The Ruby Eyes of Affection

Empathetic disruption

Shadows grip subsided as he felt somewhat satisfied. The need for closeness hadn't completely vanished, but it was weak enough that he could regain control of his body. He released the cobalt hedgehog from the hug and sighed as he pulled the blanket over his head. He was more than embarrassed, he was ashamed. Sonic had seen a side of him that no one else had ever seen besides Maria. But then again, with very little memory of the event, he almost didn't count it. The ebony hedgehog fell silent as he shuffled underneath the covers awkwardly. Hoping that the azure hedgehog would take the hint that he wanted to be left alone. Instead, Sonic chuckled and patted the sheet where Shadow's head was located.


"It's okay... We all get like that sometimes. If you needed a hug so badly, you could have just asked. I wouldn't have laughed at you. Especially since you have been through so much this week." The blue hedgehog stated comfortingly as he looked at the calendar right below the television for clarification that it had been that long.


Weak, that word rushed through the charcoal hedgehog's mind. He showed a great deal of feebleness to his own rival. In his eyes, that was the worst thing he could have possibly done. Sonic can now use this to his own advantage and hit Shadow where it hurts most. Especially after whatever Tails told him, he could be in a ton of trouble.


"Never... ever... tell anyone what just happened, faker. Or I swear, I will kill you. Don't you dare underestimate me just because I showed a little softness." Shadow pulled the blanket off his body and stared the azure hedgehog down with anger and slight fear coursing through his veins.


Sonic took a few steps back but continued to look at Shadow with the same sympathetic eyes which surprised the ebony hedgehog greatly. He was expecting the cobalt hedgehog to become annoyed and slash out in frustration but instead he continued to show a certain amount of admiration.


"I am perfectly aware of the power the great Shadow the Hedgehog holds. What makes you think I would ever use a moment like this to my benefit? Weakness isn't immoral Shadow. Yes, it's important to stand your ground but it takes a much stronger man to cry then it is to swallow it down and pretend it doesn't exist." Sonic explained with a slight smile as he turned toward the blue roses while preventing contact with the ebony hedgehog's scarlet eyes.


"What is wrong with you?! We are RIVALS, which means were supposed to keep our weaknesses to ourselves. Why do you trust me so much? All I've ever done is complain about your immaturity and beat you up." He growled in response as the monitor began to beep because of his huge spike in heart rate.


He wasn't really that angry at Sonic, only himself. He didn't understand what the azure hedgehog was trying to achieve besides make him feel incredibly guilty. This kind of manipulation was a big reason he didn't trust anyone.


Sonic had enough and decided it was time to explain his obsession. He recited the monologue in his head a few times before finally gaining the courage to speak.


"Shadow, don't you get it? I'm like you. Something happened a long time ago that completely messed me up. Because of it, I almost became an animal. I couldn't trust or empathize with anyone. It drove me crazy and all I felt was incredible guilt. So I invented this cocky, happy, free personality to combat the remorse. I'm proud of myself for saving so many people and protecting the town, but I never really cared for them. The only person I have ever wanted to protect..." He stopped as he realized this would be showing too much fondness. Like Shadow, he was very fearful of the consequences of showing weakness. But he knew, if someone didn't open up, nothing would be solved.


"Continue, Sonic. I'm curious." Shadow listened intently as he saw the azure hedgehog close his eyes and take a deep breath.


Sonic recognized that he was really being listened to and for probably the first time ever. No one else would ever be that considerate. They would just pretend to listen and never talk about it again. This made him even more anxious. What he wanted to express would have to be spoken in exactly the right way.


"Everyone I saved was to distract myself from the pain of not being able to understand or connect with other Mobians. Yes, I know that sounds dramatic, but... you Shadow. You're different. I feel a sense of acceptance when I'm around you and I'm not the only one. You do that with everyone. It doesn't matter if they're black, white, young, old, male, female, hedgehog or fox. You accept people for who they are and even though you may not necessarily like them. You still treat them with respect." Sonic assured with his hand resting on his forehead as he felt a bit nervous.


"Of course, that's just common courtesy, everyone is different so why hate those who try and be or do something deemed unconventional." Shadow specified with a straightforward tone. He believed everyone knew that. Why was Sonic making such a big deal out of it?


"That's been my life, Shadow. I have built this personality out of what other people expect of me. Because of the inability to have real feelings a lot of the time, I have to try and fake it for the sake of society. But, no one has ever thought "Hay I wonder what that guy really wants?" No, all they care about is that their hero is exactly what they expect an idol to be for the rest of eternity. Do you know how much that hurts, Shadow? Do you have any idea what I go through every day?! I'm trapped in an endless cycle of pretending then breaking down then pretending again!!!" Sonic bellowed with his face buried into his hands practically crying.


"Most of the time, I have to imitate what I believe a 'perfect hero' is so I can live a normal life in this little town without being persecuted. But if I could be free for only a few minutes a day and be who I want to be without fear, I would be satisfied. That's all I desire Shadow, a way out just for a short amount of time. It isn't as easy as just doing either. I need someone who will respect me no matter what and the only person who does that..." His voice trailed off as he rubbed the tears from his eyes before turning his head away from the ebony hedgehog who was back to being shocked.


"Is you. You're my way out and I am willing to sacrifice almost anything to gain your trust. Not to mention my actions almost got you killed. I want to help. All I ask in return is your reverence and kindness. I believe I need to be supported by someone who understands before I can truly find myself and gain the confidence to be who I want to be." He finished as he practically choked on his slight sobs.


"I never feel safer then when I'm close to you." The sapphire hedgehog whispered softly hoping that maybe Shadow didn't hear but by the look of his bright red face, he most certainly had.


Silence once again entered the room as the ebony hedgehog looked through his mind to find an appropriate response. He felt terrible, he knew Sonic really cared for him and now understood why he was so persistent. It was like all the lights had come on at once and he wasn't mentally prepared for it. Not only did the kid feel exactly the same when near, he was also willing to explain something incredibly personal and most likely painful.

(He trusts me... That much?) The ebony hedgehog thought as his body began to crave his closeness once again and this time it was more of a loving force whereas before it was more powerful.

Sonic, on the other hand, felt wonderful. All of those built up feelings were finally released and hopefully would be received. He felt a sense of pride and courage as he walked over to the bouquet of blue roses.


"Do you like them? I dyed them myself! They're real roses, but I used some very special paint that I bought at the store to make them blue. They very rarely have any actual blue roses at the market. Which is probably why you love them so much. Someone has to go to real trouble to CREATE these." Sonic uttered with a smile attempting to prove to Shadow that he was serious.


The ebony hedgehog was even quieter as he gave him a nod of sincere thanks before lying back on the bed in perplexity. His mind raced with so many questions.

(Why me? What is it about me that is so appealing? Surely someone else is more suited to help him?! Is there really NO ONE who respects him more? Surely, Tails is trustworthy right? Well he is just a kid. Maybe it would be too much for him to handle and Amy... Don't even get me started on her.)

Sonic noticed Shadow's contemplation and assumed this would be a great time to sweep him off his feet a little.

He walked over to the bed with a rose in hand and slipped the beautiful flower into his slick black and red quills.


"Know that everything I do from now on is to protect you. I never EVER want to hurt you again." He planted a gentle loving kiss on Shadow's forehead as a single tear fell out of the ruby eyes of the ebony hedgehog as if the affection was trying to escape his mind in any way possible.