Sonic POV 3rd person 

After the call ended with the Commander, Sonic slouched over the desk while putting his head in his hands. Gadget left. What would happen? Even if he tried to go find him, he had no idea what direction he went in, and has no idea where he’s heading to.

A groan left his lips in frustration. He was supposed to be making the sacrifices so no one else had to, especially not Gadget. They’ve barely had time to get closer in any way, not necessarily romantically speaking, but as friends.

He doesn’t know what Gadget's favorite color is, or food, or what he likes to do in his spare time. He doesn’t know anything! And now Gadget might possibly be going to get himself killed, and there was no way to stop him. The tracking watch and communicator sat neatly on the desk, not missed by those green eyes after realizing from the letter that he left.

Pushing away from the desk, he leaned back in the seat as he tried to think of the best approach. Hopefully Shadow and Rouge have some ideas. He just got Gadget back. He didn’t want to lose him again.

Emerald orbs stared up at the ceiling, thinking back to when he first met Gadget. 

————

Time: A few weeks ago

Location: Death Egg

Sonic POV 3rd person 

Swiftly avoiding all enemy fire, his gaze caught sight of his intended destination, and down he jumped. Azure blue fur swayed in the wind as his body fell through a ventilation shaft. Seeing the end of the tunnel, feet landed on solid ground as he saw where he hoped he’d be; in the shuttle bay.

Just then, he saw a group of Egghead’s robots surround someone, and heard a scared whimper. Not sure who it was, he went and easily smashed the robots to smithereens. 

Once all robots were destroyed and nothing but mechanical parts littered the floor, Sonic gave his confident grin as he landed in front of who he saved, and spoke while holding out a hand.

“Easy there! Everything’s cool.”

Maybe not his best line, but, he’d make do. He’s said worse after all.

His hand was gripped and he helped up the Mobian who had just been on the floor. It was now he got the chance to really look at who he saved.

It was a wolf; had to be around his age. Crimson fur to perfectly compliment his golden yellow eyes. They reminded the hedgehog of the sun that he missed so much. He didn’t have clothes on but some accessories such as a small bag happily resting on his hip, shoes dirtied and he was sure this hadn’t been his first mission, a headset mic was on one ear, and glasses that settled perfectly on his face.

Many might think there wasn’t anything special about this wolf, but Sonic trusted his gut, and it told him otherwise. The Mobian before him, despite him having to be near his age, seemed cute to the hero. He wasn’t sure what it was that brought up those feelings when normally he didn’t feel such things often, but he just did.

Once the wolf was on his feet, he smiled joyfully at the speedster; as if seeing him just made his day. That was honestly super adorable, and Sonic had to fight a blush that threatened to form along his muzzle.

“Are you here to rescue me?” This was answered with a nod along with a confirmation noise. Sonic grinned, “Can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a friendly face.”

And that was the truth, and he felt happy the friendly face that came was this wolf. Sonic hopes to get to know him better, and even become friends. Sonic had a good feeling about him.

The wolf’s comm then went off and he pressed a button to answer. Sonic heard the all too familiar voice of Knuckles on the other line.

“Hey Rookie, you still in one piece?”

Sonic chuckled, “Oh sure. Don’t even bother to ask how I am.”

“Sonic!”

Was suddenly shouted, making both boys jump from the volume.

“Amy?”

“I’m so glad!” She gleed loudly on the other end.

“Hold up Amy,” Knuckles cut in, “We’re all happy Sonic is alive! But he won’t be if he doesn’t get off that egg in a hurry.”

While Knuckles was still speaking, Sonic leaned away from the comm, and near the side where the wolf’s other ear was so he could ask, “Is there an exit around here?”

Nodding, he pointed ahead to an aircraft not far from them. Sweet freedom here he comes! The two started to walk towards the ship as Sonic spoke up.

“You’re concern is touching Knuckles.”

He then began to pick up his feet to start off in a light jog as to not leave the ‘Rookie’ as Knuckles called him, behind. Although, the wolf realized the change in speed, and he quickly caught up with the hedgehog as they headed towards their ticket out of there.

The two hastily got in and took no time to leave the Death Egg and head back to the planet of Mobius. Once the blue sky was seen and knowing land would be in eyesight soon, the hedgehog sighed out in bliss as he relaxed in his seat; relieved to finally be out of that prison Eggman held him in for quite some time. Movement was instantly noticed, and his eyelids opened to see a bottle of water was being handed to him by his ‘rescuer’ in a sense. Well, they both kind of rescued each other really.

Grinning, Sonic took the offered water and took a swig of it. He hadn’t had much to drink recently, so the cooling liquid flowed down his throat nicely. 

The wolf smiled back before taking a seat next to him and taking a drink of his own water. Sonic looked over, and his eyes caught the wrong thing at the wrong time; for he saw the wolf’s Adam’s Apple bob as the water traveled down his throat. Honestly, he wasn’t sure why his eyes zero’d in to that exact spot and just at the right time, but seeing that, made Sonic feel strange, and a bit uncomfortable; not necessarily in a bad why though.

That made no sense. He shook his head lightly to get rid of those annoying thoughts before looking back to see the Rookie gazing at him curiously. Of course he noticed that…

Scratching his head, Sonic gave a nervous laugh, “Sorry. Just thought of something I hadn’t really meant to think of.”

Though still a bit puzzled, the wolf just shook his head before giving a small smile, as if to say ‘Don’t worry about it.’

“Thanks for coming to get me.” Sonic meant those words.

A thumbs up was given in response along with the Rookie holding a goofy grin. Sonic chuckled a bit at the sight. The wolf was pretty cute. It was weird for him still to have those thoughts as it’s not often he finds someone attractive, but he couldn’t help it. When he did find someone he felt attraction for, he’d admit it to himself. Though, ever telling someone was a whole different story. 

Since he has a preference towards guys and he’s a super star hero, that would most likely be his secret he takes to the grave with him. But, that didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy the view. That being said, the Rookie got up from his seat before bending down and digging in a box. Yep, just enjoy the view and never tell a soul… That was super depressing and perverted when he thought about it.

The wolf stood in front of him again a moment later with an apple in his hand that was extended towards him. Now that Sonic thought about it, he hasn’t eaten in awhile either…

“Thanks buddy.”

He took the fruit before taking a large bite. It then turned to two large bites, then three, and before long, the apple was gone and all that remained was the core of it. Since the hero practically inhaled the poor piece of fruit like during a tornado, the resistance member giggled at Sonic.

Hearing that cute, innocent giggle, Sonic couldn’t help the flush that over took his muzzle. What is wrong with him?! He never gets like this, even with someone he has a slight crush on. They must have hit him harder in the head in that prison than he thought, or something. Geez!

Shaking his head again, Sonic then looked around for a trash can. He didn’t have to wait long as a tap was felt on his shoulder. His head turned and in the Rookie’s hands was a small waste bin so he could throw away his apple core.

“Thanks.”

It was thrown in, and the bin was set on the floor by the wolf’s feet.

Despite that they’d been together for a little while now, Sonic had yet to hear the other actually speak. He’s made noises and expressions, but not uttered a single word. He wasn’t sure why, maybe he was just shy, but he hoped he would say something soon. Maybe he just needs a conversation starter.

“What’s your name?”

“Oh,” the wolf replied softly. Yep, Sonic could tell he was definitely a bit nervous. He figured he must just be the shy type. “My name is Gadget.”

Giving a warm smile, Sonic replied, “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Sonic.” 

His fist was then held out. Puzzlement settled on the wolf’s muzzle for about two seconds, before gently returning the fist bump.

“It’s nice to meet you too Sonic.”

Yep, he is most certainly going to like this guy.

He just hadn’t realized how much he would start to like him. Both in the base, and in the field, Sonic and Gadget seemed to have a good chemistry and worked really well together. Somehow, with Gadget by his side, he felt he could do anything. With each passing second and each passing day, the more the two interacted, the harder Sonic fell. It wasn’t until he thought Gadget died in Metropolis, that he realized just how much affection he held towards the wolf. He figured Knuckles had an idea, but he never inquired on it. Everyone else thought they were just good buddies, and they were, but Sonic felt more than that.

*Back to the Present*

Eyes opened as he stared at the ceiling in Gadget’s room. He couldn’t just sit here and wait for him to return. Something had to be done. He didn’t know what, but he got to his feet. 

The two letters on the desk, he decided to take those with him, just in case. Both pieces of paper were folded up into tiny squares and stashed into a small pocket he secretly had in his gloves. He wasn’t going to give up that easily, and he refused to lose Gadget a second time. He had to give it his all if he hoped to succeed. Gadget believed in him, so he had to believe in himself too.

‘Gadget. I swear. I’ll protect you.’