Infinite POV 3rd person 

Feet planted themselves as he appeared in his personal quarters. Exhausted, a few steps were taken before completely collapsing on the bed. Rough pants left his lips as a fire of rage and determination seethed beneath the surface. Infuriation was not even enough to begin with how he was feeling.

How could he possibly lose him?!

Confidence had gotten the better of him, and he let his guard down too much. The moment Gadget lost, he should have just brought him here. Trying to prove his point seemed to fail as those stupid hedgehogs came to save the day. Pathetic. 

He’d noticed his powers dwindled down after the first original power source had been destroyed, which Eggman had warned him about; saying the backup wasn’t as powerful as the original so it could happen from time to time, but still, he should have been able to keep fighting after those battles and that explosion. Burning heat only seemed to travel through him more as he let out a subtle snarl.

Still, this wasn’t the end. Lying on his back rather than his stomach as he had only moments ago, red glowed from his fingertips; creating a miniature map with a blinking dot in the middle. If he was going to get Gadget, he would have to do more than just draw him out as before. This time, Infinite would go to him.

————

Unknown POV 3rd person 

It was quite a show as he watched a few of the Resistance members return to the base. The bug secretly planted on the white hedgehog proved effective as he watched everything happening in this other dimension. Curiosity peaked his interest, and boy was he not disappointed.

Two blue hedgehogs, a yellow fox, a green bird, a pink cat, and… a red wolf, all walked in as their ‘Commander’ ran up to check on them. Most of the party seemed to be in rough shape. He didn’t care, but just felt fascination and disbelief at what he’d seen.

The battle between Gadget and that version of Infinite, he had to admit, was a delight to watch. The Phantom Ruby was truly remarkable in many ways, but in the end, all it ever creates are fakes, even if they seem real.

Although, that made no difference as he continued to watch. The one known as Kytra hugged the wolf tightly while almost bursting into tears from the events that took place. Everyone there, not just Silver, but all in that room, called him Gadget or Rookie. If this was a facade, it was a damned good one.

Pressing a button on his wrist, he replied, “Come here morons.”

Not much later did the red and yellow robots, tweedle dee and tweedle dumb as he called them sometimes, appeared before him. The red one, the more intelligent of the two and the one he preferred, inquired.

“You requested us sir?”

“Yes,” getting to his feet, he left the throne he’d previously sat in, “I’m going to be going on a little ‘trip’ soon.”

“Sir?”

“I’m going to prepare everything for my departure. I will create someone to leave in charge if you need anything or have any questions.”

“When will you return sir?”

“I am unsure, but I don’t see myself being away for long.”

This was exciting indeed and he couldn’t wait to pay a visit.

————-

Gadget POV 3rd person 

After returning to the base, immediately the Sonics and Gadget were taken to the medical bay. Amy looked over the smaller Sonic for any possible injuries that couldn’t get taken care of on the shuttle; there was limited supplies on there after all. Everything seemed disinfected and bandaged so the other generation hedgehog was fine. Kytra worked on this dimension Sonic and Brian double checked Gadget since he had also been treated on the ship. It didn’t take long before everyone was cleaned and patched up.

Now the Sonics, Gadget, his siblings, Knuckles, Tails, and Silver all stood in the small office. It was a little cramped, but they’d have to make due. The Commander decided not to make a scene about this at the moment; more out of courtesy to the Rookie as of what almost happened. Some details on how Tails was rescued would be given tomorrow, but not many.

“Thank you for coming everybody,” the echidna started, catching everyone’s attention, “Thank you all for working hard and rescuing Tails. It wasn’t easy, but I appreciate it nonetheless.”

The fox nodded as he spoke up, “Thank you guys,” he then faced the Rookie, “Thank you Gadget.”

“I’ll take care of the details and explaining with the rest of the Resistance tomorrow. And don’t worry Rookie, I won’t mention what took place, only that a squad was sent and rescued Tails. I’d appreciate if everyone here not talk about what happened. Now, we’ve had a long day. Everyone go get some rest. You’ve all earned it.”

Feet shuffled out of the cramped office into the main room. Once freedom was obtained, a finger poked Gadget’s shoulder. Turning around, he saw it was the white hedgehog. Silver wasn’t it? They’ve never actually talked before.

“Hi Gadget,” he greeted, “Could I have a few minutes of your time?”

A brow raised in question, but he didn’t say anything as he only offered a nod; following the hedgehog back into the stuffy office, which really wasn’t so stuffy now. Chairs laid scattered across the room, and both picked a couple seats where they could comfortably interact.

“I’m not sure if we’ve actually ever been introduced. I’m Silver.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Gadget.”

The two males shook hands.

“So, I’ll get right to the point. My role here isn’t very well known. Most members of the Resistance think I just help Knuckles and sometimes go out and do missions or fight if needed.” That’s what Gadget himself had thought too. Was there something else? “I can tell by your confused look you thought the same. Normally, this would be kept secret, and I hope you won’t say anything to anyone. The only ones who know my true role are the Commander, Amy, Tails, the Chaotix Team, Shadow, and both Sonics.”

“Um, alright?”

“Well, I’m from another dimension.”

….

“...What?”

Scratching his ear nervously, Silver replied, “I know it’s a little hard to believe, but I’m not only from a different dimension, but a different future. Well, kind of the future?...  Um, it’s hard to explain. Anyway, I kept trying to travel back and fix my timeline as the Infinite where I’m from rules the world, but I could never find a solution. So, I thought I would try searching through a different dimension. I came here before the war started, hoping to put a stop to it, but, as you can see, that didn’t work out so well.”

“And I’m guessing you wanted to see if I had any insight?”

“I figured it couldn’t hurt to try,” Silver nodded, “Granted, I know the situation with the mark Infinite gave you that prevents you from talking to us about him.”

Apologetically, Gadget spoke, “I’m sorry. While I was able to talk more when I was with Infinite, it was probably only because he didn’t know anyone was watching us, and I was in his vicinity. Not only can I not say much to you all, but I’ve already tried talking to Infinite about ending the war.”

“You mean before today?”

“Mhm. Back in Rosen City, I tried to convince him to stop the war, but he sent a bunch of enemies to chase me instead.”

“Oh…”

“I don’t think I can help much,” glancing to the side, the Rookie mumbled, “I’m not sure if I can help anyone.”

“That’s not true!” Silver disagreed, making the other turn back towards him. “You saved Tails today didn’t you?”

“Yeah, but…”

“No buts! You did the best you could do in that situation, and if it weren’t for you, Tails might not be alive right now. So don’t think that.”

“….”

*knock knock*

Hearing the door, Silver said to come in. Sonic of this dimension entered; looking beat up and tuckered out, but with a smile on his face regardless. Steps were light as he sat next to Gadget.

“You guys talk?” 

Nodding, Silver answered, “Yeah, some.”

“Um…” Both hedgehogs gave their attention to the wolf. “If you were curious about what I knew with Infinite, why didn’t you ask the me from your dimension?”

“Um, well...he’s dead.”

…..

……..

“....Oh.”

“Yeah, that’s kind of a lot to take in. I understand.”

“How did I die? Was it at the orphanage in the fire? Or in the war?”

“No, it was neither. You were adopted as normal there.” The white hedgehog seemed hesitant, but nonetheless, he answered, “You were sixteen when you passed away.”

Shock clearly showed on the Rookie from that, “Sixteen?”

Silver inquired, “What did you do when you were sixteen?”

“That was the year I graduated from high school and started community college.”

“Did you do anything during the summer, like travel?”

Travel? 

“No, I didn’t really go anywhere. I thought about visiting my old town where the orphanage had been at, but my parents were pretty adamant about not wanting me to go. I think the fire made them weary. So, I decided to stay home. I mean, I visited Metropolis sometimes either with my siblings or to see the Company to work on stuff, but that’s it.”

“Huh? Interesting.” Silver mused as Sonic kept quiet, as he knew what happened in the other dimension already.

“What is?”

“Well, in my timeline, you traveled all summer.”

Puzzled, Gadget asked, “I did?”

“Yep. Doing a little digging, it seems like you started at West Sea Town. You took a train pass to a nearby city and rode a bus over.”

Both Gadget’s and Sonic’s eyes widened from that knowledge, but for completely different reasons. In that odd dream, Sonic had been in West Sea Town before seeing a teenage Gadget and a teenage Zero. How could he have dreamed things that he knew nothing about? Like a town he never heard of but it existing, or a jackal with heterochromia eyes that ended up being spot on with Infinite without his mask?

While Sonic struggled with understanding that, the wolf replied, “West Sea Town…” he grunted as a hand went to his neck in pain, causing reactions of concern in the two hedgehogs. He pressed on, “Is where my orphanage was at….before…… b-burning do-wn.”

Sight flickered as his body swayed. As he had been about to fall out of his seat, Sonic caught him easily, and adjusted the wolf to lean against him versus chancing him falling on the floor. Keeping both arms around the other male, Sonic replied.

“Maybe that’s enough questions for now.”

“Is that the mark’s work?”

“Yes. It was much worse last time,” Sonic answered as guilt settled on his muzzle; quietly then asking, “Are you okay Gadget?”

“Y-Yeah.”

It was a weak answer. Gadget tried to sit himself up, but was pretty shaky. His body buckled and he would’ve fallen over if not for Sonic catching him, again.

“How about I take you back to your room?”

….

“In a few minutes. This isn’t as bad as last time so I’m sure I can walk if I just wait a bit.”

The hero frowned, “Why not just let me carry you there?”

Amber eyes averted emerald ones as he replied, “I thought I’d make you uncomfortable. I mean, last time, there were a lot of stares. And you’re pretty worn out from the battle earlier.”

Grinning confidently, Sonic answered, “Don’t worry about that!”

Swooping up the unsuspecting canine, Gadget found himself in Sonic’s arms; being carried bridal style. Face turned completely red. Not fazed, Sonic spoke, “I’m gonna take him to his room. Later!”

In the blink of an eye, Gadget suddenly found them both in his room; door closed. Where’d the office go? He knew the hero could go fast, but sometimes he forgets just how fast.

“Whoa…”

“Impressed?” He asked with a smirk. Gadget couldn’t help but answer.

“Yeah.”

It was now Sonic’s turn to avert his gaze as his cheeks tinted pink. Ignoring it though, he walked over to the bed and gently placed the sore wolf down. Once situated, he took a seat next to the lying down Rookie.

“...Are you okay Gadget?” Tone thick with worry.

“Yeah. A little rest and I’ll be good as new.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Yeah... Gadget knew what he meant. 

“I’m still a bit shaken up, but I’ll be okay. It’s not like I was actually raped.”

“No, but he got close,” a gloved hand caressed a tan cheek. “I’m so sorry Gadget. I should have been there. I…”

Digits touched Sonic’s lips, quietly shushing him. “Don’t ever be sorry about that. Despite everything, you still came for me. You didn’t have to. You guys could have just left me there, but you didn’t. Thank you.”

Those words were truly sincere. Gadget felt so jumbled about everything with Zero. Honestly, if he saw him again, which he had no doubt that he would considering how stubborn the jackal is, he’s not sure how to be around him. He tried to talk to him, be civil with him. Nothing worked. It’s like, some switch in his brain just flipped and Gadget couldn’t figure out how to adjust it back.

Zero. Infinite. He is the enemy. No more holding back. No more kindness or nice words. It won’t work, and he can’t risk that anymore. Not after everything; the war, and today. Was this the end between them? It had to be. Zero had killed thousands, and is willingly to kill thousands more, because of his hate.

Gadget can’t be with Zero. Not like this, and it breaks his heart.

Fingers still barely touched those peach lips. Realizing just now, cheeks burned as he’d been about to move his hand away, but… lips pressed softly on his fingertips, and then giving a kiss to his palm.

“Sonic…”

Adjusting himself, Gadget got up to a sitting position, staring deeply into those green eyes; gaze so full of confidence, happiness, and hope. His gloveless red hand was gently grasped as it was moved from those peach lips to the side of the hedgehog’s muzzle.

“I’m so glad you’re safe. I was so worried. So scared; scared that I’d lose you.”

A lump formed in the wolf’s throat, and it suddenly felt hard to swallow. Not registering what he was doing, Gadget found himself leaning forward. Seeing the change in position, Sonic sat very still. It wasn’t long before Gadget was very much in Sonic’s personal space.

Things didn’t work out with Zero. That was a truth he knew deep down. But, though the feelings he has towards Sonic are different, it doesn’t mean they’re bad. His chest felt light, like a weight was gone from him. 

Did Sonic still want him after that? He hadn’t budged, as if letting Gadget figure out and decide. What did he want? In the shuttle, the urge to kiss him had been there, and it was back. Was this the right thing to do? He wasn’t sure…

That emerald gaze held his as Gadget stared intensely at him. Sonic… He liked Sonic.

What kind of like?

It was more than friendship. How much more?

A look of kindness as thrown towards him, and, loving? Sonic, looked so sincere, and Gadget believed him.

His heart fluttered.

Amber spheres that were half lidded, finally closed as his lips touched the other’s softly. The kiss was reciprocated as Sonic carefully returned the gesture; wanting to show he cared but not push him to do anything he didn’t want.

They separated. Sonic gave a heartfelt smile as his finger brushed the other’s cheek. Gadget returned the smile with his own before they shared an embrace.

“Take your time Gadget. I’ll be here every step of the way. I care for you, and want to be with you, but at your pace. I know you have a lot to think about and go through. In every moment, I’ll be there.”

Red arms tightened, “Thank you Sonic.”

Rubbing his head, Sonic pecked Gadget’s forehead. “How about you get some sleep?”

“Okay…” he hesitated; Sonic caught on.

“Do you want me to stay with you? Or your siblings?”

The hug tightened a bit, as if terrified to let go, but eventually, Gadget released the hero.

“No, I’ll be fine.”

Sonic didn’t buy it.

“Say, I have a few loose ends to tie up. How about you go shower or relax? When I’m finished, I’ll come back and stay with you.”

“But…”

A small kiss on his lips shushed him. “No arguing. You shouldn’t be alone right now. I hate that I need to go finish up a few things before I can call it a night. I can call your siblings here if you want?”

“No, I’ll be okay. They’re both busy in the medical bay. They told me earlier they agreed to do the night shift tonight.”

“Oh.” Sonic scratched a ruby ear, “I’ll be back soon. Just relax until then, okay. And don’t hesitate to call if you need anything, and I do mean anything.”

Giggles left the wolf as he answered, “Alright. Thank you Sonic.”  

Shyly, Gadget swooped in quickly and planted a kiss on Sonic’s muzzle. 

“Good night Sonic.”

Blushing hard, Sonic managed out, “Good night.”

It was cute as the speedster tried to hide his face as he left the wolf’s room. Feeling much better, and safer, Gadget snuggled under the blankets as he drifted off into a peaceful slumber.