Gadget POV 3rd person 

“Ow…”

A sharp sting was felt on his forearm. After returning to HQ, many soldiers had to get medical attention, from small to large. Though thinking this was completely unnecessary, the blue blur known as Sonic thought otherwise as the pink hedgehog named Amy Rose, Sonic’s girlfriend?, he wasn’t sure, tended to the few scrapes he got through the day; mainly during the chase at the end when he fell.

Speaking of Sonic, he currently stood by Commander Knuckles as the echidna was being treated himself, most likely due to the punch through a building he received from Infinite. He didn’t know what they were discussing, but he wouldn’t put it past him if it was about him, as he’d noticed the two glancing at him from time to time, especially Sonic.

While the hero had hoped just the two of them could talk on the train ride, it hadn’t quite gone as planned since everyone seemed to have wanted water on that train, and by the time he had gotten two bottles, they were already at the base. Gadget didn’t mind much as he currently sipped at the water he now held in his free hand; other arm being disinfected by Amy.

Her movements were careful and precise. Concentration was all that could be read on her face as she finished up with the disinfectant and moved on with the bandaging. Before he could stop himself, he spoke.

“You’re really good at this.”

Hands paused before looking at him and offering a soft smile, “Thank you. I feel like I have had to do this a lot the last few months. It’s almost become like second nature, you know?”

“I bet. This war has been going on for months now…”

“It’ll be okay,” she smiled, “Especially now that Sonic’s back, I know we can win.”

Her optimism, and excitement… “You kind of remind me of my sister.”

“Really? What’s she like?”

“Well, I’d say she has pink fur like you, but it was actually your personality that made me think of her.”

She laughed and joked, “Good because fur color can’t be the only reason.”

He gave a humored grin before continuing, “She’s very determined and doesn’t give up easily. She’s also a good nurse. That’s what she had been in the war.”

Not missing his word usage, Amy inquired, “Had?”

“Both of my siblings died in the war. My sister was a nurse and my brother was her assistant for the wounded she tended to. He also served as a bodyguard for the injured and for my sister. Though, she could handle a weapon better than I ever could. They made a great team.”

“Oh…” her eyes saddened, “I’m so sorry.”

Shaking his head, Gadget replied, “Don’t be. They both told me when we all went into this to not be sad if anything ever happened to them; to only think happy thoughts, and to get through the war without tears. I don’t think I quite succeeded in the no crying part, but I try my best.”

“Tell me more about your siblings,” she requested as she finished up the bandage on his arm.

“My sister, her name is Kytra, was a pink cat full of energy and enthusiasm. My brother, Brian, was confident, brave, and like the stone pillar that helped keep Kytra ground while helping lift me up when I was down. He always encouraged us, and went everywhere with our sister.”

“Did you say she’s a cat?” Amy asked as she had been about to start on a scrape on his knee, but stopped as she looked at him.

“Oh, right. My siblings and I were all adopted. My biological parents only had me, so when they passed away, I was adopted and got two siblings in the process.”

“Oh, okay. That makes sense.”

“Brian was a green bird. He was pretty smart and athletic. I had a lot of girls tell me how he was the ‘perfect package’. It was pretty funny.”

“He sounded popular,” she mused as she finished cleaning his knee. “How did your sister get to be a nurse and your brother her assistant?”

“Well, Kytra’s had a passion to be a nurse for years. And Brian, surprisingly, always seemed to follow her wherever she went, so it made sense they went to the same school to become nurses. Brian, as a hobby, took martial arts and self defense and he taught both Kytra and myself a few things. 

“As for how Kytra got to the point of wanting to be a nurse, it was actually my doing… heh, it was about seven or eight years ago maybe where Brian dared me to climb a tree. It was pretty tall. I climbed up a good way before losing my footing and falling down. I broke my leg and had to go to the hospital. I had a really nice nurse who did an exceptional job with helping me. She inspired my sister and she was hooked on the idea of being a nurse ever since.”

“Aw, that’s sweet. I mean, not the leg breaking part, but the rest of it.” Amy giggled.

“I don’t mind. I’m not sure how or if she would’ve found her passion if not for that.”

“Hm… seven years ago. Wasn’t that around the time of the Jackal Massacre?”

“I think it was more like five years ago, but yeah, pretty close to that time.” Gadget answered, remembering it clearly. 

Five years ago, there was a huge disaster called the Jackal Massacre. A group of Mobians decided to slaughter as many Jackals as possible. The police never found the culprits, but they suspected it to be a band of hyenas, as hyenas and jackals were never known for getting along. It was a huge tragedy as more than half of the jackal population had been whipped out. Jackals almost became endangered, which was a strange term to use for Mobians, but it was true. Gadget remembered being really worried for Zero and hoping he hadn’t been caught up in it.

The scrape on Gadget’s knee was cleaned and bandaged after that conversation. The pink hedgehog smiled as she replied, “You’re all finished.”

Hopping off the table, Gadget replied, “Thank you Amy.”

“You’re welcome, um, Gadget right? I don’t think think we’ve talked much until now.”

“No, we haven’t. I was pretty quiet when I first got here.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re opening up.” 

“Hey Rookie,” both Gadget and Amy turned to see Knuckles and Sonic walk up to them.

“Are you both patched up?” She asked them, which in turn gave answering nods. Not hesitating, she then threw her arms around Sonic.

“A-Amy!”

“This might be a bit,” The Commander shook his head while Gadget chuckled. Knuckles spoke, “Come with me Rookie. Sonic will join us soon enough.”

“Okay.”

Leaving the hospital type area, the duo walked until getting back to the Main Room of Operations. Along the way, Gadget finished his water and threw the bottle away in a nearby trash can. There was a lone door across the room that the Commander led them to before going inside. It was basically a small office. Tails was already there along with the Other Dimension Sonic.

“Hi,” the two tailed fox greeted, “I hope you don’t mind us being here. Sonic thought it might be good if I was here for extra insight or to hear whatever I thought.”

“Oh, okay.”

How many people were there going to be here? He kinda hoped it would just be Sonic, but wasn’t surprised the Commander was here after what happened earlier that day. But Tails and the other Sonic? He started to feel nervous.

A hand threw itself on the wolf’s shoulder, causing him to look at the owner which was the red echidna. 

“Don’t worry Rookie. You’re not in trouble or anything. We just wanna figure out what’s going on is all. You and Sonic were supposed to talk this morning, right?” Gadget nodded.

Just then, the door opened to reveal the final member to the group, Sonic. Grinning, he motioned everyone to take a seat, as there were just enough chairs for everyone. Tension still seeped into the wolf’s core, but he refused to give in to his fears.

“Alright everyone,” Sonic began, “As we know, today was a rough day. Good news is we got most, if not all, of the population out of the city. It was a very successful evacuation. The bad news, Gadget and I specifically witnessed Infinite blow up the entire city. He must have purposefully planted bombs earlier that day. It could have been sooner, but it would have been easiest for him to do that while the city was in complete chaos, like it was today.”

Everyone looked disheartened by the information. While it was good news everyone was evacuated, the city, the home to many Mobians, was now lost. Where would they go? Where would they live? Heavy guilt weighted itself on Gadget’s heart as he couldn’t help but think this was his fault.

“Something else interesting took place, which is why we called you here Rookie, is what happened to you in the city,” Knuckles chimed in.

Nodding in agreement, Sonic spoke up again, “Infinite made unique creations of his own to chase you through the city. If anyone interfered, they got removed, such as Knuckles had when he got punched through a building. I didn’t interfere with your pursuers but I was able to get other enemies out of the way so you could exit the city, thus ceasing their chase of you.”

“So,” Knuckles grinned smugly, “What’d ya do to piss him off?”

“Um,” Gadget hesitated, “I wouldn’t say I pissed him off exactly...”

“Can you tell us what’s going on?” Sonic inquired.

Tails nodded enthusiastically, “Yeah, don’t be shy. It might even help with the war.”

Help? Somehow, the Rookie didn’t feel like it’d help much at all. In fact, he felt his very existence right now put everyone in danger. Was staying here even a good idea? They very well may kick him out when he’s finished telling them everything.

A hand gently laid on his shoulder. Looking, Gadget saw Sonic by his side, crouched so they could see eye to eye as the wolf had been sitting in a chair. He couldn’t help but to stare aimlessly into those emerald orbs.

“Don’t worry. We won’t judge you. You’re not in trouble, and no one’s going to hurt you here.”

“...That’s not what I’m afraid of.”

“Then what’s bothering you?”

It almost felt like the hedgehog shifted closer, but it could have been just his imagination. “I’m afraid… of Infinite. Not what he’ll do to me, but what he could do, to you, to everyone.”

Tears stung the corners of his eyes before trickling down his face. Sonic lifted a thumb to his muzzle and wiped away a single tear; one close to his lips. Gadget noticed it, but also couldn’t think much of it because of the hurt in his heart.

“I-I didn’t know. If only I’d known sooner. How many Mobians would still be alive today if I’d known sooner? It… it’s the truth that’s been uncovered, that’s made things worse. I… the truth is, I know…”

…..

……..

…………..

It was like getting shot. Burning like a flame, or felt like tearing of skin, he didn’t know. But an excruciating pain came out of nowhere; it started at his neck and spread like wildfire. All Gadget could do was scream as he fell to the floor in complete agony.

“G-Gadget! What’s wrong?! GADGET!!!”

“Move over Sonic.” Tails hastily commanded before shoving the distressed hedgehog to the side so he could take a look.

“There’s a glowing mark on his neck.” As the fox spoke that, the pain seemed to subside slightly, but still very prominent. “It looks like an infinity symbol.”

“Shit,” Gadget cursed out, surprising the room. “R-right before…...the chase… I felt a pain on my neck, after Infinite... snapped his fingers….”

“Damn,” Sonic subtly snarled out, “Infinite must have figured you’d say something to us if not already.”

“That’s my guess as well,” Tails thought out loud, “Since Gadget has information about Infinite, he made sure to, put a shock collar on him in a sense. So, anytime Gadget tries to tell us information that Infinite doesn’t want us to know about, Gadget will get shocked, well, be in pain in this case, to stop him from telling us anything. And though there was the possibility of Gadget telling us yesterday, there had not been a lot of time between rescuing him and the attack of today, so Infinite probably assumed if Gadget had said anything, it wouldn’t have been much.”

“Well that sucks,” Knuckles grumbled as he crossed his arms.

Sonic sighed out as he looked at the wolf apologetically, “Are you okay Gadget?”

A slow nod was given as he tried to sit up, though failing miserably. Arms loosely wrapped around him as Gadget felt himself now seated on the floor rather than lying down. His tan muzzle darkened, but he tried to ignore it as best as he could.

“Easy there partner,” was softly whispered, not helping Gadget ease his self consciousness at all, “Here, I’ll help you sit in the chair.”

Movement was far from fluid as he was carefully seated in the chair. It was just a normal folding chair, and he found it hard to keep himself stationary due to the lack of strength and balance, though he tried his best. The hero seemed to catch on to his struggle and used his hands to help keep him there; either oblivious, or ignoring, the hot pink in Gadget’s cheeks.

“So, what can we do?” Sonic asked.

“Honestly, I’m not sure if there’s anything we can do.” Tails answered, voice holding disappointment at his lack of being helpful.

“I agree. As long as Infinite has that thing on his neck, we can’t do much,” Knuckles replied, “How about you get some rest Rookie? I got a feeling you’re gonna need it.”

“... I’m really sorry guys.”

“Don’t apologize,” Sonic argued lightly, “This isn’t your fault.”

“...”

Gadget couldn’t say anything, more like didn’t know what to say. He felt anything but that was true, but he chose not to argue, both cause he was exhausted, and because he didn’t feel like taking a chance with the mark on his neck again. 

“I’ll head to my room…”

Gadget tried to stand up, but almost toppled over if not due to the hero catching him before he could hit the floor. “Easy there.”

“Maybe you should take him back to his room Sonic.”

“Good idea.”

Sonic took one of Gadget’s arms and put it around his shoulders. While holding that arm there, the hedgehog’s free hand wrapped carefully around the Rookie’s thin waist.

“I’ll be back guys.”

The duo exited the office. Gadget immediately glanced down when he saw all the questioning stares shot their way at the odd predicament the two were in as Sonic slowly helped him across the room. Looking to the speedster, he didn’t seem fazed at all as he just more focused on getting them to the exit. Just as they’d been about to leave, they heard.

“Sonic?”

It was barely audible, but Gadget could have sworn he heard the hero huff out a quiet sigh as Amy approached. Odd, he thought they were dating, but the hero didn’t seem happy to see her. Maybe it’s just because he was busy?...

Turning his head to look at her, he answered, “Hey Amy. Sup?”

Well, he held his usual smile as he spoke, but, something still felt off.

“I can take the Rookie back to his room if you want.”

“Nah, I got him,” Sonic grinned.

“But…”

“I said I can take him Amy.”

That more affirmed response seemed to silence any more protests she may have held. “...Alright.”

Her footsteps clicked away. Not seeming to think much of it, Sonic continued to lead Gadget out of the room and down the hall until they reached the wolf’s room. Seeing as Gadget had a free hand, he opened the door and they both entered. Kicking the door closed lightly, Sonic led him to the bed and helped him lie down.

“There. How’s that?”

“Good. Thank you Sonic,” Gadget answered, “And um, sorry... for a lot of things.”

“Hm?” He cocked his head to the side, “Like what?”

“Well, not being able to tell you anything, you having to help me here, constantly worrying you, and making things a bit awkward when walking here, especially between you and your girlfriend.”

“Girlfriend?” Sonic questioned as he sat beside Gadget’s resting form, “You mean Amy?”

“Yeah.”

“She’s not my girlfriend.” He clarified gently.

“Oh! I’m sorry!”

“It’s alright. I can see why you’d think that. A lot of people have that assumption. It doesn’t help when she tells others sometimes that she’s my girlfriend when really she isn’t.”

“Are you interested in her?” 

Sonic held an odd look briefly before countering, “Why do you ask?”

“U-um, well, it’s just obvious she likes you quite a bit, so I just wondered I guess,” Gadget stammered out, afraid he made the other mad, “Sorry, that’s none of my business…”

“Don’t be sorry,” Sonic sighed apologetically, “You didn’t do anything. It’s just, frustrating.”

“What is?” Gadget asked while getting himself to be in a sitting position now that he had more strength; back resting against the wall the bed resided by.

“That everyone thinks we’re together when we aren’t. I mean, what if I like somebody but they think I’m with Amy?”

Thinking it a bit strange that Sonic mentioned that, considering he’s never been one known to talk about romance, the wolf couldn’t help but blurt out, “Do you like someone?”

An awkward silence seemed to stretch itself across the room as Sonic not only didn’t respond but he glanced downward as if to avoid the other’s gaze.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

A small frown formed on the hero’s muzzle, “Yeah, I do.”

“...Why do you seem unhappy about it? Shouldn’t that be a good thing?”

“I’m not necessarily unhappy,” Sonic explained, “It’s just...romance is difficult for me.”

Gadget chuckled, “I don’t think it was ever supposed to be easy. Trust me, I know the feeling.”

Finally looking at the wolf sitting on the bed, Sonic spoke, “You’ve had problems in that department?”

“Yep, sure have,” he answered as sadness crept in the corners of his heart once more, “I try not to think about it much.” Though he knows how miserably he’s failed at it.

“Ah, I see. Current girlfriend?”

“No,” Gadget shook his head, for one, it wasn’t a girl, and two, were they even dating? Not really. Well, it’s not really official, and the whole being on opposite sides of a war doesn’t help… “I’m not really seeing anyone right now.”

“But you have feelings for someone?”

A forced smile grew on the wolf’s lips, though it was as clear as day for the hedgehog to see it was fake. “I suppose I’m trying to move on... I need to anyway.” 

Though it broke his heart to say it. But, how could he be with Zero under these circumstances? He didn’t know...

“...I see.”

“What about you Sonic?”

“Hm?”

“Do you want to talk about who you like? It might help. Even if I don’t have any wisdom for you, I can at least listen, if you want.”

Hesitation flashed on his features, which Gadget never expected to see from the hero. However, he gave a warm smile as he began to speak.

“Well, honestly, I think what surprised me at first was how quick and unexpected it was. I haven’t known them for very long, but anytime I’m near them, I just feel, warmth bubble in chest. I feel like I can do anything, and, I can’t help but worry when I’m not there with them, or smile whenever he is by my side.”

Wait, had he heard that right? 

“He?”

As if realizing his mistake, green spheres widened and Sonic quickly jumped to his feet. “I-I should go now.”

Gadget had heard right, and if he let Sonic leave now when he’s clearly panicking, then who knows if he’d be able to clear things up. At least, he assumed the other thought Gadget would think badly of him. He hastily grabbed Sonic’s wrist, causing him to pause and look at him in puzzlement.

“You don’t need to leave,” Gadget said in a rush, “I didn’t mean to scare you off. If it means anything, the one I was talking about liking earlier was a guy.”

Wow, smooth Gadget. He couldn’t believe that slipped out of his mouth. He wasn’t even sure if he would have ever told Sonic about his love life considering what all was going on in it, let alone bluntly like that. His face turned as red as his fur.

“Heh, hahaha!” Sonic cracked up as he took a seat back down by the other male. 

Grinning, he replied, “Sorry. I guess I get nervous telling others that. Some of my closest friends know I’m gay, but most don’t, considering you see how Amy acts around me.”

“I understand. It’s a bit of a hard subject sometimes. I struggle telling others too. And don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”

“I guess… I’m not necessarily scared of people knowing as I just don’t want to scare anyone off if they realize a big hero of theirs isn’t straight.”

“You shouldn’t let that bother you,” Gadget disagreed, “I know it’s hard, trust me on that. But, they’re your feelings. You should be able to have them without worrying if the world is judging you. Just, be happy. Don’t let a few Mobians that don’t support you stop you from obtaining happiness. I think, if anyone deserves to be happy, it’s you Sonic.”

Those were his honest thoughts. Sonic gave up everything, like having a normal life, being comfortable and safe, and even from the sounds of it, romance. He gave up all those things and more for everyone; for everyday citizens, including even Gadget himself.

The hedgehog’s gaze seemed to change after those words had come out. It wasn’t an angry face, or anything negative, he didn’t think anyway, but he wasn’t sure what it meant. His expression seemed, as if coming to a decision?

Sonic shifted his weight as he scooted closer to the sitting wolf, leaning over him. Yellow eyes looked at him quizzically due to the shortened distance.

“Sonic?”

Staring intensely into his eyes made Gadget sweat slightly from the tension. Leaning more in, closing the gap, lips softly touched Gadget’s. Shock overtook him as he flinched in surprise, his eyes practically bulging from their sockets. 

He couldn’t understand what was happening. Sonic was kissing him! WHAT??? His mind was unable to comprehend the situation!

One of Sonic’s hands then landed on one of his own. Oddly enough, it seemed to calm the wolf down instantly as a pleasant sigh escaped him.

His lips felt a chill briefly as Sonic removed his for only a moment for breath, before easily coming right back for another; just as sweet as the first one, only Gadget relaxed more into this kiss.

He wasn’t sure how he felt towards the hero, and knew he was in love with Zero, yet couldn’t understand why these lip locks he shared with Sonic not only made his heart race but helped him feel at peace. A peace he had hoped to feel with Zero…

Lips brushed his tenderly before Sonic gave a small peck on the corner of Gadget’s mouth, unintentionally causing a quiet moan to escape from the wolf. Shivering in pleasure, Sonic gave another peck, only to his jawbone this time, drawing out another sound.

Emerald orbs were half lidded as he sluggishly dragged his tongue from the jaw back to those plump lips and kissing him again; more eagerly this time. Teeth gently nibbled Gadget’s bottom lip, making him take in a sharp breath; allowing the other’s tongue to leisurely slip into Gadget’s mouth, drawing out a louder groan from the wolf than before.

Tongues touched and played as Gadget couldn’t help but lose himself in the sensations Sonic brought. Whether this was right or wrong, he didn’t know, but all he could seem to comprehend was how wonderful it felt; everything, everywhere.

Finally, Sonic retreated slowly, though not wanting to. Lust was easily read on both of them. Not sure why he stopped, Gadget followed Sonic until they connected again, almost as if under a spell. It was now Sonic’s turn to moan in pleasure into the other’s mouth, while then softly laying the wolf down on the mattress and hovering over him.

The corners of Gadget’s mind screamed at him, demanding to know what he was doing. These were moments he shared with Zero… Zero, who was now Infinite. Innocent before, but now a murderer; once his best friend, but now his worst enemy. He wasn’t sure of anything anymore, but the only thing he knew, was the empty void he felt from when Zero and himself got separated before, and the void opening more when finding out who Infinite really was, now seemed to fill, and contentment embraced his lonely heart, the moment Sonic’s lips touched his.

Wrapping his arms around the other’s neck, Gadget drew Sonic closer as they continued to make out. Heat traveled through the Rookie’s veins at those sensual kisses, and now light brushes as Sonic used one arm to keep himself up and his free hand to explore his chest. 

“Mmm, Gadget,” was breathed out sexily; a thin string of saliva connecting the two tongues as they had separated for breath. Green reminding Gadget of beautiful lush trees shined down on him with a state full of arousal. 

Fingers explored from his chest to his stomach while pale lips settled on the red furred neck and nipped away with his teeth; not hard enough to bruise but Gadget could definitely feel an intense heat traveling lower, and making his breath hitch as he began to grow uncomfortable in his lower regions.

*knock knock*

Both paused in their movements from the interruption. Gadget felt himself come back down to Möbius in two seconds flat while Sonic glared at the door. Looking down again at the Rookie for a moment, he grabbed a nearby blanket and covered him with it.

“So no one sees you’re hard,” Sonic quickly and quietly explained, causing a deep flush of embarrassment to form on the wolf’s face from the fact that the hero very easily noticed. 

Sonic stood before walking over to the door. Opening it only some, Gadget couldn’t see who was there but could tell by the voice it was the Commander. A sigh left the hero after the door was shut. Turning towards the wolf in bed, he gave an apologetic expression. 

“Knuckles wants to go over a few things with me before it’s lights out.”

“Do what you gotta do Sonic,” Gadget replied sleepily.

Returning the smile, Sonic walked with stride before being right back by the bed. Leaning down, his lips brushed the other’s forehead; making Gadget turn pink.

“I want to talk to you more tomorrow. There’s no pressure for anything, but we’ll discuss it more after some sleep.”

“O-okay.”

“Good night Gadget.”

“Good night Sonic.”