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to train your Scourge.","description_bbcode_parsed":"How to train your Scourge.","writing":"[center][b]CHAPTER IV[/b][/center]\n[color=#4e9a06]\nWith the way Zonic had stormed out, Scourge felt nothing but triumph having gotten under the law abiding asshole’s skin. The way he got so upset... though the insults coulda been kept at bay ... scourge frowned, growling at Zonic as he left.\n\n“YEAH WELL YOU SHOULDA JUST PUT ME IN THE CHAIR THEN!” He huffed, having leaned forward to push his point across only to hurt his ribs and stomach from the pressure of bending too far forward. He groaned, a shaky and unstable hand rubbing his midsection as he laid back. He wanted so much to punch the hell out of Zonic but that’s have to wait for when he was healed up... in the arms at least. \n\n“Thinks he can order me around, pfft. I can beat his ass with my arms and legs—!! ... wait,” his ears dropped for a moment, having noticed he was incapable of such violence right now, he actually knew he couldn’t do much in this state and every time it felt more and more unsettling. He really was stripped of just about everything he was and so easily too. It was a fuckin nightmare being reminded and only ground his gears further. \n\nSitting there with nothing but silence to comfort him just made him more angry. Once upon a time, back in prison, the silence was music to his achy ears. Never having to worry about anyone being around him or too close, having his own space and just being able to think. It was welcomed, yearned for since he had nothing but larger, more vile inmates that just wanted to see him broken. For once in Scourge’s life, he aches to be left alone with no one to bother him... \n\nBut he was here now, in some cop’s bed, takin up space, eating his food and annoying him as much as he could. Not like Scourge asked for this, blue boy shoulda read the label before bringing the king to his home so Scourge felt nothing for him. What did he think would change just because someone showed a lil kindness, as if that would make matters easier for either of them. They were so different morally...\n\nCrash! His ears perked up, he looked toward the door and blinked... something broke? Ha... well then. He sunk into the pillow and crossed his arms, albeit slowly since it was still painful to move them. He waited, his foot moving back and forth as if he was tapping on pavement. The moment the door swung open and he saw the cop’s face, he felt himself grinning.\n\n“Baby had an accident?” He cooed in a mocking voice.[/color]\n[color=#204a87]\nDespite his very best efforts to ignore Scourge his condescending words made his gaze snap to him after all. If looks could kill...\n\n\"Shut-\" He started but instantly stopped himself. No. No. Don't let him get to you. It'll be his win. It's what he wants.\n\nZonic's expression darkened before he turned around and pulled the communicator from his uniform pile. \"This is ridiculous. You and your big mouth.\" He pressed his finger on the communicator's screen and a faint dooting noise emerged from it while Zonic sat down on the bed.\n\n\"Zonic. What gives me the ... pleasure.\" Zobotnik's voice was mildly distorted, reception wasn't the best within prison walls.\n\n\"I'm afraid your favourite prisoner is very eager to return to you.\" He said and Zobotnik laughed. \"Oh is he now. So you're returning him? I don't blame you. He sure is a feisty one. We had a hard time making him fall in line. I'm sure a busy man such as yourself has a harder time.\"\n\nZonic looked up from the communicator and at Scourge. \"Last chance, pest.\" He hissed. Everything about this made him feel like throwing up. Inside he was both furious but also praying to chaos that scourge didn't do anything even more foolish. He didn't want to bring him back. He didn't want to. It was against everything he believed in. His insides were hurting.\n\nCould he really go through with this. What if scourge remained stubborn?! Could he really send him back and just act as if that was okay? By chaos, no mission he'd ever been on was even half as stressful as this. He knew he couldn't do it. He didn't have what it took. But for now he kept his eyes on scourge, making zobotnik wait for an answer.[/color]\n\n[color=#4e9a06]He almost had him there, to see the cop snap right into a bit of a blind rage woulda been fun, it was something Scourge was thriving to awaken. His outlook on things wasn’t so different than his counterparts, his execution was. He knew that any and all Sonics felt they could just get what they wanted, lived how they truly saw fit and presented a strong confidence in that. Scourge sometimes wondered why HE was one of the few Sonics to be considered ‘evil’ for simply wanting what he wanted and taking what he could get. He was just being himself, like the rest of them. How bad was that, exactly? \n\nHe huffed, a little irritated that Zonic held back like that. He was trying to seem level headed but it was so useless. Scourge could tell he got under Zonic’s skin, he knew that he could really set the guy off. If it was enough to make the cop lose his cool, he just knew he could get him into full blind rage mode. The motive was just to give the other him a taste of unadulterated anger. It was freeing, something every goddamn Sonic loved: Freedom. \n\n“It must be so hard to limit yourself like that,” Scourge teased, giving Zonic a toothy grin. He knew he could make matters so much worse, tho his smile dropped when Zonic pulled out whatever that ghetto walkie-talkie was. He frowned when he heard Zobotnik’s voice… What the hell was this idiot doing? At first, Scourge could feel a laugh bubbling in his belly, only to have it die down as he listened to the two talk. “You fuckin’ wouldn’t…” He didn’t try to show any worry, more or so, kept up his glare that became deeper as he knew what could’ve happened if he didn’t just… listen. \n\nScourge disliked this so much. Being bribed to act right, and with the threat of being sent back…. He began to make excuses. \n\n“You wouldn’t. You -couldn’t-! I’m not even all the way healed yet…!” He said, his voice lowering. He didn’t want Zobotnik to hear him act like this. He wasn’t about to show how much he -didn’t- want to go back. He huffed, struggling with the cuffs. He didn’t want this… going back there, being used and abused… “Come on now, Copper, you can’t…” He muttered, his voice almost a whisper. His eyes became a bit wide, pleading for a ‘just kidding’ or something. “Fuck… just…” He turned away. “I refuse to go back.” He would put up as big of a fight as he could, that was for sure. But he was barely able to move at all. [/color]\n\n[color=#204a87]It was painfully obvious how little Scourge thought of the idea of returning to prison. Painfully in the sense that Zonic felt his stomach turn. He didn't want this. He knew if Scourge returned after being saved by -him- of all people he'd have an even worse time than before.\n\nAnd yet he was sick of letting the criminal walk all over him. So he reached out, grabbing Scourge's chin and turning his face towards himself. While keeping Scourge's face where it was he leaned up to his ears. \"You had your fun, trying to rile me up, Brat. But it's about time you realise who's in charge here. Here's a hint: It's not you. And it will never be you. You stole your own freedom, but I'm offering you something as close to freedom as you'll get. So play nice. Say please and thank you. Because it just takes one phone call to get you back into hell.\" When he leaned back he had half a grin on his face.\n\n\"Please and thank you, Scourge. It's not that hard. Even -you- can do it, I'm sure.\"\n\n\"Zonic. I am a busy man, you know. I can't listen to you taming your new pet mutt all day.\" Zobotnik sounded annoyed. Impatient. Zonic didn't care.\n\n\"You have as much time as it takes, Zobotnik. Remember that Scourge's case is enough evidence to put you on the other side of the prison bars, and you better believe me when I say I took photos of every cut and bruise and got DNA samples as well and if I bring this to the interdimensional court you will have to give up access to your surveillance feed as well. So, really, I think you have all the time in the world to wait for my 'pet mutt' to learn how to play nice.\" Zonic said, his voice stern, and his eyes focussed on Scourge's face that he was still holding with his hand.\n\nIt was so hard not to let it show on his face how much this was against everything he believed in. He wanted to see Scourge heal. He wanted him to spend his time behind bars, sure, but safely. The multiverse had to be safe from him, but he had to be protected from harm, too. Mostly from harm he inflicted upon himself... but also from other inmates. The violence had gone too far. Why didn't Scourge realise that he was not his enemy in this. Not quite his ally either, but he definitely meant no harm.\n\nHis only hope was that Scourge would cave right now, if he didn't... well if he didn't Zonic would be looking forward to a lifetime of being pushed around by the King. Still he preferred being pushed around over sending a living, breathing being, into a place where he would be raped and violated until he died of exhaustion on a dusty concrete floor.\n\nIn his mind, Zonic was the one pleading. Please don't do anything stupid. Please play nice. Please. He felt so dirty using Scourge's fear against him.[/color]\n\n[color=#4e9a06]“I…!” Scourge was going to try and speak up, say his piece and not seem so goddamn passive about his desire to remain here. He knew that if he went back, there was no way he’d come back out… possibly not even alive. He flinched, trying to lean away from having his chin pinched by the lawman, eyes widening more from being so close. He hated that his first thought was their lips touching, him being held down and grinded against without any consent. Some shitty memory flashed, instantly causing his ears to lower, his body to quiver, his demeanor to shift. He didn’t like how close Zonic was, he didn’t like the thoughts rampaging through his mind. He hated this sickening gut feeling that he wasn’t going to get out of this unscathed, despite knowing Zonic would never do something like that. \n\nEvery part of his body felt sensitive, his skin crawling from the idea of hands all over him. His fur and spines raised, all of this just because Zonic decided to use a stern approach, as if talking to a child about how important it was to behave. Scourge was a coward now, a useless goddamn child that couldn’t bare facing someone when put this close to them. He was scared, and he knew it showed. The words didn’t even reach him, he didn’t hear them. His mind was elsewhere, lowering further into the gutter where he didn’t want it to be. He gulped, sinking back into the bed after Zonic moved away. The fact that his chin wasn’t let go just made him feel more sick. \n\nScourge finally allowed himself to breathe, though it was low and possible unnoticeable. He wanted to get out of this bed, punch the cop or run out as fast as he could. He was pretty sure that now he better knew what the hell was at stake, but it was always there. Part of him just didn’t think Zonic would… go this far. He was a Sonic afterall, an idiot that clearly saw good in everything when in reality, he was wrong. He really thought he could get Scourge to obey him, he thought wrong. But for now, as much as Scourge hated this, he’d be passive. Passive enough to keep his ass right in this bland house. It was uncomfortable, but he refused to allow Zonic to throw him back into that Hell hole… \n\n“Didn’t think you’d… have the balls to go back on your own rescue mission…” He muttered, though his voice didn’t have any malice, just… slight disbelief. He disliked that there was no spunk or bite to his tone, but he supposed that for now that was for the best. “...You’d really send me back there huh?” Scourge frowned, but then rolled his eyes. “... Fine. I’ll… ugh. Please… don’t send me back… and…” He struggled, the last of his words felt as if they had already dried up. He gulped again, closing his eyes as if he was trying to push something up from his throat and through his mouth. “Thank. You.” The taste of thanking this asshole was the most bitter he’d ever tasted. [/color]\n\n[color=#204a87]As much as Zonic hadn't wanted to show how bad this felt for him, he couldn't help but let out an audible sigh of relief as Scourge spoke up and did as he was asked. His tense body deflated, his grip on the other's chin softened immediately and he ran his thumb over it gently as if to apologize before he let go.\n\nWithout even saying anything more he just hung up on Zobotnik, tossing the communicator back onto his uniform pile. He felt sick and exhausted and he knew Scourge didn't feel any better. If anything he probably felt worse. He wanted to apologize... somehow. This was all awful. it felt so dirty to use methods like this, even on scum like scourge. He didn't deserve to be violated in prison. And he didn't deserve to be threatened with more violence now.\n\nBut if he apologized now it'd all just be back to how it was before. Scourge being a cocky brat, driving him to the brink of insanity and him... struggling not to lose himself. Which was unacceptable. All of this was unacceptable. Even the situation they were in right now was far removed from ideal. He very very clearly remembered Scourge shrinking underneath him, tensing up to the point that it probably hurt his muscles.\n\n\"You're welcome...\" he said quietly. And his voice just sounded tired now. These weren't the words he wanted to say... but apologizing just wasn't an option. At least... not verbally.\n\n\"I'm washing the sheets so I'm moving you.\" He explained briefly, before he scooped Scourge up on his arms bridal style Without much of a second thought. Even though he was well aware that this would just make Scourge more uncomfortable for the moment. But then... maybe he'd slowly grow accustomed to touch again, if only it was gentle enough.\n\nZonic carried the tense hedgehog out of the bedroom, well aware that Scourge hadn't even seen the rest of the house yet. Not that there was much to see. It was all one open room, the left part of it being the kitchen, then a couch, coffee table and TV in the middle, and some training devices to the right. Next to the Bedroom door was the small hallway that lead to the door to the bathroom, the door to the garage and his front door. But he wasn't going that way. Instead he carried Scourge into the kitchen and further to the glass door leading to a small balcony. He lay the hedgehog down on his sun lounger. It was nice outside not too hot, not too cold. And during this time of the day there was actually sunshine right on his balcony.For a brief moment he looked at his potted plants, all of which were withering. He'd been so busy the past weeks he'd forgotten all about them. Not that gardening had ever been his strong suit. The only thing that was magically still alive was that Cactus he'd gotten from Zector as a joke present with the charming words 'reminded me of you'.\n\nThe balcony itself was fenced in to about chest height but at least there was some kind of view. Well. View of the rather calm and small neighbourhood and off in the background there were the weird twists and loops of the interdimensional highway against the mind breaking background of a sideways world.\n\nZonic went back into the house to fetch Scourge's red shades and something to drink that wasn't tea. Outside again he put the shades onto Scourge's face without touching him directly.\n\n\"Stay put while I'm cleaning. Or we're back to you being chained.\" He said and his voice was still a little more quiet than normal. There was no real energy in his threat either, but he still meant it. \"I'm leaving the door open. I'll hear you just talk normally. I have a mess to clean up in the kitchen...\" This was as close to an apology as he could safely go, he thought. Though he figured Scourge wasn't stupid he'd realise soon enough that he did in fact -not- have the balls to send him back to jail. \"Enjoy the sun.\" With that he turned around, went back into the house and started going about his chores again. At least now he could keep an eye on Scourge through the glass door. That was worth something. It was a little embarrassing to know that Scourge could also watch him clean.[/color]\n\n[color=#4e9a06]The soft rub of Zonic’s thumb over Scourge’s chin felt so damn weird. Soft was never something he was accustomed to, as Scourge was used to being handled and handling others rather roughly. Such a gentle motion that sort of sent weird chills throughout his body. He couldn’t help but turn away from Zonic before the cop actually let go. He felt... shy and upset at that same time. This wasn’t a way to treat a criminal, not right after threatening to send him back to prison, back to Hell. \n\nHe heard the communicator click off, the soft -thwump- of it landing in the pile of clothes and Zonic turning back around talking about cleaning. The blue hog was definitely relieved alright. The sigh would’ve been enough but everything about the guy seemed to change up. Of course the cop was relieved, he was too trusting... \n\nThe moment Zonic leaned in, again, Scourge’s body tensed. He know he wasn’t trying to react to this in such a way, it just happened. He had never had such a tense reaction to someone coming in close. Sure he’d punch the hell out of some if they were in his personal space, but that was all voluntary, done completely at Scourge’s conscious decision. He didn’t know what to make of this new tick, he was well aware that it was due to the goddamn fact that it was from all the shit he endured in prison, but his immediate thoughts wanted to reject that entirely.\n\nBeing held in the cop’s arms, he could barely breathe. It was warm, pressed up against his alternate self. He felt unsafe yet... not too threatened. It was weird being so in between. He couldn’t read Zonic’s actions though he knew the blue hedgehog wouldn’t hurt him like that. That’s what sucked about this.\n\nScourge -knew- Zonic wouldn’t do anything but his body wouldn’t let up. The shaking, the prickly, upright spines, the fact that he couldn’t breathe well, even his cautious hand pressed against Zonic’s chest as if he was trying to get some distance between them. He was ready to jump outta his arms but being sore all over made the floor beneath them feel like a pretty harsh drop. \n\nStill, Scourge did his best to keep himself contained in this embarrassing position. No one was around so it wasn’t like anyone could see and make fun of him, thank Chaos. Being settled on the balcony... he didn’t expect to be set outside, maybe on the couch but not here? He frowned, looking up at the cop as he explained his cleaning duties... \n\n“You’re just gonna leave me here...?” He was surprised but not at all offended. If he wanted to he could hope right over the balcony... maybe crawl his ass away... nah. It wouldn’t be worth it and Zonic already knew how limited Scourge was. It wasn’t like he’d set him there otherwise. Fuck this... he hated being immobile. \n\n“Fine I guess...” he could.. at least enjoy the sun? Scourge became a little quiet, not really sure what to say. He really couldn’t complain... it felt nice to see the sun again... while not in prison.[/color]\n\n[color=#204a87]Zonic, for once, enjoyed the silence. Scourge wasn't angry or complaining, that sure was a nice change of pace. He even started humming quietly after a while of cleaning, finally getting a chance to calm down and relax. The mess in the kitchen was cleaned up, the sheets thrown into the wash, the floor vacuumed and mopped and everything dusted. Then he found himself standing in the middle of his multi-purpose room, tapping one foot on the ground. His place really was pretty clean at all times. He hated it when things weren't -exactly- where they had to be.\n\nHe'd gotten grumpy at Zector a few times for misplacing his stuff, to the point where he'd told him to not come over again unless he changed. Of course all had turned out okay and Zector was still a welcome guest, but he'd surely gotten a shock at Zonic's outrage.\n\nThe cop wandered to his fridge aimlessly. Opening it only to find nothing but cheap TV dinners. He had to resist the urge to shake his head about himself. He wasn't a great cook, he knew that. But his fridge's contents were... unhealthy, to say the least. Then again he could always order out. He raised his head to look at Scourge on the balcony, lost in thought. It was strangely comforting to see his Prisoner so peaceful on the balcony with no restraints next to his injuries and the collar. After all... he craved company. Always had. He loved being with people. But his line of work had him isolated. The only person intent on hanging around him as much as possible was Zamy... and he could imagine nicer company. In fact even Scourge was better company that her.\n\nHe didn't hate her, not at all. But she was incredibly pushy. They had gone on -one- date because he lost a bet that he didn't know he signed up for. And ever since then she called him her boyfriend, talked about marriage and kids. Zonic shivered. He wanted company. But not like that. He wanted a love life, too. Just not like -that-. So he remained alone. Well until now anyway.\n\nThe fridge was closed and he went to get his actual phone to order food for later. Then he returned to the balcony to water his long dead plants, part of him hoping they'd just magically recover. He knew if he threw them out he wouldn't replace them... but he liked some green on his balcony after all.\n\nThe thought made him grin and he looked at Scourge. \"It feels like my balcony has two Cacti now. Lucky for you, Cacti seem to be the only thing that I can keep alive. Should I water you too?\" He held the watering can out over Scourge's head, not tipping it of course, Scourge would be drenched and he didn't want to deal with an -angry- cactus.[/color]\n\n[color=#4e9a06]His attention wasn’t fully on the cop workin to make his place spotless, but more over the balcony and around the neighborhood. Scourge never really had a lot of moments of sitting and enjoying the scenery. Sure, some part of him, as well as most Sonics, all ended up loving nature itself. He wasn’t much for the outdoorsy shit, but he did like the endless freedom that it possessed. No barriers, unless she came to man-made walls, no rules unless he bowed down to the laws of certain lands. He was free to do whatever and that’s how -he- interpreted it all. He could remember the wind on his face as he’d run from this guy or that guy before prison was ever a thing. He could recall jumping from high heights and doing all kinds of fun, acrobatic junk that any Sonic loved. \n\nHe yearned to feel it again, but this was the most he’d get for now… For some reason, it was just enough. Scourge wasn’t really used to just sitting and thinking, taking in his surroundings as if he was absorbing it all. It was odd, but he didn’t mind it. Sure, he’d love to terrorize the blue hog some more, but he’d cool down with that… for now. He felt there was more he could do, but he wasn’t about to ruin his chances of -this-. Sitting outside and taking in the sun, hearing cars and people, just allowing his atmosphere to engulf him… Something he never thought he’d enjoy, but now he was thankful he had this. \n\nNo way in hell he’d admit it, but the calmness on his face possibly showed that he was deeply attuned with everything going on around him. It was good that Zonic was preoccupied with cleaning, as he didn’t expect the blue one to come through the glass doors and suddenly start talking. Scourge turned to him, a frown returning to his face as he watched the other water the plants. \n\n“That’s not gonna save them. I mean, I don’t know shit about plants, but I can tell ya those things are dead.” He felt his ear flick when Zonic raised the watering canteen above his head. “You drop any water on me, and I’ll kick your ass for real… Savior or not, I don’t wanna be wet.” He growled, baring his teeth again. He couldn’t help but be overly defensive whenever he had the chance. He was no stranger to jokes or being poked at, but with the tension of that past threat of going back to that goddamn prison, he couldn’t chance acting soft… he still didn’t like Zonic at all, no matter how nice this decision of his was. So what, the guy decided to let his -feelings- get the better of him by bringing a crazed criminal home like a sick puppy. The hell did he expect out of all of this, Scourge’s undying loyalty? Nah, it’d take more than being patched up and put on a king sized bed to really butter him up like that. And not to mention, in Scourge’s eyes it just felt like brownie points, as if the cop was trying to act like a savior for real and feel good about playing ‘good samaritan’. Scourge knew that it was just some kind of publicity stunt, some way to make it seem like Zonic was just soooo pure of heart for saving scum like Scourge. Pfft, he saw right through that phony facade. \n\nHe wasn’t about to let this kindness get the better of him… but in some ways he did appreciate it. Not like he had to admit that though, so he kept it to himself. Keeping it behind a bunch of stone walls where no one could get inside to see his vulnerability… [/color]\n\n[color=#204a87]Zonic actually chuckled, pulling the Watering can back. Scourge had reacted just the way he thought he would. \"It's just water. You'd be dry again in five minutes in the sun.\" He said, placing the can on the ground and giving his 'flowers' a regretful look. \"You're right... They're dead. Maybe I should buy plastic flowers... Or make you do gardening for me while I'm working. That's not a bad idea actually. If you're gonna stay here and roam my house instead of sitting in my holding cell, you might as well do some work.\"\n\nHe gave Scourge a long look, like he was scanning him for hidden abilities. \"How's your cooking? I'm... not too enthusiastic about it as you may have already noticed. But that's mostly due to my work. I just don't spend much time at home, which I'm sure you're glad to hear. Starting tomorrow you'll be alone a whole lot. I thought about using my vacation days until you can at least walk again. But..\" He looked at the interdimensional highway in the distance while rubbing a dry leaf into dust between his fingers.\n\n\"But I don't know how to tell the Chief that I... brought a dangerous criminal home on impulse and am now nursing him back to health, letting him roam my house more or less freely. And I've never used my vacation days before... so I'm sure he'd want to hear a reason.\" The cop frowned and sat down on the little plastic table next to the sun lounger that Scourge was on. The circumstances were troubling. For once in his life he wanted to spend more time at home and he couldn't because he didn't know how to tell anyone about Scourge. How was he gonna explain Scourge if people wanted to visit him. Sure he could say he saved him, but then they'd want to hear what he'd saved this dangerous criminal from, and he'd have to explain.\n\nHe hadn't thought about it like this before. \"I... may.... I may have to actually.. actively -hide- you.\" He said, turning his head to Scourge again. It was clear he'd only now thought of this. The consequences of his impulsive decision. \"After all... I only got you out of there because I threatened Zobotnik to put him behind bars for neglecting his duties as Warden, if he didn't hand you over.... I did really not think any of this through did I...\" It was a rhetorical question. He already knew the answer.\n\nHe put himself into a really annoying situation. His only friends were colleagues, and if he invited them over Scourge had to be... invisible, or he'd have to explain the circumstances. Which would inevitably lead to Zobotnik being replaced... and Scourge returning to prison. Some part of him thought it would be a good thing if Scourge returned to prison under better supervision. But another part of him doubted that the other inmates wouldn't find a way to torment Scourge anyway. Added to that was the fact that... he hadn't talked this much in years, and that he firmly believed... maybe... having someone around the house could be a little fun. A little change of pace. A conversation partner. Or someone to just sit with him in quiet. And he even felt a little childlike excitement at the fact that nobody knew about Scourge. It felt like he was doing something forbidden. It was freeing in a way. Doing something that was not textbook. Acting on gut decisions instead of logical thinking and laws and rules he'd studied for years. It felt so freeing, in fact, he was almost afraid he'd get addicted to it, lose his path of law and order, and let the free spirit inside him win. He was a Sonic too after all. Yet when was the last time he'd gone for a run just for fun? When was the last time he'd done anything for fun?\n\nAnd scourge... being as unagreeable as he was. Wild and free and full of aggressive energy. He was his polar opposite. He acted only on impulse. Only on his gut. And he'd gotten himself in big trouble with it. But even while his body was restrained... his mind was free. Zonic had no doubt that, when gazing into the distance, Scourge thought of running. Feeling the wind on his face, in his fur, his spines. His feet connected to the ground, the friction enough to scorch the ground he stepped on. Zonic felt a painful tug at his heart. He'd chosen this life for himself. He'd made a conscious choice to abandon his freedom. To suppress his free and wild nature, in favour of the law. And he was okay with it. This was who he chose to be. But at the same time... looking at Scourge, he felt like he could be more. Like on the way to becoming the best cop, making the multiverse a better place... maybe, just a little, he'd lost himself.\n\nMaybe that was part of the reason why he wanted to keep Scourge in his house. His selfish desire to watch a Sonic who'd taken a different path. Even if it was wrong to keep him confined in his house. Even if it was dangerous. A part of him wanted to see Scourge run. He wanted to race him. He wanted to fight him. Without his uniform. Without consequences other than bruises and cuts. And a small part of his mind wanted to rebel against everything he believed in and just set the criminal free. Of course he couldn't do that and he'd never tell Scourge he'd even had this thought. But this tiny tiny quiet voice was there.\n\nAll he had to do for now was make sure nobody found out about this. Zobotnik wouldn't talk, he knew that for sure. And if Scourge didn't behave he could lock him up in his cell while he had visitors. There was even a little thrill to it, really.\n\n\"Ha.\" He let out a short laugh before leaning back against the balcony fence. \"Hahahahaha. Feels like I'm a cheater hiding men in my closet.\" The words had left his mouth before he realised what he said. A second later his muzzle and the tips of his ears were vibrantly red. \"That came out wrong.\"[/color]\n\n[center][b]TBC...[/b][/center]","writing_bbcode_parsed":"
CHAPTER IV


With the way Zonic had stormed out, Scourge felt nothing but triumph having gotten under the law abiding asshole’s skin. The way he got so upset... though the insults coulda been kept at bay ... scourge frowned, growling at Zonic as he left.

“YEAH WELL YOU SHOULDA JUST PUT ME IN THE CHAIR THEN!” He huffed, having leaned forward to push his point across only to hurt his ribs and stomach from the pressure of bending too far forward. He groaned, a shaky and unstable hand rubbing his midsection as he laid back. He wanted so much to punch the hell out of Zonic but that’s have to wait for when he was healed up... in the arms at least.

“Thinks he can order me around, pfft. I can beat his ass with my arms and legs—!! ... wait,” his ears dropped for a moment, having noticed he was incapable of such violence right now, he actually knew he couldn’t do much in this state and every time it felt more and more unsettling. He really was stripped of just about everything he was and so easily too. It was a fuckin nightmare being reminded and only ground his gears further.

Sitting there with nothing but silence to comfort him just made him more angry. Once upon a time, back in prison, the silence was music to his achy ears. Never having to worry about anyone being around him or too close, having his own space and just being able to think. It was welcomed, yearned for since he had nothing but larger, more vile inmates that just wanted to see him broken. For once in Scourge’s life, he aches to be left alone with no one to bother him...

But he was here now, in some cop’s bed, takin up space, eating his food and annoying him as much as he could. Not like Scourge asked for this, blue boy shoulda read the label before bringing the king to his home so Scourge felt nothing for him. What did he think would change just because someone showed a lil kindness, as if that would make matters easier for either of them. They were so different morally...

Crash! His ears perked up, he looked toward the door and blinked... something broke? Ha... well then. He sunk into the pillow and crossed his arms, albeit slowly since it was still painful to move them. He waited, his foot moving back and forth as if he was tapping on pavement. The moment the door swung open and he saw the cop’s face, he felt himself grinning.

“Baby had an accident?” He cooed in a mocking voice.

Despite his very best efforts to ignore Scourge his condescending words made his gaze snap to him after all. If looks could kill...

"Shut-" He started but instantly stopped himself. No. No. Don't let him get to you. It'll be his win. It's what he wants.

Zonic's expression darkened before he turned around and pulled the communicator from his uniform pile. "This is ridiculous. You and your big mouth." He pressed his finger on the communicator's screen and a faint dooting noise emerged from it while Zonic sat down on the bed.

"Zonic. What gives me the ... pleasure." Zobotnik's voice was mildly distorted, reception wasn't the best within prison walls.

"I'm afraid your favourite prisoner is very eager to return to you." He said and Zobotnik laughed. "Oh is he now. So you're returning him? I don't blame you. He sure is a feisty one. We had a hard time making him fall in line. I'm sure a busy man such as yourself has a harder time."

Zonic looked up from the communicator and at Scourge. "Last chance, pest." He hissed. Everything about this made him feel like throwing up. Inside he was both furious but also praying to chaos that scourge didn't do anything even more foolish. He didn't want to bring him back. He didn't want to. It was against everything he believed in. His insides were hurting.

Could he really go through with this. What if scourge remained stubborn?! Could he really send him back and just act as if that was okay? By chaos, no mission he'd ever been on was even half as stressful as this. He knew he couldn't do it. He didn't have what it took. But for now he kept his eyes on scourge, making zobotnik wait for an answer.

He almost had him there, to see the cop snap right into a bit of a blind rage woulda been fun, it was something Scourge was thriving to awaken. His outlook on things wasn’t so different than his counterparts, his execution was. He knew that any and all Sonics felt they could just get what they wanted, lived how they truly saw fit and presented a strong confidence in that. Scourge sometimes wondered why HE was one of the few Sonics to be considered ‘evil’ for simply wanting what he wanted and taking what he could get. He was just being himself, like the rest of them. How bad was that, exactly?

He huffed, a little irritated that Zonic held back like that. He was trying to seem level headed but it was so useless. Scourge could tell he got under Zonic’s skin, he knew that he could really set the guy off. If it was enough to make the cop lose his cool, he just knew he could get him into full blind rage mode. The motive was just to give the other him a taste of unadulterated anger. It was freeing, something every goddamn Sonic loved: Freedom.

“It must be so hard to limit yourself like that,” Scourge teased, giving Zonic a toothy grin. He knew he could make matters so much worse, tho his smile dropped when Zonic pulled out whatever that ghetto walkie-talkie was. He frowned when he heard Zobotnik’s voice… What the hell was this idiot doing? At first, Scourge could feel a laugh bubbling in his belly, only to have it die down as he listened to the two talk. “You fuckin’ wouldn’t…” He didn’t try to show any worry, more or so, kept up his glare that became deeper as he knew what could’ve happened if he didn’t just… listen.

Scourge disliked this so much. Being bribed to act right, and with the threat of being sent back…. He began to make excuses.

“You wouldn’t. You -couldn’t-! I’m not even all the way healed yet…!” He said, his voice lowering. He didn’t want Zobotnik to hear him act like this. He wasn’t about to show how much he -didn’t- want to go back. He huffed, struggling with the cuffs. He didn’t want this… going back there, being used and abused… “Come on now, Copper, you can’t…” He muttered, his voice almost a whisper. His eyes became a bit wide, pleading for a ‘just kidding’ or something. “Fuck… just…” He turned away. “I refuse to go back.” He would put up as big of a fight as he could, that was for sure. But he was barely able to move at all.

It was painfully obvious how little Scourge thought of the idea of returning to prison. Painfully in the sense that Zonic felt his stomach turn. He didn't want this. He knew if Scourge returned after being saved by -him- of all people he'd have an even worse time than before.

And yet he was sick of letting the criminal walk all over him. So he reached out, grabbing Scourge's chin and turning his face towards himself. While keeping Scourge's face where it was he leaned up to his ears. "You had your fun, trying to rile me up, Brat. But it's about time you realise who's in charge here. Here's a hint: It's not you. And it will never be you. You stole your own freedom, but I'm offering you something as close to freedom as you'll get. So play nice. Say please and thank you. Because it just takes one phone call to get you back into hell." When he leaned back he had half a grin on his face.

"Please and thank you, Scourge. It's not that hard. Even -you- can do it, I'm sure."

"Zonic. I am a busy man, you know. I can't listen to you taming your new pet mutt all day." Zobotnik sounded annoyed. Impatient. Zonic didn't care.

"You have as much time as it takes, Zobotnik. Remember that Scourge's case is enough evidence to put you on the other side of the prison bars, and you better believe me when I say I took photos of every cut and bruise and got DNA samples as well and if I bring this to the interdimensional court you will have to give up access to your surveillance feed as well. So, really, I think you have all the time in the world to wait for my 'pet mutt' to learn how to play nice." Zonic said, his voice stern, and his eyes focussed on Scourge's face that he was still holding with his hand.

It was so hard not to let it show on his face how much this was against everything he believed in. He wanted to see Scourge heal. He wanted him to spend his time behind bars, sure, but safely. The multiverse had to be safe from him, but he had to be protected from harm, too. Mostly from harm he inflicted upon himself... but also from other inmates. The violence had gone too far. Why didn't Scourge realise that he was not his enemy in this. Not quite his ally either, but he definitely meant no harm.

His only hope was that Scourge would cave right now, if he didn't... well if he didn't Zonic would be looking forward to a lifetime of being pushed around by the King. Still he preferred being pushed around over sending a living, breathing being, into a place where he would be raped and violated until he died of exhaustion on a dusty concrete floor.

In his mind, Zonic was the one pleading. Please don't do anything stupid. Please play nice. Please. He felt so dirty using Scourge's fear against him.

“I…!” Scourge was going to try and speak up, say his piece and not seem so goddamn passive about his desire to remain here. He knew that if he went back, there was no way he’d come back out… possibly not even alive. He flinched, trying to lean away from having his chin pinched by the lawman, eyes widening more from being so close. He hated that his first thought was their lips touching, him being held down and grinded against without any consent. Some shitty memory flashed, instantly causing his ears to lower, his body to quiver, his demeanor to shift. He didn’t like how close Zonic was, he didn’t like the thoughts rampaging through his mind. He hated this sickening gut feeling that he wasn’t going to get out of this unscathed, despite knowing Zonic would never do something like that.

Every part of his body felt sensitive, his skin crawling from the idea of hands all over him. His fur and spines raised, all of this just because Zonic decided to use a stern approach, as if talking to a child about how important it was to behave. Scourge was a coward now, a useless goddamn child that couldn’t bare facing someone when put this close to them. He was scared, and he knew it showed. The words didn’t even reach him, he didn’t hear them. His mind was elsewhere, lowering further into the gutter where he didn’t want it to be. He gulped, sinking back into the bed after Zonic moved away. The fact that his chin wasn’t let go just made him feel more sick.

Scourge finally allowed himself to breathe, though it was low and possible unnoticeable. He wanted to get out of this bed, punch the cop or run out as fast as he could. He was pretty sure that now he better knew what the hell was at stake, but it was always there. Part of him just didn’t think Zonic would… go this far. He was a Sonic afterall, an idiot that clearly saw good in everything when in reality, he was wrong. He really thought he could get Scourge to obey him, he thought wrong. But for now, as much as Scourge hated this, he’d be passive. Passive enough to keep his ass right in this bland house. It was uncomfortable, but he refused to allow Zonic to throw him back into that Hell hole…

“Didn’t think you’d… have the balls to go back on your own rescue mission…” He muttered, though his voice didn’t have any malice, just… slight disbelief. He disliked that there was no spunk or bite to his tone, but he supposed that for now that was for the best. “...You’d really send me back there huh?” Scourge frowned, but then rolled his eyes. “... Fine. I’ll… ugh. Please… don’t send me back… and…” He struggled, the last of his words felt as if they had already dried up. He gulped again, closing his eyes as if he was trying to push something up from his throat and through his mouth. “Thank. You.” The taste of thanking this asshole was the most bitter he’d ever tasted.

As much as Zonic hadn't wanted to show how bad this felt for him, he couldn't help but let out an audible sigh of relief as Scourge spoke up and did as he was asked. His tense body deflated, his grip on the other's chin softened immediately and he ran his thumb over it gently as if to apologize before he let go.

Without even saying anything more he just hung up on Zobotnik, tossing the communicator back onto his uniform pile. He felt sick and exhausted and he knew Scourge didn't feel any better. If anything he probably felt worse. He wanted to apologize... somehow. This was all awful. it felt so dirty to use methods like this, even on scum like scourge. He didn't deserve to be violated in prison. And he didn't deserve to be threatened with more violence now.

But if he apologized now it'd all just be back to how it was before. Scourge being a cocky brat, driving him to the brink of insanity and him... struggling not to lose himself. Which was unacceptable. All of this was unacceptable. Even the situation they were in right now was far removed from ideal. He very very clearly remembered Scourge shrinking underneath him, tensing up to the point that it probably hurt his muscles.

"You're welcome..." he said quietly. And his voice just sounded tired now. These weren't the words he wanted to say... but apologizing just wasn't an option. At least... not verbally.

"I'm washing the sheets so I'm moving you." He explained briefly, before he scooped Scourge up on his arms bridal style Without much of a second thought. Even though he was well aware that this would just make Scourge more uncomfortable for the moment. But then... maybe he'd slowly grow accustomed to touch again, if only it was gentle enough.

Zonic carried the tense hedgehog out of the bedroom, well aware that Scourge hadn't even seen the rest of the house yet. Not that there was much to see. It was all one open room, the left part of it being the kitchen, then a couch, coffee table and TV in the middle, and some training devices to the right. Next to the Bedroom door was the small hallway that lead to the door to the bathroom, the door to the garage and his front door. But he wasn't going that way. Instead he carried Scourge into the kitchen and further to the glass door leading to a small balcony. He lay the hedgehog down on his sun lounger. It was nice outside not too hot, not too cold. And during this time of the day there was actually sunshine right on his balcony.For a brief moment he looked at his potted plants, all of which were withering. He'd been so busy the past weeks he'd forgotten all about them. Not that gardening had ever been his strong suit. The only thing that was magically still alive was that Cactus he'd gotten from Zector as a joke present with the charming words 'reminded me of you'.

The balcony itself was fenced in to about chest height but at least there was some kind of view. Well. View of the rather calm and small neighbourhood and off in the background there were the weird twists and loops of the interdimensional highway against the mind breaking background of a sideways world.

Zonic went back into the house to fetch Scourge's red shades and something to drink that wasn't tea. Outside again he put the shades onto Scourge's face without touching him directly.

"Stay put while I'm cleaning. Or we're back to you being chained." He said and his voice was still a little more quiet than normal. There was no real energy in his threat either, but he still meant it. "I'm leaving the door open. I'll hear you just talk normally. I have a mess to clean up in the kitchen..." This was as close to an apology as he could safely go, he thought. Though he figured Scourge wasn't stupid he'd realise soon enough that he did in fact -not- have the balls to send him back to jail. "Enjoy the sun." With that he turned around, went back into the house and started going about his chores again. At least now he could keep an eye on Scourge through the glass door. That was worth something. It was a little embarrassing to know that Scourge could also watch him clean.

The soft rub of Zonic’s thumb over Scourge’s chin felt so damn weird. Soft was never something he was accustomed to, as Scourge was used to being handled and handling others rather roughly. Such a gentle motion that sort of sent weird chills throughout his body. He couldn’t help but turn away from Zonic before the cop actually let go. He felt... shy and upset at that same time. This wasn’t a way to treat a criminal, not right after threatening to send him back to prison, back to Hell.

He heard the communicator click off, the soft -thwump- of it landing in the pile of clothes and Zonic turning back around talking about cleaning. The blue hog was definitely relieved alright. The sigh would’ve been enough but everything about the guy seemed to change up. Of course the cop was relieved, he was too trusting...

The moment Zonic leaned in, again, Scourge’s body tensed. He know he wasn’t trying to react to this in such a way, it just happened. He had never had such a tense reaction to someone coming in close. Sure he’d punch the hell out of some if they were in his personal space, but that was all voluntary, done completely at Scourge’s conscious decision. He didn’t know what to make of this new tick, he was well aware that it was due to the goddamn fact that it was from all the shit he endured in prison, but his immediate thoughts wanted to reject that entirely.

Being held in the cop’s arms, he could barely breathe. It was warm, pressed up against his alternate self. He felt unsafe yet... not too threatened. It was weird being so in between. He couldn’t read Zonic’s actions though he knew the blue hedgehog wouldn’t hurt him like that. That’s what sucked about this.

Scourge -knew- Zonic wouldn’t do anything but his body wouldn’t let up. The shaking, the prickly, upright spines, the fact that he couldn’t breathe well, even his cautious hand pressed against Zonic’s chest as if he was trying to get some distance between them. He was ready to jump outta his arms but being sore all over made the floor beneath them feel like a pretty harsh drop.

Still, Scourge did his best to keep himself contained in this embarrassing position. No one was around so it wasn’t like anyone could see and make fun of him, thank Chaos. Being settled on the balcony... he didn’t expect to be set outside, maybe on the couch but not here? He frowned, looking up at the cop as he explained his cleaning duties...

“You’re just gonna leave me here...?” He was surprised but not at all offended. If he wanted to he could hope right over the balcony... maybe crawl his ass away... nah. It wouldn’t be worth it and Zonic already knew how limited Scourge was. It wasn’t like he’d set him there otherwise. Fuck this... he hated being immobile.

“Fine I guess...” he could.. at least enjoy the sun? Scourge became a little quiet, not really sure what to say. He really couldn’t complain... it felt nice to see the sun again... while not in prison.

Zonic, for once, enjoyed the silence. Scourge wasn't angry or complaining, that sure was a nice change of pace. He even started humming quietly after a while of cleaning, finally getting a chance to calm down and relax. The mess in the kitchen was cleaned up, the sheets thrown into the wash, the floor vacuumed and mopped and everything dusted. Then he found himself standing in the middle of his multi-purpose room, tapping one foot on the ground. His place really was pretty clean at all times. He hated it when things weren't -exactly- where they had to be.

He'd gotten grumpy at Zector a few times for misplacing his stuff, to the point where he'd told him to not come over again unless he changed. Of course all had turned out okay and Zector was still a welcome guest, but he'd surely gotten a shock at Zonic's outrage.

The cop wandered to his fridge aimlessly. Opening it only to find nothing but cheap TV dinners. He had to resist the urge to shake his head about himself. He wasn't a great cook, he knew that. But his fridge's contents were... unhealthy, to say the least. Then again he could always order out. He raised his head to look at Scourge on the balcony, lost in thought. It was strangely comforting to see his Prisoner so peaceful on the balcony with no restraints next to his injuries and the collar. After all... he craved company. Always had. He loved being with people. But his line of work had him isolated. The only person intent on hanging around him as much as possible was Zamy... and he could imagine nicer company. In fact even Scourge was better company that her.

He didn't hate her, not at all. But she was incredibly pushy. They had gone on -one- date because he lost a bet that he didn't know he signed up for. And ever since then she called him her boyfriend, talked about marriage and kids. Zonic shivered. He wanted company. But not like that. He wanted a love life, too. Just not like -that-. So he remained alone. Well until now anyway.

The fridge was closed and he went to get his actual phone to order food for later. Then he returned to the balcony to water his long dead plants, part of him hoping they'd just magically recover. He knew if he threw them out he wouldn't replace them... but he liked some green on his balcony after all.

The thought made him grin and he looked at Scourge. "It feels like my balcony has two Cacti now. Lucky for you, Cacti seem to be the only thing that I can keep alive. Should I water you too?" He held the watering can out over Scourge's head, not tipping it of course, Scourge would be drenched and he didn't want to deal with an -angry- cactus.

His attention wasn’t fully on the cop workin to make his place spotless, but more over the balcony and around the neighborhood. Scourge never really had a lot of moments of sitting and enjoying the scenery. Sure, some part of him, as well as most Sonics, all ended up loving nature itself. He wasn’t much for the outdoorsy shit, but he did like the endless freedom that it possessed. No barriers, unless she came to man-made walls, no rules unless he bowed down to the laws of certain lands. He was free to do whatever and that’s how -he- interpreted it all. He could remember the wind on his face as he’d run from this guy or that guy before prison was ever a thing. He could recall jumping from high heights and doing all kinds of fun, acrobatic junk that any Sonic loved.

He yearned to feel it again, but this was the most he’d get for now… For some reason, it was just enough. Scourge wasn’t really used to just sitting and thinking, taking in his surroundings as if he was absorbing it all. It was odd, but he didn’t mind it. Sure, he’d love to terrorize the blue hog some more, but he’d cool down with that… for now. He felt there was more he could do, but he wasn’t about to ruin his chances of -this-. Sitting outside and taking in the sun, hearing cars and people, just allowing his atmosphere to engulf him… Something he never thought he’d enjoy, but now he was thankful he had this.

No way in hell he’d admit it, but the calmness on his face possibly showed that he was deeply attuned with everything going on around him. It was good that Zonic was preoccupied with cleaning, as he didn’t expect the blue one to come through the glass doors and suddenly start talking. Scourge turned to him, a frown returning to his face as he watched the other water the plants.

“That’s not gonna save them. I mean, I don’t know shit about plants, but I can tell ya those things are dead.” He felt his ear flick when Zonic raised the watering canteen above his head. “You drop any water on me, and I’ll kick your ass for real… Savior or not, I don’t wanna be wet.” He growled, baring his teeth again. He couldn’t help but be overly defensive whenever he had the chance. He was no stranger to jokes or being poked at, but with the tension of that past threat of going back to that goddamn prison, he couldn’t chance acting soft… he still didn’t like Zonic at all, no matter how nice this decision of his was. So what, the guy decided to let his -feelings- get the better of him by bringing a crazed criminal home like a sick puppy. The hell did he expect out of all of this, Scourge’s undying loyalty? Nah, it’d take more than being patched up and put on a king sized bed to really butter him up like that. And not to mention, in Scourge’s eyes it just felt like brownie points, as if the cop was trying to act like a savior for real and feel good about playing ‘good samaritan’. Scourge knew that it was just some kind of publicity stunt, some way to make it seem like Zonic was just soooo pure of heart for saving scum like Scourge. Pfft, he saw right through that phony facade.

He wasn’t about to let this kindness get the better of him… but in some ways he did appreciate it. Not like he had to admit that though, so he kept it to himself. Keeping it behind a bunch of stone walls where no one could get inside to see his vulnerability…

Zonic actually chuckled, pulling the Watering can back. Scourge had reacted just the way he thought he would. "It's just water. You'd be dry again in five minutes in the sun." He said, placing the can on the ground and giving his 'flowers' a regretful look. "You're right... They're dead. Maybe I should buy plastic flowers... Or make you do gardening for me while I'm working. That's not a bad idea actually. If you're gonna stay here and roam my house instead of sitting in my holding cell, you might as well do some work."

He gave Scourge a long look, like he was scanning him for hidden abilities. "How's your cooking? I'm... not too enthusiastic about it as you may have already noticed. But that's mostly due to my work. I just don't spend much time at home, which I'm sure you're glad to hear. Starting tomorrow you'll be alone a whole lot. I thought about using my vacation days until you can at least walk again. But.." He looked at the interdimensional highway in the distance while rubbing a dry leaf into dust between his fingers.

"But I don't know how to tell the Chief that I... brought a dangerous criminal home on impulse and am now nursing him back to health, letting him roam my house more or less freely. And I've never used my vacation days before... so I'm sure he'd want to hear a reason." The cop frowned and sat down on the little plastic table next to the sun lounger that Scourge was on. The circumstances were troubling. For once in his life he wanted to spend more time at home and he couldn't because he didn't know how to tell anyone about Scourge. How was he gonna explain Scourge if people wanted to visit him. Sure he could say he saved him, but then they'd want to hear what he'd saved this dangerous criminal from, and he'd have to explain.

He hadn't thought about it like this before. "I... may.... I may have to actually.. actively -hide- you." He said, turning his head to Scourge again. It was clear he'd only now thought of this. The consequences of his impulsive decision. "After all... I only got you out of there because I threatened Zobotnik to put him behind bars for neglecting his duties as Warden, if he didn't hand you over.... I did really not think any of this through did I..." It was a rhetorical question. He already knew the answer.

He put himself into a really annoying situation. His only friends were colleagues, and if he invited them over Scourge had to be... invisible, or he'd have to explain the circumstances. Which would inevitably lead to Zobotnik being replaced... and Scourge returning to prison. Some part of him thought it would be a good thing if Scourge returned to prison under better supervision. But another part of him doubted that the other inmates wouldn't find a way to torment Scourge anyway. Added to that was the fact that... he hadn't talked this much in years, and that he firmly believed... maybe... having someone around the house could be a little fun. A little change of pace. A conversation partner. Or someone to just sit with him in quiet. And he even felt a little childlike excitement at the fact that nobody knew about Scourge. It felt like he was doing something forbidden. It was freeing in a way. Doing something that was not textbook. Acting on gut decisions instead of logical thinking and laws and rules he'd studied for years. It felt so freeing, in fact, he was almost afraid he'd get addicted to it, lose his path of law and order, and let the free spirit inside him win. He was a Sonic too after all. Yet when was the last time he'd gone for a run just for fun? When was the last time he'd done anything for fun?

And scourge... being as unagreeable as he was. Wild and free and full of aggressive energy. He was his polar opposite. He acted only on impulse. Only on his gut. And he'd gotten himself in big trouble with it. But even while his body was restrained... his mind was free. Zonic had no doubt that, when gazing into the distance, Scourge thought of running. Feeling the wind on his face, in his fur, his spines. His feet connected to the ground, the friction enough to scorch the ground he stepped on. Zonic felt a painful tug at his heart. He'd chosen this life for himself. He'd made a conscious choice to abandon his freedom. To suppress his free and wild nature, in favour of the law. And he was okay with it. This was who he chose to be. But at the same time... looking at Scourge, he felt like he could be more. Like on the way to becoming the best cop, making the multiverse a better place... maybe, just a little, he'd lost himself.

Maybe that was part of the reason why he wanted to keep Scourge in his house. His selfish desire to watch a Sonic who'd taken a different path. Even if it was wrong to keep him confined in his house. Even if it was dangerous. A part of him wanted to see Scourge run. He wanted to race him. He wanted to fight him. Without his uniform. Without consequences other than bruises and cuts. And a small part of his mind wanted to rebel against everything he believed in and just set the criminal free. Of course he couldn't do that and he'd never tell Scourge he'd even had this thought. But this tiny tiny quiet voice was there.

All he had to do for now was make sure nobody found out about this. Zobotnik wouldn't talk, he knew that for sure. And if Scourge didn't behave he could lock him up in his cell while he had visitors. There was even a little thrill to it, really.

"Ha." He let out a short laugh before leaning back against the balcony fence. "Hahahahaha. Feels like I'm a cheater hiding men in my closet." The words had left his mouth before he realised what he said. A second later his muzzle and the tips of his ears were vibrantly red. "That came out wrong."

TBC...
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