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A bit of a \"bridge\" chapter, we check in with quite a few peeps (Amy and Dex, Knuckles, Sonic, Tails and Shadow and wonderful guest Sonic OCs Rock and Tide, among others). Bit of PG/PG13 entry, a sort of cool-down before Sonic necessarily takes center stage, you could say. Hope you enjoy! TMS 6 will get going in earnest... as I write on vacation, no less. ^.~ More soon! [b] ***Note: Tails is aged up in this series to age of consent, thanks.***[/b]\n\nA special mention and bonus for this chapter, a guest appearance by Rock the bull, who belongs to @hotred and Tide the tiger, who belongs to @COOLBLUE. Used with permission and much respect! <3\n\nVal aka Valdisfoxy and Dex aka Dexter the Hedgehog to @Valdis","description_bbcode_parsed":"And here we are!  A bit of a "bridge" chapter, we check in with quite a few peeps (Amy and Dex, Knuckles, Sonic, Tails and Shadow and wonderful guest Sonic OCs Rock and Tide, among others).  Bit of PG/PG13 entry, a sort of cool-down before Sonic necessarily takes center stage, you could say.  Hope you enjoy!  TMS 6 will get going in earnest... as I write on vacation, no less. ^.~  More soon!   ***Note: Tails is aged up in this series to age of consent, thanks.***

A special mention and bonus for this chapter, a guest appearance by Rock the bull, who belongs to \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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and Tide the tiger, who belongs to \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCOOLBLUE\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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.  Used with permission and much respect! <3

Val aka Valdisfoxy and Dex aka Dexter the Hedgehog to \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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","writing":"[t]Ten Miles of Shadow[/t]\n\nby Valdisfoxy\n\nDisclaimer and warning.  [i]This story is entirely fictional and for entertainment purposes only.  I do not own the SEGA / Sonic Team characters or any guest OCs and no monetary gain was made or sought.  Chapters contain adult themes and may include explicit depictions of sex (e.g. gay, anthropomorphic and adult/teen).  If you are under the age of eighteen, live where such material is not legal or find such themes offensive, read no further.  The author accepts no responsibility to any who ignore this disclaimer.  This work is free to share, in whole or in part, unaltered and with proper credit.  Enjoy! -Valdisfoxy, September 2016 [/i]\n\nChapter 5 – Departures and Arrivals\n\n Dex’s striking, black-banded quills swung casually as the tall, winter-white hedgehog sauntered back to the hotel lounge table overlooking the moonlit ocean. He carefully handed Amy a colorful drink decked with paper umbrellas and skewered fruit. “My rose,” he flourished, winking a powder blue eye at the pink hedgehog, her cheeks already a bit flushed over her gentle smile. “It’s a full day of highway riding tomorrow, you sure this won’t hold you back?” Dex gracefully slid himself into the cushy leather bench beside Amy and adjusted his two-toned brown leather vest. \n\n “I’ll be fine snowball,” chimed Amy, savoring a sip. “Ooo! That’s good, thank you hon. Anyway, I hydrate all day, I always have aspirin handy, you got me that cute pink motorcycle helmet… and plus, I know my limits. Unlike [i]these [/i]two lumps,” she grinned, nodding towards Sonic and Knuckles, both of whom slouched with tired grins behind nearly empty daiquiri glasses. For his part, Knuckles seemed the worse for wear. \n\n “Hey,” protested the echidna, waving around a chunk of pineapple from his drink before popping it in his mouth, “I am alwaysh in control, gurl. I might look like I jus’ rolled down an embankment. An’ I concede, I prolly shoulda showered after the gigs t’night.”\n\n “Seconded,” giggled Sonic, playfully nudging his shoulder into Knuckles’ before sipping loudly from his straw. “You worked for like ten hours under hot lights, dude. You smell like someone fried an onion in patchouli.”\n\n “Yup! And that’s cool, cuz we’re on vaCAYion, dammit!” Knuckles straightened his brimmed leather hat and placed his arm around Sonic. “And I was not gonna mish this last round with you. Mah best blue boy! Afore we ship yer gay ass back to Southie, hehe.” Raising his glass and chugging down the boozy fruit slurry, the echidna hiccuped, followed by a poorly suppressed belch. Amy rolled her eyes, taking a demure sip as Sonic giggled and Dex hid a smile behind his glass. “Ahhh… thanks fur the drink, that wash amazing, Dex! Whatever it was.”\n\n Dex grinned and placed his hand on Amy’s thigh, the pink hedgehog caressing the top of his hand and cuddling against his frame. His voice was deep, but affable and refined. “They call it a fruit stand crash. Five or six tropical fruits blended with top shelf rum and coconut milk and dumped the biggest glass they have.” Dex sipped politely from his lime-garnished gin and tonic. “I’m surprised you made your way through two of them, Knuckles. I couldn’t do it, man.”\n\n “Betcher azz, Dex… Dexterlicious…” Knux sighed happily and rested his chin on his chest, muttering towards Sonic. “He’z so nice, dat guy. I cuh kiss him, hehe. But dun leddim pay the tab again blue butt, I dun want t’feel like a bum.” The echidna slumped, but then sat back up with a vaporizer in hand. “Time fur me t’hit the clouds, I think. Hehehe…”\n\n “Not here, Knux.” Sonic took the vaporizer away from the echidna, who huffed loudly and frowned, but then nodded off peacefully.\n\n “Er… Sonic? Did you want another?” asked Dex, raising a concerned eyebrow. “Or some coffee, perhaps?”\n\n Leaning back into his seat and sighing contently, Sonic swirled the last of his beverage into his mouth and shook his head. “Thank you Dex, but this is it for me. Flight boards in a couple hours and there’s nothing cool about being hungover on a plane.” Tilting the glass, Sonic fished out a cherry and and plucked the stem off before popping it in his mouth and turning to Amy. “Except maybe last New Years’. Remember, Ames? You made that huge pitcher of sangria and we all took turns flying with Tails and shooting fireworks from the back seat, hehe.”\n\n “Oh god, that was terrifying!” laughed Amy, shaking her head and sipping. “I mean, it was FUN, don’t get me wrong. But we could’ve crashed! Or started a fire or something. I’m just glad Tails didn’t have any, he’s the only reason nobody got hurt.”\n\n “Ack-chooly,” slurred Knuckles, rousing briefly and taking a deep breath, “I let him have a big ol’ glass of the stuff when you guys weren’t lookin’. Ha! Right before my turn. But there weren’t no fireworks left. So instead? We did loop-d-loops an’ took turns peein’ out the cockpit.” The echidna chuckled and smacked his lips as he snuggled back into the overstuffed chair. “Cockpit… hehe… squirt made me wash th’ plane after…” \n\n Shaking his head and grinning, Sonic patted Knuckles’ shoulder as Amy sipped happily and leaned into Dex, the pair smiling softly at one another for a moment before nuzzling. The white hedgehog planted a tender kiss on her cheek, then turned to Sonic. “I just feel like I’m sending you off, Sonic. We’d love to have you along, it’s just two more weeks. Rouge knows we’re coming, she’s bummed she won’t see you. Sure I can’t convince you? Come halfway, at least. We could fly you out from there.”\n\n Sonic shook his head politely and smiled through a faint blush, taking the empty glass from Knuckles’ hand and placing it on the table as the echidna dozed happily. “It’s tempting Dex, honest. And I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done. For all of us! But I gotta go my own way. And I can’t ask Shadow to watch the house that much longer, he’s needed at his job. You guys go, cut loose! And please give my love to Rouge, I miss that brassy bat. Tails still calls her auntie, hehe. I can bring him up next time. Or you can come down to South Island, Dex! I know you and Tails would hit it right off, he doesn’t get to talk shop with other pilots very often.”\n\n “I’d like that, Sonic,” nodded Dex, raising his glass. “Let’s make it happen.” Grabbing his water, Sonic clinked with the other hedgehog as they smiled confidently at one another. Dex squeezed Amy’s hand and pulled it up, kissing it. “Provided, of course, the lovely rose here doesn’t give me the hammer.” \n\n “Hmmm…” Amy tilted her head and smiled wryly at Dex, raising a finger to fondle the large abalone pendant glinting from the center of his impressive chest ruff, snow white with neatly spaced black flecks. “I’d say you’re sailing through your probationary period just fine,” she mused. Amy slid her hand up through Dex’s ruff to his cheek, caressing it. “I’m in a ‘try it before you buy it’ mood. But don’t worry, snow cheeks. I’m gonna keep trying and trying you, every single chance I get. A girl could get used to being spoiled, it’s a total one-eighty for me.” The pair stared at one another dreamily.\n\n “Hey, I’m right here,” chuckled Sonic, placing an elbow on the table and leaning his flushed cheek on his fist. Kissing Amy’s hand again, Dex cleared his throat softly and gave her a small nod towards the blue hedgehog. Blinking from her reverie, Amy looked at Sonic and smiled apologetically. “Aww… oh blue, I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just saying, I can’t remember doing this much on a trip since… ever! The concerts, the parties, biking, parasailing, dancing, shopping, even the food. I mean, I walked on hot coals! That winery with the nude hot springs was pretty fun too. Especially on a third date!”\n\n “Just wanted to prove I have nothing to hide,” blushed Dex, taking another sip. “If you’re gonna try before you buy. Besides, I know the people from way back when. Shado--” His eyes going wide, Dex paused and loudly cleared his throat.\n\n “Did… did you say Shadow?” asked Amy, raising an eyebrow and stroking her straw.\n\n Searching for words, Dex stumbled as he made eye contact with Amy, the pink hedgehog peering intently into his powder blue irises. “I… so I did. You know Rouge and I used to work together. She told me about that place, that Shadow used to take her there.” The white hedgehog blushed slightly and adjusted his vest. “Back when they dated.”\n\n “They dated?” Amy raised an eyebrow. “Once or twice I suppose, but I thought they were mostly just friends, coworkers,” mused Amy, reaching inside her purse and pulling out her phone. “You should know Dexty-hun, Rouge and I actually dated for a while too.”\n\n Sonic and Dex’s jaws both dropped open as they spoke simultaneously. “You did!?”\n\n Amy nodded, scooping a berry from her drink and suckling it loudly from her fingers before swiping her phone a few times. “Of course. She’s bi and I was curious. And there’s nothing wrong with a girls’ night out. You know, I should text her and ask exactly when she and Shadow were dating, it must have been before me, before she moved.”\n\n Dex’s brow beaded with a perspiration. “Oh, you don’t have to bother her now, it’s late. It was just something I heard at work. I just… wow. I didn’t think you knew her that well. But then again, I don’t think anyone could ever turn down Rouge, hehe. We’ve probably all done our share of experimenting.” Dex blushed slightly and sipped his cocktail.\n\n “That’s my bubbums,” winked Amy, setting her phone aside and reaching under the table to give Dex a long, private squeeze. “I’m sure Rouge can tell me all sort of fun stories about G.U.N. Which I’m preeeeeeetty sure she still works for. You know, memorable missions, close calls, your bosses… I’m an open book, honey. And I share everything with my girlfriends.” Amy’s eyes lowered to careful, confident slits. “Let’s just say there’s need to keep our past in the shadows.”\n\n Frozen mid-sip, Dex seemed stunned for a few moments, then swallowed and nodded enthusiastically. “S-sure! Absolutely. I’m an open book too, my rose! Except for a few classified pages, but they’re boring, hehe.” Perspiration beaded on his temple as a broad, confident smile spread across Amy’s face.\n\n Sonic laughed and scratched his head. “Man, I knew you and Rouge were tight Ames, but that’s… that’s cool! And pretty hot, too.” Sonic thought for a moment as Dex wiped his brow with a napkin, then snapped out of it. “I guess I’m not the only one who tried out for the other team, huh? Awesome!” Perked considerably, Sonic grinned broadly and sipped his water. \n\n “Chicks togedder is always hella hot!” blurted Knuckles, startling the others briefly before smacking his lips and settling back into a comfortable stupor. “Wish’z I coulda seen. Even I’s dated Rouge, hehe… mmm… dat bat...”\n\n Sonic chuckled and patted Knuckles’ thigh. “Well Ames, I’m super happy for you. You too, Dex! It’s like you stepped in and lifted everybody up right when they needed it. Just treat her right, okay? Ames is family. I know because hedgehog sisters like to tease their bros without mercy.”\n\n “I’ll do my best,” chuckled Dex. “I have it on good authority not to underestimate this gal. I honestly did not expect to fall in love, I was just told I had to meet her. I’m still broadsided.”\n\n “That’s when it happens,” grinned Sonic, winking. “When you’re not really lookin’. Out of the blue, like they say. Or I guess orange, in my case.”\n\n Amy smiled and set down her drink, then took Sonic’s hand from across the table and squeezed it. “I know we’ve been over this,” she sighed. “And a little is probably just the rum talking. But I wouldn’t feel good biking up the coast with everyone if I didn’t say it.” Amy looked up at Sonic softly. “I’m happy for you too, hon. And for Tails. I should’ve seen it from a mile away, it’s plain as day now. But you know I’m the stubborn type.”\n\n “You c’see it from SPACE, gurl. So gay…” muttered Knuckles. Dex lay his vest over the echidna like a blanket, a contented smile spreading across Knuckles’ face as he snuggled it close. \n\n Sonic swallowed hard and returned the squeeze, his eyes moistening. “Thanks, Ames. I tried to hide it for too long, I’m stubborn, too. To put it nicely. What I put you through, though. What I put him through. Jeez. I need real family when I’m being that clueless, Ames. Thanks for sticking by me.”\n\n “Family sticks by each other,” smiled Amy. “Even if they fight now and then. I still got you. My little fox brother, too. And I know things went fast when Dex came along, but you rolled with it, like you always do. Thanks, blue.” Amy grinned and reached for her drink. “Still though, a little part of me is neeeever gonna believe I got bested by nerd-butt,” chuckled Amy, taking a sip and winking at Sonic. \n\n “He’s a little worried you hate him now,” sighed Sonic. “If I understand his last chat correctly. Says you won’t text him? I said you were just busy with Dex, but I don’t think he got any of my last chats.”\n\n “What??” Amy blinked and shook her head worriedly at Sonic. “I texted him just a couple days back, I shared some pictures of Dex’s plane. I don’t hate him, why didn’t you tell me sooner, Sonic? Text him, call him right now! Here, let me.” Brow furrowed, Amy grabbed her phone and tapped Tails’ number, but the little icon turned red. ‘Service Temporarily Unavailable’. “Ugh… stupid storm. Okay, then YOU tell him. The instant you get home, you hear me? Poor kid.”\n\n “I’ll tell him, I’ll tell him,” nodded Sonic, his hands raised. “I promise. And you didn’t get beat out, Ames. I was just, you know,” Sonic shrugged and grinned, “at a different ball game.”\n\n “Yeh boy, you like balls,” muttered Knuckles sleepily, rubbing his nose and cuddling under Dex’s vest. \n \n “You’re cut off, Knux,” chided Sonic gently, pulling his phone from his bag and checking for messages. “Still nothing.”\n\n Dex checked his phone briefly and showed it to Amy. “I hope everyone’s okay down there. Storm made landfall a few hours back so there’s not a lot of updates. But the good news is, it’s supposed to be cleared out by the time your flight gets in. \n\n “They haven’t canceled it yet,” smiled Sonic. “Wish me luck!” Rising to his feet and grabbing his duffle bag festooned with colorful patches, Sonic made his good-byes, giving long, loving hugs to Amy, Knuckles and Dex, the latter helping the tipsy echidna to his feet before they parted ways from the hotel lounge. As Amy and Dex helped Knuckles up to his suite and put him to bed before turning in themselves, Sonic was the lone passenger on the red-eye courtesy shuttle out to the airport. San Costoso’s myriad city lights and endless pretzel highways and overpasses whirred dreamily past through the heavily tinted windows. Sonic felt oddly alone, suspended between loved ones but relieved to be on first leg of a much-wanted journey home. He marveled at the artificially lit massiveness of San Costoso International Airport as the shuttle sped its way in, the various terminals still abuzz despite the wee hours. The flashing lights and lit vertical stabilizers of dozens of airliners arced through the night skies overhead or plied their way among the vast expanse of blue runway lights fanning towards the horizon. Although he’d flown in barely ten days prior, to the young hedgehog it felt as though a lifetime had passed.\n\n “What airline, sir?” queried the shuttle driver, a short, pot-bellied purple and white chihuahua with small green wings and a perky tuft of white hair. Sonic noticed he had to sit on a booster chair and use pedal extensions just to drive the big, boxy van.\n\n “South Island Air,” offered Sonic.\n\n “Thank you,” nodded the chihuahua, watching for traffic as he merged. “Concourse B, all the way on the end. I sure hope that storm has passed, this is the first South Island flight they haven't canceled in two days.”\n\n “I hope so too,” smiled Sonic, gathering his bag as the shuttle pulled up to the curb. Exiting, the diminutive driver flew to the other side and opened the door for Sonic. As he stepped onto the curb and into the warm night air, the hedgehog offered a tip. Thinking for a moment, Sonic pulled a gift card for a free sundae from his bag and offered it as well. “Here you go...” Sonic squinted at the driver’s name tag. “Chip. I hope you don’t mind some ice cream, we don’t have that store down in Southie.” \n\n The chihuahua’s face lit up as he accepted tip and card alike, enthusiastically shaking Sonic’s hand. “I don’t mind at all, sir! Thank you! And you have a safe trip, all right?” Sonic waved as the chihuahua clutched his prize and cheerfully flew back to the driver’s side. As the hedgehog sprinted into the terminal and disappeared towards the check-in counters, the chihuahua sat, lighting a cigarette from the glove compartment and taking a long, satisfied drag as he logged the stop on a clipboard. “Ahh… what a sweet kid!”\n\n[i]Back on South Island...[/i]\n\n The house at Fern Forest smelled sweetly of burning wood, spices, tea… and rain. Torrents of rain, cold and rolling upslope in long, drenching sheets that soaked the forest through and through. Water flowed everywhere, filling ditches and covering roads, pooling and dripping from every surface and turning roofs and gutters into drums of different pitches. Although partly dissipated since landfall, the wind rushed almost continuously through the treetops, swaying and gyrating rhythmically as they danced to the storm’s tune and shook off great coats of water. Shadow lay in bed on his back, the subdued flicker of the fireplace glowing in his amber eyes as he silently listened for the telltale cracks and creaks of falling trees. Only isolated branches had given way in the night thus far, their snapping sound smaller and higher pitched. And then it came, as it had every few moments since the main body of the storm arrived at bedtime, a great blue flash of lightning that arced through the clouds, briefly but brilliantly illuminating the droplets of rain, the forest beyond and the house’s darkened interior. Shadow counted off the seconds in his mind until the rousing crack and boom of thunder followed, the hedgehog dividing by five for an approximate distance. Most of the strikes were far, some were near, but each reliably frightened the young fox boy cuddled tightly to his side as the pair reclined in nest of pillows and soft, thick quilts.\n\n His eyes shut and soft face buried in Shadow’s shoulder, Tails could still hear the thunder and smell the ozone in the air, the fox boy’s small body trembling during the worst of it. Leg draped over Shadow’s, Tails clung to his guardian, who held him close while ceaselessly caressing his lower back and buns with his fingertips. The light, almost ticklish touch comforted the youth, who had been flitting in and out of a shallow, uneasy sleep since the storm began. An especially robust strike crackled through the trees, the thunder on its heels rattling the whole of the house. Clutching Shadow’s chest ruff, Tails cringed and let out a small whimper as he blinked awake. “Nnnff… Shadow?”\n\n “I’m right here, foxy.” Shadow’s voice was low, calm and reassuring. The hedgehog leaned in and gently kissed the slightly clammy fox on the forehead. “Nothing can hurt you here. I’m not going anywhere.” \n\n Tails sniffled and rubbed his eye, his voice tired and fragile. “Mmmrrff… I’ll be glad when it’s over. I’m sorry for keeping you up.”\n\n “It’s perfectly all right,” smiled Shadow softly, cuddling the fox boy close. Another flash lit the forest, the rain and gusts drumming harder still as Tails returned his face to Shadow’s arm. “My work requires sleepless nights at times. But I find the storm, the rain to be beautiful and soothing. I’ve listened for hours. The clouds crackle above with rage and conceit, yet below they swell the forest with vibrant, precious life.”\n\n “That’s beautiful,” smiled Tails anxiously, blinking and shivering. “M-maybe someday it won’t scare me so much. Thank you for being with me, Shad.” Tails winced as a fresh flash illuminated Shadow’s face, which remained serene and unperturbed.\n\n “You’re already doing better than Sonic described,” offered Shadow reassuringly. “I’ll hold you all night, all day… however long it takes.” Shadow reached over with his free hand and checked Tails’ forehead with his fingers, then softly stroked his bangs. “You may not see it now. But you will overcome this.”\n\n His trembling easing a bit, Tails slowly combed his fingers through Shadow’s ruff and kissed his shoulder. “I hope so,” he chuckled timidly. “Not everyone’s a fearless commander.” As the next flash flew in, Tails took a deep breath and concentrated on counting off the distance with Shadow as the thunder arrived. “Three miles. D-does anything scare you, Shadow? Like, really scare you?”\n\n “Dying alone perhaps,” chuckled the hedgehog. “And losing my loved ones. Fears most healthy people have. Nothing else comes to mind.”\n\n Tails thought for a moment, making nervous circles in Shadow’s fur with his fingers. “But… but what about all the enemies you fought? I mean, some of them almost destroyed the world. Who knows who else is out there?”\n\n “Let them come, whoever they are,” chuckled Shadow. “They too will be tirelessly opposed. By G.U.N. or by by others. Opposed, fought... and beaten. And in most cases, forgotten. Evil cannot be stopped. But its advocates and agents? With pleasure. Many do us the favor of destroying themselves. As for the others, I relish each opportunity to shatter their plans and annihilate their ambitions.” Shadow scratched his chin thoughtfully for a moment. “While I do not fear my enemies, there are some whom I respect. And others I have pitied.”\n\n Tails smiled bashfully and nuzzled close. “My fear of lightning must look pretty silly, huh?”\n\n Shadow patted Tails’ rump. “It’s real enough to you. And it’s a burden you bear. But not forever. Keep facing your fears and they will fall.” Shadow sighed happily, taking a deep breath and watching the small flames lick and dance over the remnants of the fire. “Oh… I suppose I do fear one thing.”\n\n “Oh?” blinked Tails curiously, tensing as lightning lit the windows.\n\n “Beets,” nodded Shadow gravely as thunder rolled in. “I’ve tried them boiled, broiled, pickled, mashed… but they are simply vile. I fear I shall never like them.”\n\n Tails giggled and patted Shadow’s belly, rubbing it as the hedgehog turned and winked. “The ultimate beet hater! They’re okay, I guess. But the juice stains your fur. Sonic likes ’em, he usually eats mine.”\n\n “Why am I not surprised?” Taking a big stretch, Shadow smiled tiredly and rolled himself and Tails on their sides, spooning with the fox boy as he nibbled his ear tips and rubbed his soft belly. As the lightning strikes grew further apart, Tails shook less and cooed softly at Shadow’s loving touches, the pair occasionally drifting arm-in-arm into slumber. Although the rains poured on through the night, in time the wind and lightning faded, the latter to intermittent, almost feeble orange-blue sheets far to the west. The tall volcanic peaks had caught the storm, in time breaking its back and draining its wrath upon their unyielding slopes as the entwined fox and hedgehog dreamed, twitching and drooling peacefully within their cozy forest sanctum. Soon, the first stars appeared through cracks in the clouds, the innumerable crickets resuming their soft, soothing serenade. Far to the east, the very first glimmer of dawn began to appear, carrying its promise of a new day.\n\n Somewhere in that inky, black-blue expanse to the east, suspended between stars and ocean, a sleepy blue hedgehog sat in the darkened cabin of a plane as he slowly swiped through photos and listened to music on his phone. Most of the plane was dark save for a smattering of tiny screens and book lights. Still recovering from his send-off, Sonic was content to fiddle with his phone in the dark. Although the flight was smooth and the first class seat a rear end’s dream, sleep would only come to the homesick hedgehog in hazy snippets.\n\n Sonic’s sole row mate, one of the few others still awake, was a reddish orange fox with dark brown forearms, a gold hoop earring and unruly locks of pinkish-purple hair. Some years older than Sonic, he was clad in an open, short-sleeved tropical shirt and leather sandals. Tiring of the glare, the fox turned off his tablet and slid it into the seat pocket, then reclined his seat and placed his hands on his belly. Yawning and stretching, he noticed Sonic staring at a picture of Tails, then another, then another. “A friend of yours?” asked the fox softly.\n\n “Oh!” Sonic was surprised at first, tilting the phone from view, but slowly he smiled and nodded, pulling his headphones down and leaning over so the fox could see. “Yeah, that’s Tails. His real name is Miles, but… he hates that.” Sonic swiped to a picture of an oil-smudged Tails smiling and working on the plane as Sonic dangled his legs from the wing and ate sandwich. “That’s his plane, the Tornado. Well, the newest one, anyway. I can fly it too, but he’s the real ace, he keeps it in really great shape.” The next image showed Tails splayed and rubbing his belly next to half eaten pie, the fox boy’s mischievous grin flecked with crumbs. “He loooooves his sweets,” chuckled Sonic as the fox smiled. He swiped again, producing a picture Knuckles took: Tails, clad in blue briefs, lay atop Sonic in his green boxers on the couch, the pair fast asleep and drooling on one another. “Oops!” blushed Sonic, trying to swipe quickly away. “Forgot about that one, hehe.” The next photo showed an excited Tails remote-controlling a robotic arm, lifting one side of a large barbell as a grinning Knuckles lifted the other. \n\n The fox smiled and nodded, idly stroking his chest ruff. “He’s adorable. How long have you two been together?”\n\n Sonic blinked and blushed, swiping to a photo of Tails giving math lessons to an engrossed, pencil-chewing Scourge at the South Island halfway house. “Been together? Oh! We... we’re not…” Sonic looked into the fox’s kind, curious green eyes and blushed, smiling. “A few years. I kind of adopted him when he was little. We’ve been best friends ever since. Like brothers, really. But now we’re a little older and we’re… uh...” Sonic placed a hand on the back of his neck and looked aside, searching for the right words.\n\n “Even closer?” smiled the fox, raising his hand so Sonic could see the wedding band. \n\n “Yeah,” nodded Sonic bashfully. “Way closer.”\n\n “I’m happy for you,” smiled the fox, nodding and patting Sonic’s forearm before pulling out his billfold. “Here’s mine.” The fox held up a wallet-sized picture of a lanky, young, smiling wolf with dusty blue eyes, russet fur and long red hair that matched his thick tail. “That’s Redwolf. He was about Tails’ age when we first met. I’m Val, by the way. You must be Sonic. I remember you from all those nasty Eggman troubles, of course. And you were great at the olympics! You're a true South Island hero, you did us proud. It’s an honor!”\n\n “Thank you, it’s nice to meet you too,” smiled Sonic proudly, grinning and shaking the fox’s offered hand. “And Redwolf is super cute, hehe. But tell me, Mr. Val--”\n\n “Please, just Val,” winked the fox.\n\n “Okay. Val.” Sonic tilted his head. “I wanted to ask, how did you know? It's not like we act differently. I'm not in a dress. I don't have rainbow colored shoes. And I don't go around all swishy-like... do I?”\n\n “It's not really about appearances,” smiled the fox. “It's just who you love. I see the way you look at him. That spark, that want. The bond.” The fox chuckled softly. “Although, to be fair, guys sleeping arm-in-arm in their undies usually entails a couple. Unless it was just a really fun sleepover.”\n\n Sonic laughed. “My friend Knuckles says we suck at hiding it, hehe. Guess now it doesn’t matter, huh?”\n\n “It should never matter,” offered the fox. “Love is love. And it conquers all. I bet you’d fight tooth and nail, carry him to the ends of the earth just to keep him.”\n\n “I did, actually…” Sonic swallowed hard and swiped to a photo of a bruised, bandaged Tails giving the thumbs up from bed as Amy sat on the end, carefully measuring out a dose of medicine. Sonic turned away a moment and wiped away a silent tear.\n\n “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.” Valdis gently patted Sonic’s shoulder.\n\n “No no, it’s okay, Mr. Val. Er... Val,” sniffled Sonic, smiling. “This was our first real time apart since… well, ever. I thought I could do it. But I felt sad and empty the moment I left. It’s like a hole in your heart, you know? On the trip we worked, we partied, we ran, we swam, talked, shopped, worked some more… it really was a good time. And my pal Knux made a ton of money. But without Tails…” Sonic rubbed his eyes and took a deep breath. “In the back of my mind, all I could think about was coming home.”\n\n “Just a few more hours,” grinned the fox. “I’ll bet you’re excited.”\n\n “Oh, man!” exhaled Sonic, nodding. “I might literally run all the way home if no one’s there to meet me. I can’t wait!”\n\n Val chuckled and pulled a card out of his shirt pocket and handed it to Sonic. “Well, if you need a ride, here’s my number. I don’t know if the the roads will all be passable after the storm, but I’m going to try. We have a house up in Fern Forest that we rent out most of the year. I’m headed there to paint and do any repairs we might need.”\n\n “Wow, thank you Val!” Sonic took the card and carefully tucked it in his sock. “I think someone’s gonna pick me up, but I don’t know if anyone got my new flight info. I appreciate the offer, though. Fern Forest, huh? My friend Shadow has place up there.”\n\n The fox’s eyebrows perked. “Shadow? Hedgehog, black and red? Fit, has a motorcycle? Bit moody sometimes?”\n\n Sonic blinked. “Y-yeah…?”\n\n Val laughed and closed his eyes, reclining further back. “Shadow’s just a quarter mile down the road from us. Redwolf and I have been in that house many times, though it’s been a few years. He had a boyfriend or roommate back then… Dax? Bah, I can’t remember. I helped put together that big garden of his, though. Everyone up there knows Shadow, he’s a lovely fellow. Once you earn his trust, of course.” Val sighed contently and patted Sonic’s forearm. “I’m sorry Sonic, I’m fading fast here. I’ve not slept for a couple days and that wine did the trick. It’s an honor to meet you, truly. Look us up if you two are ever in the area. I mean that.”\n\n “Thank you Val, I will. Have a good rest,” smiled Sonic. As the fox nodded off in the luxurious grip of the seat, the hedgehog slid his headphones back on. As he happily bobbed his head to new tune, he swiped to a snapshot of Shadow sitting at his desk at G.U.N. Headquarters. Busy and clutching a phone, the dusky hedgehog had reading glasses draped on his nose and seemed perturbed at being photographed but for a cryptic smile. Sonic muttered to himself. “For the fastest thing alive, I sure am last to ever hear about stuff.” Sonic swiped to a picture he took from behind of Shadow and Tails walking hand-in-hand on the beach the day before his trip. A big grin crossed Sonic's face. “He’s mine, Shad. But team unbreakable can share, I think. You sure did. We’ll just see how ultimate you are come lesson time.” \n\n[i]Meanwhile, at Sonic’s House near Gem Coast...[/i]\n\n The tall, thickly-ruffed red bull stood outside in the rain, helping stuff the last intoxicated party guest into the back seat of a car before shutting the door and tapping the roof. “Awright Yuki, that’s the last one! Appreciate you driving sober, be safe dude!” The grinning cabbit driver winked and waved, honking as he made his way down Sonic’s drive and turned onto the main road. The bull smiled and returned the wave before dashing back inside the house, where he was joined by lovely two-toned aqua tigress standing near the doorway with a towel. “Brr! Man, that’s rain’s cold. Oh, thanks, babe!” Rock smooched the tigress sweetly before setting about drying his head and horns.\n\n “Are you sure we found everyone?” smiled the tigress softly, reaching for a steaming mug of freshly brewed tea and sipping elegantly. “I checked all the rooms and outside, they're clear. How about the hangar? And Tails’ shop?”\n\n “Yeah, I think that’s it, babe,” nodded Rock, squinting as he tilted his head and dried an ear. “I thought I found somebody passed out under blanket in the shop, but it was just that creepy, busted-up Tails doll. They should toss that thing, it scared the crap out of me! But we’re clear now. It's just you and me.”\n\n “Good,” exhaled Tide, nodding and stretching her neck. “That was a fun party. Not a bad way to ride out the storm, together with friends. But I always love it when I get my quiet time back. And my bull,” she winked, setting down the mug and helping Rock towel himself.\n\n “And I always love it when my Tide comes in,” nuzzled the Bull, planting another kiss on the tigress. “Speaking of which, I'm glad the house stayed put,” he chuckled, turning so the pair could reach his back. “Did you SEE those waves, hon?”\n\n Tide grinned and carefully dried Rock’s tail and tuft. “Some of that spray reached the house. Can you believe some of those goofs actually wanted to go surfing in that?”\n\n Rock laughed heartily as he folded the towel and set it aside. “Well, I’m all for having fun and hanging out and havin’ a great time and such, but I prefer our guests don’t go out and get themselves drowned. Or pulverized. I don’t even know whose surfboards those are that I locked in the hangar. Guess they’re Sonic’s now, hehe. Anyway, thanks for the diversion, princess. Worked like a charm.”\n\n Tide winked and grinned, sipping her tea as she powered down her laptop. “Everyone likes watching me draw, especially the... [i]uplifting [/i]pictures, hehe.”\n\n Rock laughed as he found and sipped his drink. “Boobs ’n wieners!! Better than any party game, they couldn’t take their eyes off it. We need to charge next time!” The bull toggled through his laptop and found a set of nice, easy slow jams. “Buncha peeps were into the music, too. I declare the Stormy House Party a success!” \n\n “Too bad Sonic wasn’t here, it [i]is [/i]his house,” chuckled Tide, putting the last of wayward glasses into the dishwasher. “We should have a make-up party just for him soon.”\n\n “How about a coming out party?” snickered Rock, refilling his glass with lemonade and splash of rum. “Still can’t believe it. I mean, what ev’s, everyone needs to float their boat, I just… I really thought he’d go for Amy. I would. If I were him, I mean.”\n\n “Oooohh!?” queried the tigress coyly, tilting her head and looping her arm around Rock’s. “Should I be keeping an eye on you?”\n\n “Aww, babe,” giggled Rock, turning and sweetly kissing several spots on Tide’s neck and face as he held the tigress’ hips. “Only one gal for [i]this [/i]bull. And I’m just teasin’. Tails is a cute little thing. For a dude, I guess. Kinda femmy. Soft, polite. Those big blue eyes. I totally get it. You know, they say it’s always the quiet, nerdy ones you gotta watch out for.”\n\n “Well, that leaves you out, then,” laughed the Tigress, gracefully hoisting herself to sit on the countertop and sipping her tea. \n\n “Hey,” protested Rock, holding his arms open and standing in front of Tide. “I play video games! I like lossless audio compression! I declared noodles to be their own food group! Don’t I at least qualify for some nerd points?”\n\n Setting aside the mug, Tide curled her arms and legs around Rock, nuzzling her nose playfully into his. “Mmmrrrr… very well, I’ll allow it. But only because you’re in a class by yourself and the judge is clearly biased. You're sexy, sweet… and mine.” \n\n “Hey,” rumbled the bull, sliding his hands over the tigress’ soft sides down to her hips. “That’s the class I was gonna put YOU in. Better make it a class for two. With private lessons. ’Specially now that we got the place to ourselves, hehe…” Closing his eyes, Rock nibbled along the Tiger’s shoulder and neck, bringing forth an appreciative purr as she tightened her limbs around his solid frame.\n\n The tigress raked her fingers through the bull’s silky russet fur and nibbled the base of his ear appreciatively. “Mmm... someone else’s house... that's naughty... but do you really think..?”\n\n “We’re on assignment, baby,” grinned rock, his voice hushed and seductive as he gently squeezed Tide’s shapely curves. “Hubby and waifu, just innocently house-sitting for a friend during an emergency. We’d better play the part to the fullest, don't you think? Wouldn't want anyone to get suspicious...”\n\n “You're the only one acting suspiciously around here,” giggled Tide softly, caressing Rock’s warm face and kissing his lower lip.. “But I just might be convinced. To go [i]deep [/i]undercover with you. It seems logical...”\n\n Rock nodded, grinning and kissing back eagerly. “I got all kinds of logic, babe. Hot, hard logic. Like, I’m logically sure I’m not gonna wait until Monday night to be with my gal. AND, logically speaking, G.U.N. is totally welcome to kiss my logical ass if they don’t like us logically doing it while we're technically still on the clock. Logically speaking.”\n\n Tide laughed brightly and shook her head. “There's literally no way to argue with that,” she grinned. “Your muscular debate style has won me over. Come then, sexy steer. Let us adjourn with haste,” she winked. A huge smile beamed across Rock’s face before he kissed the lovely feline, the bull effortlessly hoisting her into his arms before turning and running from the kitchen.\n\n Some hours later, as morning sun beamed in through the windows, a bleary-eyed Rock arose from the rumpled bedding and checked the alarm clock. Tide lay beside him asleep on her side, a peaceful smile on the tigress’ face. “Mruh… after nine already?” Rock smacked his lips. “What day is it? Oh, right. Saturday. Good times last night, hehe.” Stretching and yawning, the bull carefully leaned over kissed Tide’s cheek. As he made sure the tigress had enough covers, Rock heard a car approach down the drive. Perking his ear, the bull froze and listened as he heard the car pull in, a door open, then shut again moments later amongst indistinguishable chatting. Scanning the room for his bag, Rock quickly slipped out of bed and into his bathrobe. “Who the hell is that?” he muttered. “Not supposed to be back until Monday.” Carefully gripping Tide's shoulder, Rock leaned in and whispered. “Got some company.”\n\n Tide arose silently, the tigress' eyes coming sharply into focus. “Which way?” she whispered calmly. Rock motioned for silence, listening and pointing towards the front door as he peered around the corner from the bedroom, finding the hall still empty. As Rock waited for further sounds, Tide slipped from the covers and, within seconds, was clad in loose white lounge clothes and brandishing simple but extremely solid fighting staff. Nodding resolutely, the couple took respective positions on either side of the bedroom door as they heard the intruders converse once more. Whoever was foolish enough to step in first would likely be head-butted onto their backside and then neatly pinned under a staff for interrogation. Perspiring faintly at their temples, the bull and tigress licked their lips, anxiously awaiting the trespassers' next move. The vehicle started up again. And then a familiar voice rang out.\n\n “Thanks for the ride, Val! Be safe going up to Fern Forest!” The stunned agents listened as the car honked and faded back down the driveway. The front door opened, then shut. “Tails! I'm home! Tails!? Hey, Shad? Anybody here?” A duffel bag dropped to the floor. “Maybe they’re still asleep. Bet they'll be surprised!” Unsure what to do, Rock and Tide looked at one another helplessly. Glancing down, Tide then gestured furiously for the bull to close his robe. As Rock was doing so, barely a second later, Sonic strode obliviously between the couple into the bedroom and walked to foot of the empty bed. “Huh,” mused Sonic, placing a hand to his chin. “Well, SOMEone slept here. Maybe they went out for breakfast.” Sonic turned to exit the room. “I'm sure they--GAH!!!” The startled trio all jumped back from one another, tensing for a moment. \n\n “Hello, Sonic!” blushed Tide cheerfully, gently tossing the staff to the floor with hearty thud while Rock hurriedly finished tying his robe.\n\n “Hey there, dude!” grinned Rock sheepishly, checking to make sure he wasn't protruding. “Welcome back!”\n\n Sonic blinked back and forth between the others for a few moments. “Tide! Rock! Er… hi. What are you guys doing in my house? And where did Tails and Shadow get to?”\n\n Rock jutted out his chin and raised a finger. “I could very well ask YOU the same question, Sonic!” Dropping her guard, Tide exhaled and rolled her eyes as the confused hedgehog simply scratched his head. Rock shrugged and scratched the base of his horn. “You know. Because he wasn’t supposed to be home until Monday, hon. It’s… it’s a legitimate question, you see.”\n\n Tide chuckled and hugged Sonic before taking him by the hand. “Come on, let's head to the kitchen, you two. I’ll get the coffee on, I think we owe Sonic a bit of an explanation.”\n\n “All right, Tide,” smiled Sonic bashfully. “I [i]am [/i]glad to see you guys, so just start at the beginning. Maybe over some toast, though? I haven't eaten since San Costoso.”\n\n “Yeah hon, can the explanation involve eggs, somehow?” asked Rock, patting Sonic and Tide on the shoulder as they exited the bedroom. “And maybe some bacon? Some noodles? Do we have any syrup here? I explain things better after breakfast.”\n\n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"Ten Miles of Shadow

by Valdisfoxy

Disclaimer and warning.  This story is entirely fictional and for entertainment purposes only.  I do not own the SEGA / Sonic Team characters or any guest OCs and no monetary gain was made or sought.  Chapters contain adult themes and may include explicit depictions of sex (e.g. gay, anthropomorphic and adult/teen).  If you are under the age of eighteen, live where such material is not legal or find such themes offensive, read no further.  The author accepts no responsibility to any who ignore this disclaimer.  This work is free to share, in whole or in part, unaltered and with proper credit.  Enjoy! -Valdisfoxy, September 2016

Chapter 5 – Departures and Arrivals

       Dex’s striking, black-banded quills swung casually as the tall, winter-white hedgehog sauntered back to the hotel lounge table overlooking the moonlit ocean.  He carefully handed Amy a colorful drink decked with paper umbrellas and skewered fruit.  “My rose,” he flourished, winking a powder blue eye at the pink hedgehog, her cheeks already a bit flushed over her gentle smile.  “It’s a full day of highway riding tomorrow, you sure this won’t hold you back?”  Dex gracefully slid himself into the cushy leather bench beside Amy and adjusted his two-toned brown leather vest.  

       “I’ll be fine snowball,” chimed Amy, savoring a sip.  “Ooo!  That’s good, thank you hon.  Anyway, I hydrate all day, I always have aspirin handy, you got me that cute pink motorcycle helmet…  and plus, I know my limits.  Unlike these two lumps,” she grinned, nodding towards Sonic and Knuckles, both of whom slouched with tired grins behind nearly empty daiquiri glasses.  For his part, Knuckles seemed the worse for wear.

       “Hey,” protested the echidna, waving around a chunk of pineapple from his drink before popping it in his mouth, “I am alwaysh in control, gurl.  I might look like I jus’ rolled down an embankment.  An’ I concede, I prolly shoulda showered after the gigs t’night.”

       “Seconded,” giggled Sonic, playfully nudging his shoulder into Knuckles’ before sipping loudly from his straw.  “You worked for like ten hours under hot lights, dude.  You smell like someone fried an onion in patchouli.”

       “Yup!  And that’s cool, cuz we’re on vaCAYion, dammit!”  Knuckles straightened his brimmed leather hat and placed his arm around Sonic.  “And I was not gonna mish this last round with you.  Mah best blue boy!  Afore we ship yer gay ass back to Southie, hehe.”  Raising his glass and chugging down the boozy fruit slurry, the echidna hiccuped, followed by a poorly suppressed belch.  Amy rolled her eyes, taking a demure sip as Sonic giggled and Dex hid a smile behind his glass.  “Ahhh…  thanks fur the drink, that wash amazing, Dex!  Whatever it was.”

       Dex grinned and placed his hand on Amy’s thigh, the pink hedgehog caressing the top of his hand and cuddling against his frame.  His voice was deep, but affable and refined.  “They call it a fruit stand crash.  Five or six tropical fruits blended with top shelf rum and coconut milk and dumped the biggest glass they have.”  Dex sipped politely from his lime-garnished gin and tonic.  “I’m surprised you made your way through two of them, Knuckles.  I couldn’t do it, man.”

       “Betcher azz, Dex… Dexterlicious…”  Knux sighed happily and rested his chin on his chest, muttering towards Sonic.  “He’z so nice, dat guy.  I cuh kiss him, hehe.  But dun leddim pay the tab again blue butt, I dun want t’feel like a bum.”  The echidna slumped, but then sat back up with a vaporizer in hand.  “Time fur me t’hit the clouds, I think.  Hehehe…”

       “Not here, Knux.”  Sonic took the vaporizer away from the echidna, who huffed loudly and frowned, but then nodded off peacefully.

       “Er… Sonic?  Did you want another?” asked Dex, raising a concerned eyebrow.  “Or some coffee, perhaps?”

       Leaning back into his seat and sighing contently, Sonic swirled the last of his beverage into his mouth and shook his head.  “Thank you Dex, but this is it for me.  Flight boards in a couple hours and there’s nothing cool about being hungover on a plane.”  Tilting the glass, Sonic fished out a cherry and and plucked the stem off before popping it in his mouth and turning to Amy.  “Except maybe last New Years’.  Remember, Ames?  You made that huge pitcher of sangria and we all took turns flying with Tails and shooting fireworks from the back seat, hehe.”

       “Oh god, that was terrifying!” laughed Amy, shaking her head and sipping.  “I mean, it was FUN, don’t get me wrong.  But we could’ve crashed!  Or started a fire or something.  I’m just glad Tails didn’t have any, he’s the only reason nobody got hurt.”

       “Ack-chooly,” slurred Knuckles, rousing briefly and taking a deep breath, “I let him have a big ol’ glass of the stuff when you guys weren’t lookin’.  Ha!  Right before my turn.  But there weren’t no fireworks left.  So instead?  We did loop-d-loops an’ took turns peein’ out the cockpit.”  The echidna chuckled and smacked his lips as he snuggled back into the overstuffed chair.  “Cockpit… hehe…  squirt made me wash th’ plane after…”  

       Shaking his head and grinning, Sonic patted Knuckles’ shoulder as Amy sipped happily and leaned into Dex, the pair smiling softly at one another for a moment before nuzzling.  The white hedgehog planted a tender kiss on her cheek, then turned to Sonic.  “I just feel like I’m sending you off, Sonic.  We’d love to have you along, it’s just two more weeks.  Rouge knows we’re coming, she’s bummed she won’t see you.  Sure I can’t convince you?  Come halfway, at least.  We could fly you out from there.”

       Sonic shook his head politely and smiled through a faint blush, taking the empty glass from Knuckles’ hand and placing it on the table as the echidna dozed happily.  “It’s tempting Dex, honest.  And I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done.  For all of us!  But I gotta go my own way.  And I can’t ask Shadow to watch the house that much longer, he’s needed at his job.  You guys go, cut loose!  And please give my love to Rouge, I miss that brassy bat.  Tails still calls her auntie, hehe.  I can bring him up next time.  Or you can come down to South Island, Dex!  I know you and Tails would hit it right off, he doesn’t get to talk shop with other pilots very often.”

       “I’d like that, Sonic,” nodded Dex, raising his glass.  “Let’s make it happen.”  Grabbing his water, Sonic clinked with the other hedgehog as they smiled confidently at one another.  Dex squeezed Amy’s hand and pulled it up, kissing it.  “Provided, of course, the lovely rose here doesn’t give me the hammer.”  

       “Hmmm…”  Amy tilted her head and smiled wryly at Dex, raising a finger to fondle the large abalone pendant glinting from the center of his impressive chest ruff, snow white with neatly spaced black flecks.  “I’d say you’re sailing through your probationary period just fine,” she mused.  Amy slid her hand up through Dex’s ruff to his cheek, caressing it.  “I’m in a ‘try it before you buy it’ mood.  But don’t worry, snow cheeks.  I’m gonna keep trying and trying you, every single chance I get.  A girl could get used to being spoiled, it’s a total one-eighty for me.”  The pair stared at one another dreamily.

       “Hey, I’m right here,” chuckled Sonic, placing an elbow on the table and leaning his flushed cheek on his fist.  Kissing Amy’s hand again, Dex cleared his throat softly and gave her a small nod towards the blue hedgehog.  Blinking from her reverie, Amy looked at Sonic and smiled apologetically.  “Aww…  oh blue, I didn’t mean it like that.  I’m just saying, I can’t remember doing this much on a trip since…  ever!  The concerts, the parties, biking, parasailing, dancing, shopping, even the food.  I mean, I walked on hot coals!  That winery with the nude hot springs was pretty fun too.  Especially on a third date!”

       “Just wanted to prove I have nothing to hide,” blushed Dex, taking another sip.  “If you’re gonna try before you buy.  Besides, I know the people from way back when.  Shado--”  His eyes going wide, Dex paused and loudly cleared his throat.

       “Did…  did you say Shadow?” asked Amy, raising an eyebrow and stroking her straw.

       Searching for words, Dex stumbled as he made eye contact with Amy, the pink hedgehog peering intently into his powder blue irises.  “I… so I did.  You know Rouge and I used to work together.  She told me about that place, that Shadow used to take her there.”  The white hedgehog blushed slightly and adjusted his vest.  “Back when they dated.”

       “They dated?”  Amy raised an eyebrow.  “Once or twice I suppose, but I thought they were mostly just friends, coworkers,” mused Amy, reaching inside her purse and pulling out her phone.  “You should know Dexty-hun, Rouge and I actually dated for a while too.”

       Sonic and Dex’s jaws both dropped open as they spoke simultaneously.  “You did!?”

       Amy nodded, scooping a berry from her drink and suckling it loudly from her fingers before swiping her phone a few times.  “Of course.  She’s bi and I was curious. And there’s nothing wrong with a girls’ night out.  You know, I should text her and ask exactly when she and Shadow were dating, it must have been before me, before she moved.”

       Dex’s brow beaded with a perspiration.  “Oh, you don’t have to bother her now, it’s late. It was just something I heard at work.  I just… wow.  I didn’t think you knew her that well.  But then again, I don’t think anyone could ever turn down Rouge, hehe.  We’ve probably all done our share of experimenting.”  Dex blushed slightly and sipped his cocktail.

       “That’s my bubbums,” winked Amy, setting her phone aside and reaching under the table to give Dex a long, private squeeze.  “I’m sure Rouge can tell me all sort of fun stories about G.U.N.  Which I’m preeeeeeetty sure she still works for.  You know, memorable missions, close calls, your bosses…  I’m an open book, honey.  And I share everything with my girlfriends.”  Amy’s eyes lowered to careful, confident slits.  “Let’s just say there’s need to keep our past in the shadows.”

       Frozen mid-sip, Dex seemed stunned for a few moments, then swallowed and nodded enthusiastically.  “S-sure!  Absolutely.  I’m an open book too, my rose!  Except for a few classified pages, but they’re boring, hehe.”  Perspiration beaded on his temple as a broad, confident smile spread across Amy’s face.

       Sonic laughed and scratched his head.  “Man, I knew you and Rouge were tight Ames, but that’s… that’s cool!  And pretty hot, too.”  Sonic thought for a moment as Dex wiped his brow with a napkin, then snapped out of it.  “I guess I’m not the only one who tried out for the other team, huh?  Awesome!”  Perked considerably, Sonic grinned broadly and sipped his water.  

       “Chicks togedder is always hella hot!” blurted Knuckles, startling the others briefly before smacking his lips and settling back into a comfortable stupor.  “Wish’z I coulda seen.  Even I’s dated Rouge, hehe… mmm…  dat bat...”

       Sonic chuckled and patted Knuckles’ thigh.  “Well Ames, I’m super happy for you.  You too, Dex!  It’s like you stepped in and lifted everybody up right when they needed it.  Just treat her right, okay?  Ames is family.  I know because hedgehog sisters like to tease their bros without mercy.”

       “I’ll do my best,” chuckled Dex.  “I have it on good authority not to underestimate this gal.  I honestly did not expect to fall in love, I was just told I had to meet her.  I’m still broadsided.”

       “That’s when it happens,” grinned Sonic, winking.  “When you’re not really lookin’.  Out of the blue, like they say.  Or I guess orange, in my case.”

       Amy smiled and set down her drink, then took Sonic’s hand from across the table and squeezed it.  “I know we’ve been over this,” she sighed.  “And a little is probably just the rum talking.  But I wouldn’t feel good biking up the coast with everyone if I didn’t say it.”  Amy looked up at Sonic softly.  “I’m happy for you too, hon.  And for Tails.  I should’ve seen it from a mile away, it’s plain as day now.  But you know I’m the stubborn type.”

       “You c’see it from SPACE, gurl.  So gay…” muttered Knuckles.  Dex lay his vest over the echidna like a blanket, a contented smile spreading across Knuckles’ face as he snuggled it close.  

       Sonic swallowed hard and returned the squeeze, his eyes moistening.  “Thanks, Ames.  I tried to hide it for too long, I’m stubborn, too.  To put it nicely.  What I put you through, though.  What I put him through.  Jeez.  I need real family when I’m being that clueless, Ames.  Thanks for sticking by me.”

       “Family sticks by each other,” smiled Amy.  “Even if they fight now and then.  I still got you.  My little fox brother, too.  And I know things went fast when Dex came along, but you rolled with it, like you always do.  Thanks, blue.”  Amy grinned and reached for her drink.  “Still though, a little part of me is neeeever gonna believe I got bested by nerd-butt,” chuckled Amy, taking a sip and winking at Sonic.

       “He’s a little worried you hate him now,” sighed Sonic.  “If I understand his last chat correctly.  Says you won’t text him?  I said you were just busy with Dex, but I don’t think he got any of my last chats.”

       “What??”  Amy blinked and shook her head worriedly at Sonic.  “I texted him just a couple days back, I shared some pictures of Dex’s plane.  I don’t hate him, why didn’t you tell me sooner, Sonic?  Text him, call him right now!  Here, let me.”  Brow furrowed, Amy grabbed her phone and tapped Tails’ number, but the little icon turned red.  ‘Service Temporarily Unavailable’.  “Ugh…  stupid storm.  Okay, then YOU tell him.  The instant you get home, you hear me?  Poor kid.”

       “I’ll tell him, I’ll tell him,” nodded Sonic, his hands raised.  “I promise.  And you didn’t get beat out, Ames.  I was just, you know,”  Sonic shrugged and grinned, “at a different ball game.”

       “Yeh boy, you like balls,” muttered Knuckles sleepily, rubbing his nose and cuddling under Dex’s vest.
  
       “You’re cut off, Knux,” chided Sonic gently, pulling his phone from his bag and checking for messages.  “Still nothing.”

       Dex checked his phone briefly and showed it to Amy.  “I hope everyone’s okay down there.  Storm made landfall a few hours back so there’s not a lot of updates.  But the good news is, it’s supposed to be cleared out by the time your flight gets in.  

       “They haven’t canceled it yet,” smiled Sonic.  “Wish me luck!”   Rising to his feet and grabbing his duffle bag festooned with colorful patches, Sonic made his good-byes, giving long, loving hugs to Amy, Knuckles and Dex, the latter helping the tipsy echidna to his feet before they parted ways from the hotel lounge.  As Amy and Dex helped Knuckles up to his suite and put him to bed before turning in themselves, Sonic was the lone passenger on the red-eye courtesy shuttle out to the airport.  San Costoso’s myriad city lights and endless pretzel highways and overpasses whirred dreamily past through the heavily tinted windows.  Sonic felt oddly alone, suspended between loved ones but relieved to be on first leg of a much-wanted journey home.  He marveled at the artificially lit massiveness of San Costoso International Airport as the shuttle sped its way in, the various terminals still abuzz despite the wee hours.  The flashing lights and lit vertical stabilizers of dozens of airliners arced through the night skies overhead or plied their way among the vast expanse of blue runway lights fanning towards the horizon.  Although he’d flown in barely ten days prior, to the young hedgehog it felt as though a lifetime had passed.

       “What airline, sir?” queried the shuttle driver, a short, pot-bellied purple and white chihuahua with small green wings and a perky tuft of white hair.  Sonic noticed he had to sit on a booster chair and use pedal extensions just to drive the big, boxy van.

       “South Island Air,” offered Sonic.

       “Thank you,” nodded the chihuahua, watching for traffic as he merged.  “Concourse B, all the way on the end.  I sure hope that storm has passed, this is the first South Island flight they haven't canceled in two days.”

       “I hope so too,” smiled Sonic, gathering his bag as the shuttle pulled up to the curb. Exiting, the diminutive driver flew to the other side and opened the door for Sonic.  As he stepped onto the curb and into the warm night air, the hedgehog offered a tip.  Thinking for a moment, Sonic pulled a gift card for a free sundae from his bag and offered it as well.  “Here you go...”  Sonic squinted at the driver’s name tag.  “Chip.  I hope you don’t mind some ice cream, we don’t have that store down in Southie.”  

       The chihuahua’s face lit up as he accepted tip and card alike, enthusiastically shaking Sonic’s hand.  “I don’t mind at all, sir!  Thank you!  And you have a safe trip, all right?”  Sonic waved as the chihuahua clutched his prize and cheerfully flew back to the driver’s side.  As the hedgehog sprinted into the terminal and disappeared towards the check-in counters, the chihuahua sat, lighting a cigarette from the glove compartment and taking a long, satisfied drag as he logged the stop on a clipboard.  “Ahh… what a sweet kid!”

Back on South Island...

       The house at Fern Forest smelled sweetly of burning wood, spices, tea… and rain.  Torrents of rain, cold and rolling upslope in long, drenching sheets that soaked the forest through and through.  Water flowed everywhere, filling ditches and covering roads, pooling and dripping  from every surface and turning roofs and gutters into drums of different pitches.  Although partly dissipated since landfall, the wind rushed almost continuously through the treetops, swaying and gyrating rhythmically as they danced to the storm’s tune and shook off great coats of water.  Shadow lay in bed on his back, the subdued flicker of the fireplace glowing in his amber eyes as he silently listened for the telltale cracks and creaks of falling trees.  Only isolated branches had given way in the night thus far, their snapping sound smaller and higher pitched.  And then it came, as it had every few moments since the main body of the storm arrived at bedtime, a great blue flash of lightning that arced through the clouds, briefly but brilliantly illuminating the droplets of rain, the forest beyond and the house’s darkened interior.  Shadow counted off the seconds in his mind until the rousing crack and boom of thunder followed, the hedgehog dividing by five for an approximate distance.  Most of the strikes were far, some were near, but each reliably frightened the young fox boy cuddled tightly to his side as the pair reclined in nest of pillows and soft, thick quilts.

       His eyes shut and soft face buried in Shadow’s shoulder, Tails could still hear the thunder and smell the ozone in the air, the fox boy’s small body trembling during the worst of it.  Leg draped over Shadow’s, Tails clung to his guardian, who held him close while ceaselessly caressing his lower back and buns with his fingertips.  The light, almost ticklish touch comforted the youth, who had been flitting in and out of a shallow, uneasy sleep since the storm began.  An especially robust strike crackled through the trees, the thunder on its heels rattling the whole of the house.  Clutching Shadow’s chest ruff, Tails cringed and let out a small whimper as he blinked awake.  “Nnnff…  Shadow?”

       “I’m right here, foxy.”  Shadow’s voice was low, calm and reassuring.  The hedgehog leaned in and gently kissed the slightly clammy fox on the forehead.  “Nothing can hurt you here.  I’m not going anywhere.”  

       Tails sniffled and rubbed his eye, his voice tired and fragile.  “Mmmrrff…  I’ll be glad when it’s over.  I’m sorry for keeping you up.”

       “It’s perfectly all right,” smiled Shadow softly, cuddling the fox boy close.  Another flash lit the forest, the rain and gusts drumming harder still as Tails returned his face to Shadow’s arm.  “My work requires sleepless nights at times.  But I find the storm, the rain to be beautiful and soothing.  I’ve listened for hours.  The clouds crackle above with rage and conceit, yet below they swell the forest with vibrant, precious life.”

       “That’s beautiful,” smiled Tails anxiously, blinking and shivering.  “M-maybe someday it won’t scare me so much.  Thank you for being with me, Shad.”  Tails winced as a fresh flash illuminated Shadow’s face, which remained serene and unperturbed.

      “You’re already doing better than Sonic described,” offered Shadow reassuringly.  “I’ll hold you all night, all day… however long it takes.”  Shadow reached over with his free hand and checked Tails’ forehead with his fingers, then softly stroked his bangs.  “You may not see it now.  But you will overcome this.”

       His trembling easing a bit, Tails slowly combed his fingers through Shadow’s ruff and kissed his shoulder.  “I hope so,” he chuckled timidly.  “Not everyone’s a fearless commander.”  As the next flash flew in, Tails took a deep breath and concentrated on counting off the distance with Shadow as the thunder arrived.  “Three miles.  D-does anything scare you, Shadow?  Like, really scare you?”

       “Dying alone perhaps,” chuckled the hedgehog.  “And losing my loved ones.  Fears most healthy people have.  Nothing else comes to mind.”

       Tails thought for a moment, making nervous circles in Shadow’s fur with his fingers.  “But… but what about all the enemies you fought?  I mean, some of them almost destroyed the world.  Who knows who else is out there?”

       “Let them come, whoever they are,” chuckled Shadow.  “They too will be tirelessly opposed.  By G.U.N. or by by others.  Opposed, fought... and beaten.  And in most cases, forgotten.  Evil cannot be stopped.  But its advocates and agents?  With pleasure.  Many do us the favor of destroying themselves.  As for the others, I relish each opportunity to shatter their plans and annihilate their ambitions.”  Shadow scratched his chin thoughtfully for a moment.  “While I do not fear my enemies, there are some whom I respect.  And others I have pitied.”

       Tails smiled bashfully and nuzzled close.  “My fear of lightning must look pretty silly, huh?”

       Shadow patted Tails’ rump.  “It’s real enough to you.  And it’s a burden you bear.  But not forever.  Keep facing your fears and they will fall.”  Shadow sighed happily, taking a deep breath and watching the small flames lick and dance over the remnants of the fire.  “Oh… I suppose I do fear one thing.”

       “Oh?” blinked Tails curiously, tensing as lightning lit the windows.

       “Beets,” nodded Shadow gravely as thunder rolled in.  “I’ve tried them boiled, broiled, pickled, mashed… but they are simply vile.  I fear I shall never like them.”

       Tails giggled and patted Shadow’s belly, rubbing it as the hedgehog turned and winked.  “The ultimate beet hater!  They’re okay, I guess.  But the juice stains your fur.  Sonic likes ’em, he usually eats mine.”

       “Why am I not surprised?”  Taking a big stretch, Shadow smiled tiredly and rolled himself and Tails on their sides, spooning with the fox boy as he nibbled his ear tips and rubbed his soft belly.  As the lightning strikes grew further apart, Tails shook less and cooed softly at Shadow’s loving touches, the pair occasionally drifting arm-in-arm into slumber.  Although the rains poured on through the night, in time the wind and lightning faded, the latter to intermittent, almost feeble orange-blue sheets far to the west.  The tall volcanic peaks had caught the storm, in time breaking its back and draining its wrath upon their unyielding slopes as the entwined fox and hedgehog dreamed, twitching and drooling peacefully within their cozy forest sanctum.  Soon, the first stars appeared through cracks in the clouds, the innumerable crickets resuming their soft, soothing serenade.  Far to the east, the very first glimmer of dawn began to appear, carrying its promise of a new day.

       Somewhere in that inky, black-blue expanse to the east, suspended between stars and ocean, a sleepy blue hedgehog sat in the darkened cabin of a plane as he slowly swiped through photos and listened to music on his phone.  Most of the plane was dark save for a smattering of tiny screens and book lights.  Still recovering from his send-off, Sonic was content to fiddle with his phone in the dark.  Although the flight was smooth and the first class seat a rear end’s dream, sleep would only come to the homesick hedgehog in hazy snippets.

       Sonic’s sole row mate, one of the few others still awake, was a reddish orange fox with dark brown forearms, a gold hoop earring and unruly locks of pinkish-purple hair.  Some years older than Sonic, he was clad in an open, short-sleeved tropical shirt and leather sandals.  Tiring of the glare, the fox turned off his tablet and slid it into the seat pocket, then reclined his seat and placed his hands on his belly.  Yawning and stretching, he noticed Sonic staring at a picture of Tails, then another, then another.  “A friend of yours?” asked the fox softly.

       “Oh!”  Sonic was surprised at first, tilting the phone from view, but slowly he smiled and nodded, pulling his headphones down and leaning over so the fox could see.  “Yeah, that’s Tails.  His real name is Miles, but…  he hates that.”  Sonic swiped to a picture of an oil-smudged Tails smiling and working on the plane as Sonic dangled his legs from the wing and ate sandwich.  “That’s his plane, the Tornado.  Well, the newest one, anyway.  I can fly it too, but he’s the real ace, he keeps it in really great shape.”  The next image showed Tails splayed and rubbing his belly next to half eaten pie, the fox boy’s mischievous grin flecked with crumbs.  “He loooooves his sweets,” chuckled Sonic as the fox smiled.  He swiped again, producing a picture Knuckles took:  Tails, clad in blue briefs, lay atop Sonic in his green boxers on the couch, the pair fast asleep and drooling on one another.  “Oops!” blushed Sonic, trying to swipe quickly away.  “Forgot about that one, hehe.”  The next photo showed an excited Tails remote-controlling a robotic arm, lifting one side of a large barbell as a grinning Knuckles lifted the other.  

       The fox smiled and nodded, idly stroking his chest ruff.  “He’s adorable.  How long have you two been together?”

       Sonic blinked and blushed, swiping to a photo of Tails giving math lessons to an engrossed, pencil-chewing Scourge at the South Island halfway house.  “Been together?  Oh!  We... we’re not…”  Sonic looked into the fox’s kind, curious green eyes and blushed, smiling.  “A few years.  I kind of adopted him when he was little.  We’ve been best friends ever since.  Like brothers, really.  But now we’re a little older and we’re… uh...”  Sonic placed a hand on the back of his neck and looked aside, searching for the right words.

       “Even closer?” smiled the fox, raising his hand so Sonic could see the wedding band.

       “Yeah,” nodded Sonic bashfully.  “Way closer.”

       “I’m happy for you,” smiled the fox, nodding and patting Sonic’s forearm before pulling out his billfold.  “Here’s mine.”  The fox held up a wallet-sized picture of a lanky, young, smiling wolf with dusty blue eyes, russet fur and long red hair that matched his thick tail.  “That’s Redwolf.  He was about Tails’ age when we first met.  I’m Val, by the way.  You must be Sonic.  I remember you from all those nasty Eggman troubles, of course.  And you were great at the olympics!  You're a true South Island hero, you did us proud.  It’s an honor!”

       “Thank you, it’s nice to meet you too,” smiled Sonic proudly, grinning and shaking the fox’s offered hand.  “And Redwolf is super cute, hehe.  But tell me, Mr. Val--”

       “Please, just Val,” winked the fox.

       “Okay.  Val.”  Sonic tilted his head.  “I wanted to ask, how did you know?  It's not like we act differently.  I'm not in a dress.  I don't have rainbow colored shoes.  And I don't go around all swishy-like... do I?”

       “It's not really about appearances,” smiled the fox.  “It's just who you love.  I see the way you look at him.  That spark, that want.  The bond.”  The fox chuckled softly.  “Although, to be fair, guys sleeping arm-in-arm in their undies usually entails a couple.  Unless it was just a really fun sleepover.”

       Sonic laughed.  “My friend Knuckles says we suck at hiding it, hehe.  Guess now it doesn’t matter, huh?”

       “It should never matter,” offered the fox.  “Love is love.  And it conquers all.  I bet you’d fight tooth and nail, carry him to the ends of the earth just to keep him.”

       “I did, actually…”  Sonic swallowed hard and swiped to a photo of a bruised, bandaged Tails giving the thumbs up from bed as Amy sat on the end, carefully measuring out a dose of  medicine.  Sonic turned away a moment and wiped away a silent tear.

       “Oh, I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to pry.”  Valdis gently patted Sonic’s shoulder.

       “No no, it’s okay, Mr. Val. Er...  Val,” sniffled Sonic, smiling.  “This was our first real time apart since… well, ever.  I thought I could do it.  But I felt sad and empty the moment I left.  It’s like a hole in your heart, you know?  On the trip we worked, we partied, we ran, we swam, talked, shopped, worked some more… it really was a good time.  And my pal Knux made a ton of money.  But without Tails…”  Sonic rubbed his eyes and took a deep breath.  “In the back of my mind, all I could think about was coming home.”

       “Just a few more hours,” grinned the fox.  “I’ll bet you’re excited.”

       “Oh, man!” exhaled Sonic, nodding.  “I might literally run all the way home if no one’s there to meet me.  I can’t wait!”

       Val chuckled and pulled a card out of his shirt pocket and handed it to Sonic.  “Well, if you need a ride, here’s my number.  I don’t know if the the roads will all be passable after the storm, but I’m going to try.  We have a house up in Fern Forest that we rent out most of the year.  I’m headed there to paint and do any repairs we might need.”

       “Wow, thank you Val!”  Sonic took the card and carefully tucked it in his sock.  “I think someone’s gonna pick me up, but I don’t know if anyone got my new flight info.  I appreciate the offer, though.  Fern Forest, huh?  My friend Shadow has place up there.”

       The fox’s eyebrows perked.  “Shadow?  Hedgehog, black and red?  Fit, has a motorcycle?  Bit moody sometimes?”

       Sonic blinked.  “Y-yeah…?”

       Val laughed and closed his eyes, reclining further back.  “Shadow’s just a quarter mile down the road from us.  Redwolf and I have been in that house many times, though it’s been a few years.  He had a boyfriend or roommate back then… Dax?  Bah, I can’t remember.  I helped put together that big garden of his, though.  Everyone up there knows Shadow, he’s a lovely fellow.   Once you earn his trust, of course.”  Val sighed contently and patted Sonic’s forearm.  “I’m sorry Sonic, I’m fading fast here.  I’ve not slept for a couple days and that wine did the trick.  It’s an honor to meet you, truly.  Look us up if you two are ever in the area.  I mean that.”

       “Thank you Val, I will.  Have a good rest,” smiled Sonic.  As the fox nodded off in the luxurious grip of the seat, the hedgehog slid his headphones back on.  As he happily bobbed his head to new tune, he swiped to a snapshot of Shadow sitting at his desk at G.U.N. Headquarters.  Busy and clutching a phone, the dusky hedgehog had reading glasses draped on his nose and seemed perturbed at being photographed but for a cryptic smile.  Sonic muttered to himself.  “For the fastest thing alive, I sure am last to ever hear about stuff.”  Sonic swiped to a picture he took from behind of Shadow and Tails walking hand-in-hand on the beach the day before his trip.  A big grin crossed Sonic's face.  “He’s mine, Shad.  But team unbreakable can share, I think.  You sure did.  We’ll just see how ultimate you are come lesson time.”  

Meanwhile, at Sonic’s House near Gem Coast...

       The tall, thickly-ruffed red bull stood outside in the rain, helping stuff the last intoxicated party guest into the back seat of a car before shutting the door and tapping the roof.  “Awright Yuki, that’s the last one!  Appreciate you driving sober, be safe dude!”  The grinning cabbit driver winked and waved, honking as he made his way down Sonic’s drive and turned onto the main road.  The bull smiled and returned the wave before dashing back inside the house, where he was joined by lovely two-toned aqua tigress standing near the doorway with a towel.  “Brr!  Man, that’s rain’s cold.  Oh, thanks, babe!”  Rock smooched the tigress sweetly before setting about drying his head and horns.

       “Are you sure we found everyone?” smiled the tigress softly, reaching for a steaming mug of freshly brewed tea and sipping elegantly.  “I checked all the rooms and outside, they're clear.  How about the hangar?  And Tails’ shop?”

       “Yeah, I think that’s it, babe,” nodded Rock, squinting as he tilted his head and dried an ear.  “I thought I found somebody passed out under blanket in the shop, but it was just that creepy, busted-up Tails doll.  They should toss that thing, it scared the crap out of me!  But we’re clear now.  It's just you and me.”

       “Good,” exhaled Tide, nodding and stretching her neck.  “That was a fun party.  Not a bad way to ride out the storm, together with friends.  But I always love it when I get my quiet time back.  And my bull,” she winked, setting down the mug and helping Rock towel himself.

       “And I always love it when my Tide comes in,” nuzzled the Bull, planting another kiss on the tigress.  “Speaking of which, I'm glad the house stayed put,” he chuckled, turning so the pair could reach his back.  “Did you SEE those waves, hon?”

       Tide grinned and carefully dried Rock’s tail and tuft.  “Some of that spray reached the house.  Can you believe some of those goofs actually wanted to go surfing in that?”

       Rock laughed heartily as he folded the towel and set it aside.  “Well, I’m all for having fun and hanging out and havin’ a great time and such, but I prefer our guests don’t go out and get themselves drowned.  Or pulverized.  I don’t even know whose surfboards those are that I locked in the hangar.  Guess they’re Sonic’s now, hehe.  Anyway, thanks for the diversion, princess.  Worked like a charm.”

       Tide winked and grinned, sipping her tea as she powered down her laptop.  “Everyone likes watching me draw, especially the... uplifting pictures, hehe.”

       Rock laughed as he found and sipped his drink.  “Boobs ’n wieners!!  Better than any party game, they couldn’t take their eyes off it.  We need to charge next time!”  The bull toggled through his laptop and found a set of nice, easy slow jams.  “Buncha peeps were into the music, too.  I declare the Stormy House Party a success!”  

       “Too bad Sonic wasn’t here, it is his house,” chuckled Tide, putting the last of wayward glasses into the dishwasher.  “We should have a make-up party just for him soon.”

       “How about a coming out party?” snickered Rock, refilling his glass with lemonade and splash of rum.  “Still can’t believe it.  I mean, what ev’s, everyone needs to float their boat, I just…  I really thought he’d go for Amy.  I would.  If I were him, I mean.”

       “Oooohh!?” queried the tigress coyly, tilting her head and looping her arm around Rock’s.  “Should I be keeping an eye on you?”

       “Aww, babe,” giggled Rock, turning and sweetly kissing several spots on Tide’s neck and face as he held the tigress’ hips.  “Only one gal for this bull.  And I’m just teasin’.  Tails is a cute little thing.  For a dude, I guess.  Kinda femmy.  Soft, polite.  Those big blue eyes.  I totally get it.  You know, they say it’s always the quiet, nerdy ones you gotta watch out for.”

       “Well, that leaves you out, then,” laughed the Tigress, gracefully hoisting herself to sit on the countertop and sipping her tea.  

       “Hey,” protested Rock, holding his arms open and standing in front of Tide.  “I play video games!  I like lossless audio compression!  I declared noodles to be their own food group!  Don’t I at least qualify for some nerd points?”

       Setting aside the mug, Tide curled her arms and legs around Rock, nuzzling her nose playfully into his.  “Mmmrrrr…  very well, I’ll allow it.  But only because you’re in a class by yourself and the judge is clearly biased.  You're sexy, sweet… and mine.”

       “Hey,” rumbled the bull, sliding his hands over the tigress’ soft sides down to her hips.  “That’s the class I was gonna put YOU in.  Better make it a class for two.  With private lessons.  ’Specially now that we got the place to ourselves, hehe…”  Closing his eyes, Rock nibbled along the Tiger’s shoulder and neck, bringing forth an appreciative purr as she tightened her limbs around his solid frame.

       The tigress raked her fingers through the bull’s silky russet fur and nibbled the base of his ear appreciatively.  “Mmm...  someone else’s house...  that's naughty...  but do you really think..?”

       “We’re on assignment, baby,” grinned rock, his voice hushed and seductive as he gently squeezed Tide’s shapely curves.  “Hubby and waifu, just innocently house-sitting for a friend during an emergency.  We’d better play the part to the fullest, don't you think?  Wouldn't want anyone to get suspicious...”

       “You're the only one acting suspiciously around here,” giggled Tide softly, caressing Rock’s warm face and kissing his lower lip..  “But I just might be convinced.  To go deep undercover with you.  It seems logical...”

       Rock nodded, grinning and kissing back eagerly.  “I got all kinds of logic, babe.  Hot, hard logic.  Like, I’m logically sure I’m not gonna wait until Monday night to be with my gal.  AND, logically speaking, G.U.N. is totally welcome to kiss my logical ass if they don’t like us logically doing it while we're technically still on the clock.  Logically speaking.”

       Tide laughed brightly and shook her head.  “There's literally no way to argue with that,” she grinned.  “Your muscular debate style has won me over.  Come then, sexy steer.  Let us adjourn with haste,” she winked.  A huge smile beamed across Rock’s face before he kissed the lovely feline, the bull effortlessly hoisting her into his arms before turning and running from the kitchen.

       Some hours later, as morning sun beamed in through the windows, a bleary-eyed Rock arose from the rumpled bedding and checked the alarm clock.  Tide lay beside him asleep on her side, a peaceful smile on the tigress’ face.  “Mruh…  after nine already?”  Rock smacked his lips.  “What day is it?  Oh, right.  Saturday.  Good times last night, hehe.”  Stretching and yawning, the bull carefully leaned over kissed Tide’s cheek.  As he made sure the tigress had enough covers, Rock heard a car approach down the drive.  Perking his ear, the bull froze and listened as he heard the car pull in, a door open, then shut again moments later amongst indistinguishable chatting.  Scanning the room for his bag, Rock quickly slipped out of bed and into his bathrobe.  “Who the hell is that?” he muttered.  “Not supposed to be back until Monday.”  Carefully gripping Tide's shoulder, Rock leaned in and whispered.  “Got some company.”

       Tide arose silently, the tigress' eyes coming sharply into focus.  “Which way?” she whispered calmly.  Rock motioned for silence, listening and pointing towards the front door as he peered around the corner from the bedroom, finding the hall still empty.  As Rock waited for further sounds, Tide slipped  from the covers and, within seconds, was clad in loose white lounge clothes and brandishing simple but extremely solid fighting staff.  Nodding resolutely, the couple took respective positions on either side of the bedroom door as they heard the intruders converse once more.  Whoever was foolish enough to step in first would likely be head-butted onto their backside and then neatly pinned under a staff for interrogation.  Perspiring faintly at their temples, the bull and tigress licked their lips, anxiously awaiting the trespassers' next move.  The vehicle started up again.  And then a familiar voice rang out.

       “Thanks for the ride, Val!  Be safe going up to Fern Forest!”  The stunned agents listened as the car honked and faded back down the driveway.  The front door opened, then shut.  “Tails!  I'm home!  Tails!?  Hey, Shad?  Anybody here?”  A duffel bag dropped to the floor.  “Maybe they’re still asleep.  Bet they'll be surprised!”  Unsure what to do, Rock and Tide looked at one another helplessly.  Glancing down, Tide then gestured furiously for the bull to close his robe.  As Rock was doing so, barely a second later, Sonic strode obliviously between the couple into the bedroom and walked to foot of the empty bed.  “Huh,” mused Sonic, placing a hand to his chin.  “Well, SOMEone slept here.  Maybe they went out for breakfast.”  Sonic turned to exit the room.  “I'm sure they--GAH!!!”  The startled trio all jumped back from one another, tensing for a moment.  

       “Hello, Sonic!” blushed Tide cheerfully, gently tossing the staff to the floor with hearty thud while Rock hurriedly finished tying his robe.

       “Hey there, dude!” grinned Rock sheepishly, checking to make sure he wasn't protruding.  “Welcome back!”

       Sonic blinked back and forth between the others for a few moments.  “Tide!  Rock!  Er… hi.  What are you guys doing in my house?  And where did Tails and Shadow get to?”

       Rock jutted out his chin and raised a finger.  “I could very well ask YOU the same question, Sonic!”  Dropping her guard, Tide exhaled and rolled her eyes as the confused hedgehog simply scratched his head.  Rock shrugged and scratched the base of his horn.  “You know.  Because he wasn’t supposed to be home until Monday, hon.  It’s… it’s a legitimate question, you see.”

       Tide chuckled and hugged Sonic before taking him by the hand.  “Come on, let's head to the kitchen, you two.  I’ll get the coffee on, I think we owe Sonic a bit of an explanation.”

       “All right, Tide,” smiled Sonic bashfully.  “I am glad to see you guys, so just start at the beginning.  Maybe over some toast, though?  I haven't eaten since San Costoso.”

       “Yeah hon, can the explanation involve eggs, somehow?” asked Rock, patting Sonic and Tide on the shoulder as they exited the bedroom.  “And maybe some bacon?  Some noodles?  Do we have any syrup here?  I explain things better after breakfast.”

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