Requested by Empty_Emmy on Ao3

His cell feels more cramped than usual today.

Still, it doesn't make that much of a difference, does it? He's not leaving anytime soon, so it's best to make himself as comfortable as he can.

Comfortable.

Sonic can almost laugh at that word. His legs are closed to his chest, making it hard to breathe, and the shock collar around his neck is chaffing. His whole body feels stiff and he's just tired.

Yet, the physical pain isn't as bad as how hopeless he feels. He hasn't seen anyone - his captor Eggman included - in what's felt like months.

He's just been sitting in this dark, cramped room alone. Just listening to his own breathing and staring ahead. Sonic feels like he's being driven crazy.

Honestly, that's probably what Eggman wants, right? To go crazy and lose his mind, right? To scream and cry and beg for something- anything to happen.

No. That's not what's going to happen. He's not letting the doctor win. He's not about to break or yell- by Gaia, he won't even speak.

He can't.

Still, he must admit that the doctor knows how to make his mind stir. Eggman must see that, - for all his confidence and flare -, seeing and being around people- his friends are where he gets most of his motivation.

Sonic tsks to himself. The extrovert he is. Can't bear to keep away from his friends and family long.

Or be quiet for as long either.

The first while or so, Sonic had hummed to himself or whistled to keep himself from being too bored. He'd attempted to quip around with Eggman, but his captor didn't bother to entertain his insults.

Soon, his throat tired of speaking, and his ears tired of hearing his own voice. So, he stayed quiet, resigning himself to waiting for... something to happen. He remained optimistic. Sonic trusted his friends would find him soon.

That was about when the shocks started.

They were small, but painful, jolts into his skin. He'd wince and hiss but stifled any chance of yelps.

For a while, he tried counting the seconds between jolts, but they were jumpy and inconsistent. It made him frustrated.

And that was just how it had been for... however long he was here. With silence burning his ears and a mess of anxiety in his chest.

Sitting in here, there's just absolutely nothing. No sound, no light, no consistency. And certainly no peace.

Suddenly, a shock pierces his skin. It takes him off-guard and he can't help but gasp in pain. His hands jolt up and reach for his neck, scraping and banging along the walls. His fingers start clawing at the shock collar, only making it hurt him more. He doesn't know where the reaction is coming from, and he doesn't like it.

Sonic tries forcing his hands down, trying to settle his body. Still, his fingers seem to have a mind of their own as they dig under the collar and try prying it from his skin.

Lonely, hopeless, and afraid, he can't do much but entertain the fantasy that he can at least get the collar off. He has to.

He needs to.

He needs to, or he'll break right here and right now.

The electric shocks seem to rip into his body, momentarily numbing him from his senses. He can't even tell that he's yelling now.

Then, suddenly, everything's still.

The shocks are gone, his body is limp, and he's not shouting anymore.

Without much or a warning, the door in from of him opens and light blinds him. Sonic blinks, his eyes struggling to adjust to the brightness. A shadow walks in front of the door, shielding the Hedgehog from the light for a moment.

He can just slightly smile. He knows the figure in front of him.

"Espio, my knight in shining armor." He whispers, his voice dry and choked.

Espio doesn't seem primarily thrilled by the greeting in such a situation, but he entertains the flirt with a faint smile. "Hello, princess." He nods, stepping closer.

Soon, the Chameleon helps Sonic stand as best as he can. The Hedgehog leans on him, resting his head on his shoulder.

"Thank Elysium you're here..." Sonic mumbles, smiling dazily. Espio holds him tightly.

"Well, I wasn't about to leave you." Espio squeezes his hand. "You'll be alright. As long as I'm here, you'll be alright."

Sonic sighs, holding back tears. "Don't stop talking. Please." He asks. "I love your voice. I need to hear it."

Espio nods, and as the two are walking back to Freedom Fighters HQ, he talks. He describes things around them and how everyone's been.

Sonic couldn't be happier to hear a voice, especially Espio's.