Shadow the Hedgehog x Eclipse the Darkling (Archie) (Set late into Sonic Universe, or after Shadow's game and second defeat of the Black Arms)

Shadow's POV:

I smile as Sonic and friends appear through the door of the food pantry. I've been working off my easier community service all day, and I'm happy to see that my day is over.

"Hey, Shadz," Sonic greets, and I nod hello to each of his teammates in turn. They're not the brightest or strongest bunch (in my opinion, at least), but I have respect for their bravery and fortitude. That, and they were the ones to offer me a place to stay until I get my life back on track. I follow them out the building with a slight spring in my step, practically my equivalent of skipping.

"Should we go get something to eat?" Amy asks, sounding like she's suggesting the idea.

"I am pretty hungry," replies Tails, and Sonic grins.

"I'm starving! How about we head down to that great hot dog stand in Quarry? The one by Four Gals and Honey's, you know?" He asks, and I marvel at how little the sentence means to someone like me, who has no idea what places or stores he's referencing.

"Ooh! Great idea!" Amy squeals loudly. "We can visit the new frozen yogurt stand, too!" Knuckles shrugs, seeming uninterested.

"Sounds fine," he says, adding, "but I have to be back to Angel Island before dark. I'll only stay for the meal."

"I like that idea," Tails pipes up, replying to Amy. She turns to me.

"Do you like that idea, Shadow?" She asks, and I blink at her, a bit surprised.

"Oh, uh, I can't really, um..." I pause awkwardly, embarrassed. "I can't go anywhere without permission, remember?" Amy gasps, apparently recalling that piece of information.

"Oh! Right, right. G.U.N.'s gone a little overboard restricting your movement, haven't they?" I shrug, internally agreeing but not sure if that agreement is selfish or not. I mean, I certainly wouldn't want someone with my power running around unchecked after almost destroying the world.

"Will you be alright at home, by yourself?" Amy asks, seeming a bit uncomfortable with purposely ditching me.

"I'll be fine. I like to be alone," I reply, shoving down the slight ache in my heart that pangs every time I realize again that I am, in fact, alone except for G.U.N. and Sonic's team. My human family was killed back on the ARK, and I dispatched my genetic father after he tried to consume the world--heck, I even had to defeat his darn subjects twice, once before and once after his death.

"We'll have to take you home," Tails muses. "You're not supposed to use your powers without permission, either." I smile thinly, trying to restrain comment on that. Have to say, I don't like that, selfish or not.

"Uh, in that case, I'll just head back to the island," Knuckles says, and Amy looks at him in surprise.

"What? Why? We have plenty of time!"

Knuckles side-glances me, than shrugs. "I just don't want to have to go back."

Something in my chest twists at seeing their plans fall apart because of my stupid restraints. Seized by a sudden urge, I step forward.

"I'll walk home, then," I say, trying to look casual. "It's not far. I can do it in no time."

"You're sure?" Asks Tails skeptically, and I nod vigorously.

"Yes. You guys should stay out late, have some fun. I don't mind a long walk." Truth be told, I do mind. I mind a great deal. I hate being left behind at home like a child, seeing the annoyed looks on the others' faces when they realize how much work it is to shuttle me around. It makes me feel useless and powerless, and I'm sure they feel like babysitters, having to take me everywhere.

"Oh. Alright, then. Have a nice walk," Sonic chirps, a bit too chipperly to be subtle. He's obviously happy his group can get on with their fun. My heart dips again as I nod.

"Call us if you need anything!" Amy calls back, and I give them a half-wave as they climb onto the Tornado. I don't feel much like waving today.

"Oh, blast it all," I mutter, turning away as soon as they take off. My shoulders slump involuntarily. I hadn't realized before how much this whole situation frustrates me.

The nice people, albeit a bit annoying, took me in when I needed help. Now, all I do is inconvenience them. I don't have much to offer without my powers. I'm a decent mechanic, but Sonic's team has Miles Prower. I can do basic housework, but Amy already takes care of most of it. I could help with heavy tasks, but Knuckles would just be tripping over me if I tried. And, running errands is pointless when Sonic can accomplish them in seconds.

Normally, I'd be above all these people in ability. But, now, G.U.N. has taken a step back with me. I went a little overboard on a few missions, made some bad choices that had consequences, and I've been reprimanded. A half year of me only being allowed to use my abilities for emergencies. It's been barely a month, and I've already nearly lost that arrogant self-confidence.

It's hard, I've realized, to keep to the illusion of a greater purpose when, suddenly, you're not great anymore. Without my powers, I'm just an intelligent hedgehog with a lot of training I can't use, no fine-tuned social skills, and a melancholy outlook. And, the hedgehog part is debateable.

I sigh as I walk. It's almost ten miles back to the Freedom Fighter base, and I have no inclination to hurry. I decide to stop on a rather pretty outcropping of rock a bit away from the road. From here, I can see without being seen, something I enjoy and that reflects my odd name.

Knuckles could have been nicer about that, I grumble internally, sitting on the rock with my knees pulled up. It's not like I chose to impose on their lives. Rouge was going to take me, but G.U.N. didn't want me living with her. They thought that'd just ingrain my habits, and, between myself and the trees, I think they have a point. Rouge isn't exactly a good role model for self-restraint.

I sigh again. I've been struggling with tiredness, now that I don't have constant flows of Chaos going through me. I have a bracelet that blocks my powers, which I can turn off at will. The catch? I have to fill out a form explaining the reason and use for my powers each time, and I'll get punished severely if I use them out of turn. Thus, 'being tired' isn't a good enough excuse.

I lay down on the rock, feeling the cool, rough surface on my backside where my jacket doesn't cover my hips. I'm also more susceptible to temperature now--a lot more. I've worn this fluffy, hooded, buttoning jacket almost constantly since my powers got taken away. The chilly spring weather demands it.

Sleep creeps over me, and I doze, the calming rustle of the leaves in the wind sweeping all of my world cares away. At one point, I think I feel something block the wind to my left, where the breeze comes from, but I decide it was just a break in the airflow. So, I continue my nap.

"Hello, Shadow." The voice is so clear and unexpected that I jerk myself upright--or, at least, I try to. The figure above me has me pinned to the rock, trapping me against the hard surface and preventing me from hitting the button to release my powers. And, if memory serves, I really regret that last point.

"Eclipse," I growl, trying to bluff him away with my anger. It's hopeless, I know; he can sense my Chaos signal, and he'll already know my powers are turned off. Not to mention, he can read my mind easily enough. "Let me up. Now."

"Why?" He laughs oddly, a rolling chortle that I realize must be his actual laugh, instead of the one he used as dialogue on the New Black Comet. "I have you exactly where I want you."

"And that would be?" I shoot back, nearly smacking myself after the words. Honestly, Shadow. Could you have asked a stupider question? I thought you said you were intelligent.

"Trapped against an immoveable surface, without any chance of escape," Eclipse replies easily, his smirking teeth far too close to my sensitive throat. "You're effectively helpless." I feel his breath on my jugular, and I almost let out a gasp of fear. Oh, Chaos. This is not how I want to die. Not this way. Please. At least let me fight until the end or go down in a blaze of glory. This is a slaughter. I swallow the dread, refusing to let myself lose any more dignity, but I can't shake the fear that's making all the quills on my body bristle right now. Some use they are, poking the rock.

It occurs to me that Eclipse might have meant it like that, purposely leaving me no chance for honor in death. Then, I frown slightly. I had thought he would be more honorable than that. After all, all-out, one-on-one battle is exactly what we'd faced off in before.

These thoughts cut off as one of his teeth pricks my throat a bit.

"!" I cringe immediately, instinctively trying to protect the most vulnerable part of my body. Unfortunately, not only does Eclipse have his powers, he also has an extra limb, a long, powerful tail that wraps tightly around my waist as his head presses mine back to the rock. I'm unable to curl up at all, my unprotected belly and torso completely at the mercy of a likely-insane, possible sadist with spikes and other deadly points all over his body.

I make a quick plea to Chaos to make my death as instantaneous as possible.

Eclipse lets out an odd sigh, this also sounding different from its more familiar Mobian counterpart. He shifts his forehead from my chin to my temple, eyes only a few inches from my own. He holds my gaze, blinking in what seems to me like annoyance.

Chaos. I can tell this is going to be a long and painful process.

"I am not going to kill you, Shadow," Eclipse says, his tone on 'Shadow' the same one he might use to say 'idiot.'

"Yeah, right," I reply, before I can help myself. "If you're not going to kill me, then why don't you let me up and continue on your merry way?" I snort, not believing him for a second. Abruptly, I see him start forward with his head, as if angered, but he stops after only a moment.

"No, I will not. But, I will not kill you, either." For some reason, I'm struck by the odd idea that Eclipse seems to be composing himself, calm on the outside but turbulent on the inside. Why he would need to do so when I'm utterly at his mercy is beyond me, and I don't have any ideas on the matter. Staying silent, I curiously wait to see if he'll say more. After a moment, he seems to have himself under control.

"I have a reason to keep you here," he continues, and I remain silent. "You are feeling useless, yes? And alone?" I cautiously nod, knowing it does no good to deny a telepath. "I came because I thought you might like to spend your time in my company."

I nearly laugh but manage to stop, the threat of death discouraging the idea of insulting my captor.

"That's quite the idea," I say, trying to sound neutral. Eclipse gives me a flat look.

"I am not an idiot, Shadow. I decided now would be a good time to approach you."

"Why?" This time, my question isn't sarcastic. I genuinely want to know why the alien that's given me so much trouble has appeared to me, asking me to form a companionship.

"I would like a mate," he replies, and I immediately feel all of the blood drain from my face, really wishing I hadn't asked that question.

"What?" I croak, completely disbelieving.

"I would like a mate. And, you happen to be approaching your traditional mating season. I need to restart my species, and you are precisely the person to--*ahem*--'assist' me." I goggle at him, shock and disbelief coursing through my system.

"No." I'm surprised at the sound of my own voice, but I immediately recover my bearings. "No. I'm not mothering a litter of monsters. I'm not carrying anything for anyone I don't choose to! No! I refuse!"

Eclipse shrugs, unconcerned.

"Then, I will take you with me and hold you until you consent," he says, like it's the simplest thing in the world. I gape at him.

"What?! I'll be found! This bracelet has a tracker! Are you insane?!"

He gives me a shrewd look.

"You say that like I am not completely capable of overcoming you at full power. Which you won't be, since your body has no stores of Chaos right now." I can only imagine how white my face is. It must be nearing the shade of Eclipse's own, ghastly skin.

"You're actually going to do this?" I ask, shocked at how tiny my voice is now. I consciously make it stronger. "What makes you think I'll ever give in to you?" He shrugs again.

"I am immortal, like yourself. If you decide to be difficult, I will just sequester you off from society, not letting you see your friends as they slowly die of old age and battle wounds. Wounds you might otherwise be around to prevent." I stare in horror at him.

"You wouldn't." My voice is so tiny, I can barely tell I'm speaking.

"Why not? I have no affection for them. You can visit them and fight with them and spend time with them, once you help. And,"--here he stops, looking oddly wolfish and pleased--"if you make this easy, I might even help you protect them. I would enjoy making you happy, if you did the same for me," he says, smiling at me slightly. I feel my resolve quaver. My mind unhelpfully informs me that the timing on this is perfect:

Today was the last day of my community service work. I could, with Eclipse's help, leave a note for Sonic that I'm going to be in exile for a bit. People may worry, but I doubt anyone will disturb me, and, if I stay on Eclipse's good side, he'll probably help me maintain the cover that I'm just in seclusion. Occasional visits would keep G.U.N. off my back, and it will only be a few months of pregnancy before the things are born. I'll need my powers to carry the offspring, but it shouldn't be too hard to fool the bracelet into thinking it's on when it's off, if I really set my mind to it. I happen to know quite a bit about fooling parole objects, courtesy of Rouge. And, G.U.N. won't see me using my powers, so it'll never know. All in all, I can be over and done with this mess before anyone knows anything. And, if it ensures Eclipse will become an ally instead of an enemy, it might be worth it. But, oh Chaos, the thought of mating with him...

I try to clear my head, hoping he's not tampering with my mind. I don't feel his touch, but I can't be sure. Focusing on the matter at hand, I take a deep breath.

"How do I know you wouldn't raise the kids to be killers?" I ask accusingly, and he gives me an odd look.

"I was assuming you would help me raise them," he replies, then adds: "But, I will give you my word not to set our children against this planet if you want it." I try not to shiver at the phrase 'our children.'

"I want it."

"Are you sure?" Eclipse asks, sounding oddly amused.

"Yes," I snap, glaring at him.

"Alright," he says, backing down. "A bit of an uncomfortable place for your first, though, is it not?"

My face turns redder than my quills.

"I meant your word, and you darn well know it!" I snarl, and he chortles that odd sound again.

"I know. But, you really must watch your wording."

"The promise, Eclipse."

"I promise I will not use our children against this planet--"

"Or any other that's not a threat to it!"

"--or any other that's not a threat to it. Satisfied?"

"For now," I huff, really trying not to focus on what I just agreed to. "Wait. Say you'll help me protect this planet, its people, and my friends, too." He sighs heavily, but he does. I try to muster a scowl, but it's just not happening while I'm pinned to this rock. "Now, let me up."

"Hmm. I do not know... I rather like you like this." The suggestive tones of Eclipse's voice nearly set my quills on fire.

"Let me up, now! I want off of this blasted rock! It's freezing!" He cocks his head at me.

"Alright." I breathe a sigh of relief as he moves to get off of me, then release the rest of my air in a shocked yelp as he pins me against a tree with lightening speed. My blood rushes to my head as I'm pressed against it, and I gasp, dizzy, as Eclipse places his lips on my neck. For a moment, I'm distracted by the fact his tail is wrapped tightly around my waist, securing my hips to his.

"!!!" I make a startled sound as he gently trails the kiss upwards, scraping the most vulnerable parts of my skin with his long teeth. It takes a lot of willpower to not flinch away, sure I'll be killed every second.

Then, he kisses me properly. At least, I assume he does. I've never kissed anyone, so I wouldn't know. It's strange, but I can't deny I enjoy the feeling of pressing lips against mine, the heat that coils wherever Eclipse's skin brushes mine. Carefully, I kiss back, thinking that there's not much harm done from simply touching lips. Am I inclined to partner with someone? No. But, I don't share the huge "first kiss" worship that Rouge does. Mating is a part of life, albeit a messy, uncomfortable, annoying one, and I can always choose another partner later in life. I've abstained from it because I wasn't interested; I might as well gain some experience.

I vow, though, that if Eclipse even thinks of making this a French kiss--and, believe me, I'll know if he does--I'll bite his face clean off. I'm not about to let him make this so intense in such little time. I like to take new things in steps, especially when they involve me being at someone's mercy. He chortles again, obviously catching that thought.

"You are rather snappish for a future mother," he hums, lifting his lips off mine. I glare Chaos spears at him.

"Maybe you should have considered that."

"Maybe," he purrs lightly, gazing at me with glazed eyes and a strange expression, pushing closer. Too late, I realize his intentions and rear back. Oh no. He presses me against the tree again, returning his lips to my neck and making me gasp, and, this time, he doesn't stop at just a kiss.

...ouch.

Author's Note:  Whoo! That was a suggestive one. And way overdue. I hope I haven't lost my touch on these. A message for @SilverOut, I'm almost done with your Shadilver, so it should be out soon. I also have a Sonaze in the works. Every one of my stories will get a new chapter relatively soon, so just be patient. Any requests for a one-shot can be left below.

I really didn't intend to take a hiatus. Right in the first week of summer, my computer broke, and I spent months hassling  with my parents to get a new one. Only in this past month have I actually gotten a laptop, so I'm way behind on fanfiction. All of my time has been going to school. Apologies for dropping off the planet this last half a year. I'm still in the fandom; I'm sad to see other users are losing their interest in Sonic, some of my favorite writers among them. 

I'll do my best to catch up on things and get updates out. Please have some patience. I'm going to start editing my older work; I know for a fact I can improve my older fics, and I want them to reach their full potential. Things will pick up speed. I appreciate all of you for waiting this long. You guys are awesome. 

Until next time.