Eternal Guardian

Shadow dried himself off quickly, color still on his tan muzzle. He sighed frustratingly, leaning against the wall in the darkest corner of his room, near the bathroom. He slid down, covering his face. He had never been so humiliated as he had today. It made him feel absolutely wretched. He had been completely manipulated in ways that he couldn't have imagined to exist yesterday, and in total, it had been three times he'd participated in acts he still felt completely clueless about, despite the fact that his body appeared to understand them. Sonic had been going for a fourth.

This made him remove his hands temporarily as he glanced down between his legs. Sure enough, he had failed considerably at stopping himself from becoming erect and worthless for anything other than the sexual manipulation his body put him through. He was pissed beyond reason. However hard he tried, and however angry he got, it just made him ache more with longing. Before he knew it, he was reaching down, squeezing himself to perhaps offer himself consolation for the lack of attention he allowed from Sonic.

Where he thought he was joining Shadow in the living room, Sonic realized the trail of water didn't lead there. He ruffled an extra towel through his blue coat after stepping out of the shower, trying to dry off in his lazy search. He didn't need to track anymore water through Shadow's apartment on the floor he already left behind.

Quietly he approached the room. The door was left half way open but instead of just barging in or calling out to Shadow, he carefully peeked in to spy, and see what he was doing first.

He spotted him in a corner but couldn't tell what he was doing right off the bat. After a second of squinting and focusing, his eyes widened in surprise. But he supposed after the way he aroused him in the shower, it was inevitable.

Unable to pass this opportunity up, Sonic shoved the door open roughly with a dark smile on his face (towel left to rest on his shoulders). "Whatcha doing Shadow?"

The dark hedgehog gasped, realizing what he was doing the instant Sonic spoke. He was jarred back to reality as his head snapped back, banging against the wall. He grimaced, leaning his head forward and rubbing the spot gingerly. "Shit." He glared up at the azure hedgehog. He should have realized when the shower cut off that it would only be a matter of time before Sonic came in after him.

Shadow tucked the towel into his lap. "I suppose knocking would be above you." Not that he would have reacted any differently to any other noise. He shifted his eyes to look annoyedly over at the nightstand. "And...I'm thinking," he lied pathetically. One of the things he had yet to master. "What do you want?"

"I think you're supposed to use the other head for that." He chuckled and approached him a couple of more steps. His hands rested on his hips as he looked down at him, staring at him in an obvious manner. "We were going to go eat remember?" Apparently, at the moment, Shadow was a little distracted.

He eyed the towel that hid Shadow's groin and his tongue licked over his lips again. "Ya know, you're really making too much of a big deal out of this. You'd think you'd want my assistance when I'm so apt to give it to you. What are you afraid of?"

Shadow bared his teeth as he stared up at the other venomously. He knew he'd been caught, but wasn't so willing to admit it openly. There was still a small chance Sonic was still pushing at the same idea from earlier.

"I don't know what you're talking about." He growled and closed his legs slightly. He knew where Sonic's gaze fell, and he didn't like it. He didn't know how much more 'assistance' he could handle. It was driving him insane. His breathing stayed heavy, causing him to sound a lot more guilty of Sonic's suggestive accusations than he preferred.

"Yes you do." He snorted knowingly, not moving from his spot, expression never wavering.

"I would have thought you'd seize the opportunity to feel as good as I know I make you feel. Yet you're fighting it and I can't understand why. Do you honestly think you're weak because you can experience pleasure? That's just dumb."

Shadow's muzzle turned a dark shade of red. He had nothing else to say. Sonic was right in some ways, he admitted to himself. He enjoyed the strange feelings that coursed through him while they were engaging in the act. He just didn't want Sonic to realize just how out of control he'd gotten in the last while. Overwhelming thoughts raced through one head, shooting down to the other, every time the two were together.

Maybe he was over-analyzing, but he did seem to be losing touch with reality far too easily. The fact remained that the two were rivals, and the only pleasure they should have from one other was the joy of crushing the other in competition. It only made sense that way. He sighed, this being his only external response to his internal situation, mind working far too fast for his tastes. For some reason, logic was painful while in his state. It really was unfair.

Sonic was tempted to exploit Shadow's feelings for his own pleasure and in hopes of Shadow ceasing to act so weird about something so natural. It was amusing but at this point when something else nagged at him - like his stomach - it became annoying real fast. He got the initial reaction he wanted, now he was over it.

"Just imagine Eggman naked and come on." That should help die down his hard-on. Meanwhile Sonic turned his back to him and headed out of the bedroom to wait for him in the living room. He was starving after all and he wasn't sure he could fool around much longer.

Shadow was already beginning to lose interest thanks to his stinging sense of shame, but Sonic's further attitude ended it. He watched the other leave the room, anger burning in his fiery eyes. He wished that he could just get him. Right there, with his back turned. Just one good blow to the back of the head.

He frowned as he stood, opting to stay calm and avoid a fight. It wouldn't be very smart to do it in his own home, anyhow. He paused at the doorway, observing the other silently before stepping over to his dresser, the bottom three drawers of which were empty. He opened the top and removed two sets of socks and gloves, making a face of semi-disgust. He hated himself for this, but it was the polite thing to do.

He stopped behind the other as he entered the living area, holding out the set quietly, expectantly, as if the other should just know that he was there. He didn't owe him any words or explanation - his clothes were good enough. Although Sonic could get by not wearing his own gloves, he needed his socks for his shoes so he could run longer and easier without having them rub blisters. Sonic was rather surprised at Shadow's generosity though. He looked over at him, staring, blinking, as he registered what he was doing. It was touching considering WHO was giving him these things.

"Thanks, Shadow." He took the gloves and socks, putting the gloves on first. He pulled on the socks next before slipping into his shoes. It all fit snugly enough. He flexed his fingers as he broke the pair of gloves in and smiled at Shadow, heading for the door (towel long since forgotten on the floor). "Alright, let's grab some grub."

"Pff, whatever," was the short reply to Sonic's gratitude. He had no intentions of taking them back after HE had worn them, so it was a bigger annoyance than he preferred. He pulled his own set on, sliding the gold ring over them. When he glanced up, Sonic was already at the door, impatient as ever. He heaved a groaning sigh and followed, ignoring the stupid smile plastered on the idiot's face. He stepped into his jet shoes and tightened them before opening the door leading out into the hallway.

"You never made it clear where we're headed, so lead the way." He stepped aside to allow Sonic through. It may have seemed like a courteous gesture, but Shadow's stomach spoke louder than his attitude.

Sonic stepped out into the hall and wondered the variety of foods there were to offer in the big city. To be honest he hadn't really decided on anything yet but by the time he led Shadow out of the apartment, he had an idea in mind. Until then he kept the black hedgehog in the dark.

Once he got outside, he looked left to right, trying to remember where it was before speeding off at a mild pace. One easy to follow but a haste no human could match. It allowed them to get to the restaurant faster, and he smiled when he saw it was open. He wasn't sure if it stayed open late or not but apparently his suspicions were correct.

"Here we are." He gestured towards the cheap looking Chinese restaurant, done in brick, a neighboring restaurant to another that was closed. To set off its charm, ambulance sirens went off in the background and two cats fighting in a trashcan in the alley it sat beside rung audible in the stinky night air.

Upon their arrival, Shadow didn't bother to hide his questioning expression and uncertainty. "Um." He said nothing else, however, and let Sonic be the judge of his own sanity. If it came right down to it, Shadow didn't have to eat here.

Sonic looked pleased with his decision and quickly waved Shadow to follow him inside. He once again took the lead and pushed open the glass door, ignoring the small bell that rung to indicate a customer had arrived. It was a relatively small place with a few tables and no other people but them was there to be waited on. All the more pleasing for the hedgehog; they'll be able to be served faster.

Shadow observed their surroundings as he entered, looking skeptical. But the smell of food quickly wafted to him and filled him with yearning, and his stomach verbalized another complaint. He glanced back as the bell dinged a second time when the door closed, expecting another person to be behind them, but looked back ahead upon the discovery that this was not so.

Menus were already left out on the tables as Sonic walked over and picked one for them and sat down. There were Chinese decorations all over and all the employees were Asian. There was one by the counter where they made the food and another that came over to their table a minute or so later.

"What drink can I get for you?" Asked the middle-aged man with his squinty eyes and questionable taste in apparel. "Cherry soda." Sonic chirped, not having to think about it as he kept his eyes on the menu. The man, Ching Chewy (so says his name tag), looked to Shadow next, waiting.

Shadow had sat down hesitantly across from Sonic. He quickly turned his attention to the tabletop, not desiring to appear shocked, nosy, or otherwise curious. His ear twitched at the arrival of a server, and he listened to Sonic's order. He realized Sonic had a menu, and this put him at unease - he really hated trying to figure out something by it's name alone, and he didn't have anything in mind to drink.

"Ah." He looked embarrassed at his lack of preparedness. He immediately looked to Sonic for help, eyes begging for mercy. Usually if he was taken out, his coworkers either told him what to order ahead of time, or just flat out ordered for him. Shadow felt the world sinking away from him as further discomfort settled in his gut. He knew he shouldn't feel so put-on-the-spot, but he couldn't help it.

Sonic was still looking down when an awkward silence suddenly started to brew in the air and he felt desperate eyes beaming at his head.

"What you oh-dah!?" Snapped the impatient Chinese man, eyes still on Shadow while he looked for Sonic for help. Sonic was rather surprised that Shadow seemed at a loss but he'd get him something. How could he say no to a face like that?

Looking at Mr. Chewy, he started to order him the same, but swiftly changed his mind. It was hard not to cackle or grin menacing in the process of this request but somehow he managed to stay inconspicuous. "Make that a daquiri for him."

Shadow raised a brow. "A what?" He wasn't sure if he heard correctly, but he didn't ask. Even if he did, he wasn't sure if it was what he thought it was, anyhow. It just sounded familiar. He sighed and turned away, disgusted with his own stupidity and carelessness in the situation. He hated being so helpless.. but it had to be said. "Order my meal, as well." He didn't understand the implications of someone deciding for him, but he still wouldn't have known anything else to do.

Again Sonic was taken by surprise. He found it oddly cute but it seemed a little out of character for Shadow. He didn't question it though, not out loud. He just smiled and nodded, looking back down at his menu. "As you wish, Master." He snorted, although he was thinking quite the opposite; Shadow was turning out to be quite the female of the evening. Or late night. But he didn't want him to lose his appetite - he'd wait and make fun of him later.

Ching Chewy had already left at this point to go get their drinks. He gave them, or rather Sonic, time to decide what to get for them to eat. By the time he came back and sat their drinks down, as well as straws, the blue hedgehog was ready.

"I'll take lots of chicken and fried rice for me. For my boyfriend, he'll take the Seafood Delight." No, he didn't make a mistake, and Sonic made sure to stare at him when he did.

"Fuck you," Shadow spat, crossing his arms and obtaining a hostile position. He glared at the employee as he took up the menus and went away, just daring him to say a word. He would tear the bastard apart if he did.

Shadow ripped the paper off the straw violently, and let it fall to the floor carelessly. He forced it down into his horribly colorful drink. He assumed that Sonic was just being a jerk by choosing a reddish drink. Just because he had red streaks in his fur and on his quills did not mean that he had to drink something similarly colored.

Pushing it to the back of his mind, he lifted it to his lips, taking a heavy gulp through the straw. It was a frozen, and he instantly regretted doing so when a heavy throb made itself known in his temples and throat. He choked and set it back down, a bitter taste following the tart one. He winced, wanting to complain, but he refused to look weak in any way, and an inability to tolerate something so simple would be a weakness.

Sonic chuckled to himself, unoffended by Shadow's snappy remark, and behavior. He was used to it by now and accepted him for the pros and cons. Sonic looked forward to seeing other sides of him though. He knew if he hung in there long enough, he'd be able to see something; and with the drink he was sucking down far too quickly, he may be able to get a view of that something tonight.

Shadow had no clue he had ordered an alcoholic beverage for him but that was just fine and dandy. If he did find out, it might mean a funeral on his part!

Sonic leaned back in his seat and relaxed for the time being, letting his eyes wander around his surroundings while they were forced to wait for their food, seemingly oblivious to Shadow's brain freeze. He was too distracted by his own impatience but luckily the waiter didn't take too long.

Ching Chewy came out with a tray of the delights Sonic ordered and gently sat their plates down in front of them. The hedgehog licked his lips, ears up in attention as he inhaled the delicious scent. After picking up his chopsticks, in an instant he was digging in, starting on the chicken first.

Shadow continued to ignore the other until the plates came. He wasted no time breaking in the disposable sticks, and he had no time to question the contents of the meal. Three days running on empty was far too long. He knew this, but it never seemed to stop him. Instead of concerning himself with the past, however, he practically shoveled a large quantity of the light pink meats into his eager mouth. It was hot, and burned, but he forced it to stay in, chewing roughly and swallowing, preparing for the next bite.

Then it hit him. His eyes widened drastically. He had never eaten anything so rich, so full of flavor. He gaped at his plate, comparing the color to Sonic's, and he couldn't help but notice a color theme, but held his tongue. He lifted a carrot, observing it lightly before popping it into his mouth. It was tender, yet still had a crunch. And it was sweet, yet salty. Descriptions he had on hand, but never once could use them all for one dish.

A vague anger rose at the thought that Rouge and Topaz were snickering behind his back, offering him the bland, dry frozen meals, when such a delicacy existed all along.

"Order another." He looked over at Sonic seriously, eyes never wavering from their connection upon the others'. He was not going home empty handed.

Sonic had taken a moment to watch when Shadow started eating faster than him. It was comical really, although the waiter found some disgust in the actions of both of them. Manners were something they didn't seem to have and that offended sir Chewy. He headed away but could somehow overhear Shadow's request near the counter.

Sonic forced himself to pause to raise his hand for the waiter again but the grumpy old man barked back at them, "I hear you!" As he got another worker busy on making Shadow another meal. Sonic overlooked this. He turned his attention back to his food instead and gave the chicken a rest to shovel some rice into his mouth next. The looks of the restaurant may not be too appealing but their food was very good and quite satisfying.

Satisfied that more was on its way, Shadow downed the rest of the contents of his plate quickly and easily. He heaved a sigh, sitting back as he filled that empty void that so desperately needed it. He never could have imagined anything so appetizing if you just told him about it. He was very grateful for Sonic's stroke of genius at bringing him here and ordering something so flavorful, but he would never say as much. Instead he swirled the straw around idly, risking a glance at the other.

He dropped the straw onto the table, lifted his glass, and tipped it back, similarly to how he typically drank water. He really was quite thirsty after the salty Chinese, and that spot on his tongue still burned a little. Again, it was very cold going down, and the bitterness resonated between breaths, but the numbness from the burn dulled it considerably.

Sonic took breathers in between bites, drinking his soda during the meal, rather than waiting after. He watched Shadow with amusement in the meantime and began to slow down as he came across his last bites. Unlike the black hedgehog, he had no desire to order any more. Tails usually fixed him food at home anyway and although he hadn't eaten anything today, this had been enough to fill him up.

He was finished a few minutes after Shadow and uttered a small burp. His stomach was satisfied, feeling full; he felt energized. His small ears laid back in relaxation as his chest heaved in a sigh. "Good, eh?" He smirked at Shadow as if he needed to ask. He found it even more amusing to see him downing that drink so quickly. It'd be interesting to see how he handled his liquor.

Shadow felt a little lighter, but he chose to ignore it. It was probably from the fulfillment of his hunger anyhow, and didn't require all that much attention. To be honest, he could eat a whole second plate, but he didn't think it was worth the extra effort. He was completely set and decided on taking the rest home. It would last him a bit longer than this order did.

He relaxed, propping his folded arms on the table. The service here was faster than some, but Shadow knew he could do whatever it was that was taking so long more quickly. He stole a glance at Sonic, to see if he was as bored as the ebony hedgehog.

Sonic wasn't as bored, finding Shadow's previous actions still entertaining. And if he started to achieve the bored state that Shadow was in, he simply did something to amuse himself further.

"So you got the check or am I the dude for the night?" He grinned at him, unsure if Shadow would have the money considering he didn't even know what to order himself. He obviously didn't eat out too much in that case but he doubted GUN would pay lightly.

So but of course he had it. He pulled out a leather wallet and fished out a rather large bill, setting it on the table, and sliding it over to Sonic. This is the part that explained the coworker's interest in dining out with Shadow, as he left it up to them to handle the finances of the evening as well. Sure, Shadow walked home with a decently fat paycheck every month, but Rouge managed to talk him out of a lot more than he should have been willing to give.

He looked from the hundred to Sonic, still feeling a bit suspicious about his dinings with Rouge. If Sonic confirmed that it was too much, she was so dead. His finger still rested on the corner of the bill as he waited silently.

Sonic gawked; he was definitely loaded but did he have to whip out such a big bill? Looking at him, he didn't seem to be showing off; did he really think this would all cost so much? At least he didn't object to paying for his meal too. Unlike Shadow, he didn't make that much money.

"Um, great. Well, ya know, I don't think it's going to be that much...That's a hundred. You got anything smaller?"

"No," Shadow lied, still watching Sonic's eyes carefully to see if anything was amiss, finger pressing into the bill heavily. He was getting angrier and angrier at the bat and her human friend, but that would have to wait. He was beginning to feel terribly tired, and it just wasn't that important to hunt down the pair this time of night.

There was something different about his tiredness, but he still did not notice the way his anger melted easily at the back of his mind. Under normal circumstances, he might feed a fantasy of just how he would destroy the two troublesome agents, but now it seemed much easier to focus on those emerald oculars...

Sonic blinked at that and supposed it'd have to do then. But he didn't bother reaching out and taking the bill from him. Oblivious to Shadow's fascination with his eyes, mister Chewy came back over to hand over another plate of the meal Shadow had previously consumed. Unknowing that they were finished, he started to walk off.

Seeing Shadow not lunge for the plate like he did before, Sonic eventually put two and two together. "Can we get a box for this?" Ching paused and looked back at him, nodding. He went and retrieved a box to put the food in for Shadow to carry home before whipping out a check from a pocket of a stained apron he wore.

He gestured for Shadow to hand him over the money which Ching would have taken without complaint. "This will be together." He assured, quite pleased that he didn't have to fish out what little money he had on him.

Shadow watched the scene unfold, only glancing down at the tempting dish in front of him, and frowned at the attitude of the waiter. He looked back at Sonic, and lifted his finger obediently, allowing the other to take the bill as he desired.

He sat back, observing the two before dumping the food into the styrofoam box quickly and smoothly, and resting the new plate atop the other with a light clink.

Ching went to go get change, leaving Sonic and Shadow alone once more. Sonic turned his attention to Shadow at this point, watching him dump his food inside the box. "So now that we've officially had our first date, are you going to invite me to stay the night with you tonight?" He grinned perversely, just to test the waters with Shadow. He wondered how long he might over react to his playful behavior but proved to be amused every time. He'd enjoy it while it lasted although he was sure that some things would always embarrass the black hedgehog, at least in public. That he could always use to his advantage.

Shadow growled darkly, refusing to give Sonic the satisfaction of an answer. Why did he keep acting like they were an item? It really bugged him. It wasn't as if they had been dating.. and it wasn't like he had done anything...

Shadow slowly turned his head to gape at Sonic openly. No.. no... That couldn't be..

Wide-eyed and in another mental panic, Shadow snapped his eyes away to stare at his box, which he fastened far too quickly for his taste. He needed a distraction. He was a little uneasy, but.. No .. It was just a hasty judgment. He was imagining things. Maybe he'd discuss it later. It wasn't important.

Finally, he answered. "Whatever." It didn't really matter after all if Sonic wanted to sleep on his sofa. He still had nothing to hide.. and it wasn't so bad with the other around. Just a little.

Sonic arched a brow by the array of expressions that played across Shadow's face. He wasn't sure why he seemed so panicky and then the next second went back to that easy going state, if not a little grumpy, but agreeing no less. Well it was something he definitely didn't want to pass up despite Shadow's strange behavior.

Ching Chewy returned with Shadow's change, giving him back a lot of what he gave him. The meal wasn't very expensive, another reason why Sonic liked the place. It was, in fact, cheap.

"Alright, let's get going." The hedgehog grinned, as positive as ever; and rose to his feet. He headed for the door and held it open for him, ignoring the bell as he gestured for him to leave first with an obnoxious smile. "After you."

"Hmph," Shadow snorted, standing with the box in hand and stepping out through the opened door. He didn't know why, but something about the way Sonic was holding it open for him bothered the hedgehog slightly.

Waving it off as nothing, he led the way back to his apartment, albeit a bit slower than usual, and he entered using the front door instead of the now locked balcony door. Shadow hadn't bothered to lock the door - a lock was worthless and an easily overcome obstacle - and he pushed it open after turning the knob, going into the still-lit room.

Sonic followed after him and made himself right at home. He kicked off his shoes near the door and glanced back at him with all sorts of ideas swarming inside his head.

He could make this an innocent little sleepover but what would be the fun in that? Maybe some of that alcohol would help Shadow be a bit more willing when it comes to his body's desires. He'd be a lot easier to deal with when he got flustered down there.

"Race ya to the bed." Without another word, Sonic was heading into Shadow's bedroom, embarrassing the mental voice that wanted to make this a sexy moment, to tell Sonic to say something sexy! Instead Sonic's childish attitude won over all and shone through again.

"Hey, you!" Shadow shut the door, not bothering to slip out of his own shoes as he hurried into the kitchen. He was mildly annoyed at Sonic's insistence on being rude, and he couldn't believe the nerve of the bastard inviting himself into Shadow's bedroom. He groaned angrily, placing the frail white box in the fridge. He finally took chase to see what havoc Sonic had wreaked upon his private domain.

He still felt a little lightheaded, but he was tired, after all, and as he entered the bedroom, he had one intention and one intention only in mind. Get Sonic out of there and fast.