Chapter Text
The rest of Sonic’s pregnancy went on without complications- well, not physically. His belly grew and grew, and now he was waddling around like he had a watermelon strapped to his belly. Shadow helped him around, of course- he took him on short walks outside or around the house and pretty much escorted him anywhere he went.
Sonic stopped going out. They pretty much had all of their food and groceries delivered- he was happy enough with the nature that surrounded their home. He didn’t want to go out in public and deal with the paparazzi or nosy journalists. On top of that, he would have felt embarrassed, barely being able to walk around any stores. Luckily, they had everything needed for the baby and could just order stuff online if they needed to.
The complications Sonic suffered from… were emotional. He found himself on edge all of the time- if he stubbed his toe, he was suddenly yelling at the bedframe and berating it like it wronged his whole lineage. If Sonic was watching TV and one of those ads about chaos who were rescued from abusive houses needing support came on, he was bawling his eyes out. He was also sensitive to smells- one night they forgot to take the trash out, and when he came downstairs and went to the kitchen and smelled it, he threw up despite the smell barely being detected by Shadow.
But it wasn’t just his emotions. Sonic had strong feelings for Shadow- and he now knew it was because he was head over heels in love. They sorta skipped a few steps- he was pregnant and living with Shadow, and they weren’t even dating- not even lovers. They didn’t kiss or anything, they didn’t whisper sweet nothings and say ‘I love you,’ they just did physical affection… mostly when Sonic needed comfort.
Sonic told Amy he would tell Shadow the day he came back from that trip- but clearly that didn't work out. When she called the following day and asked about it, he explained the whole media thing and promised he would confess in the next few days. When she called a few days later, he began throwing out excuses.
The time never felt right, or Sonic would storm into the living room fully prepared to tell Shadow how he felt- but then he’d see a sad movie was playing and break down in tears. Or he planned to tell him over dinner- but the food was just so good that he was too distracted by eating, and by the time the meal was over, he was ready for a nap.
Amy knew she couldn’t force him- this was like some slow-burning romance novel that she could only keep reading and wait for things to work out. She insisted that Shadow would likely feed the sane. Why would he be so caring otherwise? But Sonic was worried- he still felt that Shadow was only acting this way for the baby, not because he was actually in love with Sonic.
Sonic was officially 39 weeks, due to pop any day now.
It was the weekend, and the weather was warm, but not too hot, and the sun shone brightly. It was the time of year when nature peaked- everything was green and colorful, woodland creatures roamed freely, and flowers bloomed everywhere- and lavender was spread all around their home.
That morning, Sonic and Shadow sat together at the kitchen table, eating bacon, eggs, and toast. Sonic scarfed his food down much quicker than Shadow. Once he was finished, he sighed and leaned back in his seat, rubbing his large belly gently. “Shadow, we should have a picnic for lunch today.” Sonic hummed.
Shadow turned his head to the side. “A picnic? Why?” He asked. “Well, I’m gonna go into labor any day now- and once she’s here, we’re gonna be all cooped up in the house. I wanna enjoy the outdoors- especially since it's so nice out right now. It’s gonna rain all of next week.” Sonic explained. Shadow pondered a moment before nodding. “We’ll take one of our throw blankets out. How about sandwiches and fruit for lunch?” Shadow asked. Sonic nodded enthusiastically.
…
Sonic laid a blanket out in the field of lavender just outside of their home. It smelled wonderful… he picked some recently and made lavender lemonade, which Shadow set out with their sandwiches and berries they had picked from wild-growing vines in the forest.
Shadow set out two plates, and Sonic quickly placed four sandwich halves onto his plate. “You remembered the pickles, right?” Sonic asked. Shadow nodded. “Of course I did.” He said, grabbing his own sandwich halves. The two began to eat.
The scene was beautiful- no, perfect. The scenery, the smell, the food… Sonic felt so happy and content… and then he realized that he and Shadow weren’t a couple- not happily together and expecting their first child… just two hedgehogs that accidentally got pregnant and are trying to make things work.
He had to tell him now- now or never.
“Shadow…” Sonic sighed. He brushed his hand over his stomach. He could feel his daughter stir within him. She had been really active these last couple of days. Shadow glanced at Sonic as he sipped his lavender lemonade. He put the glass down. “What is it?”
Sonic’s face turned a little red. “Y’know… we’re about to have a baby… and- we gotta… figure things out,” Sonic said. Shadow turned his head slightly. “Don’t we already? What do we need to figure out?”
Sonic bit his lip for a moment. “Shadow, I’m in lo-” Sonic shut up when he felt liquid between his legs. His eyes widened as he glanced down to see that the blanket beneath him was soaked. He didn’t pee himself… it was…
“Sonic, did your water just break?” Shadow asked, concern laced in his tone. Sonic nodded. “Y-yeah, it did,” he said. “Stay right here. I’m going to go start the car, then I will come get you, and we’ll go to the hospital.” Shadow said. Sonic nodded and held his stomach, wincing as he felt a sharp pain rip through him.
Shadow teleported inside. He didn’t teleport around with Sonic due to Tail’s orders- the chaos energy could interrupt the baby’s own chaos signature, or even their development- it simply was too risky. On top of that, Sonic felt queasy whenever he was teleported.
Shadow grabbed his keys and ran out to the car. He sat in the driver’s seat and turned the ignition. He started the car and ran inside, grabbing the hospital bag he had packed the other day. He took it to the car before going back to the lavender field to Sonic.
When Shadow returned to Sonic’s side, the blue hedgehog was lying down on the picnic blanket, sweat droplets being scattered among his quills. “W-why does it hurt so bad? T-the contractions- they- should only be coming- like- every twenty minutes- but- I’ve had like, three of them in the last ten-”
Shadow’s eyes widened. “Three? Sonic- I… Your labor… it's moving quickly- and… it’ll take us at least thirty minutes to get to the hospital,” Shadow said. Sonic whined and tensed again. Shadow took his hand and let him squeeze it.
“Shadow- I think- she’s gonna come before we make it- and- I d-don’t wanna give birth i-in the car- I-I’d rather do it here then g-go,” Sonic stuttered. Shadow felt panic… he wasn’t prepared to deliver their child, but did he have a choice?
“Okay, let's- get you inside-” Shadow said, but Sonic let out a loud cry. “I-I can’t- She’s coming right now!” Sonic cried. Shadow felt panic rise as he looked between Sonic’s legs.
She was, in fact, coming right now.
The pain was raw. Shadow gave words of encouragement and let Sonic squeeze his hand… but the pain just built and built- stretching, tearing, contracting- it was the worst he’s felt in a long time… And then, a moment to relax, the pain turned to a dull throb as a baby’s scream filled the air.
Sonic’s breath caught in his throat. His vision was foggy with tears. He could faintly see Shadow cradling a small being, who screamed and grabbed at his chest fur. He swore he saw tears in Shadow’s eyes…but he was too out of it to confirm.
Shadow gingerly lays the baby on Sonic’s chest. “She’s beautiful… You did so well.” Shadow said. The baby whined and stopped crying once she was on her mother’s chest. Sonic let out a breathy laugh. His vision cleared enough to see her- she was so small… her furs were still soft and very sparse, but they were faintly a soft purple color, and he saw the faintest bit of cyan on the top of her head.
“I-I'm gonna rest awhile…” Sonic mumbled, seeing black spots in his vision as he tried to focus on his daughter. Shadow’s eyes widened. “Sonic- stay awake- Sonic!”
…
When Sonic awoke, the peaceful field of lavender was replaced by the sterile environment of a hospital. His body felt sore, and he felt a sharp burn between his legs when he tried to move.
He glanced over to see that Shadow was holding his hand, holding the back of it against his lips. The ebony hedgehog’s eyes widened when he saw that Sonic was awake. “Sonic, are you okay? You- there… There was so much blood… I thought… I was gonna lose you.” Shadow said. Sonic forced a smile. “I’m okay. Just a little sore is all.” He brushed off.
Shadow let out a small sigh. “You’ve been knocked out for a whole day… You gave birth yesterday.” Shadow explained. Sonic was surprised… but all was well in the end- he bounced back from stuff quickly, and he assumed this would be no different. “Where is she? Is she okay?” Sonic asked.
Shadow stood up and walked over to a nearby cot that Sonic hadn’t noticed. He picked up their daughter, who was wearing the bear onesie he practically begged Shadow for. She looked so cute… she had little mittens on her hands, too. He’d have to count her little fingers and toes later…
Shadow walked over and sat next to Sonic once more. Sonic held his arms out and took the little girl from Shadow. She was whining and making little squeaks as she was transferred over to her mom’s arms, but she quickly snuggled up to him. She opened her eyes a moment later- she had Sonic’s eyes, shape, and color, but seemed to have an expression reminiscent of Shadow’s ‘resting bitch face.’
“Oh… you precious thing,” Sonic laughed with tears in his eyes. He leaned down and pressed a single kiss to her forehead, earning a few more little squeaks from the baby. Then, he looked at Shadow.
“We… need to talk. I got… interrupted by this little one earlier.” He said. Shadow looked concerned. “What’s wrong?” He asked.
Sonic let out a deep sigh.
“I-I’m in love with you!” He cried, shutting his eyes- feeling too nervous to see Shadow’s reaction. “Y-you’ve been so loving, and caring- b-but I know it's only because I was pregnant with your b-baby, and- I-I didn’t wanna ruin e-everything- b-but Amy said I-I had to tell you-” Sonic stammered out.
“You’re such an idiot,” Shadow responded.
Sonic opened his eyes- he expected Shadow to look angry, disgusted, annoyed- but… instead, Shadow was smiling. He reached out and cupped Sonic’s cheek.
“I’ve loved you for a long time. Since the first time we went super together.” Shadow explained. Sonic felt his heart flutter. “R-really? This- whole time? But you… You always pushed me away, brushed me off, acted as if you hated me.” Sonic said. He frowned. “After we had sex…You started acting like I didn’t exist. You didn’t want to even see me until I told you I was pregnant.”
Shadow sighed, a guilty look coming onto his face as he pulled his hand back. “I… The people I love have always gotten hurt, and… I didn’t want to face that heartbreak again- I was scared of it… So I shut myself off from you, hoping the feelings would just fizzle out. But they burned brighter- and when I found out you were pregnant with my child… I knew I couldn’t ignore those feelings any longer. I never had a mom and father figures have been… dicey- I didn’t want our child to grow up without both parents.”
Sonic blushed. “Why didn’t you say you were in love with me while I was pregnant?” Sonic asked. “Because I wasn’t sure you’d feel the same… and… I’m selfish. I didn’t want to lose you.” Shadow explained. Sonic couldn't hold back his smile.
The blue hedgehog glanced down at his daughter. “You’re a matchmaker, huh? Without her… we’d likely never have come to this.” Sonic laughed. Shadow nodded in agreement. “Yeah…” he said.
Sonic looked back up at Shadow. The two stared at one another for a moment before slowly leaning in and entering a long-awaited, loving kiss.
…
5 Years later
Sonic sat out on a picnic blanket, popping a strawberry into his mouth. He rubbed his swollen belly gently and smiled as he glanced at the gold band on his ring finger.
“Lavender, honey- come over here. It’s time to cut the cake!” Sonic called out. Shadow sat next to him, arm around his husband, while Sonic leaned his head against his shoulder. The two eloped when their daughter was three, and now they were expecting their second child- Sonic was already four months along.
A young hedgehog with purple quills, green eyes with cyan bordering them, and a cyan stripe on the top of her head ran over, giggling. “Momma, papa, can I cut it? Pretty please?” She asked as she found a spot between her parents and sat down.
“Let your dad help you with the knife. I don’t want you to hurt yourself.” Sonic instructed. “Here, honey,” Shadow said, holding the knife and allowing his daughter to wrap her hand around his. They sank the knife into the small, round cake with white frosting and pink and blue sprinkles. They cut out a slice, and Shadow grabbed a nearby spatula.
He picked up the slice with it and revealed the color of the cake inside; it was blue. “Papa, what does blue mean?” The little girl asked. “It means you’re going to have a little brother,” Shadow told her. Lavender perked up, her tail wagging. “A baby brother! I’m so excited!” She giggled. Sonic smiled and cupped her cheek. “Me too, baby. You’re gonna be a great big sister.”
“Thank you, momma… Can I eat some cake now?” She asked. Sonic chuckled and nodded. “Of course- not too much, though.” He said. The little girl grabbed a fork and dug in.
Shadow pressed a kiss to Sonic’s temple, his hand reaching out and rubbing his partner’s swollen belly. “Everything is so perfect…” Shadow said. Sonic smiled at him and nodded. “It is… We’ll have our hands full if he’s half as energetic as his sister.” Sonic laughed.
The family spent the rest of the evening outside- until the fireflies came out. Eventually, the little girl began to crash. Shadow cleaned up their picnic while Sonic took the little girl to the bathroom to bathe her and brush her teeth before bed.
Once they finished, they all met in the little girl’s room- the walls were still the same shade of purple, but her crib was replaced by her ‘big girl bed,’ a much larger bookshelf stood where her small one used to be, and the baby furniture was replaced by various toys, including a large barbie house and a small table where she hosted various parties with her parents and family friends.
Sonic stood in the doorway of her room while Shadow sat in bed with his daughter. She was curled up in his lap, staring at the pages of the book he was reading. “And so the princess and the knight lived happily ever after, the end,” Shadow said. The little girl was asleep now. He gingerly picked her up and laid her in bed, tucking her in before going to his husband.
The two shared a brief kiss before going to their own bedroom. They brushed their teeth and did their nightly routines before crawling into bed. Shadow was just about to turn off their bedside table lamp when they heard their door creak open.
In the doorway, their daughter stood, holding a teddy bear in one hand and using the other to wipe away her tears. “Momma, papa… there’s a monster in my closet,” She softly cried. Shadow sat up and sighed softly. “Sweetheart, I checked last night, and there weren't any,” Shadow said. Lavender sniffled. “C-can I sleep with you and mommy?” She asked, her eyes wide and pitiful
How could Shadow say no to an expression like that?
The little girl crawled into her parents' bed and settled between them. Sonic yawned and curled up beside her before Shadow put his arm around both of them. His two most favorite people in the world were right here, with him… and the third was on the way.
Lavender fell asleep pretty quickly, a quiet snore coming from her. Sonic and Shadow looked at each other. “I love you.” Sonic quietly stated.
“I love you more,” Shadow responded.