End 3: Sad but Good Ending

Part 2

*Several Months after the War Ended

Gadget POV 3rd Person

Life seemed to really settled down as construction of much of the world was really coming along smoothly and promptly. Many buildings and civilizations were already back up and running despite the short amount of time. It might have been due largely to Sonic and Gadget’s combined efforts as both were fast and helped with much of the rebuilding. Though Gadget had been a huge mess the first month after the war, Sonic had really helped him after he went to stay with him.

-A few months ago-

When Gadget first moved in, he was like a zombie, and constantly zoned out; just not wanting to think of anything. The first few days he slept most of the time as to make up for all the overworking he’d done on his body, but after that, he would accompany Sonic to work and come home with him, the hedgehog monitoring his every move. After about a week of the same routine, the wolf couldn’t take it anymore.

“Sonic?”

Gadget currently sat at the table while drinking a cup of decaffeinated coffee, as Sonic wouldn’t let him have caffeinated coffee unless it was morning time before going to work. Hearing his name, the hedgehog turned away from the sink as he’d just washed some dirty dishes, and walked over to the small round dining table he had in the kitchen area before sitting across from the genius and gave a grin.

“What’s up buddy?”

Hesitating, he didn’t want to seem ungrateful or rude, but…

“You don’t have to keep doing this.”

?

Puzzled, Sonic tilted his head slightly. “What are you talking about?”

“Watching me. I know you have enough on your plate as is. I don’t want to add to that burden.”

“You’re not a burden to me at all Gadget.”

“That’s BS and we both know it,” he narrowed his eyes while Sonic was stunned by that reaction. “I’m a depressed mess and nobody would want to deal with that. I promise I won’t overdo it this time and I’ll get out of your hair.”

Blue hands slammed on the table as Sonic stood from his seat, immediately shutting the Rookie right up as he saw an intense glare shot at him by those emerald orbs. The eyes he’d used to find himself drowning in from time to time as they always relaxed him even in the worst of circumstances. What’s happened to him? What’s he done to himself?

“You are not a burden! You never were!” the hero practically shouted, hurt being heard in his tone from the accusation. “I volunteered to have you stay with me because I was worried. Others volunteered too, but I said I wanted to take you in.”

Amber spheres grew from the truth told as the hedgehog continued, “I know you’re a mess. I don’t care about that. I never expected you to just be okay after that. The love of your life died right in front of you; twice. Nobody would be okay in that situation. Please, don’t think of yourself as a burden. I never once thought that of you. Of course I’m concerned, but I’ve always worried about you, even during the war when we met and worked together. We’re friends Gadget, and I care about you.”

Friends?

…

Something didn’t feel right. Friends…

Of course Sonic no longer held feelings for him. If Zero had survived, he would have thrown away any chance with Sonic to be with Zero. Somehow, Gadget was sure Sonic knew that, so maybe it was better this way. It hurt, but he smiled as tears slid down his muzzle.

“I-I’m sorry Sonic. I…”

“Shh…”

Huh? Sonic suddenly was standing before the wolf. Arms looped around his sitting form as Sonic gently embraced him. It...it felt so nice. He’d felt so alone, and broken, and empty. Hesitantly, Gadget returned the embrace, which prompted the hero to press closer as both hands soothingly massaged through his back fur in a means of calming him down and providing hopefully some comfort. It worked.

“Don’t apologize Gadget. You have nothing you need to be sorry for. Take your time and don’t stress yourself. I told you before, I’ll be here every step of the way.”

Light sniffles sounded as Sonic pulled away and grabbed a nearby tissue box and offered it to the sad wolf. Taking one, he whipped away his tears. Sorrow still embraced his broken heart, but he would get through it. Gadget felt very thankful to have friends like Sonic in his life. That knowledge made him smile.

-Present Time-

Once the duo had that chat, Gadget only got better from there. It wasn’t an immediate change, but with each new day, the sun felt a little brighter. Having Sonic by his side everyday really helped too. Maybe he clinged onto the hedgehog too much, he didn’t know, but Sonic didn’t seem to mind much, or he just hadn’t said anything about it.

They worked everywhere together, and that seemed to help construction really move along faster. Sonic helped to quickly obtain the materials, which Gadget did some of that as well, but it was mainly Sonic, and Gadget would then use his powers from the Phantom Ruby to place everything together. True, he could have just recreated the buildings with the Phantom Ruby, but at the end of the day, everything the Ruby creates is fake, and if something were to happen to Gadget or the Ruby, then all creations made by the gem would disappear, and that would be a disaster if buildings and reconstructions around the world just up and vanished. So, it was decided that using real materials was the best approach.

Now, it was evening time as Gadget sat in the small outdoor balcony that Sonic’s apartment had as he read a book. Things have been calm between them and peaceful. What were they exactly? Just friends. Whether Sonic still held any sort of romantic interest in him or not was a mystery, but after that conversation with him back when he first moved in and Sonic said they were ‘friends’, he assumed the blue blur moved on.

Frowning a bit, his mind became muddled as he thought about the hero. Sonic always held that confident smile, graceful stride in his steps and form, and beautiful emerald eyes and azure fur. He was attractive and Gadget definitely held an interest in him, but he’d never say anything. However, they currently lived together, and with Gadget’s feelings towards Sonic growing more and more as time passed, he knew he should probably move out. Not wanting to ruin their friendship or do anything he might regret, the wolf figured this was the best decision. This thought had been bouncing around in his head for awhile, but it was hard to bring up, not only because it might be an awkward topic if Sonic were to ask why, but also because he didn’t want to leave.

Did he forget about Zero? No. Zero would always hold a special place in his heart, but he had to move on from that, and he has. He would never be able to see, interact with, or love the jackal again. It was bittersweet to think of him, but he honestly tried not to. There was no point in clinging onto a past that could never be changed.

Sometimes, the Phantom Ruby would give him dreams of his childhood, and the dreams of those Options 1 and 2 that she showed him during the war. This happened more during the beginning of reconstruction. After begging her to stop for about the first month after the war, she finally did, and Gadget had a feeling that helped him get his sanity back as well. They were wonderful dreams, but then he’d wake up heartbroken all over again; he couldn’t handle it.

Sighing, he placed the book on a small side table that resided by the chair he sat in, and watched the sun setting off in the distance. This spot gave a beautiful view of the city and the orange light gave the new buildings a gentle glow as his eyelids began to droop. He could just stay here forever; watching the sun and not having a care in the world. Sleep stealthily overtook him.

…

…..

…….

“Adget.”

“...Hm?”

He heard something. No, someone.

“Gadget?”

A finger poked his cheek, instantly waking him up as Gadget jolted in his seat; earning himself a chuckle from the blue blur who was crouched right next to him. It was then noticed that the hedgehog was close to his face, causing his own muzzle to burn from the limited space between them. Sonic either didn’t notice or didn’t care as he only gave a joyful grin.

“Hey sleepyhead.”

“H-Hi Sonic,” he yawned after his stutter, hoping he didn’t notice the stammer in his words. “What time is it?”

“It’s almost nine o’clock.”

“Really?! Wow, I must have been tired. I came out here around seven.”

“Well, we did work really hard today,” Sonic reminded him, “Good thing we have tomorrow off. I think we both need it.”

“Yeah,” Gadget nodded in agreement as he then stretched his arms and back, receiving an answering pop which made him happily sigh. Sonic chuckled, which made the Rookie look at him in question.

“You’re just cute is all.”

Face bright red, matching the color of his fur, Gadget was shocked to hear that. As if realizing what he did, Sonic’s muzzle also turned pink as he averted his eyes in embarrassment.

“Um, do you want some hot chocolate?”

The awkward atmosphere quickly died off as Gadget acknowledged the other male’s question and smiled. “Sure. That sounds nice.”

Even though it was currently the spring season, late evenings, nights, and early mornings were still a bit chilly, and it was beginning to cool off. Sonic must have thought Gadget would be getting cold after sleeping out here. Not that he was assuming, but it felt like Sonic always caught on to stuff like that. It was...really sweet.

Standing, both went inside. Sonic immediately raced over to the kitchen to set a tea kettle of water on the stove top as he let the burner warm up the liquid. Gadget went to the living room to return his book to its resting place before accompanying the hedgehog in the kitchen. 

Watching him work, he was reminded of when Sonic made him a cup of coffee back during the war. They both liked coffee the same way. Somehow, remembering that similarity in coffee preferences made his muzzle burn as happiness bubbled in his chest.

No more. He can’t do this to himself anymore. He needs to leave. Sonic’s already done so much for him. Gadget cares deeply for the other, but he doesn’t want to ruin their friendship. It was hard to be heartbroken again. At least the one he cares for is alive this time…

Finishing up, Sonic poured two cups of hot water and stirred the hot chocolate mix in each cup before approaching the table and setting the cups down. Taking a seat, he sat right next to the wolf. Strange considering they usually sit across from one another instead of side by side, but Gadget couldn’t help the small smile as he blew the steam from his mug.

“Thank you Sonic,” he grinned, “I’ll do the dishes when we’re done.”

“Thanks! I’d appreciate that.”

The two sat in a comfortable silence as they sipped at their drinks. All that could be heard was the ticking of the clock in the nearby living room. Honestly, this would be the perfect time to speak with Sonic, but he felt so afraid to. Not that Sonic would take it badly because he didn’t think that would happen, but he didn’t want to leave. What if they stop talking after this? What if they stop being friends? What if…?

An ungloved azure hand landed on top of a crimson one, halting all thoughts as amber eyes glanced over to see emerald staring back at him. Sonic continued to hold his hand lightly and even curled his fingers gently around it.

“What’s bothering you?”

“H-huh?”

Was he that obvious?

“I can tell something’s on your mind,” the hedgehog replied as concern became embedded in his features. “You can talk to me.”

“Um, well….” Taking a slow breath in, and then out, he guessed it was time. “I was thinking maybe it was time I moved out.”

….

The hand holding his tightened slightly. It didn’t hurt, but it was definitely noticeable. Looking back at the hedgehog after he said those words, he wasn’t sure how to interpret the expression on his face. He seemed conflicted. Why? Why would he hold an expression like that?

“Why do you want to leave?” Sonic asked seriously, surprising the wolf sitting beside him. “It’s not like you’re forced to stay here. If you really want to leave, you can. I won’t stop you. But why?”

Huh?

“Well…” shit, how does he answer that question? If he tells the truth, who knows what would happen. “I figured since I’ve been doing much better, it would be good to get out of your hair and let you have your place back. Heh, heh…”

Damn. That was terrible. It wasn’t a bad lie but he delivered it poorly. There was no way Sonic was going to buy that. His expression confirmed his fears as Sonic’s face clearly read just that.

“What’s the real reason you’re leaving?”

…

*sigh*

No way out of this now. Gadget stared into Sonic’s eyes, preparing for the worst. However, he may as well tell. He didn’t imagine Sonic would hate him or anything, but things might be awkward for awhile, and this could strain their friendship… This sucks.

“Because I like you more than I should.”

That wasn’t what he was expecting apparently as both brows shot up. 

“What did you say?”

Face glowing from a bright blush, Gadget placed his mug on the table and stood from his seat. “S-Sorry! I need to…!”

His lower arm was gripped before being pulled forward. The canine found himself on Sonic’s lap in the chair he sat in; straddling the hero’s hips. He was pretty sure his face couldn’t possibly flush anymore than it already was.

“What did you say?” Sonic repeated calmly, though also with determination.

“That...that I like you more than I should.”

“Elaborate.”

“What?”

“I want it told clearly. I need to know where you stand.”

Where he stands? 

“That I like you as more than a friend. I’m...deeply attracted to you, romantically.”

Nothing else was said as a hand cupped the back of Gadget’s neck and hastily pulled him in for a passionate kiss. A surprised groan was swallowed as Sonic pushed his tongue into the other’s mouth, causing Gadget’s eyelids to flutter shut as his oral appendage rubbed along Sonic’s.

Hands gripped the red waist but didn’t explore anywhere as he just continued to play and tease Gadget’s tongue with his own. Gadget held on to the back of the chair as he pressed closer and to make sure he didn’t lose his balance as he knew he was very in-tuned with Sonic and nothing else around them.

After several minutes of straight making out, they finally pulled away, though arousal was clear as day on both of their faces. Lifting one of his hands from Gadget’s waist, Sonic cupped a tan cheek gently before giving a loving smile.

“Gadget, I love you.”

Jaw hung slightly ajar from the confession.

“Y-You love me?”

Nodding, Sonic continued, “I have for awhile, but I didn’t want to push or pressure you. You’ve had a lot on your plate, and I honestly wanted to support you through that, not burden you with my feelings.”

Sonic...

Leaning down, a light brush of his lips softly touched the side of the hedgehog’s muzzle; making his face brighten up, before backing up once more to smile at the one he admires so much.

“Thank you Sonic,” Gadget embraced him to the best of his ability in that chair, “If you’re willing, I’d like to try, being with you.”

The embrace was hastily returned as Sonic answered joyfully, “Of course! Gadget, I’d love to be with you.”

“Can we take things slow? I just…”

Creating enough space between them, a few digits touched Gadget’s lips gently. “Yes, we can go as slow as you’d like. As long as you’re with me, I can wait. I love you Gadget.” The wolf smiled wide, showing his pearly white teeth.

“Would you, stay with me? You don’t need to move out if you don’t want to.”

Eyes becoming misty, he gave an enthusiastic nod. Gadget then received another kiss from the male that he’s come to adore, and though not everything would be easy, he was excited nonetheless for the future that laid in front of them.