The captain and the oracle

 10/10/2022 The captain and the oracle

His frame was thin and not a natural thin Atlas had ever seen. It put a bad taste in her mouth as she watched him prance around the ship's kitchen in joy. She jumped up and firmly grabbed his wrist. His sleeve had slipped as he reached upwards for a random spice on the shelf. 

"Atlas?" His soft voice tremble at her sudden touch. 

She pulled the sleeve up to better see the wrist. It was bruised and swollen. A tight purple line from where restraints had been used. She turned to the sailor in the room. “Bring the doctor.” Her ordered short as she turned to the frail man.

His eyes like a starry night sky faced her. But she was unsure if he could actually see. She could find no pupil amongst the eyes. 

“Your wrist is badly injured. How?” She demanded. 

“Oh…” His shoulders deflated as he attempted to curl his limbs around his form. Atlas kept a firm gri on the hand. “My…” he began. He furrowed his brow as he thought of an answer that was truthful but wouldn’t anger her more than she seemed to be. He also didn’t want to be sent back. “My last owner didn’t like me wondering around their place. So they put some heavy… um… bracelets?” he searched for a word. “Yeah. Bracelets on my limbs to limit me. Each had a rattling link on them.” He licked his lips. “But It doesn’t hurt anymore.” He shuffled his feet normally. 

Atlas picked up the small man and placed him on the table. He stayed still like a doll as she moved the sleeves up to see more bruises and scars. “Answer honestly.”

“Yes captain.” He nodded as he trembled.

“Why are you trembling?”

“I’m afraid you will send me back to that owner.”

“You ran away?” 

“I didn’t run. But I did leave in secret.” 

“How did you do so?”

He bit his lower lip as he froze.

“I am the captain of this ship. I saved you from the ocean. So I expect answers. And truthful ones.”

“Yes Captain.” He shut his eyes tight as light formed on his finger tips. It slowly became a small ball in his palm. “I can use magic. I teleported into the sea. Where your ship fished me up.” He fiddled with the magic ball in his hand.

“Ah. Magic is a rare skill.” Atlas watched him as he avoided eye contact. “Lucky for you, I don’t own people forcefully. Everyone who follows me does so by choice.” 

He nodded. “Will you sell me?” His voice squeaked out after a long silence. 

Atlas laughed as she took in the sentence. “I may be a pirate, but I don’t sell people. Moral code and what not.”

He sighed in relief. 

Atlas grabbed an ointment from the doctor’s bag. She carefully rubbed it into his bruised wrists. “Since we’re still a few months from touching shore, why don’t you take this time to think about what it is you want to do. As your own person.”

Tears weld up as he pulled his face up. “I get to make my own choice?”

Atlas smiled at the frail being. Perhaps she was still too kind. “Yes. Within reason. For now, let the doctor give you a full physical and treat your wounds.”

“Yes captain. Thank you captain.” He nodded quickly. A huge grateful smile on his face. 

Atlas sat laid back in her desk looking over paperwork when a soft knocking occurred at the door. “Enter.” She ordered not looking up from the papers. 

“I have finished the examine of the young man.” the doctor stated.

“Give me the full report.” Atlas ordered.

“He’s older than he looks. Due to malnutrition, he didn’t grow properly. He says he’s in his twenties. But he doesn’t know his birthday or birth year.” Atlas nodded. “He was bruises from restraints. Based on the bruises, metal and rope were used. He was several physical and mental scars.” 

“Start with the physical ones.”

“He has several scratches from where he was cut with knives and other items all over his body. There are human bite marks on his body in several locations.”

“Human?” Atlas growled as she crumpled the papers in her hand. She knew people were depraved, but it still irked her.

“Yes captain,” The doctor nodded solemnly. “I believe the sexual abuse has been going on for several years.” 

Atlas nodded, “Did you make copies of the marks? If we find a match, I’ll make them pay for such a transgression.”

“Yes captain.” The doctor. “I added photo copies to his file.” 

Atlas nodded. “Any other injuries.” 

“His eyes do not react to light. But he is able to describe somethings. However, he was never educated properly so he struggles with words. He doesn’t know colors or how to read. He also appears to have limited feeling in his limbs. I believe he is using magic to move and possibly see.” 

Atlas nodded. “You mentioned mental scars too?”

The doctor nodded. “Yes. He freezes and goes limp with every touch. He seems to stare off and disassociate almost like a living doll. He did it during the examination. He apologized because his thing doesn’t work. I doubt he’s ever seen a doctor before.” 

“Thing?” Atlas arched a brow.

“From what I was able to get him to tell me. SEveral of his previous ‘owners’ were dissatisfied that his penis did not work properly.” The doctor explained. “They were displeased he couldn’t get erect or ejactulate.”

Atlas let out a laugh. “Forgive me. But if I were a man in his position, I wouldn’t either.”

The doctor nodded with a small number. “Though I do want him to receive a full education. He has none, so he doesn’t seem to understand many things.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” Atlas nodded. “Perhaps sending him to a refuge home in one of the cities we port at.”

“That would be wise Captain.”

Atlas found the thin man in the kitchen again. His voice held the excitement of a child on christmas. She peeked into the kitchen to see his pink hair bouncing with excitement as he moved. The kitchen staff grinning with amusement as they showed him many dishes. 

“Hello Captain,” one of the cooks greeted. “Is there anything we can get you?”

The young man became more quiet in her presence. Atlas frowned a bit. She knew she was intimidating. Being six foot six made that obvious. But she didn’t like being feared by innocent small people. 

“I see you have a guest,” Atlas stated as she took a seat. “How are you liking the kitchen?”

He took a moment to respond, but he smiled brightly. “It smells very nice in here. All the food has different textures and scents. It’s very interesting.” 

Atlas nodded as he rambled on. 

Amy on the dock

 10/10/2022 Amy on the dock

Shadow liked the cozy home. He was glad he decided to accept Amy's offer. It was quiet and calm here. No loud annoying city. It was nice to have time off from gun, but he also wasn't too used to having more than a month off. 

Shadow carefully got out of his bed so as not to wake his Chao. He looked outside and made note of the stars outside. A small flickering lantern caught his attention.

Chaos control was very convenient as Shadow appeared beside Amy on the dock. "Rose what are you doing?" He asked as she kept staring out the lake that led out into the ocean several miles out. 

"I couldn't sleep." Amy replied as she flickered the later in her lap. "Were you unable to sleep?"

"I wake up often." Shadow answered as he sat next to her on the dock. He sat closer than he normally would when he noticed her shivering. Rose hated the cold and yet here she was outside in a light nightgown and jacket on a winter night. "What's with the flickering later?"

Amy glanced at the later in her hands. She gulped as she tapped her fingers on the glass. "It's an odd habit." She finally confessed after a long pause. "If I tell you, can you not tell anyone?"

Shadow tilted his head. Rose rarely asked him to keep secrets. But she also worried about the silliest things. He found it amusing. "Of course Rose."

Amy stared at him to see him sincerity before turning back at the water. She swallowed the thick saliva that felt like it would choke her. "I'm hoping my parents will show up in their boat. I'm flickering the lantern in Morse code so they know I'm alright."

Shadow watched Amy's sad face as she avoided eye contact. Rose had rarely mentioned her parents. All he knew was they were sailors. Rose spoke about them in past tense, so he let it lie as to not being up painful memories for her. Shadow wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her into a warm hug. "I can take you to visit their graves…

Rouge Meets Maria

 10/4/2022 Rouge Meets Maria

Rouge beamed as she greeted Maria. She wasn't sure how long Shadow had known Professor Gerald Robotnik has made an ultimate life form with Maria Robotnik's memories. But she was glad he trusted her enough to not only tell her, but introduce her. 

Maria gave her a firm handshake after hugging Shadow, who accepted the hug with no fuss. 

"Come on in," she spoke softly, "But keep the noise down. She's still asleep." She had them into a kitchen where she was in the middle of making breakfast. 

Rogue wondered if Maria had a child or a roommate. Maria looked young but ultimate life forms were immortal so there was no telling. 

"Rouge do you like omurice?" Maria kept her voice soft.

Rouge shrugged, "I haven't had it before. But I'll try it."

Maria smiled, "Well I hope you like it."

Rouge chuckled as she watched Maria prepare a cutesy breakfast while the other 3 were normal. The sausages were cut into animal shapes. The omurice looking like a character being tucked into a blanket with star and fish shaped fruit. 

"How old is your daughter?" Rouge smirked as she eyed the plate. 

Maria tilted her heart as she liked to say Rouge. "I don't have any children. What made you think that?" She paused for a moment before glaring at Shadow. "What weird jokes are you pulling now?"

Shadow stared at her blankly. Before glancing at the plate then back up at her. "The plate looks like a kids."

Maria looked at the plate before going, "Poor thing has been sick. She deserves a good meal."

Shadow pointed at the plate. "And the look?"

"To get her to smile of course." Maria smiled as she booped Shadow on the nose. "I'll teach you later so you to can make sick friends cute meals."

Rouge stared in awe as Shadow crossed his eyes to stare at her finger. The glare was one of annoyance but amazingly not death. 

Maria busied herself with putting the cute meal on a plate. Rouge's eat twitched as a door gave a soft click. It seemed the roommate was awake. 

A pink hedgehog in an oversized, band Tshirt and soft pastel pajama pants shuffled into the room. She squinted her eyes as she gave a soft good morning. 

"Good morning!" Maria grabbed as she walked up to Amy and pressed the back of her hand to the sleepy girl's forehead. "Your fever has gone down which is good." 

Amy nodded, "I'm feeling a lot better."

Maria smiled as she moved stray quills out of Amy's face. "Shadow bright Rouge to visit. We'll try to keep it down so you can rest. You just eat breakfast and take a bath when you're ready."

"I can rest at home." Amy swayed a bit.

Maria talked as she sat Amy down. "Nope. Not without someone over." She put the plate of cute food in front of her. "Until then, this nosy neighbor is taking care of you."

Amy nodded as she looked at the plate. She smiled as she liked at the cute looking plate. "Thank you." She murmured as she dug into the food.

Rouge tilted her head. "Cold?"

Amy gave a soft nod.

"Well at least you listen to someone when you're sick." Rouge chuckled. "When did you introduce Amy to Maria?" She grinned at the black hedgehog.

"He didn't." Maria answered. "Unlike Shadow, I age. I was found as a baby by my parents. They were friends with Amy's parents. So we grew up together."

"Oh," Rouge hummed as she chewed. "So you know embarrassing stories for both of them, huh?"

"Yes." Maria beamed. 

….

Silver gave an uneasy smile.

 September 16th, 2022

Silver gave an uneasy smile. He blinked several times. He shook his head. “I am not going to ask Amy on a date.”

“Silver, you lost the card game. That means you have to do a dare decided by the winner,” Sonic pointed at himself, “Which is me. There is no getting out of it.”

“One, pick something else.” Silver stated in defiance. “Because I’m not doing that.” 

“Come on, I don’t want to be chased for valentines day.” Sonic whined. “And if she has plans with you, I’m free. Plus you agreed to play.” 

“I thought the dares would be fun.” Silver groaned. “I am not asking Amy out for a date. What so ever.” 

“I thought you liked Amy,” Knuckles added to the conversation. 

“I like all of my friends,” Silver smiled. “Doesn’t mean I want to date any of them.”

“Come on, it will just be one day.” Sonic begged.

“No. Pick something else.” Silver stated firmly. 

“You’re being unreasonable Silver,” Sonic pouted.

“If it makes you feel better, Sonic has gotten all of us with it once.” Tails assured him. “And when Amy finds out it was dare she swingers her hammer at Sonic, not us.”

“While the hammer is scary. I’m not so morally corrupt to go on a date with Amy.” Silver stated. 

“Fine.” Sonic huffed, “If you give me a good enough reason, I’ll change the dare. But it has to be a good reason.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Don’t wanna isn’t a get out of a dare reason.” 

“I’m gay.” 

“I’m not asking you to sleep with her.” Sonic coughed. “It’s just one date. For a holiday.”

Silver heaved a heavy sigh. He didn’t want to tell them. But morally Silver couldn’t do this dare. “Amy and I are related and taking her on a romantic date is incestous.”

Everyone froze as they stared at Silver. That was not an excuse they were expecting. Espio stared at him looking for a sign he was lying. 

“You’re joking right?” Sonic stared in shock.

“I’m not,” Silver stared back at Sonic.

“Amy doesn’t have any relatives.” Sonic said in a gotcha tone.

“I’m from 300 years in the future Sonic. She had kids.” Silver rolled his eyes.

Sonic deflated a bit before piping up. “Then how can we be sure you’re not lying to get out of the dare?” 

Silver nodded. “Alright. I’ll prove it.” Silver got up and grabbed his emerald. “I’ll be back in a bit.” Silver disappeared in a flash of green light.

“Do you think he’s going to come back with a family tree?” Vector joked.

Silver reappeared with a very grumpy looking Shadow holding a coffee mug like it was a life line.

“Sup Shadow?” Sonic tilted his head in confusion before turning and looking at the Shadow sitting at the table lazily building a house of cards.

“If a time paradox starts because of this, I will fix it, but I’m going to complain the whole time.” Tails glared at the grey hedgehog. 

“I only brought Shadow from my timeline to confirm for Sonic I’m not lying.” Silver smiled. “I’ll take him right back.” 

The older Shadow arched a brow at Sonic. “Why was I brought for show and tell?”

“Is Silver related to Amy?” Sonic asked quickly. This Shadow looked ready to throw a chaos spear at everyone.

Older Shadow tapped his mug. “Stop sending others to take Rose on valentines dates to keep her out of your quills. It’s rude.” He looked at the others at the table. He pointed at Espio with his index finger. 

September 12th 2022 Manic hummed as he worked on his rv

 September 12th 2022

Manic hummed as he worked on his rv. It has been a chill week of traveling. The alarm caught his attention. He left his tools by the engine as he turned off the alarm and picked up his cell. He typed in the number he memorized and pressed dial before walking back to the steps of his rv. 

"Hello!" Came the cherry familiar voice, "Hedgehog residence. Aleena speaking.

"Hey mom," Manic smiled as he got comfortable. "What's up?"

"Manic!" His mom's voice was happy and cheery. It felt comfortable. "Everything is good here. How are you honey?"

"I'm good," Manic tried to keep himself from laughing. He called this time on this day every week. He was sure his mom had recognized the pattern. "How about you?"

“I’m good. I’m about to make breakfast. Have you been eating well?” Aleena spoke warmly. Manic could hear her moving the pans in the background.

“Yeah. I have.” Manic answered as if he always was. It was a lie. He wanted to hear his mom’s voice. But not an angry or worried tone. He wanted to listen to her bubbly talk about happy things. “What are you making today?”

“I’m making some scrambled eggs, sausage links, and maybe some grits or oatmeal. I haven’t decided which yet.” Aleena beamed. “What have you been up to dear?”

“Same old, same old.” Manic tapped his fingers on his leg. “What has been going on over there?” Manic listened happily as his mom told him about shopping, his brother Sonic, the other freedom fighters, his dad, uncle chuck, eggman’s foiled schemes. The same old but with slight differences. He listened to his mom tell him about the past week. He dodged or changed subjects when she asked about him. He didn’t want to talk about himself. Once Aleena was done making breakfast, Manic stretched out on his RV steps. “I gotta go mom. Enjoy your breakfast.” Manic bid his farewells as he stood up. 

“Okay stay safe Manic.” Aleena’s voice was quiet. 

“I will,” Manic assured before hanging up. He liked talking to his mom. Being in her presence was comforting. But Manic couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable. His past as a thief made most of the knothole freedom fighters not trust him. They looked down on him and thought poorly of him. He didn’t like their judgment. He could only let so much slide off his quills like water before it started to get to him.

Then there was dad. Manic always felt uneasy around him. It’s why he avoided him whenever possible. Seeing the robotized man made Manic’s heart ache. He knew it was stupid. But it scared him knowing that his dad would forever be a robian. It also didn’t help that he saw no similarities between them. Dad was a war hero. Willing to disarm bombs to protect his crew. He had honor, accolades, and the air of a leader.

Manic was nothing like that. Manic feared his father being disappointed in him. Sonic was pretty much dad’s clone with an adventurous attitude. 

Manic got along alright with Sonic. The two sharing a love of exploring. A more relaxed attitude. It was nice. Though Manic lacked that daredevil attitude Sonic had. 

Then there was Sonia. Sonia was prim, proper, and perfect. She nagged constantly. Manic knew she loved him. But getting along with her for more than an hour was

Manhandled

 2.8.2024 Krissie: This idea has been stuck in my head for a while.

Manhandled

Manic hummed as he finished arranging the plushies in his room. He enjoyed all the random stuff toys he had gotten over the years. He, however, struggled to decide which ones would face to join the plushie pile in the corner of his room. 

“Should I be concerned by all the stuffed animals?” Shadow asked from the doorway. Maria didn't have as many stuffed toys as the drummer had. 

“It's not the 1940s anymore,” Manic beamed. “Boys can like cute things too.”

Shadow nodded. “Dresses like a punk, sleeps like a princess.”

Manic grinned at the muttered remark. He hopped out of his bed, placing the stuffed fox onto his night stand. “How was your shower?” He asked as he hugged Shadow. He liked this scent. Just soap and lavender. No gun powder, blood, or oil from whatever mission. 

Shadow wearing clothes he pulled out for him was just a bonus. Today the shirt was from an emo punk band with neon black light colors as highlights. Shadow hugged him back as Manic nuzzled into his chest. The shirt got in the way but Manic didn't mind. 

Manic shifted his arms to hold Shadow and pulled him up. Shadow let out a gasp of surprise as Manic moved the ebony hedgehog’s legs around his waist. Manic laughed as he carried his boyfriend over to the bed and plopped him down. 

“And now my bed is complete!” Manic announced proudly as he beamed down at Shadow. His quills had gotten a bit messy from being dropped on the bed. 

“Am I one of your toys?” Shadow questioned with an arched brow. 

“Nah dude.” Manic shook his head. “You're way better.” He leaned over Shadow, placing a peck on his cheek. “You're my boyfriend.”

Shadow grinned as he wrapped his arms around Manic's waist. He spun him around so Manic bounced into some of the plushies. 

Manic laughed loudly from the excitement. 

“Since you manhandled me, I figured I could do it back.” Shadow smirked at Manic's giggling. 

“Does this mean I'm the only one allowed to manhandle you?” Manic looked up at him with sparkling brown eyes. 

Shadow smiled as he ran his hand through Manic’s quills. “I don't intend on letting anyone else get away with it.”

“Yay!” Manic did a little happy dance as they cuddled. 

2.9.2024 Krissie: very happy to have finished this and at 2 pages written. 1 typed.

Chit Chat

 2.5.2024 Krissie: Hello welcome to fluff that I’m writing.

Chit Chat

“Sup?” The green hedgehog greeted the ebony hedgehog at the apartment door. “Locked out again?” He joked as he stopped at the door knob. He flipped some small tools out of his glove and got to work. 

Shadow watched him silently. He found he liked Manic’s idle chatter. His movie surfer accent was easy to relax to. 

“So, meet any nice chaos today?” Manic smiled as he worked. 

Shadow arched a brow at him. 

Manic chuckled as he pointed to Shadow’s jacket sleeves. There were some smudges of color on the sleeve. “The chao at most gardens color with chalk pastels. They got you good today.”

Shadow nodded. “The chao were nice. But how could you be sure the chalk came from chaos?”

Manic smirked as he opened the door. “Thieves have to be able to people watch.” He leaned against the door frame as he looked at Shadow with his brown eyes. 

Shadow nodded as he entered the apartment. Manic following him in. Manic for getting the Ultimate Life form inside consisted of a snack of his choice and a soda. 

Shadow joined the green hedgehog in the kitchen. A cup full of coffee beans was on the table waiting for him. Manic had gotten quicker 

“You have a chaos cup that only you use.” Manic smiled as he pointed a thumb at the cup. It was shaped like a dark chao’s head. “Dude, you also only have house plants that would be safe for a chao.”

Shadow rolled his eyes. 

Manic pulled out a bag of Doritos. He made himself a plate before offering the bag to the quiet man. “Do you wanna try reading me, dude?”

Shadow paused from putting a coffee bean in his mouth. “Why?” He tilted his head at the other. His red eyes trying to read brown ones. Though he was getting distracted by everything else. 

“I pointed out your love of chao and knowing you as the ‘Ultimate Life Form,’ I figured you didn’t want folks knowing you got a soft spot for small innocent creatures.” Manic mused with a shrug. “I figured I want to make it fair.”

Shadow bit back a smile. What was it about the way he leaned back in the chair that made him feel so tingly. He took a moment to eat a bean as he tried to keep from sounding like an excited school girl. “What makes you believe I also ‘people watch’ as you put it?” He kept his tone even. Almost robotic. Good. That’s what he wanted. 

Manic smiled as he rocked back in the chair. A dimple appearing on his right cheek. “You’re quiet, broody, and anti-social.” he held up a finger for each point, “You people watch at all times either looking for threats or noisy people to avoid.” Manic ate a chip as he looked Shadow up and down. Once the chip was swallowed, “Also dude, you stare.”

Shadow’s ruby eyes widened.

“It’s not a bad thing.” Manic nervously waved his hands as he settled the chair back on the ground. “Though it can feel intimidating.” Manic avoided eye contact. “Like a predator observing its prey.” Manic fiddled with his spiked cuffs due to his nerves. He popped his lips before turning on his smile and a chill attitude. “So I figured I’d give you a shot at pointing out something about me you’ve noticed that you can use to tease me with. It’s only fair dude.” He shrugged.

Shadow thought for a moment. Something he had noticed about Manic that he might be sensitive about. He had noticed many things about him. He noticed that if Manic’s spiky quills began to droop he would quickly style them back up. He had a dimple on just the right cheek. His brown eyes would shine with a hint of a cool tone when he was excited. He hid tools not only in his fanny pack but in the spiked cuffs of his gloves. He often tapped his fingers on the table to express energy.

Shadow had noticed so many things but most of them would be things that only a lovesick fool would notice.

Then something clicked. It wasn’t necessarily Manic, but he had found it odd. It was the only time he had seen Manic and Sonic in the same room. The two acted odd. And by odd, Sonic had been nervous. But he didn’t run from Manic. He did try to avoid him. A short head nod before moving to a different area. 

It had been odd since Sonic wasn’t the kind of guy to avoid people. Well except Rose when she was confessing her love for him. 

Manic had given the blue hedgehog a smile and a nod before going back to chatting with others. Though Manic did seem a bit hurt by Sonic’s reaction to him. 

Sonic wasn’t a romantic person. Shadow had seen his reactions to Rose’s pinning to know. He was sure the closest thing the blue blur had to a romantic relationship was with the ground, given how often he landed face first into it. 

“Faker acts weird around you,” Shadow finally stated. “Did you attempt to date at some point?”

Manic began choking on the chips in his mouth. He turned as he fell onto the floor. Shadow zipped to his side. The green hedgehog was making sound. That was good, right? Shadow found his mind blank on what to do. 

Manic took in several deep breaths after a moment. With tears in his eyes, he smacked Shadow in the leg.  “Dude, gross!” He collapsed on the kitchen floor. “We’re related.”

“What?” Shadow stared at the green hedgehog.

Manic turned his head to the side, his brown eyes were red from tears, but he wore a smile as he laughed. “Sonic and I are twins.” He giggled. “Nice to know my bro avoiding me makes people think we dated. Thanks dude,” He weakly swatted Shadow’s leg. “Ugh… Maybe next time I should vomit on him.” He muttered as his eyes explored the grooves of the tiles. “Well at least we don’t look alike.”

“Why does Faker act so weird around you then?” Shadow questioned.

Manic chuckled as his eyes focused on him. “Dude that is a whole can of worms. It’ll bore you into a nap.” 

Shadow smirked as she shrugged. “Rouge will be happy for that.” 

“Ha!” Manic barked with laughter. He rolled under the kitchen table. “Sleep over under the table then.” He patted the space next to him. “Come on,” He smiled at Shadow’s arched brow. Shadow moved anyway. “Yes, I know I’m weird, dude. It comes with the profile of wacky klepto drummer.” 

Shadow rolled his eyes as he laid on his back. He turned his head so he could watch the green hedgehog prop himself up on his arms.

“Ah, you sleep on your back.” Manic mused. “I figured you’d sleep on your side… In a pile of fresh out the dryer blankets.”

“Are you sure that’s not you?” Shadow clasped his hands on his stomach as he fought the urge to move one of those green spikes out of his brown eyes.

“Nah dude, I sleep in a pile of plushies on my tummy.” Manic beamed.

“Stalling.” Shadow stated.

“Shoot.” Manic snapped his fingers. “I thought I found a distraction.” He poked out a cheek with his tongue as he tapped his fingers on the floor. “So there’s three of us. Our sister, Sonic, and me. We’re triplets. Do you know about how most people who have an affinity for chaos energy don’t show it until they're four?”

“Yes. The professor told me about it,” Shadow nodded.

“Yeah. Sonic’s speed kicked in then.” Manic stated. “And like dumb kids, I asked him to run while giving me a piggyback ride. I accidentally fell while he was going as fast as he could then. The hospital visit sucked.”

“You were both kids. Is he still feeling guilty over a small accident?” 

“Eh…” Manic rocked on his elbows. “That was just the beginning of our… distancing.” Manic struggled with the right word. 

“The beginning?” Shadow repeated. Manic looked uncomfortable saying that. He wanted to rub his back to comfort him but that would be weird.

“Yeah. Our folks found out that I was sensitive to bro’s chaos energy. So when he ran about, the energy would like zap me. And it’s like a radicle rush until you lose your lunch. So we got separated a lot.” Manic shrugged. “When Egghead began his invasion, I was at a hospital. Prime target for easy to robotize peeps I guess. Mom came to get me, but it was hectic.” Manic twirled his spiked cuffs. “Mom didn’t make it to the safe house.” He finally whispered, pain evident in his voice. Sis and Sonic were upset. I mean, what kid wouldn’t be? Sis didn’t say much about it to me, but Sonic did.” Manic avoided Shadow’s gaze as he continued to fidget with his cuffs. “We had a very bad fight. It got physical. I had never seen Sonic so mad. Luckily I haven’t since.” Manic forced a smile. “I got hurt bad though. A couple of broken bones.  A few scrapes and bruises. I woke up in the safe house’s makeshift infirmary and Sonic staying a good two yards from me.” Manic fiddled with the other cuff. 

“And you forgive him for beating the daylights out of you?” Shadow noticed that the green hedgehog spoke with no malice or anger towards Sonic.

“We were kids. He couldn’t control his strength. Plus, to him, Mom went to get me and only I came back. He needed someone to blame. And I was someone he could blame and get to.” Manic shrugged. “I got a butt kickin’ and he learned some anger management.” He joked. 

That statement bothered Shadow. It didn’t sound like the green hedgehog deserved a butt kicking to him. 

Manic smiled as he watched the micro expressions shift over the ebony’s hedgehog’s face. “Hey, promise me you won’t learn anger management by fighting me. I don’t think I’ll survive.” 

Shadow eyed him up and down. Manic didn’t have a build for fighting. But he had some muscle on him. He mentioned suffering and skateboarding a few times, which explained the toning on his arms and legs. Shadow found himself staring at his rear. Which was perky. It was a feature Shadow didn’t often get to enjoy. Manic had a habit of sitting or having his back to a wall. 

Shadow froze as he felt a finger poke him in the check. His ruby eyes focused on the green hedgehog’s face.

“You’re staring.” Manic had his head propped up in the palm of his other hand. His eyes closed and his expression, for the first time since Shadow had known him, was an unreadable neutral. 

Shadow felt his face heat up as he realized he had been caught staring. Very openly staring. This was going to be very awkward. And the awkwardness would probably last for an eternity. He found himself starting at the underside of the table as he contemplated how to navigate this. 

He froze as he felt weight roll into him. He looked down to see Manic cuddled into his side. He arched a brown as he watched Manic’s even breaths. 

“If you’re going to stare, I’m going to snuggle.” Manic muttered as he wrapped his arms around the ebony hedgehog’s sides. Shadow struggled to not laugh from the tickling sensation it caused. Manic nuzzled into the chest fur. “Dude, you’re so soft and warm.” 

Shadow frowned. Being called soft wasn’t something he liked being called. Though he couldn't argue back. His chest fur was soft.

“Hey, Shadow?” Manic spoke after several silent minutes.

“Yes?” Shadow opened his eyes to glance at the top of Manic’s head. He was enjoying this snuggle session. 

“Next time you wanna hang out, just ask.” Manic stated.

“What do you mean?” Shadow arched a brow at the drummer.

Manic huffed before holding his hand up for Shadow to see. He unclenched his fist to hold Shadow’s keys by the chao keychain. “Your keys were in your pocket the whole time. So can you stop lying when you want to flirt dude? Rouge will start questioning your memory when I send her the invoice for getting you in the apartment.” 

Shadow blushed as he realized he had been caught. 

Manic glanced up and burst into laughter. “You can still flirt with me dude, just stop lying about forgetting or losing your keys.” 

2.8.2024 Krissie: Yay! I finished this! Not just a random scene but a full story. Enjoy the fluff. Also 10 pages handwritten. 4 typed.