The following day, Shadow stayed by Sonic's side while the doctors were running a few more tests to clear his release. The President told Sonic what they had found so far, and that he was to stay with Shadow during the pregnancy. Sonic nodded in understanding, but Shadow noticed a dark shadow cast over him. It pained him to see Sonic this way, knowing he had in part caused it. If only the problem could be corrected. That would have taken so much weight from Shadow's shoulders. But he must live with his consequences.

"Alright Sonic, are you ready to go?" A gentle G.U.N. nurse asked as she helped Sonic up.

Sonic nodded and flashed her a fake smile in assurance and a weak thumbs up. The nurse wheeled Sonic out of the hospital section and then out of the G.U.N. base. Shadow walked alongside them, unsure of what to say to Sonic. When they were outside the doors of the base, Sonic stood up and thanked the nurse, giving her permission to head back.

"Are you sure you can make it there on your own Faker?" Shadow asked in his normal uncaring tone. It was false, but he didn't want to give his emotions away for some reason.

Sonic stretched his arms out and gave another thumbs up, "Lead the way Shadow."

You can pretend everything's fine all you want, Thought Shadow as he started on, But I can see the fear through your facade.

The walk to Shadow's house was longer than it should have been. Neither hedgehog were used to walking, but Shadow didn't want Sonic running in his condition. Any injury to the fetus would harm Sonic as well. The thought made Shadow cringe inwardly. He couldn't bear seeing Sonic in any more pain. When they reached his small house, Sonic gave it a once over before walking in with Shadow close behind. Shadow crossed his arms and leaned back, giving Sonic a moment to take it in. The blue hedgehog glanced around the small living room. It was a small living space with a grey love seat, white carpet and black and red drapes over the windows. To the left was the way to the kitchen, downstairs bathroom and the stairs that led to the second floor. Sonic gave it a nod before turning to Shadow, who inclined his head towards the stairs, silently requesting Sonic to follow.

Shadow stopped in front of his spare room and leaned on the doorway, "This is where you will stay. Do with the room as you please. I sleep in the room opposite this hall and the bathroom is at the end of the hall. I'll be down stairs when you're ready."

Sonic didn't speak until Shadow turned to leave, "Thank you Shadow."

Shadow froze a moment and closed his eyes, he hadn't heard that much emotion in Sonic's voice since he died and the Princess of Soleanna brought him back to life. The memory was still a sting in the heart. He turned back to Sonic and nodded before continuing down the stairs, where he could breathe. He leaned back against the wall and inhaled deeply, collecting his thoughts and composing himself. This whole situation was wrong in every way and Sonic's emotions are soon to be all over the place. This leaves everything on Shadow's shoulders. He needs to hold Sonic and himself together while making sure complications are at the utmost minimum so Sonic can have the highest chance of living through this.

The thought tightened Shadow's chest. Sonic must live through this! There is no question about it, Shadow will make sure of it!

Shadow sighed, no use worrying about it at the moment. He had a ton of information packets for him and Sonic to look through. Some were ordinary pregnancy papers that women receive about diet and what is good or bad for the baby. Others were new information about Sonic's pregnancy. They both needed to look through it, might as well do it together. Shadow had just sat down and opened the box containing the information when Sonic descended the stairs. He eyed the papers curiously and Shadow motioned for him to sit beside him. Sonic was hesitant and it confused Shadow. He didn't think Shadow was going to hurt him did he?

You've already hurt him you moron! Thought the onyx hedgehog angrily as he sorted through the packets, You've hurt him permanently!

Shadow masked his anger behind a passive expression as he leaned back, leafing through a paper. It mostly told him what foods are best and what to avoid, as long as chili gods wasn't on the avoid list, Shadow doubted he'd have any problems. he traded papers with Sonic when they finished and he was now reading the important information. it irked him to find how little it was, but this was an unusual case with little observation so far, so he couldn't get too angry. It mostly told him things he'd already guessed, keep Sonic's stress to a minimum, don't let him run yada yada yada. It was mostly filled with holes yet to fill which left Shadow at a disadvantage. He just had to work with what he had. Sonic saw the 'no running part' and visibly deflated. Shadow allowed a small smile and placed his hand on Sonic's arm, "You'll be alright Faker."

Sonic nodded but Shadow could tell he was only humoring him. Shadow knelt in front of Sonic so he could look into Sonic's green eyes easily, "I promise Sonic. I won't let anything happen to you," He looked deep into Sonic's eyes, willing him to believe him. Sonic's emerald eyes were full of mixed emotions, despair, fear, longing, pain. It hurt Shadow deeply to see it. Sonic nodded again but Shadow needed Sonic to believe him.

Shadow let some of his emotions leak into his eyes as he searched Sonic's. He leaned in, about to close the distance when Sonic looked away. Startled, shocked and hurt, Shadow pulled back quickly. He looked at anything but Sonic, wondering why he would-

"You don't need to pretend Shadow," It was a soft whisper, but it hurt Shadow like a bullet wound. How could Sonic think he was pretending now after what they had shared that day? Shadow looked back at Sonic who was curled up on the couch, looking like a lost child. He was losing his former self and Shadow was helpless to watch. He hesitantly placed his hand on Sonic's head and ran his fingers through his quills.

"You have a lot to learn about me Faker. I can't pretend to feel anything. That's something you should already know."

Sonic glanced up at Shadow shyly then gazed back at the cushion below him. Shadow sat there for a while, just watching the blue hedgehog. Sonic didn't seem to be showing any sign of responding, so Shadow stood up to find something more productive to do when Sonic spoke.

"You must have learned how. Otherwise, I wouldn't be in this."

Shadow was completely shocked. Sonic had actually thought Shadow never meant it! Why else would he have made love to the other hedgehog. He wasn't one to take someone for simple pleasure and Sonic knew it. Shadow sat beside Sonic's head on the floor and crossed his arms, "I didn't pretend anything Sonic. You know how serious I am. I never take action on anything unless I truly mean it," He stared straight at Sonic so he would know of his sincerity. Sonic didn't hide the surprised in his eyes and didn't respond. He did relax a little and closed his eyes. Shadow took that as a good sign and stroked the side of Sonic's sleeping face, thinking about how long this pregnancy was going to be.