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His hand reached up, tentatively helping the winged hedgehog out of the plane, despite the insistence he can get out himself.
"Still is nice to be taken care of, right?" The blue hedgehog asked, helping him to the ground.
The ebony one nodded, it was shallow, only one that could be caught if you were paying attention. "So, this is the fox's home…?"
"Well, it's one of his labs. He lets me crash here whenever." He spoke with a nonchalant wave of his hand. "It's not as fancy as his real house, so, less things to break."
Shadow's head lowered and he stepped back at the mention of a lab, glancing between the building and the hedgehog before him.
Sonic, sensing his unease, began to backtrack. "Well, not that kinda lab, it's mostly just working on machines and junk." He looked between the building , then back to the hybrid. "C'mon in, you hungry? Thirsty? Tired?"
Shadow put a hand up to his chin, before pulling it back, dried blood tangled in his fur. "I'm… In need of some bathing."
Sonic felt a chill run down his spine, before nodding. "Right, shower." He went to reach for Shadow, before deciding against it. His hand flicked the lock in the front door they crossed through, bolting it shut. "Come on, I'll show you the bathroom."
The taller one followed not far behind as Sonic cut through the sparse furniture, opening a door into the bathroom. "Y'know how to clean yourself properly?"
Shadow looked like he was going to respond, but instead stayed silent.
"Guess not… Well, guess it's time to step up again."
———
He tried not to pay attention to the red-stained water and instead focus on combing the dirt and such from his short fur. Sorry, Tails, he thought to himself, wondering how quickly he could replace his comb.
And, once it looked as though most of the filth has left Shadow, he grabbed some shampoo. it was just enough to help get the oil and such out, to give him a proper clean without pampering. Neither were there for the form, merely the function. Sonic needed to remind himself of that.
Something caught his ear, making it flick towards Shadow. He wondered if that soft noise, almost like a purr, was just an illusion. It was almost entirely muffled by the sound of running water regardless… Why did he care so much?
He tried not to actually touch him much, not with his hands, at least. Cloths or combs felt like fair game but not hands. Ugh, these stupid feelings needed to go away before he does one more stupid thing.
He tried to think about other things, important things, not how his fur felt under his fingers, not the way he had to lean against the wall for support, and not how nervous he appeared. Why was he trusting Sonic so quickly? Sure, Sonic tried to do things in Shadow's interest, out of pity and more, though he tried not to think about what all the more encompassed.
"Go ahead and rinse yourself off properly," Sonic instructed, backing away from the hybrid.
Shadow did as asked as Sonic stepped out. The blue hedgehog watched as the suds ran from his torso, to his legs, and down the drain. He tried to silence the questions that plagued his mind, not wanting to wonder about the origins of his affection for this… Person.
Shadow turned off the water himself. "Thank you," he muttered, face flushing with a mix of emotions Sonic couldn't quite put his finger on.
"No problem, wouldn't want you mucking up all the furniture anyways, right?" Sonic shrugged, pushing down that odd feeling in his stomach as he reached for a towel. "You can dry yourself off with this."
Shadow nodded, and began to use it, patting down his fur.
This all felt awkward, but weirdly natural? He knew that this was kind of weird, with kind of being an understatement, but it didn't feel… wrong.
And soon, the hybrid was dry… Enough. There was lingering moisture, but he didn't pay it mind as Shadow's knees buckled once he attempted to hand the towel go Sonic.
With his ever fast reflexes, Sonic caught him easily. He didn't realize how light Shadow was, given his size, but he couldn't linger on that observation.
"Hey—what happened?" He asked, hands supporting the hedgehog who was leaned against him. But, Shadow could only muster a faint grumble before Sonic realized what had happened.
Shadow relaxed.
He knew that, even in seeming ease, Shadow never quite felt at peace… But he may have now, for the first time since Sonic met him.
"Sorry," Shadow mumbled, picking himself back up. "I suppose I am more exhausted than I thought…"
Sonic couldn't help but smile softly. "Then let's get you to bed. I'll let you have my spare."
"You don't… You don't have to do that."
Sonic's hand found Shadow's, his fingertips tracing the palm of his hand. "I want to, alright?" He muttered as he let their fingers intertwine. "I want you to be comfortable."
Shadow's cheeks visibly warmed. It was pretty adorable, Sonic couldn't deny that fact despite his… Intimidating outward appearance.
Shadow relaxed again, easing himself into it as to not fall. "Then lead the way."
And Sonic did. With linked hands, Shadow trailed behind Sonic. It was nice, that he could be close without freaking out. It didn't take much to make him comfortable, just patience and gentleness. Sonic's hand found the handle to the spare bedroom, and he pushed the door open.
Boxes littered the room, along with papers, books, and other items. It was quite the mess, but Sonic didn't mind it when he stayed, but showing it off gave him a strange feeling.
"And behold, the room. Make yourself at him, mi casa es su casa, etcetera etcetera." Sonic made way for Shadow to walk past him, watching as he nervously walked to the bed, minding his feet as to not wrinkle any stray papers be may step on. "I wasn't expecting company, so…Sorry for the mess…"
"I've never seen a place look so… Lived in." Shadow spoke softly, lowering himself onto the bed, the springs groaning with his weight on them. "It's… A little overwhelming. I'm not used to so many items, but it's comforting to know that it's… Alive." If Sonic didn't know better, he'd assume he caught a soft smile from the hybrid, who was dragging his hand across the soft sheets. "I'm making no sense, am I?"
Sonic shook his head, leaning on the doorframe. "You make plenty of sense, I get it." He pushed himself off the frame, standing upright. "Want anything? More blankets? Pillows? White noise? Water?"
Shadow threw his legs over the edge of the bed, facing Sonic again. His eyes stayed low, not making contact with Sonic's. "Maybe some water…"
"Water it is!" Sonic swung around as he spoke, "I'll grab some for you. Go ahead and get comfortable."
Shadow hummed softly in response as Sonic exited the room, and he made his way down the hall. The kitchenette wasn't much more than essentials in this lab, but it was enough to get by. He opened the cabinet, grabbing a mug from the sparse dishes, and filled it with water. He wondered if Shadow would prefer ice or not… But decided to ask instead of assuming.
He walked back to the guest room, mug in hand as he looked into the room. Shadow was lying down now, breathing slowly, rhythmically. Asleep already?
He didn't think he was gone for too long, but then again, Shadow was beyond exhausted… It made him wonder just how much safety Sonic provided, what his mark was…
His legs seemed to move autonomously, pulling him deeper into the room to set the mug on the bedside table. Seeing Shadow's peaceful expression… all three eyes closed, his fur washed and clean, and he couldn't help his eyes from dragging over his delicate lips… His hand itched to feel that soft fur against his hands…
He dismissed the thoughts, backing away from resting hybrid before him. He wondered if he should tidy up, or bring him some of the other things he offered earlier.
He stepped towards the entrance of the room, catching himself on the doorframe as a sudden wave of lethargy washed over him.
Huh… Guess I'm exhausted too.
He grabbed a spare blanket and walked to the small sofa, one that was hardly used, and flopped down on it.
He didn't fall asleep quickly, but he knew he couldn't stand back up from his own exhaustion. He was kept up by rogue thoughts about Shadow, about everything. Doubt, concern, but a determination struck through him. He wanted to see this to the end, he knew there was a better way.
But, he knew he needed rest. Sleep or not, he lied on the couch, letting himself recharge.