Gadget POV 3rd person 

Tails helped him walk towards one of the walls; far enough away from the fight between Infinite and the other Generation Sonic to be safe. The two were really going at it. Of course, Infinite replaced his mask before entering the building after being punched out of it, but Gadget could tell by how he fought and his grunts of frustration, he was super pissed off.

Not knowing what to do, and not having much strength for that matter, all the Rookie did was lean against the wall as Tails stood by him and inspected his wounds.

“I don’t have any medical equipment with me or I’d patch you up.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Gadget grinned before coughing, “I’m sorry you got involved. You didn’t have to come back.”

“Oh, I never left.”

…

“W-What?”

“After I left the building, I stationed by one of the windows and connected a camera to the Resistance. We all saw everything.”

Disgrace, guilt, all seeped in as he realized that everyone saw everything. 

“Don’t feel bad,” Tails encouraged, instantly seeing the expression on the wolf’s muzzle.

“B-But I…”

“You did the best you could do. Don’t blame yourself for what happened.”

Tears threatened to fall, but Gadget refused as he tried to stand, but instantly falling back on his butt, which freaking hurt!

“Don’t move too much! You’re pretty beat from the battle, and, other things.”

Why did he have to remind him?!

A gust of wind flew past before Gadget, Tails, and the other Sonic saw Infinite spin dashed through the wall once more, making another hole to match the first one. The one responsible was none other than Sonic the Hedgehog, the one of this generation.

When Infinite was gone for the moment, he sped by the Rookie’s side as he crouched down beside him; neither one noticing the fox sneak away to give the two some privacy.

“Gadget!” Once Sonic was seated next to him, he gently hugged the wolf. “I’m glad you’re alright.”

Odd. Wasn’t the hero angry at him for not asking for help? Or disgusted by what took place? Did he see everything?

“Aren’t you, mad at me?”

“...What?” A blue head cocked to the side in question.

“Mad I didn’t say anything and just left? Or disgusted with me? Infinite… and I…!”

“Shh…” was quietly cooed as he spoke, “I was never angry, just worried. And I’d never be disgusted with you Gadget. If anything, I’m the one that’s sorry. I’m so sorry I didn’t get here sooner.”

Infinite walked back in and saw Gadget in Sonic’s arms. Rage filled him as his hands glowed red. However the other Sonic spin dashed him and distracted the enemy from the pair across the room.

“Tails,” Sonic requested, and his two tails allowed him to fly over. “Keep an eye on Gadget. I’m going to go kick Infinite’s ass.”

“Okay!”

“Gadget?”

“Yeah?” 

He gave Sonic his full attention as he sounded serious. Lips softly brushed his forehead, making his muzzle turn completely red. Unknown to the duo, Infinite saw the exchange.

“Stay here with Tails. He’ll take care of you until I get back.”

“...Please be careful.”

Grinning, he let go of the wolf and jumped up, “Will do!”

And off to join the battle he did. Once Sonic was there, Infinite glowered at him. Snapping his fingers, the other Generation Sonic was put in a cage. No matter how much he spin dashed, he couldn’t get out.

“Sonic!” Tails yelled out, while Gadget felt fear and the Sonic of this dimension glared.

“You… Let him go coward!”

“Over your dead body maybe,” Infinite snarled, “I should have killed you in that jungle.”

“Too late stupid. Now I’m gonna kick your ass for what you’ve done you piece of shit!”

“Woah,” Tails mumbled, “Sonic is pissed.”

That much could be told from a mile away. However, Gadget still couldn’t get over the fact that not only did Sonic know and witnessed what happened between Infinite and himself, but that he still hugged him and kissed his forehead. He couldn’t get over that Sonic wasn’t infuriated with him or anything. Maybe he just felt bad for him? But would he be so enraged at Infinite right now if that was the case?

Glitching away, Infinite formed again near the hedgehog; trying to attack from the side. Sonic dodged before throwing a punch of his own and missing. The duel raged on between the two; anger fueling both to continue the battle that now took place.

Gadget watched in awe as the two went ridiculously fast, and realized one thing, Zero was going easy on him. He never stood a chance from the start… That was made crystal clear as he watched them duke it out, and the jackal was out for murder.

Footsteps entered the building. Tails and Gadget looked to see who it was. It was his siblings, Kytra and Brian. For a moment, the wolf was ecstatic to see them, before it dawned on him that Zero had no idea who they were. If he did, would he bring them into this and try to bait Gadget as he had with Tails? Shakily, he got to his feet by using the wall as a leaning post. 

“Gadget!” Tails worried, standing in front of the now standing wolf. The brief outburst distracted Infinite just enough to where Sonic delivered a good kick to the stomach.

“Focus on me,” Sonic commented seriously, “This is between you and me.”

“Heh,” Zero sneered, “This has nothing to do with you.”

“This has everything to do with me.”

The hits and quips continued on as the siblings hastily rushed over to their brother. Concern embedded on their faces as they both gave a helping hand to him.

“Gadget! Are you okay?”

“Really sis? Does he look okay?”

“Just askin’. No need to be a smarty pants about it.”

Facepalming, Gadget interrupted, “We need to leave. Now.”

Not questioning him, the duo helped their brother out of the building while Infinite was distracted. They slowly walked to the shuttle nearby and got on. A medical bed was already prepared inside and they worked to get Gadget to sit on it. Though trying to get him to lie down, he refused.

“Guys.”

“What’s up bro?” Kytra asked. She put on a chipper face, but the brothers could see past it.

Clenching his teeth, it was hard to swallow, but he had to know, “Did you guys see everything? Did everyone see everything?”

“Um, we saw,” Brian scratched the back of head, “But not everyone. It was us, the Commander, that white hedgehog, I can’t remember his name, and the Sonic of this dimension.”

Hiding his face in his hands, his body began to quiver. “I-I’m sorry! It…I!”

Arms wrapped around his shoulders gently as Kytra sat beside him and rubbed his head, quietly telling him ‘it’s alright’ and ‘it’s not your fault’.

“Gadget,” the bird sat on the other side of his brother, “Don’t blame yourself for that. You went to save a friend. That’s scary shit you went to do by yourself. I’m sorry we couldn’t help you, or be there for you.”

Embracing him now, Gadget found himself in a group huggle sandwich between his siblings. A small smile formed as he finally felt safe. Honestly, he never thought Zero would try to do something like that; never had he felt scared of the jackal in that way before. For the first time in his life, he truly feared Zero, and he was afraid of what would happen when the battle in the building ended.

Would the Sonics be okay? He hoped in his heart that they’d be alright.

While the three waited in the shuttle, the Sonic of this dimension continued to fight Infinite. Tails secretly went to the cage the other Sonic was in before trying to pick the lock. It was all unseen as the two were too focused on their duel to notice anything else.

As the battle intensified, Sonic managed a good kick to the face; making the new mask clatter to the floor. Infinite didn’t seem to care as he phased right in front of the hedgehog; planning to punch his muzzle but the fist was just barely dodged. Though the jackal was still fighting it out, his moves grew sluggish from the multiple fights he’d had in the last several minutes.

“You’re losing your touch Infinite,” Sonic smirked while Infinite glowered at him, “Or should I call you Zero?”

Heterochromia spheres gazed in shock before receiving another kick across the cheek. Grunts left him as he worked much more slowly to get off the ground than earlier.

“How did you…?”

“Know?” The hedgehog filled in, “While you may have shut Gadget up, that didn’t mean he couldn’t give hints.” 

Growling rumbled in Zero’s chest as he snarled out, “You have no idea what you’re dealing with rat!”

“Hey! I told you the last time that I’m a hedgehog, remember? I’ve got the spines to prove it.”

“You really piss me off.” 

“Glad the feeling’s mutual,” Sonic replied as he saw the jackal stager a bit, though looking like he still wanted to fight, “Give it up Infinite.”

Zero’s eyes began to glow. It was around that time Tails freed the other Sonic from the cage. Tails was urged to sneak out, and the fox complied as the other Sonic joined the battle. Blue and yellow eyes burned red as the Phantom Ruby’s power traveled through the jackal.

“I’ve come too far to turn away now. And if I have to slaughter each and every person that gets in my way, I will!”

As Gadget had just finished receiving treatment for his wounds, a loud bang was heard outside and caused the ship to jiggle. Right after Tails ran inside the shuttle.

“The Sonics are in trouble!”

Gadget hastily stood from the bed, “What happened?”

“Infinite let out a large surge of energy from the Phantom Ruby; causing the building to explode!”

“No!”

Gadget started to run towards the exit before his wrist was grabbed; Kytra.

“Don’t go out there! We can call for help!”

“There’s no time!” Gadget barked, “They are going to die! And it’ll be all my fault!”

Taking his hand back, he bolted out of the shuttle. Not even hesitating to his siblings calling out his name and telling him to stop, his feet continued to pound on the debris filled ground; adrenaline and worry coursing in him.

Zero… Why did he have to do this? Why couldn’t things go back to the way they were? Why did violence, war, and death have to be the new way of life? These questions constantly ran through his mind but he felt no closer to finding answers. This sucked! He hated this so much! 

But he can’t cry.

Hopefully, he can make it in time.

Turning a corner, Gadget saw both Sonics on the ground. The smaller one knocked out cold while the Sonic he knew was getting to his knees, though collapsing after trying.

“You stand no chance rat.” Zero spoke while taking deliberate steps towards the fallen hero.

“INFINITE!”

Pausing, the jackal turned to the sound of Gadget standing a good distance away. Body faced the wolf as he no longer cared about the hedgehogs lying defeated by his feet.

“If you want me, come and get me!”

The Rookie instantly noticed the other’s mask was missing again. However, he gave no thought to it as he prepared himself to run. Zero took a few steps towards the wolf.

Suddenly, the jackal was spin dashed to the ground.

“What?!”

There stood a black hedgehog with red stripes and with him a bat. Shadow the Hedgehog and Rouge stood ready for a fight; Shadow being the one to knock him down.

While Zero wanted to continue fighting, he knew there was no way he could defeat the Ultimate Lifeform in this state. Too much power had been used in that explosion that hadn’t returned to him yet. Eyes glanced back towards the wolf before mouthing, ‘This isn’t over’, and disappeared.

When gone, Gadget rushed over to the Sonics on the ground. 

“Guys!” 

While Rouge checked the shorter Sonic, Gadget crouched by the one of this dimension. Emerald eyes stared up at him as he gave a tired grin. Sitting on the ground, Gadget gently adjusted Sonic’s head to rest in his lap before removing one of his gloves to apply pressure on a wound on the forehead the hero got from the explosion.

Downcast eyes glanced at the injured hedgehog, “I’m so sorry Sonic.”

Fingers lightly brushed his cheek; Gadget seeing Sonic trying to comfort him in a way. This was all his fault, but he was still so kind to him...

Tails, Kytra, and Brian arrived soon after and worked to get everyone in the shuttle. After everyone was safely aboard, Shadow and Rouge decided to not stick around and left.

The ship now flew in the air as everyone was silent. Tails and Brian maned the piloting while Kytra worked on bandaging the other dimension Sonic that was still asleep, while this dimension Sonic and Gadget sat by one another on a different part of the ship.

Gadget was zoned out both from his thoughts and all that took place. He got away today, but with how determined Zero was, he couldn’t keep running forever. There wasn’t much he could do now, but rest and try to formulate the next plan of action from here.

A hand gently was placed on top of his. Snapping out of his thoughts, the Rookie glanced to the side to see Sonic staring at him. He looked absolutely exhausted. Still, he gave a smile as he began to speak.

“Don’t worry about today. Rest up and be ready for tomorrow.”

….

“Why are you so nice, and forgiving?”

Looking puzzled for a moment, only a little laugh was given. 

“Gadget you know how you thought I’d be mad at you?” Nodding, it prompted Sonic to continue, “I never felt that. I felt worried, scared even, that I’d lose you. But, I also couldn’t ignore how courageous that was. You know what he’s capable of, maybe even more so than the rest of us, but regardless, you went to go save someone’s life, and even risked yourself in hopes of stopping the war.”

Cheeks heated at the compliment. It didn’t help matters that Sonic stared at him the entire time. “And despite the fact that you’re still in love with him, you didn’t let that get in the way of doing the right thing. If anything, I’m really proud of you Gadget.”

Muzzle matched his fur color as he held his gaze towards the floor. He didn’t feel like he did anything like that, but it was honestly really nice to hear the kind words. However, he couldn’t fully accept them. He failed…

Fingers interlocked with his, causing him to look back at the hedgehog once more. “So, don’t beat yourself up about this. You did the best you could do. I can’t express how thankful I am that you saved Tails. He’s like a little brother to me. And, you’re safe. I’m so happy for that.”

An odd feeling bubbled in Gadget’s chest. He knew that he felt something towards the hero, but it just wasn’t the same as with Zero. He’s never really been with anyone besides Zero, and he wondered if romantic feelings could feel different between various partners. Not really sure, but he felt a weird craving of wanting to kiss Sonic.

But he wouldn’t. How could he after all that happened in that warehouse? He knows Sonic said he wasn’t disgusted, and his siblings said he saw everything. It was all just really hard to digest.

“What’s bothering you?”

Thoughts halted as Gadget realized he must have made it obvious that something was on his mind.

“...You saw everything?”

“In the warehouse after Tails left? Yeah, I did.”

“Including…?”

The words wouldn’t come out, but the speedster knew what he was referring to and nodded. “Isn’t that why you asked me earlier if I was disgusted with you?”

“Yeah, I, um…”

Now both hands held one of Gadget’s as the hedgehog turned his whole body to face him, to the best of his ability in those chairs anyway.

“Gadget, he tried to rape you. You didn’t ask him to do that. You tried to keep the war in mind and did the best you could. You love him, but still continued to fight, even when he did things to you that you begged him not to.”

Tears pricked the corners of Gadget’s eyes as he’d been reminded of what happened. Trying to keep himself together had worked so far, but he was losing his composure. He shivered as he tried not to cry.

Pulling the wolf against him, Gadget’s head on his chest, he replied, “You can cry. It’s okay.”

Having permission was all he needed as rivers flowed from his eyes and down his cheeks. Sobs muffled in the hedgehog’s chest as he let everything out. Why would Zero do that to him?! WHY!?!

“S-Sonic…!”

“It’s okay,” he rubbed his fingers through the crimson fur by his ears, “I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.”

Arms wrapped fiercely around an azure waist as the crying continued. Kytra had finished up patching the sleeping Sonic up, and was going to help the other Sonic next, but after seeing the hero comfort her brother, she snuck off towards the front where the piloting took place. The door was shut, giving the two some privacy.

Sonic comforted the wolf in his arms for the next several minutes. This broke his heart, and now more than ever, he wanted to beat Infinite; make him pay for what he’d done, to everyone, to Gadget.

Why? Why did it have to be him that Gadget fell in love with? Granted, no one can help who they fall in love with. Sonic thought of himself as it seemed every time he did find someone he liked, there was always something. It wasn’t Gadget’s fault. He just wished for something to be different, like Gadget falling for him, or Sonic moving on again.

Right now, he wouldn’t think of that. He truly likes Gadget. Even if Gadget is in love with someone else, as he’d reasoned with himself before, Sonic would be there for him, no matter what.

“How do you feel Gadget?”

“Better,” he gave a small smile to the hero, “Thank you Sonic. Thank you, for coming to save me, and, everything.”

“Of course. I’d never leave you.”

Though Gadget knew he meant he wouldn’t leave him in Infinite’s clutches, the wording still felt heavier, and caused him to flush. Sonic noticed despite everything that happened and him still being in love with Zero, the wolf did seem to blush around him quite a bit.

“Gadget?”

“Hm?” He gave the hero his attention.

“Why did you ask if I’d be disgusted?”

…

“Uh, um,” stuttering, he was trying to figure out what to say. Why did he ask?... “Because, of what Infinite did, and, I just…”

“Gadget,” Sonic held one of Gadget’s hands again, making the wolf look shy, “It’s okay. Take your time.”

…

“I just… the thought of you hating me, I couldn’t stand it,” Amber spheres stared seriously at the hedgehog, “While I really admire you, I also feel, well, I’m not sure… I’m so confused.”

Fingers scratched one of his ears, instantly calming down the distressed wolf. “I’ve only ever been with Zero. I’ve never liked someone else before, and I’m not sure what I’m feeling right now. I know I care about you, but I don’t know what context that’s in.”

Smiling, a digit brushed the wolf’s muzzle softly, “You don’t have to know everything yet. Take your time. I’m not going anywhere, and I plan to do my best to keep you safe. I know I failed today, but you’re not alone. We’re all here for you.”

Sonic gave him an odd look. It wasn’t bad, just different, as he continued to caress his cheek. 

The intercom then went off saying they were about to land from Tails. Whatever this conversation was meant to be, they’d just have to wait for now.