The Bonds of Blood

Chapter Twenty-Six: Two Sides of the Hedgehog Twins

"Breaking News: Doctor Julian Robotnik managed to escape from Prison Island during a routine inspection of the high security facility and even though authorities are baffled as to how he did it United Federation President Jerome Wise insisted that G.U.N would put their best agents on the case—"

"Great. This is all I need.." Shadow grunted and immediately turned off the news bulletin before they could give any more details, exhaling heavily and flopping back against the cream couch in Scourge's soon-to-be marital home which had been given to him by his mother Queen Aleena in lieu of his wedding to Amy Rose which was the following day. The Hedgehog couple had come to stay overnight with Scourge the night before his wedding and would be arriving with him at Emerald Abbey for the ceremony. Since the royal twins' father and uncle were no longer alive this made them were the only males left of the family so it meant a lot to the green hedgehog for them to be here. The new marital home had been Scourge's idea fearing a sparring match between his mother and Shadow over Aiden and not wanting that kind of stress before his wedding day. The home was spacious, newly decorated in neutral tones but was sparse in furniture and personal touches. Scourge had noted their surprise at the lack of real decor but the green hedgehog had insisted he was waiting for Amy to arrive so they could choose the interior together. He had already had all her things moved in, it was just her left to move in. She didn't even know anything about the move yet, after seeing her off to go spend the night with Cream, Sally and both their parents Scourge had roped in his buddies to move them both out of his bedroom suite at the palace. He was planning to surprise her after the wedding ceremony.

"Wow, the little shrimp managed to pull it off, I'm actually impressed." Scourge raised both brows from his laid back positioning the nearby second couch. "I thought for sure one of the gangs would stick him with a shiv or something." He added casually as he sipped his whiskey glass of bourbon, holding it by his fingertips as he sunk back into the crook of his seat.

"You think President Wise really meant you and Rouge when he was talking about sending G.U.N's best agents?" Sonic asked in slight concern, he had been leaning against his husband's white chest fluff, the mobile game he had been playing was on pause as his head turned to look at his husband's handsome face.

Before Shadow could do more than open his mouth to respond his cellphone went off and using the hand that wasn't resting comfortably around the peach stomach of his blue furred partner he fished his black and red phone out of his quills. Sonic caught a glimpse of Andrews' name before Shadow answered in a cool and collected voice.

"Evening Commander, please tell me this isn't about Dr Julian.." Despite his best efforts Sonic could still hear the subtle ire of his tone. "Mhm.... That's what I suspect too... No, trust me. Ivo is not that fond of his nephew and would do no such thing, I assure you... I'm sure he will corroborate my words..." This instantly made Sonic click out of his mobile game in shock and bolt upright, spinning around to face his husband with wide eyes. He then spotted the suspicious look in his younger twin's blue eyes behind the pair, watching them raptly.

"Ivo?" His green brow kinked as his sharp mind tried to put a face to that familiar name but couldn't remember how he knew it.

"Shh.." Sonic waved his brother off then turned his focus onto Shadow, grateful that it had been so long since his interactions with Dr Eggman to remember his first name. "You can't go in tomorrow Shad, I need you.." He hissed in a low desperate tone, his expression filled with anxiety at the idea of being alone with Aiden amidst the media storm and crowds of adoring public the royal wedding was bound to bring. He would never survive the day if his husband wasn't with him for moral support and a calming presence.

"I'm not, don't worry." Shadow murmured soothingly as the hand that used to be holding his husband close briefly covered the microphone of his cellphone. "Sir, you know I'm not due to commence active field duty until the eleventh of next month... What is it you wish me to do exactly?" The black and red hedgehog returned his focus to his call as he uncovered the mouthpiece. "Oh. Yes, I see... No, that shouldn't be a problem... If you mail them to me I can review them straight away." There was a pause as Shadow frowned in a sideways glance in the direction of the ear his cellphone was resting against. "It's my brother-in-law's wedding tomorrow, I cannot guarantee I will be in the right mental state after the festivities to give a proper report. That's why... Just send me the evidence you wish me to review from the scene and if I finish it tonight then the report will be sent for tomorrow, if you want me to come in it will have to be after I get home the following day." Shadow nodded thoughtfully as Commander Andrews continued talking, those red eyes turned to focus on his blue quilled husband who was watching him raptly. Sonic's demeanour relaxed when the darker younger-looking hedgehog suddenly winked flashing him a playful smirk, this was a move that always made the blue hedgehog inwardly swoon, an adoring look crossing his peach muzzle. "Perfect, I will review the forensic shots and get back to you as soon as I can. Bye." The second Shadow hung up Sonic swooped forwards and kissed his lips in a swift peck returning to his upright position moments later. The move momentarily disarmed Shadow who seemed surprised by his husband's boldness to physically express his love right in front of his twin brother before said hedgehog broke the silence.