A Zone Cop's New Life

First Night Together

Zonic's Pov

Once I decided that I was going to keep Sonic, I realized that even if he's only with me for a while, I still need to get the stuff to take care of him. Seeing as I couldn't leave him alone, I don't have a car seat in my car, and I won't be able to carry everything, this poses a bit of a challenge. Maybe Zhadow can get what I need for me.

I called him up and asked him if he could get the stuff I needed. He told me he would, but that I better give him an explanation for it when he arrives. He showed up a couple hours later and once he saw Sonic in my arms, I think he suddenly had even more questions."Did you seriously get someone pregnant?" he asked me.

"No, I did not!" I snapped at him. "I found him. Someone left him on my porch and I decided I would take care of him until I figure out what's best for him." Zhadow's glance went back and forth between me and the sleeping infant in my arms.

"Zonic, we've been through a lot, so I tell you this as your partner and your friend, I think we both know what's best for this kid," he told me. He was right, we did go from strangers with the same job, to the perfect partners, to even really good friends. He's also right about what I should do; report this as child abandonment to Zobotnic so he and Child Protective Services can get him the help he needs. I knew that was the best option, so why hadn't I done it yet?

I thanked him for getting me what I needed and told him I would do what I had to. Once he left, Sonic started getting a little fussy in my arms. "I bet you're hungry, aren't you?" I asked him. "Lets get you fed." I made him a bottle and rocked him in  my arms while I waited for it to heat up. Once it was done, I gently cradled him in my arms as he ate.

After he ate, I set him down on my bed, using the pillows to make sure he wouldn't fall, so I could put his crib together. After what felt like an hour, I finally got the stupid thing together. I gently set Sonic inside it and made sure he was asleep and comfortable before trying to sleep myself.

I was only asleep for a couple of hours when I was awoken by the sound of Sonic crying. I quickly got out of bed and held him close, as he grabbed on to my shoulder as tight as his little hands would let him. Poor little guy. He must have had a nightmare, and a pretty bad one from the sound of it.  I gently rubbed his back as I told him, "It's alright Sonic. I've got you. You're safe, I promise." After a little while, he went back to sleep, but he wouldn't let go of me.

I checked my phone and saw it was 10:30. I guess I should call Zobotnic and tell him about this. He should still be in his office. I made the call and waited for him to answer. "Hey Zobotnic, sir. It's Zonic," I said once he picked it up. "I know it's late and it's my day off, but I thought I should report this, although I guess since Zhadow knows, he may have already done that. This morning, at around 9 am, a baby was left on my front porch. Given it was stitched into the blanket he was wrapped in, I assume his name is Sonic. He's in my care at the moment, but he could be re-homed if needed."

There was a long pause before he finally responded, "Thank you for reporting this for, Zonic. I will inform Child Protective Services and they will determine what is best for the little one. Until I hear from them, he shall remain in your care, as you will be on a temporary paid leave of absence. I will notify you as soon as I have new information. I expect to hear any updates you have on the child's condition."

"Yes, of course, sir," I replied. I looked at the little sleeping hedgehog, still holding on to me. As I laid back to try and get some shut eye of my own, I could help but feel weird. I know I did the right thing, reporting this to Zobotnic. So why do I feel like I just made a huge mistake?