just be grateful for that?” Sonic turned to face Shadow.

“Right.” Shadow took Sonic’s hip and pulled him into his body. They could get so much closer now without that stomach in the way.

Sonic looked out the window. “I really want to run, but I can’t leave them.”

“Give them to me, and you can lap around the house,” Shadow offered.

Sonic looked down at his babies and whined softly. He trusted Shadow. He just didn’t want to let them go. But he would feel better if he ran. He could be a better parent that way. “Okay… be careful with them. Get in the nest.”

Shadow climbed into the hammock and propped himself on a pillow. Sonic leaned over and gently placed the pups on Shadow’s chest. They nestled into his chest fur. Their little hands sifted through looking for nipples. Shadow rested his hands over them, ready to catch them if they started sliding off.

Sonic immediately dashed off in a blur but he was back nearly the same instant. He paused to kiss Shadow’s head. The alpha smiled, then Sonic did another lap around the house. Each lap he paused to kiss the heads of Shadow or his babies. As he spoke, his voice sounded everywhere at once. “I think we should get a treadmill. Tails offered to make one for me once, but I said no because I preferred running outside.”

“I think that’d be a good idea.” Shadow watched his blue trail. It seemed warmer than it used to be. “Don’t want to wear down the floors.”

Sonic paused again standing next to the nest. He stood up straight and strong. “I miss Tails. I hope he’s doing alright.”

“He’s fine.” Shadow reached out to trace Sonic’s side. He’s happy to see him back to his energetic self.

Sonic did another lap and came back. He gently touched his babies. “They’re too little for visitors. Maybe once their eyes open.” He did another lap and spoke from the kitchen. “We’re almost out of meat.”

“I’ll go hunting later today.” Shadow yawned.

Sonic returned to him while munching on a skinned rabbit’s leg. “But I want you to stay with us.”

“Mm… could ask someone to bring meat for us?” Shadow rubbed Sonic’s hip. “Have you told anyone yet?”

“No. Been distracted, I guess.” Sonic got into the hammock and straddled Shadow’s lap. “I feel so light. Like a feather floating around.”

“You are.” Shadow ran the back of his fingers up and down Sonic’s front. The only difference in his body now was his breasts. But they weren’t so swollen now, constantly being drained by the pups.

Sonic fed Shadow the last piece of meat from the leg then gnawed on the bones. Sonic smiled down at his family, and his tail began to wag. When he finished eating, he leaned down and nuzzled his face into Shadow’s chest between the babies. He sniffed them as their little hands found his muzzle. He purred softly, sending vibrations into Shadow’s abdomen. “I love how they smell. And the soft sounds they make.”

“You love our babies?” Shadow smiled. He lifted his wrist to send messages through his watch to their friends about the good news.

“So much, Shadow. They’re so cute. Thank you for giving them to me.” Sonic kissed them softly.

Shadow rubbed Sonic’s head. “I never would’ve thought… we’d become this.”

Sonic laughed. “Yeah, me neither. I’m grateful though.” He took Shadow’s hand to read the incoming messages from his watch. “Of course, they all want to see us. I’ll ask Tails to get to work on the treadmill.” He started typing.

“Are you going to ask for food?” Shadow watched.

Sonic nodded. “But they can’t come inside. You’ll have to get it from the door.”

“Fine by me.” Shadow wondered how long they’d stay cooped up. He wanted to protect the babies too, but he was also beginning to miss outside too.

The two mates watched over their young until food was brought to their door. Sonic had taken a nap. Shadow woke him when he had to leave him. Sonic was a bit nervous when Shadow left his sight. He pulled the puppies close. But both hedgehogs were relieved that their space was respected. The animal was dropped off at the doorstep. It was killed with some sort of projectile weapon. Luckily it wasn’t explosive, so it was hardly damaged. “Let me skin it before I put it in the fridge,” he called to his mate. Sonic whined softly, but didn’t object further. Shadow took it to the kitchen and prepared it. He cooed to Sonic the whole time, assuring him he was nearby. He then put it in the fridge and brought Sonic a little bit of meat while it was fresh. Shadow got back into the nest with them and handed over the food. Sonic ate it happily. Shadow rubbed the omega’s thigh. His thumb sifted through his fur. He didn’t feel the bite he had left earlier. He looked down at it and used both thumbs to push apart his fur.

“What?” Sonic licked at Shadow’s forehead.

“It’s gone,” Shadow said. “The bite I left. It healed.”

Sonic looked down at his leg and also tried searching for the bite mark. It wasn’t there. “How…” Sonic touched his stomach. “Do I still have your energy? Even though the babies are out?”

“I don’t know. Your eyes still have some red in them. You think… it could be permanent?” Shadow looked into his eyes with just a trace of hope.

“Permanent… like I would always be healing? Like I would be…”

“Immortal…” Shadow whispered, a grin taking over his face.

Sonic quickly shook his head. “Don’t get excited, Shadow. I think it’s just temporary. Even if it’s not, there’s no proof my aging has halted. Maybe I just heal faster and that’s it.”

“But that’s the nature of quick healing. Your cells repair before they can die. You don’t age.” Shadow couldn’t stop smiling. He looked down at their children. “I wonder if they’re like me too… maybe you don’t have to die.”

“Everyone has to die, Shadow. I mean, I don’t want to think about them dying right now. They’re going to live for a long time. But you’re going to be disappointed if you think you’ll never lose us. Please don’t get invested in the idea that we won’t die. You need to accept it and then maybe it’ll hurt a little less when it happens.” Sonic was frowning. He thought Shadow was getting closer to accepting it. This is a huge step backwards. It was probably leftover energy that would die with time.

“I’m not invested, I just… but it’s a possibility. We need to look into it. We should give Ivo a sample of all three of you.” Shadow touched Hero’s cheek.

“I’m not letting my pups be hurt to feed your delusions,” Sonic growled. “I don’t trust Eggman either. I’m not giving him any information about them. I wish he didn’t know they existed. He could try to come after them. If he finds out they have powers, he would definitely try to steal them.”

Shadow’s ears lowered. “You’re right. I wasn’t thinking.” His ears went back up. “Just yours then.”

“Well, not any time soon. I’m not leaving this house or letting anyone come inside. They’re too little.” Sonic cradled the puppies. “Don’t get hung up on this in the mean time. Forget about it.”

Shadow watched them silently. He didn’t understand why Sonic wasn’t excited about this prospect. This would mean Shadow wouldn’t have to be alone. Their children wouldn’t lose him. And he could continue fighting for people without ever worrying about if he wouldn’t make it home one day. Isn’t that what Sonic wants most in the world too?

Chapter Text

A few quiet days passed, and Tails had left them the parts for a treadmill. He was on the phone with Shadow telling him how to put it together. Luckily, it was a pretty simple device. It relied on the runner. It had no motor of its own. But it had to stay lubricated to protect it from friction burns. Once it was together, both hedgehogs used it to get moving. Sonic loved it, but he could only use it for a few minutes at a time before he felt the need to check on his babies. Shadow could go for much longer and sometimes did. It felt good to be moving. Sometimes he ran facing the nest and watched over his family as they slept.

“Shadow,” Sonic called from the nest.

“Yes, my heart?” Shadow immediately stepped off of the treadmill.

“They’re looking at me,” Sonic whispered.

Shadow smiled and walked over to the hammock. He leaned down and looked at his pups. Their precious eyes had opened. Maria had beautiful green eyes like Sonic’s. And Hero had… heterochromia? One of his eyes was green and the other was red. Shadow gently wiped tears from their fresh eyes.

“That’s just cosmetic, right? Doesn’t affect how he sees?” Sonic waved his finger in front of Hero, and the baby reached for it.

“I think so. That’s quite interesting. I like it.” Shadow climbed into the nest and kissed Sonic’s cheek.

“Now we have to show them that we love each other.” Sonic turned his head and kissed Shadow’s shoulder. Shadow rumbled softly and moved closer, gently shifting the babies between them. He kissed Sonic and ran his hand up and down Sonic’s front. He cupped Sonic’s breast and lightly rubbed his thumb over his nipple. Sonic hummed and rubbed Shadow’s arm. The alpha broke the kiss when he felt the lightest tug on his hand. He looked down to see Maria pushing him out of the way so she could crawl up and suckle Sonic’s nipple.

“Hey.” Shadow huffed and stroked her little head.

Sonic laughed softly. “Nipples are for the puppies only.”

“Fine.” Shadow guided Hero to Sonic’s other nipple. “Does it hurt?”

“Um… no.” Sonic watched the babies. “I mean, after a long session, they can get sore. It’s not like when you do it. They don’t use their tongues or suck as hard as you do. But it feels like they’re kind of getting number.”

Shadow’s ear twitched as he heard noise outside. They were cast in shadow. Something was blocking the skylight. They both looked up and there was Rouge and Tails peering in. Apparently they couldn’t keep away any longer. Tails waved excitedly at them.

“Tails!” Sonic grinned. He nudged Shadow. “Pick up the puppies and show them.”

Shadow smiled a little and got out of the nest. He scooped them up. They both whined at being removed from their food. He lifted them up towards the skylight. Tails smiled widely and Rouge made grabby hands at the window.

“Okay, give them back.” Sonic pulled on Shadow’s back quills. He couldn’t stand to hear them whine. He accepted them back on his chest to feed them. He looked up at their friends as he stroked the baby hedgehogs’ backs thoughtfully. “Maybe… I think it’d be okay if they came in. But they can’t come in the bedroom. And they can’t touch them.” He hadn’t realized how much he missed them until he saw them.

“You want to come to the living room?” Shadow rubbed Sonic’s stomach.

“Mhm.” Sonic nodded. He let Shadow get him out of the hammock.

Shadow looked up at the two and pointed in the direction of the front door. They wasted no time flying off to their doorstep. Sonic got comfortable on the couch while Shadow opened the door. It was good to see fresh faces. “Hey.” He opened his arms.

Rouge hugged him firmly and rubbed his back. “Hey, handsome,” she hummed. “Doing okay?”

“Yeah.” Shadow pulled away from her before her strong floral smell got on him. He stepped out of the way. “You guys can come inside. But don’t try to touch them.”

“Aw. I wanted to pinch their little cheeks.” Rouge pouted as she entered the home with Tails.

“Hey, Sonic!” Tails went in for a hug, but Sonic turned away.

“Sorry, Tails… I can’t put them down. But you can sit next to me.” Sonic smiled at him, but his fur was puffed up just a little.

“Oh, okay.” Tails sat down next to him and leaned in to get a good view of the puppies. “Wow. I was wondering what colors they’d be.” Sonic started licking the fox’s forehead to fix his fur. His own slowly settled down. Tails let himself be groomed, fascinated by the puppies. “What are their names?”

“The boy is Hero, and the girl is Maria,” Sonic told her.

“Oh, that’s so sweet.” Rouge knowingly looked at Shadow a moment before turning back to Sonic. “They’re adorable!” Rouge clasped her hands together. “Makes me want to settle down.”

“Tch. With who?” Shadow folded his arms as he sat on the loveseat.

“I don’t know.” Rouge sighed. “I always thought I’d hook up with blue.”

“We would’ve if I was an alpha.” Sonic cradled the babies with one arm and used his other hand to stroke Tails’ tails.

“Shame.” Rouge patted Shadow’s thigh as she sat next to him. “That’s alright. Your babies with Shadow are pretty cute anyway.”

“It still surprises me that you two never…” Sonic looked between the two.

“You know how much Shadow keeps to himself. If you weren’t an omega, I doubt he’d ever have bedded you,” Rouge said.

Sonic looked at his mate, and the alpha looked away. He knew it was true. But he prefers to think they would’ve come together anyways. Out of love instead of lust. But it doesn’t matter. It worked out either way. During the visit, they came to have separate conversations. Shadow paused his chat with Rouge when Sonic got up and went to the bedroom with Tails. Shadow new the fox wouldn’t hurt them, but he kept his ears pricked in case he was needed. He leaned back against the couch and sighed.

“What is it?” Rouge put her arm over the top of the sofa, turning her body towards him.

Shadow thought for a moment, wondering if he should bring it up at all. But he was learning that it was best to talk things out with others. “Remember how Sonic seemed to have absorbed some of my energy to grow our young? It seems that it hasn’t left his body even though he’s given birth. I think it could be permanent. He could be invulnerable like me. Ageless. He thinks it’s temporary. It’s like… he doesn’t want it to be permanent.”

“If that’s the case, you should knock all of us up then,” Rouge chimed. Shadow was not amused. She sighed, becoming more serious. “Well, change is hard. Even good change. Sonic’s whole philosophy is built on having one life. Limited time. His beliefs would have to change. He would have to change if he was going to live on forever. At the least. It also might be his worst nightmare. Watching everyone he loves die over and over. I know it’s your nightmare. And that’s why you’ve fought so hard not to get close to anyone.” Shadow frowned. “But if he was really ageless, he would probably get over it in enough time. You’re both very young in that scheme.” Rouge sorted her fingers through his chest fur.

Shadow took her hand off of him, thinking Sonic might reject him if he tried to come in the nest with someone else’s scent. “I suppose we would have time to work that problem. For now, I want to figure out if he is ageless. And if our pups are too. He’s not willing to hand over a sample from them to Ivo—which I understand.”

“Well…” Rouge tapped her fingers on the couch. “Him and Tails have been sharing knowledge during this truce. While it’s still going on, you could try and get him to use or copy Eggman’s equipment. He’s probably smart enough to figure it out.”

“That’s a good idea.” Shadow crossed his legs. “Do you think he’ll honor the truce? Or end it without warning? Take advantage.”

“I’m not sure. He’s been remarkably empathetic about this whole situation. I feel like… things could resolve been us all permanently.” Rouge shrugged.

Shadow shook his head. “Greed will always rear its ugly head again when it comes to humans.”

“Yes… but I think there could be a compromise. Eggman is lonely. Have you spoken to the robots he makes? He clearly has familial issues. And while he hates Sonic… your children are his cousins. Humans are as sentimental as they are greedy. There’s a chance he feels a connection to you and them even though he’s hurt you.”

Shadow’s nose wrinkled. He wasn’t sure that was preferable to them fighting. He didn’t want to be close, friendly, or familial with Ivo.

“I know he sucks. But think about the babies. They would be so much safer if you guys were friendly,” Rouge reasoned.

“But we’d never know if we could truly trust him. Then we may end up letting him get too close,” Shadow argued.

“It’s a difficult situation,” Rouge admitted. “You should take it slow and careful. But I think you should try to keep the truce going. Try to be friendly.”

Shadow nodded. “I see your point. Sonic will absolutely not allow any closeness while the pups are little though.”

“I’m sure Eggman can understand that.”

Shadow has something else on his mind too. “Sonic wants Ivo’s help with something else too… they’ll have to be somewhat friendly for that. But maybe Tails can take over. I’m going to check on them. Sonic said he didn’t want anyone in the bedroom. Not sure why they went in there.” He rose and walked over into their room. Sonic was sitting in the nest with the babies. And Tails. Shadow caught him mid lick to Tails’ cheek. The alpha bristled. “What is Miles doing in our nest?”

“He just put me in here,” Tails told him. “I didn’t even know he could pick me up.”

Shadow walked over to the nest and picked Tails up by his scruff. “Miles is not your baby, Sonic.”

“Be careful with him,” Sonic whined softly as Shadow lifted him out and set him down on his feet. He got in the nest himself and pulled Sonic onto his chest with the puppies. Rouge stuck her head in then entered after she surveyed the room. Shadow sighed and stroked Sonic’s back. Great. Everybody just come in then. Sonic licked at the grumpy alpha’s face to appease him. “Are you still communicating with Eggman, Tails?”

“A little.” The fox shrugged. “Not as much after the birth. Why?”

Shadow closed his eyes and started licking his mate back as Sonic paused to speak. “Well, I think… I want to be sterilized. We should do it soon while I’m still healing quickly. The only people I can think of that might figure out how to do it is you two.” Shadow stopped licking and opened his eyes.

“Oh.” Tails frowned. “Do you… not like Hero and Maria?”

“No, no,” Sonic said quickly. “I love them. I’m grateful for them. But I don’t want to primarily be a parent for the rest of my life. I think it’d be safer to remove the option. We could try developing rut suppressants for Shadow, but… the risk would always remain.” The room went quiet after that, and Sonic looked around, unsure why. He was dialed into the puppies. He didn’t take notice of the dominating, tense scent radiating from the alpha.

“Y-yeah, I can look into that…” Tails got increasingly nervous as Shadow stared him down. “…for you.”

“Will you give him a sample, please?” Shadow asked his mate. “Just of you. They’re going to need to know your healing properties if you try to go through a procedure anyway.”

Sonic sighed. He couldn’t think of a good argument why not. Eggman had already gotten ahold of his DNA before. Nothing new. “I’m not leaving the house.”

“Don’t need to.” Shadow took Sonic’s hand and nipped his finger, pulling off just a tiny bit of tissue.

“Ow.” Sonic popped the alpha on the nose.

Shadow shook it off. He took the flesh from his teeth and held it out. “You can put it in a plastic bag from our kitchen.”

Tails hesitantly took it from him. “Testing for regenerative properties?”

“And aging. Ivo’s run the tests on me before. He knows what to do,” Shadow told him.

“Well, thank you guys for coming. It was nice to talk to someone besides this ray of sunshine.” Sonic pointed his thumb at Shadow. “Tell Knucks and Amy we said hi.”

“Will do.” Rouge leaned over the nest to get a final look at the babies. “Bye bye little Maria and Hero.”

Sonic smiled and tucked his nose into Shadow’s neck. “Message me when you find out about the stuff, and we can have another visit.”

“Okay.” Tails waved. “Bye Sonic.”

“Bye. Love you.” Sonic sighed softly. He kind of wishes Tails still lived with him. But he knew Shadow wouldn’t be comfortable if that was the case. It’s okay, he’d see him more coming up. The two departed and the mates were left alone. “That was nice.” Sonic hummed, still oblivious to Shadow’s sour displeasure hanging in the air, drowned out by the sweet smells of pups. “I thought I’d be more defensive.”

“Mhm…” Shadow looked up at the ceiling. His jaw clenched. How could he change Sonic’s mind?