The Ruby Eyes of Affection

Empathetic evidence

Jessabell: Hay guys. Just for clarification, this is around the same time Shadow got released from the hospital.
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Sonic walked into Tail's lab with a few words in mind. After a week of practically no contact with the yellow fox he decided to confront him on the situation. The kitsune was gently polishing one his many inventions as he looked up from his session to glance at the azure hedgehog before looking back down at his device almost in shame.

"I think it's time we have a real conversation about this issue Tails. Now you know I love you like a brother and I would in no way ever want to harm you; butintentionally disobeying my requests is not a way to get on my good side. We all have a right to our opinions, however, I deserve to be taken seriously. I have worked long and hard enough that you should not only respect my opinions but rightfully conform when I give an order." Sonic reminded him of his dark side and stared at the kitsune with evil eyes as if to say do not... underestimate me.

Tails knew when Sonic started using big words, it was serious. He looked down at the ground as he talked softly and submissively attempting to show complete respect to the cobalt hedgehog.

"I only wanted to protect you. Shadow is the reason you're so depressed lately and I just want what's best for you." He continued to shine the gadget, practically hiding his face behind it. He didn't want to make his best friend angry.

"Oh, Shadow... OF COURSE. He's the source of my unhappiness!" Sonic stated sarcastically as he took a heated step closer to the almost cowering fox.

"No, the source of my sorrow is when my best friend tries to destroy my heart by spouting lies about someone I care very deeply about." He put his hand on Tails shoulders indicating that he was incredibly serious.

The kitsune looked up at the azure hedgehog with surprised eyes. Sonic never talked about anyone like that.

"Why? Why is he so special?! You can have whoever you want and yet you choose to obsess over a guy who doesn't deserve your support." The kitsune slapped Sonic's hand away before taking a step back and folding his arms in frustration.

"Because he cried out to me, Tails. He asked me for help. Do you know how rare that is?! Shadow would never call out to just anyone... If I don't help him, he will be lonely and miserable the rest of his existence. I want to protect him even if he doesn't appreciate it. To be honest, I don't really care what anyone else thinks. Please Tails, understand that I am perfectly happy the way things are and I am in no way depressed because of him. Yes, I might be a tad frustrated, but it's a work in progress." He articulated before placing his hand on the top of the foxes head.

"You would reach out to him even if he didn't cry out for help, that's why I'm concerned. He's going to hurt you Sonic, I can sense it." Tails whimpered a little as he felt a sense of regret. He knew the sapphire hedgehog really cared for Shadow and he did feel a tad jealous. However, what right did the charcoal hedgehog have to earn to respect and admiration of the town's greatest and probably most powerful Mobian.

"If you really believe that, then let me learn the hard way. There's nothing wrong with experiencing a little pain and regret. Hell, a big reason I'm so depressed is I have been given everything my hearts desired and never had to work hard for anything. Shadow, makes me feel like a have a goal, a purpose, if you will. Tearing us apart will only make me feel worse. I want to find a way to feel whole again and I think working with him is the only way." The azure hedgehog guaranteed his thoughts were final and that this wasn't some crazy rebellious phase.

"I love you Sonic. I guess I'll have to trust you. Don't expect me to enjoy his company, but I will push that aside in the thoughts of helping you grow." The fox gave a quick nod before slapping the cobalt hedgehogs shoulder playfully.

"Thank you Tails, you are a wonderful little brother. You have always been there to aid me ever since we met. Your respect is more than enough to make me feel somewhat hopeful in this crazy world." He gave the kitsune a nod back before giving him a friendly high five.

"I wonder if he's out of the hospital yet. He seemed practically ready to bolt out of the place, not that I blame him. They're not a fun place to be." Sonic quickly shivered as he was reminded of the few times he had to be operated on after some of those really dangerous fights with Dr. Robotnik.

"I think I'm going to go wait at his house and surprise him. Hopefully he won't die of a heart attack." Sonic giggled somewhat evilly as his eyes started to turn a little corrupt.

"You're going to break into his house and wait until he comes home? I mean even I think that's a bit creepy. I can't imagine how he'll feel." Tails stared at the hedgehog in slight hesitation as he noticed Sonic had something inappropriate on his mind.

"I know! That's why I'm so excited. I want to see his response. He might even be a little worn out from being trapped in that horrible place and I feel responsible for nursing his poor soul back to health. He is my responsibility now!" Sonic responded proudly with his hand resting on his chest.

He turned around and started to walk out the door as Tails slapped his hand against his own face.

"What in the world am I going to do with you?" He responded as he annoyingly waved goodbye to the all too enthusiastic hedgehog.

"Aww, c'mon lemme dream once in a while, lil bro!" Sonic replied as he dashed out of the lab with style.

Because of his incredible speed, he arrived at the ebony hedgehogs little house in mere seconds. It was deep in the woods, ten or so miles away from the town, where no one could find him. It was strangely peaceful and yet a little eerie. Sonic always had an abnormal attraction to places like this and felt slightly at home among the shrubbery and wild-life.

As he stepped up onto the porch where the front door was located, he noticed it was slightly broken, making it easy for him to enter. He shrugged before taking a few steps into the incredibly spotless and structured living room. Hanging from a coat hanger next to the door was an array of scarfs in all different colors and sizes.

(He must have a scarf fetish. What's the point of wearing winter wear without clothes, anyway?) He thought before getting a wicked and somewhat twisted idea.

He grabbed one of the shawls and shoved it into his face before inhaling deeply. As he suspected, it smelled exactly like the mysterious hedgehog. It was amazing, even his scent made him feel serene.

(I don't get it. I never feel this relaxed unless it involves him. Why does he have such incredible power over me? He makes me feel and do things I never thought I would do to anyone and yet I would sacrifice almost anything to be his friend.)

Friend... that word didn't feel quite right. But, that's all he could hope for right? They were rivals after all. His heart wanted so much more but his brain quickly ignored the desire as he knew Shadow would never accept anything of the sort. He pushed the scarf close to his chest and wobbled over to the couch and quickly collapsed on it as he continued to breath in the ebony hedgehog's soothing sent.. He was going to wait as long as he needed to.

His heart and body relaxed as his mind started to wonder about how in the world he was going to earn Shadow's respect and possibly... His face flushed as even his thoughts couldn't finish the sentence. He supposed that this was more of an issue of time, then anything. The longer and harder he tried the more difficult it would be to ignore, right? Or maybe it was more of a forcing problem. Shadow always seems to need a push to get him to face conflicts... Even though he pretends like he has everything under control. So possibly, if Sonic put him in a stressful situation where he HAD to tackle the issue then maybe things would get solved. It was worth a shot right?

His heart felt somewhat fearful as he didn't want to give the charcoal hedgehog any reason to hate him, but he HAD to do something.

Shadow would have to confront him, one way or another...