Innocence (Sonadow)

Chapter 4

“Sorry I got you wet, Sonic.” Shadow shyly apologized as he was carried by the blue hedgehog.

When the two were reunited by the force of Eggman, they forgot that Shadow's fear of the man had made him wet. It didn't occur to them that they were both currently covered in urine until the wind made Shadow's wet fur feel cold.

“It's alright Shadow, it was an accident. Nothing a shower won't fix.” Sonic gently assured him. “I bet you haven't had one in a long time, have you?”

“No.” Shadow shyly shook his head. “I don't even remember what to do.”

“That's ok, I'll help you.” Sonic promised.

“And while Sonic's getting you clean, I'll be making something filling for you to eat.” Amy said to him. “You must be starving, you poor thing.”

“And Knuckles and I will get the guest room set up for you too.” Tails added. “And I'll throw your dirty gloves and socks into the wash.”

“Absolutely not!” Sonic quickly shook his head. “4 years of wearing the same thing every day has worn them down. Haven't you noticed that they have holes in them?” Sonic then turned to Shadow. “You can borrow some of my gloves and socks until we get you some new ones.”

“Ok.” Shadow nodded.

“You may not have to.” Knuckles frowned as the group finally came up to the home of Sonic and Tails. “Look on the step.”

Sonic frowned and looked to the front step, giving a light chuckle when he saw a red box with a golden dragon symbol etched on the lid. A note was attached to it.

A little birdie told me you'd be getting a new friend. You'll need this.

Make sure to gently drape the blanket over his shoulders and give him a mug of hot chocolate first.

The cocoa powder's in the jar.

Give him the TLC he deserves.

“Oh Guardian, you somehow always know just what we need and when we need it.” Sonic laughed.

“Who's Guardian?” Shadow curiously asked.

“Guardian Dragon, an old friend and fan of ours.” Sonic chuckled, looking over at Amy. “Could you pick that up and bring it inside, Ames? Then we can go through it later.”

“Sure thing.” Amy nodded, picking up the special care package and bringing it inside once Tails had the door open. “I'll just go set it on the counter and pull out that blanket and cocoa they mentioned, then I'll go ahead and get dinner started.”

“Alright, thanks Ames.” Sonic nodded before looking down at the hedgehog in his arms again. “Come on, Shads. Let's head upstairs and get you cleaned up.”

“Shads?” Shadow titled his head like a confused dog at the unfamiliar name.

“Heh, sorry, I give nicknames to all of my friends.” Sonic smirked as he carried the onyx hedgie upstairs to the bathroom.

“Oh… well, that's ok… I kinda like it.” Shadow blushed.

“I'm glad you do.”

A moment later, the two hedgehogs were suddenly in the bathroom together. Sonic turned on the light and closed the door behind them before setting the smaller hedgie down onto the toilet lid.

“Wait here while I get the shower ready.” Blue told black.

“Ok.” Shadow nodded, obeying Sonic as he sat on the toilet, watching his new friend's every move.