#knuxouge fanfic

[lunarago]

✧ Adularescence ✧

Knuckles x Rouge body swap journey told from the perspective of Knuckles.

SUMMARY: After a stormy blowup with Rouge on the night of his birthday, Knuckles awakes to find he’s traded places with her. Is this some sort of cruel prank or does the Master Emerald have something to do with this? Thrust into Rouge's world, Knuckles will be forced to contend with new perspectives and swallow his pride if he's to find a way to reverse the swap and return to Angel Island. Finding an unexpected ally amidst the mix-up, Knuckles will find out the hard way that they may be more to the meddling bat than meets the eye…

CHAPTER COUNT: 30

WARNING: Referenced/implied SA, referenced/implied self-harm, feminist themes, other ships not mentioned in tags. See A/N in Prologue on AO3 for more detail.

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Hello everyone! I’m lunarago. I needed a place to upload my cover art for my fanfic, so I might as well turn it into a shameless self-promo post. I hope to connect with more Knuxouge fans since I am new to Tumblr (at least, I haven’t used it since 2013…). I’m a little old-fashioned if you can’t already tell.

I’m currently updating this fanfic every weekend. Should I stick to my schedule, the full story should be uploaded by the end of April 2025.

As this is my first fanfic, I welcome any feedback and comments on either platform. I love to hear the thoughts of readers regarding the story’s content and humbly request you read with an extra eye 👁️

Thank you!

[fandomsilhouette08]

Soooo..I made a fic about the origin of my sonadow kiddies..yes corny but effective title (●'◡'●)

This art i made here..maybe dream..maybe real who knows...

[buckethead-kangaroo]

Me writing romantic fanfics:

[jadeaphire]

Sonadow Holiday Fanfic!

This is a holiday party chapter from my long-term Sonadow fanfic, but it can mostly be read as a one-shot (The previous chapter is an iceskating chapter that leads well into this one!).

The art is from my favorite scene :)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! ✨

[sparklingandtwinkling]

Ao3^

Chapters: 9/22 Fandom: Sonic the Hedgehog - All Media Types, プリキュア | PreCure | Pretty Cure Series Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Shadow the Hedgehog/Sonic the Hedgehog/Sapphire the Butterhog, Mephiles the Dark/Silver the Hedgehog, Amy Rose/Blaze the Cat, Knuckles the Echidna/Rouge the Bat, Sonic the Hedgehog & Shadow the Hedgehog & Silver the Hedgehog & Amy Rose & Blaze the Cat, Sonic & Shadow & Silver & Amy Rose & Blaze & Sapphire, Shadow the Hedgehog/Sonic the Hedgehog Characters: Sonic the Hedgehog, Shadow the Hedgehog, Silver the Hedgehog, Amy Rose (Sonic the Hedgehog), Miles "Tails" Prower, Rouge the Bat, Knuckles the Echidna, Cream the Rabbit, Charmy Bee, Cheese (Sonic the Hedgehog), Ray the Flying Squirrel, Saffron Bee, Gadget the Wolf, Espio the Chameleon, Mighty the Armadillo, Mephiles the Dark, Iblis (Sonic the Hedgehog), Diabolos the Hedgehog, Vanessa the Butterfly, Lien-Da (Sonic the Hedgehog), Infinite (Sonic the Hedgehog) Additional Tags: Sonic the Hedgehog - Sonic Sokudo, Sonic Sokudo - Cure Lazuli, Shadow the Hedgehog - Shadow Doom, Silver the Hedgehog - Silver Shōrai, Rouge the Bat - Rouge Daiyamondo, Knuckles the Echina - Knuckles Emerarudo, Cream the Rabbit - Cream Kibo, Charmy Bee - Charmy Kibo, Ray the Flying Squirrel - Ray Tsuyoi, Saffron Bee - Saffron Honey, Gadget the Wolf - Gadget Fantomu, Mighty the Armadillo - Mighty Tsuyoi, Mephiles the Dark - Mephiles Doom, Iblis - Iblis Doom, Blaze the Cat - Blaze Soru

^Wattpad

Summary:

Many years ago a butterfly named Vanessa created different words, each with different types of magic. One world, however, did not have this and was the center of the universe. Vanessa reins over her own world, as the Empress of Crystal Empire.

But one day, a hedgehog named Diabolos was not happy with this. So he created words that were formed around the negative of each word. And one by one each positive world fell.

But when each world fell a Cure would be born. A cure was a person who can transform into a legendary warrior. The respected ruler of each world would send out one or multiple Cure Chaos, Flickies, or Spirits to search out chosen people to take up the role of Pretty Cure.

However one day, Diabolos, fed up with losing, attacked the Crystal Empire. With the last of her energy, she sealed him away in a mirror and soon she faded away. Even though their leader was gone the Black Crystal Empire still fought and this is where our story begins…

This is a Sonic the Hedgehog and Pretty Cure crossover. Please understand that I have not seen any of the Pretty Cure shows (except for Smile!, Doki Doki!, and KiraKira☆) but I do have access to the fandom, youtube, and other sites. I have done a lot of reach on this stuff. But if you don't care, continue on.

Is still ongoing, last posting was on 2024-07-28.

[reader010]

you ever get so drunk that you end up plotting out a 6+ season story arc for a “How I Met Your Mother” style sitcom starring Sonic the Hedgehog characters?

Because I’ve done it twice now and I’m starting to wonder if the universe is trying to tell me something…

[dracarialove]

📄 F it, I'm posting my finished fics here, too 📄

*Check the 'rouge's heart' tag if you haven't read previous chapters

[Chapter 5: Violence]

Blaze was clipping up her hair in her signature ponytail when the doorbell rang; before she could call out to Silver, he was already telling her he would answer it. The white hedgehog opened the door and greeted Rouge, inviting her inside.

"Lookin' sharp," she said, pointing to the teal blazer and black bowtie he was wearing.

Silver tightened his tie and smiled. "Thanks. Blaze should be out in a minute."

They chatted briefly until the lavender cat walked into the room, her slim figure presented in a knee-length magenta dress with a single ruffled strap crossing over to one shoulder. Red strappy heels covered her feet, and she had applied a nude gloss to her lips.

"Wow, Blaze!" Rouge exclaimed, impressed. "I've never seen you so stylish."

The princess shot her a sly look as she slipped one gloved hand around Silver's arm. "It's not often that I get dressed up. Besides, we're not all like you, hoarding outfits for every occasion!"

The bat rolled her eyes and swatted the air, grinning as she turned back toward the door. "You guys ready to go?"

The couple followed, Silver grabbing his keys. "Let's hit the town!"

***

Shadow's stint at the coffee shop was almost over, the grumpy hedgehog having worked a rare morning shift. His mood was sour as he and his coworker blasted through a rush of customers. The hour of repetitive labor left him irritated and ready to clock out, continuously checking the time once his coworker had gone outside for a short break.

He let out an aggravated sigh when another customer walked in only a few minutes after the rush had subsided. The red echidna stomped his way over to the counter, a steamed expression plastered on his face.

Shadow's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched the angry patron approach the register. Knuckles stopped at the counter, staring across at Shadow with an unflinching frown stamped across his tan muzzle.

Hyper-aware of the echidna's hostile body language, the neutral hedgehog remained on his guard as he held eye contact, then dully mustered a customer-friendly phrase. "Can I help you?"

"Stay away from Rouge," Knuckles growled.

Shadow responded with the furrowing of his brow and a quiet scoff. "You're looking for trouble, threatening me. I don't care who you are – if you think you can scare me, you're sorely mistaken."

"I'm not trying to scare you, tough guy. I'm warning you. You back off of my woman if you don't want a problem!"

Knuckles raising his voice set off Shadow's growing frustration, the dark hedgehog refusing to accept the disrespect. He replied in a sharp tone, "You're the one who needs to back off. You must have a death wish – or maybe you're just stupid – to challenge someone whose capabilities go beyond your comprehension."

The echidna started to ball his fists, the two men staring each other down. Shadow continued, "Besides, if Rouge is 'your' woman, and she's taken a liking to me, what does that say about your inability to keep her interest?"

He didn't know if it was true, if Rouge really was in a relationship with the angry stranger in front of him; but he hated being talked down to, and had easily pegged Knuckles' weakness when it came to insults. The redhead's frown turned into a toothy scowl as he suddenly raised his fists and swung.

"Chaos Control!"

***

The telekinetic hedgehog was the driver for their night out, all three of them hopping into the silver Camaro that boasted two bright teal stripes down the hood. They headed downtown, soon being surrounded by countless bars, clubs, and restaurants – all brightly-lit with energetic music pouring from the windows. Per Blaze's suggestion, they pulled into the parking lot of a restaurant bar, Silver scooting his car into an empty corner spot.

A human hostess met them when they walked through ruby-colored double doors, then led them past a number of tables filled with a mixture of diners; some human, some Mobian, all enjoying their meals and drinks with their personal groups.

She sat them at a booth near the back, Blaze and Silver sitting on one side while Rouge took the other. The woman handed them menus and offered to provide a pitcher of water for the table, which they graciously accepted before she left them to decide on entrées.

"The salmon sounds good," Blaze commented, drawing Silver's attention to her menu, "but it's kind of expensive."

He skimmed the price and smiled up at her. "Get whatever you want – it's a special occasion. I think I'll have the pasta salad. See anything you like, Rouge?"

"Hmm..." the bat wondered, tapping an index finger against her chin. "Maybe fettuccine, that's always a safe choice. Although, it might be worth it to try the grilled chicken."

Blaze perked up as she closed her menu. "Oh! I can vouch for the chicken. Certainly worth it."

"I'll take your word for it, then," she responded, snapping the menu shut with one hand.

When the waitress came by to place their pitcher of water on the table, the triad put in their orders and each poured a glass for themselves. The uplifting orchestra music playing through the restaurant's speakers coupled with the soft orange lights to set a positive mood for their evening, even as Silver brought up a subject that was still considerably sore.

"Hey, so, I know it just happened," he started, addressing Rouge, "and you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to... but I wanted to ask how you're holding up since the whole debacle with Knuckles."

Blaze lightly slapped his arm, but the strong-willed bat was determined not to let the breakup get to her; if she was going to get over him, she did need to talk about it. No amount of crying alone would help her completely heal from the pain, so Rouge smiled and made eye contact with Silver.

"You know, it still stings – and maybe it will for a while – but I think I'm coming more to terms with it as the days go by."

"I don't think I've ever met another woman as emotionally strong as you," Blaze commented, picking up her water. "Already starting to get over Knuckles, when Amy bursts into tears every time Sonic doesn't answer her calls!"

Silver chuckled and Rouge shrugged. The bat didn't want to mention her new love interest just yet, thinking it would be better to get her frustrations out first. She could save the good news for last and close out their dinner with happier thoughts.

So, while they waited for their food to arrive, she recounted the hurtful events while sprinkling in complaints about both Knuckles and Julie-Su. A cathartic experience, it allowed the treasure hunter to fully enjoy her meal once their waitress came around with the dishes and drinks.

***

Time was frozen, Knuckles' balled fist hovering in the air above the coffee shop counter. His mouth was agape, canines exposed in a display of aggression, fierce eyes alive with rage. The powerful hedgehog walked around the counter, trying to remember if he'd seen the echidna before.

The only instance he could pull forth was a mere possibility; a red BMW speeding down the street as he and Rouge enjoyed warm beverages outside the shop. Although it could've been anyone driving such a vehicle, it was the only conclusion he could draw, as there hadn't been anyone around the first time he'd spoken to her.

"Pathetic," Shadow mumbled to himself as he rolled along his skates to stand behind Knuckles.

As time began to speed back up, the Ultimate Lifeform hooked one foot under the echidna's legs and pushed them out from under him. Knuckles dropped, the forward momentum of his punch slamming his jaw onto the countertop as he fell. He let out an agonized shout as he tumbled to the floor, then clutched his muzzle and grabbed the counter to pull himself up.

Shaking, the echidna's eyes watered and he continued to groan in anguish. A splitting headache shocked through his skull and he remained kneeled on the floor while Shadow stood away from him, his baritone voice cutting through the otherwise quiet coffee shop.

"Get out of here. I don't want to have to expend any more energy on you."

Knuckles turned and glared up at him, attempting to speak but immediately clutching his mouth again before finally standing. Shadow remained on the defensive as the echidna chose to leave, his crimson gaze following the attacker until he was out the door.

He watched Knuckles climb into the same BMW that he had seen the evening before – initially invisible as he had parked in the farthest spot from the entrance – and made a mental note to speak with Rouge about the enraged echidna.

***

As the three of them were eating their respective meals, Blaze prodded Rouge about where she had run off to the previous day. "You said it would be good, so let's hear it."

"I met someone interesting the other day," the bat answered, trying to keep her smile from turning into a grin.

Silver's eyes widened a bit. "Woah, already? I knew you were quick about picking up new guys, but that has to be a record."

"Hey!" she retorted playfully, stabbing a piece of chicken with her fork. "This one doesn't count, okay; probably the first time I wasn't trying to find a lover after a breakup."

The hedgehog argued through a mouthful of pasta salad, "Well, it's extra impressive, then."

He covered his mouth when Blaze made a disgusted face, using his telekinesis to pull a napkin from the dispenser. The lemon-eyed cat turned to Rouge and said, "So, tell us about him."

The bat swallowed her food as a faint pink shade flushed across her cheeks. "He's this hedgehog who works at a coffee shop in town; small place, never been, so I'd never seen him before."

"Right, because you only go to clubs," Blaze interjected, chuckling.

"Exactly," Rouge smirked. Her gestures became more expressive when she started describing Shadow. "Anyway, he's kind of mysterious and moody – has 'grump' written all over his face. But he seems like a quiet guy, sort of reserved. Black hair with bright red highlights, the most striking cherry-red eyes I've ever seen; and handsome like you wouldn't believe!"

"Aw," the princess piped, her expression softening as she placed a hand on Silver's arm. He continued eating and nodded along to Rouge's story.

"I met him right after I dumped Knuckles. Just stopped at a random shop for a cup of tea." She purposely lowered her energy and took a sip from her champagne glass, then chuckled a little. "He made the most awkward small talk while I was sitting there; just had my heart broken, and there was a guy I would've never expected to approach me, talking so calmly that I actually felt like the world was slowing down. He had invited me to go back, so that's where I went after Knuckles picked up his stuff."

"Sounds like a connection to me!" said Blaze, returning to her meal. "Are you going to see him again?"

Rouge couldn't stop herself from grinning while she stabbed another chunk of chicken. "We have a dinner date tomorrow. It would've been tonight, but I already had plans with you two."

"Well, Rouge, you could've gone out with him tonight!" Blaze protested supportively. "We would've completely understood."

The bat shrugged and rolled her eyes in lieu of a response, her mouth full. Silver took the opportunity to cut in with a comment of his own.

"I'm glad things are looking up so quickly for you. You really deserve it, after the shit Knux pulled?" He shook his head. "Man, I'm just glad he got double-dumped."

Blaze laughed, making the hedgehog smile and chuckle as well. Rouge thanked him earnestly, then the three of them finished the last bits of their meals. They decided to order dessert, and the jewel hunter shifted the conversation over to Silver and Blaze. They discussed new developments over tiramisu, talking about the renovations they were making to their home, as well as a trip they were planning.

At the end of the night, Silver brought them home again and made sure Rouge was alright to drive. Her single glass of champagne hadn't impaired her enough to crash, so they said their goodbyes and the bat drove home with the window down. She enjoyed the rushing wind flicking through her hair as the radio played a smooth jazzy beat accompanied by inspirational lyrics; and when she arrived home, she pulled out her phone and quickly deleted every picture of Knuckles from her gallery.

[bymiar]

I'm preparing my attackssss >:)

First post 👋

Hi!!! I didn't want to post this yet, but once I joined to the "Sonic Fankid Swapmeet" I thought it would be the best thing. These are some of my kiddos. I have many of them, but you know "ladies first", right?

(I'm also writing a fanfic about them, lol)

Please don't throw hate on my cringe stuff, I'm new here 🥺

[the-sinful-voice-witch]

Ok soooooo I'm gonna write how I wish the final battle between Knuckles and Rouge would be in the movie according to my post about her participation in it, you know the scene from SA2 that I strongly hope they add in the next movie:

So, this conversation takes place after a fight, you have to visualize exactly the Sonic Adventure 2 last fight between them but with a scene of Rouge braking her wing after Knuckles throws her against a wall or something and I think everyone who saw that original scene in the video game doesn't need an explanation of why 😂😂 and this could be a fight for the pieces of the master emerald or the chaos emeralds, I'm not sure what fits better in the context of the version of the movie:

Rouge: AJJJ! *in pain *You brute! Some "noble" guardian you are! Attacking a lady?! SHAME ON YOU!!

Knuckles: Excuse me? You're the one who cowardly ambushed me from behind more than once! At least I have enough honor to attack from the front and what kind of Lady goes around stealing jewels?? You dishonorable thief!!

* Rouge feeling humiliated at his words rushes at him despite the pain on her wing*

Rouge: All the jewels in the world belong to me...!! Eh..!? Aaaaaaah!! *she loses balance and trips falling from the platform unable to fly up *

Knuckles: Hey!!!!! *jumps and grabs *

Rouge: kuuuhh!! .... Eh? * opens her eyes and looks up at his eyes confused *

Knuckles: got you!

* he pulls himself up and helps her get on the platform again while still looking at each other eyes, he is still holding her hand until she suddenly recovers from the shock and feels embarrassed so she pulled her hand away as if she got burned *

Rouge: Keep your hands from me! Don't touch me... * looks away embarrassed *

Knuckles: !? Is that how you're gonna thank me for saving your life??

Rouge: saving my life? *looks at him outraged* Ja! I broke my wing because of you, I'm not falling for that "noble" act, I'm sure you just wanted to hold my hand...

Knuckles: The audacity Woman! Are you crazy?! After what you put me through you spit at me that nonsense?!

Rouge: ha! if not that... surely you just wanted to save the goods I carry with me so don't pretend to be a hero!

Knuckles: I didn't even know you had them with you bat-girl! I did it because it was the right thing to do, is what someone taught me in Earth. I just followed the wisdom I believe in! Don't you dare to doubt the hero's way!

Rouge: what kind of wisdom is that? Being a hero means being so stupid you'd save the enemy's life?

Knuckles: No, it means I couldn't just let you die because... Being a hero means you take responsibility for other people and not care only about yourself, I guess a selfish thief like you wouldn't understand, you don't even care how much people you put in danger with your actions but I do not care, I will keep fighting you and do what I need to do to help those people and fulfill my guardian duty! * strikes a ready for fight pose*

Rouge:......... * keeps side looking at him until she sighs * Ahh... Not matter what you say you sound stupid to me...

Knuckles: what did you sa...?! !!! * gets the stolen goods thrown at him * HEY!? Eh... * confused * what?

Rouge: then just take them, I'm so tired of fighting you, this isn't funny or worthy anymore... * she turns around ready to leave *

Knuckles: Wait!! Your wing!! Don't you... Need help to set it back in place? I'm sorry I broke it, let me just...!

Rouge: * turns her head at him* Ah this? Don't worry... * se grabs her wing and puts it back in place again herself* Gah..! Uff, this is nothing, I'm a strong lady, im sure you already know...

Knuckles:.... Impressive...

Rouge: * she starts flying away while Knuckles looks at her in awe really impressed* Goodbye handsome and don't go around holding girls hands with that gentle grip of yours they might think you have no decency...

Knuckles: what the...!? You...!!! Hey!! * she flies away laughing maliciously * ....* sight* wait, did she just called my grip gentle...? Aaaarrr I have no time for this!! * runs out of the platform embarrassed*

SECOND ACT: SCENE AFTER SHADOW'S SACRIFICE

*Rouge walks close to knuckles to stare into the space through the window *

Knuckles: So... What are your plans now? Are you going to keep looking for those jewels you like so much?

Rouge: nah, I think I'm going to quit that... Too much work for too little pay...

Knuckles: I see... * looks shyly away*

Rouge: so, looks like he also believed in that earthly hero wisdom...

Knuckles: *looks back at her a bit sadly*

Rouge: he really *looks down to Shadow's bracelet and then at the Earth* took responsibility for all those people...

Knuckles: *follows her gaze * yes, he fought like the most honorable warrior, he earned my respect

Rouge: * sights and chuckles * jiji I see... * she looks back at knuckles and he looks back at her so their eyes meet again* I guess this is a goodbye

Knuckles:..... I guess so...

Rouge: * she starts to turn around to leave * come on, don't make that long face I'm sure we'll see each other again handsome... * winks *

Knuckles: * makes an unamused face *sure, bet you'll come back just to be a pain in the ass...

Rouge: my my whatever did I do to earn that sass from you knucklehead... anyway goodbye!! * she sprints away *

Knuckles: grrrrr Hum! * rolls his eyes and then makes a fond side smile at her back * goodbye bat- girl

And the end!

Remember my other post? You know my Headcanon is that she will live with Randall and Rachel so soon Knuckles will see her in a video-call XD

[theinkyisles]

word count: 3691

warnings: theres a scene where shadow thinks hes gonna get jumped but he wont, hes just rather anxious

reblog pls I beg

-

The bridge to Angel Island theoretically had a foot path alongside its road. The key word here is “theoretically.” The bridge had first been built over one hundred fifty years ago and slowly replaced and updated as certifications became stricter and cars became more and more of a family item. The current iteration must have been put in place almost fifty years prior and, while the road fared well over time, the footpath fell into desperate disrepair. There was no use to try and use his skates over what may as well be a gravel sidewalk, so whenever Shadow walked from Green Hills to Angel Island, he walked.

As he’s walking, the bridge rattles slightly and Shadow turns his head to see someone’s car starting to drive across the bridge. It’s not one he recognizes, but he doesn’t exactly know everyone’s car in Green Hills, so he turns back, pulling his jacket tighter around his body and walking a little faster. He pats down his inner pocket and curses lightly under his breath. He doesn’t need his knife, he hasn’t needed it in years, but he wishes he hadn’t fallen out of the habit of carrying it with him.

The car is creeping along, slower than it should, and Shadow keeps his head forward. He’s a pretty fast runner and worst case imaginable, he runs back to Green Hill. It’ll be fine, it will be fine, it will-

“Shadow!” a booming voice calls out. Shadow freezes in his tracks, his heart beating in his throat, his breathing rushing in and out at an ill-advised rate. The car rolls up next to Shadow, the sidewalk barrier standing in between him and the vehicle. Shadow forces himself to look at the driver, all alarms blaring in his head, and a huge woosh of air leaves his lungs as the tension bleeds from his shoulders. Knuckles�� bright expression fades into something more concerned. “I have scared you,” he says, frowning.

“You did,” Shadow sniffs, “but you always do. What were you doing in Green Hills?” Knuckles sticks a thumb towards the back seat, his bangles clacking loudly. Shadow cranes his neck to look. Cases of various flavoring syrups are stacked together and tied down so they don’t shift around during transit. Stamped across all of them is the name Emerald.

“There was something wrong with the last supply shipment, so Rouge asked me if I would be willing to get the emergency replacement.” Shadow makes a face.

“She can’t have been happy with that,” he says. Knuckles nods resolutely.

“She said several things I will not repeat,” Knuckles says in a wry tone, before reaching over the passenger seat to pop the passenger door open. “Join me, I am headed to the Emerald before going home.” Shadow raises an eyebrow.

“You’re just assuming I’m going to Angel Island to see you?” he asks. Knuckles rolls his eyes.

“Get in the car, Shadow. Let us not keep the miss waiting.”

“Calling her the miss¸ she must really have been upset,” Shadow says, taking a couple steps back. He takes a running leap, grasping the top of the barrier and launching his legs sideways over the concrete. He lands on the balls of his feet, steady. Knuckles beams and gives a soft applause. Shadow preens slightly before grabbing hold of the door handle and sliding into the passenger seat. Knuckles quickly shifts gears and the car jolts into a start as they make their way across the bridge.

Knuckles keeps the window down, letting the air flow in out of the car. Shadow rests his elbow against the door, leaning his head close enough to the open window to feel the wind flowing past. His other arm is stretched out enough across the console that his hand brushes against Knuckles’ forearm.  Knuckles, in turn, shifts his arm so that it presses closer to Shadow’s hand. Shadow presses his face into his arm, hiding a stupid-soft smile (he can’t see it, but Knuckles is wearing a similar, even soppier expression).

The car rattles along, tracing a long-familiar route and before long, they’re pulling up to Emerald. Knuckles quickly exits the car and Shadow makes to follow suit, but Knuckles appears at his door in a flash, gently pushing him back into the car. Shadow gives him a look and Knuckles shakes his head resolutely. “Last time, you hurt yourself.” Shadow goes red and crosses his arms.

“Last time was a mistake, and it’s going to take forever if you do it all by yourself.” Knuckles rolls his eyes before popping the door to the back seat and gathering one, two, three cases on his own and striding into the building. Shadow scoffs and slumps into his seat.  “Show-off,” he grumbles.

“I can hear you!” Knuckles shouts, but Shadow just sticks his tongue out.

The Emerald is an old club that’s been around for as long as Shadow can remember. A bright neon sign reads the name of the establishment across the front of the building and the front door is plastered with various posters, the same design of a green emerald on all of them. It’s the only place you can reliably get drunk at in a thirty-mile radius and every weekend, the tiny building is packed to the brim. Local bands just getting their start frequently have their first big shows here. Once (and only once) Shadow played upfront and quickly learned that he never wanted to perform again, nearly quitting bass guitar altogether over it. The Babylon Rogues, specifically, are getting rather popular with their stints at Emerald and Rouge has regularly stated that if they don’t give her a cut of their world tour money after she discovered them, she’ll sue them for all their worth. The Rogues laugh like she’s joking but Shadow’s sure she knows a couple lawyers who would take her side.

Shadow watches Knuckles carry the last few cases in and lock up the employee entrance before getting back into the driver’s seat. They don’t say anything as Knuckles shifts the car into first, second, and then third gear, rumbling down the road, but as soon as the car sets a steady pace, he reaches over a hand and Shadow face burns as he slips his hand into his friend’s.

They rove around Angel Island, climbing up the hills to where Rouge and Knuckles’ apartment is. Occasionally, Knuckles has to pull away his hand to shift gears again or mess with the parking brake, but he always picks Shadow’s hand back up (and it’s not like Shadow is a small man. He’s really not. It’s just that Knuckles is truly a foot taller than him and his hand swallows Shadow’s own and it’s not a thing, it’s not, chaos-). The engine hums a comforting sound and Shadow leans his head against the car door, letting his eyes fall shut as exhaustion tugs at him. Before long, they’re pulling into Knuckles’ designated parking spot and Knuckles tugs gently at his hand to wake him up.

Shadow takes a second to orient himself, drowsiness dripping off him in waves, but he eventually stumbles out of the car and catches up to Knuckles, who’s already taken Shadow’s bag and is waiting for him at the curb. “I could have gotten it myself,” Shadow mutters, shoving his hands into his jacket pockets. Knuckles pats him heavily on the back and Shadow has to brace himself not to stumble forward.

“What do the children say?” Knuckles muses. “As if. That is what the children say. Now hurry, the miss is waiting!” Shadow’s head perks up slightly and Knuckles chuckles. “You both are very predictable.” Shadow flushes and shoves at Knuckles’s side, though predictably, he doesn’t budge an inch.

“We’re not,” he defends. The other man just rolls his eyes and makes for the stairs. Shadow follows close behind, taking two steps at a time just to keep up with Knuckles’ gait. He quickly unlocks the door and sets Shadow’s bag right inside. They both slip off their shoes, Knuckles immediately moving to a pair of fuzzy house slippers, and Shadow zips further into the apartment, craning his head around corners to look for Rouge.

She’s in the kitchen, looking at her phone and chewing on something. She doesn’t turn to greet him in the doorway, but he’s not one to try and break her concentration on whatever she’s looking at. Shadow steps onto the cold tile, shivering slightly as it creeps up through his socks, and makes for the cupboard where he knows his mug is kept. As he reaches it, he brushes by Rouge and she screams, startling the both of them. Shadow jumps just about a foot in the air, his shoulders tensing up to his ears, and Rouge whirls around, grabbing a wooden spoon as a weapon. Shadow hears scrambling down the hall and Knuckles slides in, his eyes wide.

Rouge and Shadow stare at each other for a second before Rouge gently smacks him with the wooden spoon and yanks what he now realizes is her earbuds from her ears. “You scared me, asshole!” she admonishes, slumping back against the counter. Shadow’s shoulders drop, still tense, but no longer in fight or flight. Knuckles exhales heavily, rubbing at his eyes with a laugh.

“In my defense,” Shadow starts, “I didn’t expect you to be blowing out your ear drums with whatever you’re listening to.” Rouge scoffs and smacks again with the wooden spoon. Shadow hisses lightly and bats it away. “Unfair, I’m unarmed.”

“I should know better than to leave you two unsupervised,” Knuckles declares. “This always happens.” Rouge makes a scandalized noise.

“It does not always happen,” she refutes, “it’s just that this oaf-” she smacks him again with the spoon.

“Ow, Rouge, stop doing that-”

“-doesn’t know how to knock.” Knuckles furrows his forehead.

“Must he knock when he enters? I would have made him do so, but we have never required that before.” Rouge’s gaze softens and she pads over the small space to reach up and pat his cheek.

“Figure of speech, baby,” she says and Knuckles’ expression changes from confusion to a look of understanding. She looks back over her shoulder and turns around, propping her hands on her hips. “Now what are you going to say for scaring me?”

“I’m not going to apologize,” Shadow grumps, crossing his arms. Rouge glares at him for a moment, her lips pinched together, and the moment is a long stare between the two before Rouge cracks first and laughs. The tension from Shadow’s shoulders finally bleeds out and he smirks. “I always win, when will you admit that.” She shakes her wooden spoon at him and Knuckles reaches over to pluck it out of her hand.

Rouge spins again, turning her ire onto her partner and Shadow chuckles as Knuckles tries in vain to defend himself. He turns back to his mission, looking for his mug and setting the kettle to boil. Behind them, the faux argument dissolves in Rouge and Knuckles just poking each other’s button before someone rings the doorbell and Knuckles seems to be the one who loses the draw to go answer it. He settles against the counter and closes his eyes, listening for the telltale whistle of the kettle being done. A warm pressure leans against his side and he cracks an eyelid to see Rouge settling in right next to him. “Personal space much?” he mutters. Rouge snorts and Shadow allows himself a lazy smile.

“You haven’t been sleeping,” she says more than asks. Shadow shrugs. “You gonna stay for dinner?”

“I was thinking staying the night?” he asks quietly. “I know you and Knuckles have work and- I can of course head back home if it’s inconvenient.” Rouge shushes him, papping him gently on the arm before resting her head on the same spot.

“You can stay as long as you’d like.” Shadow leans into her, pressing his cheek to the top of her head. “As long you do the dishes.” He groans loudly and Rouge laughs.

“You’re awful to me,” he grumbles.

“Sure, sure,” Rouge says lightly. “I’m a horrible monster.” The kettle takes the moment to screaming and Shadow startles slightly. Rouge sets aside so he can reach into another cupboard, grabbing the first tea bag he feels and chucking it into the mug. As he pours the water, he hears Knuckles walking back into the kitchen. “Who was at the door?”

“Cream,” Knuckles says. Shadow turns around to face them, breathing across his tea to try and cool it down before taking a sip. Knuckles waves around an envelope. “Little rabbit gave me this envelope and said it was from her mother.” Rouge purses her lips and reaches for it.

“What would Vanilla need?” she asks, almost to herself as Knuckles hands over the envelope. She deftly rips it open with her acrylics and Knuckles peers over her shoulder. “Honey, you don’t have your glasses on, you won’t be able to read it,” she says off-handedly, skimming through the letter. Knuckles frowns, squinting at the page.

“Bested by reading,” he grumbles. “Blasted letters.” Shadow snorts into his tea and Knuckles frowns at him. “Do not laugh at my plight! You try having these eyes!”

“I’m good, but thank you for the offer,” Shadow says wryly, taking a sip. “What did Vanilla write?” he asks Rouge. She’s frowning at the letter and quickly turns it around to the back, but there’s nothing written.

“She’s asking if there’s any open positions at Emerald.” Shadow and Knuckles cock their head to the side in tandem.

“Has she lost her employment?” Knuckles asks. Rouge shakes her head, reading the page again.

“No….it seems like she’s asking for someone else? It’s just that it ends mid-sentence…” Rouge pulls another page out of the envelope. “Interesting. Apparently, some friend of hers is moving into town. He needs a job.”

“He couldn’t ask himself?” Shadow huffs. “Go through an interview process like the rest of us?” Rouge raises an eyebrow at him.

“Didn’t I get you your current job?” Shadow’s shoulders creep up to his ears and he loudly slurps his tea instead of answering. “That’s what I thought.” Rouge looks back at the letter, sighs, and then looks up at Knuckles. “Do we have the space for someone else?” Knuckles hums, very carefully thinking it over.

“Temporarily, perhaps. Until whoever this fellow is can find some more suitable work. Vanilla has asked for little in return for the favors she has paid us.” Rouge chews on the inside of her cheek.

“It’s not a bad idea,” Shadow speaks up. “My hours- I asked for more work at my second job so I won’t be around as much.” Rouge’s head shoots up at him.

“Are you having trouble with money?” she demands. “Shadow, I swear, you need to fucking tell us about this- we’ve been asking you to move in for months, it would fix so much-”

“No, no, no, it’s not...” Shadow sighs and sets his tea on the counter, fiddling with the cuffs of his leather jacket. “I just have too much time on my hands. Might as well do something productive.” Rouge scoffs.

“Hardly call what they make you do productive-”

“Rouge,” Knuckles says, disapprovingly. Rouge waves her hands in the air, a mock surrender.

“Fine, fine, keeping my mouth shut.”

“I know you don’t like what I do, Rouge, but it brings in good money.”

“Look, I’m dropping it so you have to drop it too,” she insists, tossing the letter onto the counter. “Okay, no more work talk. Promise. I’ll- turn off my phone even.”

“Oh, wow,” Shadow remarks, sarcasm dripping from his voice.  Rouge sighs loudly and Shadow sinks into his jacket. “Sorry. Uncalled for.”

“It is past lunch,” Knuckles interjects, “and neither of you have slept well recently. Let us eat and then we will sleep, alright?”

“Thanks, Knux,” Shadow says quietly. “Sorry for being an ass.” Rouge grabs him by the arm and pulls him into her side.

“If you weren’t being an ass at least some of the time, I think I’d be worried.” Shadow digs a hand under her ribs and she shoves at him, hard. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Knuckles bestowing them a fond smile and he ducks his head, flushed. Rouge claps her hands together, her arm still looped around Shadow’s. “Okay. Get the takeout menus. We’re splurging tonight.”

-

Bracing his knees, he hoisted the crate of new glasses up over onto the bar to be loaded into the dishwasher. Knuckles surveyed the bar, mentally checking exactly what needed to be done before he could go home and get ready for his security shift. The floor was disgusting and likely needed to be mopped several times over. Trash had been picked up, supposedly, but it couldn’t hurt to go over it on more time.  Bathrooms had to be cleaned and counters wiped down. The bartenders will come in shortly and cut fruit and refill coasters and straws on their own, but if he had time, he will try and get some of their tasks done ahead of time. Knuckles sighs and tightens the bandana holding his dreads back. It will be a long night.

As he makes for the storage closet, someone knocks on the entrance to the club. Knuckles stops, staring at the door, thinking he made it up. The door began rattling again, someone banging on it over and over again. Knuckles carefully walks up the door, keeping his footsteps soft. As he gets to the door, someone calls out, “Hey! Hey, uh, it’s Sonic? Vanilla sent me.”

Knuckles pauses. He had read Vanilla’s letter himself, once he’d finally found his glasses. A friend of a friend, apparently, who was moving to Green Hills and needed employment. Young, though, a couple years younger than himself, and the transition from Station Square to some place like Green Hills seemed odd.

He opens the door and there’s a young man rocking on his feet outside the door. The first thing Knuckles notices is the shock of vibrant blue hair pulled into a baby ponytail at the base of the man’s neck. It doesn’t do much to keep it out of his face, and strands of it are sticking everywhere. He’s a lot shorter than what Knuckles was expecting, but, to be honest, he wasn’t expecting much of anything today. The man beams up at him. “Hi! Are you uh, Rouge? I figure, because of the red – your dreads are cool as fuck, by the way.” He sticks a hand out at Knuckles. “I’m Sonic, Vanilla said you got work for me?”

Knuckles carefully shakes Sonic’s hand. “I am not Rouge, but she is the manager. I work security, my name is Knuckles,” he says. Sonic nods rapidly.

“Cool, cool, cool, so, uh, is Rouge inside then? I gotta get a paycheck sooner than later so-” Sonic tries to peer over Knuckles’s shoulder into the club but Knuckles shifts to block his line of sight.

Rouge and he had discussed, very vaguely, if the club could take on new staff. It wasn’t that there was a lack of work, but they were a small establishment, and the owner of the place tended to cut costs wherever he could. The fact that Rouge and Knuckles had stayed as long as they had was a testament to how hard they’d worked to make themselves – bringing on a new, seemingly permanent person? Knuckles would love to, but it didn’t seem like a possibility. Rouge was supposed to talk to Boss tomorrow. Then they would see.

“Rouge did not schedule for an interview today. Come back tomorrow,” Knuckles says and goes to close the door. Sonic’s eyes go wide and he sticks his arms in between the door and the frame, forcing Knuckles to keep the door open or crush Sonic’s arms.

“Wait, wait, wait, look, man, I really need work,” he says frantically. “I’ll do just about anything, but everywhere else is just gonna take forever and I need to pay rent, like, yesterday.”

“I told you, there’s no interview today,” Knuckles opens the door, squaring his shoulders, and tilting his head to the side. “Now get lost. You can come back tomorrow.” Sonic clasps his arms together and…begins to beg.

“Please, man, just- just like twenty bucks, I’ll do whatever you want me to. Look, I have a kid, at home, he- he needs to eat and stuff and I really used up everything I had to get us here and-” Sonic continues but Knuckles tunes him out, the mention of a child putting him at odds with himself.

On the one hand, this would largely be illegal. There is a process for a reason and the owner only needs one reason to nix Rouge from her already tenuous position among his staff. But leaving someone with a child in the lurch went against every moral code Knuckles has and…well, as long as he could hold his own, Knuckles could figure something out for Sonic.

“-he’s like nine and growing every day and-”

“Trial run,” Knuckles cuts Sonic off. “Today only. If you pull your weight, then I will pay you and I will talk to Rouge.” He steps close to Sonic, grabbing the collar of his letterman and lifting Sonic up with it so that’s he’s on his toes. Sonic blanches and starts stammering. “One mistake. That is all it will take to lose this opportunity. Do you understand me?”

“Yeah, dude, of course, just- let me down, will ya?” Sonic says. Knuckles stares him in the eye before dropping him. Sonic lets out a yelp and scrambles to regain his footing. Knuckles turns back into the club, gesturing for Sonic to follow him.

“Come, we have much to do.”

“Anyone tell you you’re kinda freaky?” Sonic says breathlessly, sneakers squeaking as he struggles to keep up with Knuckles. Knuckles grabs a broom leaning it against the wall and tosses it at him.

“Yes. Now sweep.”

[number-one-shadisper-shipper]

Wrote a Knuxouge oneshot

I was thinking about how Knuckles probably doesn't realize Rouge likes him for a while because she basically flirts with literally everyone so he doesn't think he's actually special to her. Then it turned into a whole angsty confession scene and it's just 😏🤩🥰

[silent-lily]

As a result of my drive to draw - some AU RP doodles (again)!

Shadow with white finger- and eartips. I've seen people drawing Shadow like this - with more white in his design - and loved it so much I decided to do the same but in the actual worst way possible. :) (whitened spots as result of a near-death experience; connected to this post actually!)

Cyberspace Maria! Yup, that's a thing in our AU. She was created as a trap of sorts by Infinite with the power of Phantom Ruby from scattered bits of Shadow's memories of her when he infiltrated Cyberspace. She stayed around even after Infinite's defeat but not for long, of course - since Phantom Ruby has been shattered, there wasn't much left to keep her "alive"...

Night and her big sis (one of her creators) Hope! History is doomed to repeat itself, huh... Or can mistakes of the past be evaded this time? (yes, that's Hope Kintobor; she's not the only Archie character we've incorporated in our AU; she's still Eggman's niece but she actually doesn't know A LOT about her family's history - especially her estranged uncle and the ARK incident)

[infinitesweep]

cover me in roses, cover me in pearls // knuxouge

word count 1959 - ao3 link

summary: Knuckles' island thrummed at his feet, a constant reminder of his duty, the everlasting heartbeats of his long-dead kin. The island was Galatea, and he could only hope to fill the space Polyphemus had left, be an immovable boulder, a lone unmoving stone pillar bearing his tribe's legacy. (It didn’t matter that he couldn’t remember any names or faces other than Tikal’s, muffled with static. The centuries-old claw marks on the wall fit his own, and that was all that mattered.) As sea-blue eyes lazily traced his muscular figure, leathery bat wings fluttering in the wind, Knuckles absentmindedly wondered what happened when an unstoppable object met an immovable force.  (or: why should knuckles care that rouge cares about him?) [RATED G - hurt/comfort, character study, found family, pre-relationship, hopeful ending, autistic knuckles]

my eebie deebies,,, enjoy!

-

Knuckles was tired.

Absurd. The guardian was not supposed to be tired. He was an unmoving stone pillar, standing tall and steady to protect his tribe’s legacy with fists raised and teeth bared. He did not fatigue or wear. He was an insurmountable cliff, an immobile boulder. No one could catch him off guard if his fists were always up, a veil between his eyes and theirs. 

His island thrummed at his feet, a constant reminder of his duty, the everlasting heartbeats of his long-dead kin. Any untrained gaze that scoured his home would consider it deserted, an abandoned graveyard of a mysterious civilization, useless except for some ancient hidden power. Where they saw winding cave systems, Knuckles saw homes, painstakingly dug out by hand and carved with the care a sculptor gives to his masterpiece. Where they saw a ruined sanctum, he saw a sacred temple. Where they saw power, he saw honor, a responsibility that he was proud to bear on his shoulders, another heart beating next to his. The island was Galatea, and he could only hope to live up to the space Polyphemus had left.

(It didn’t matter that he couldn’t remember any names or faces other than Tikal’s, muffled with static. The centuries-old claw marks on the wall fit his own, and that was all that mattered.)

And so he stood, through rain and sleet and snow, through chaos and trickery and war. The moments his fingers dared slip were short-lived and he tossed them to the wind. The emerald was his, and he was its, thrumming under his fingertips. It was the only family he had, after all. His eyelids would not, could not droop, lest they fail his ancestors again. 

As sea-blue eyes lazily traced his muscular figure, Knuckles absentmindedly wondered what happened when an unstoppable object met an immovable force. 

“Bat girl.” His voice was low, monotone, revealing none of the irritation beginning to heat in his chest. Of course, he knew that small victory would be short lived–Rouge knew exactly how to press his buttons. 

“Hello, beautiful,” She took a few seemingly careless steps forward, voice laced with rose petals. He knew how well the thorns were hidden. Her gaze wasn’t on him, but the emerald, shimmering in the fading light. Chaos, it was infuriating how the sun cast its rays on that muzzle, a blazing gold. “Been a while, hasn’t it?” 

“What are you doing here?” It wasn’t a question, but a statement, an order for her to get out , to go back where she belonged, to the probably stolen apartment she shared with her team, working against or with him. It didn’t matter. Knuckles worked alone, and that was just how he liked it. He didn’t need anything or anyone else besides his emerald, but Rouge, thief as she was, kept insisting upon these stupid visits. 

She ignored him, ascending toward his emerald step by step, that stupid determination in her eyes, and he growled in warning. “Answer me, Rouge.”

Silence. A raised eyebrow, a smirk. 

“I’m warning you!” Knuckles barked, stepping forward and sliding between her and her target. That’s all she thinks of it. Just some shiny, magic rock for her to steal. She knows nothing of the Master Emerald, and she has the gall to try and take it anyway?

Tch. Unworthy.

“Just thought I’d drop by,” she purred, hand sitting lazily at her hip. “Really, Knuckles. Not very gentlemanly of you. What kind of host accosts his guest?”

“I didn’t invite you to my island,” he retorted, hands curled into fists. Chaos, that makeup was just begging to be smeared by a well-placed punch. 

“I seem to recall Sonic inviting you off your island for Christmas.” Something shifted in her gaze, hardening as it clashed with his. “How long has it been since you left, anyway?”

“You’re the reason I can’t leave, Rouge!” Knuckles spat, taking a step back to be closer to his purpose. “Thieves like you. The Master Emerald is more important than me! What I want–” he paused, a strange, unfamiliar doubt pulsing like fire in his chest. He extinguished it without a second thought. “I have a duty . You don’t understand.”

“ Damn it, Knuckles!” Rouge’s voice was sharp, taking a dangerous step forward, her tone flipping on its head in an instant. “You have a duty, sure, but you’re not letting yourself have a life! No one’s seen you in months , and now you’re attacking me for–”

“ Can it ,” he snarled, raising his fists dangerously. She never knows when to give up, does she? “You’re not going to get my emerald, so leave! ”

“I don’t want your damn emerald!”

Knuckles paused, and suddenly he became aware of the bulkiness of his hands. He was clumsy. It was far too easy for his fists to break things. 

(Whatever this was? He didn’t want to shatter it. It was new, different, wrong . And yet, he wanted.

…but what other option did he have?)

“I don’t give a shit about your emerald, you hear me?” Rouge was almost screaming now, voice raw and shaky, and Knuckles was stunned into silence, anger giving way to shock. She’s never acted like this before . Her palm collided with his chest, more of a shove than a slap. “I don’t care about your island, your duty, your treasure, whatever! ” 

“Rouge–”

“I care about you , damn it!” She whipped around, but not quite fast enough for Knuckles to miss the tears brimming in her eyes. He found himself reaching toward her and stopped himself. Why do I…what is this? What is she getting at?  

“...Why did you really come here, then?” His voice was low and quiet, almost ashamed. He felt himself splitting in two. “Was it just to yell at me?”

“No, you idiot.” Knuckles was awful at understanding undertones, but he couldn’t miss the barely-veiled regret in Rouge’s voice. “No one’s heard from you for ages. I couldn’t just…” she paused, trying to steady her voice. It didn’t work. “I needed to know you were ok.” A raw laugh left her throat, and surprisingly, Knuckles could sense the exact moment she slipped back into her act. “Have to make sure my emerald’s kept safe, y’know?”

“I thought you didn’t care about the emerald.” 

“Tch.” Rouge didn’t answer, still facing away. Slowly, she knelt, gaze locked with the sunset. Her breathing was still shaky. “M’ just glad you’re alive.” 

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Knuckles moved to sit beside her. It didn’t dawn on him that he was leaving a gap for her to dart to the emerald and claim it for herself, he had more pressing matters to worry about. “I’ve lived here my whole life, y’know. My tribe did it for generations. Nothing changed, I’ve just got a few more pesky thieves and evil overlords to worry about than my ancestors.”

“Doesn’t really seem like living to me,” Rouge muttered, hunching over and pressing her muzzle into her sleeves. 

“It’s tradition. You wouldn’t understand.” No one does. No one seems to know the importance of remembering. If I am not here, what happens to my ancestors? My family? My memories? What happens to the emerald they guarded for generations?

“Please, go ahead and try to explain to me how spending your entire life standing in that same spot in front of that same shrine for hours at a time, barely even sleeping , is living. You sound miserable.”

“Of course you would think that,” Knuckles shot back. “You spend your time lying and deceiving others just to get what you want. You’re just a greedy treasure hunter.”

…So why do I care that you care about me?

“And what’s wrong with that, huh?” Rouge watched the clouds march across the sky, a spark of defiance in her voice. “I do whatever the hell I want. I’m not letting some stupid destiny or tradition control me. And what I want to do is make the world a better place. I don’t just steal treasure, you know. There’s a reason I work for G.U.N.” 

“What does that have to do with my emerald?” Knuckles tilted his head. Damn you, Rouge. You’re always so confusing. “I don’t need anyone else. I work alone. I’m the last of the echidnas, it’s what I’m meant to do.”

“You don’t have to, though.”

“I want to.”

“ Please , Knuckles.” She turned to him for the first time in a few minutes, and her makeup was smeared. A strange warmth made itself known in his chest. “I could see the bags under your eyes from a mile away. Why don’t you just let yourself sleep, once in a while? Go visit your friends and family? This duty… it can’t be all consuming, can it?”

“Do you understand what the word ‘Guardian’ entails?” Knuckles’ voice was less sharp and more solemn. “I cannot leave my post, Rouge. I cannot fail my ancestors. The emerald is more important than what I want to do. What I need to do is keep it safe.” 

“No.” Rouge poked him, almost gently, right in the center of his chest. He flinched but didn’t look away. “You’re more important than the emerald. Your life is more important than some tradition.”

“And this is why you’ll never understand.” Knuckles looked away. There should have been no conflict in his chest, no feeling of tearing or ripping his patchwork feelings at the seams.

And yet. 

“You have no right to be mad at me for stealing jewels, then.” Rouge’s hand found his knee, barely brushing fur. He shuddered, but didn’t shove her away. “After all, if you’re willing to sacrifice your life for one measly emerald, you can’t scold me for valuing material possessions.” 

“I’m not sacrificing my life, I’m just–”

“Then leave the damn island once and a while!” Rouge cut him off. “Come visit us so we know you haven’t rotted away! I–” she stopped. “ ...we miss you, Knuckles. Just check in sometimes, ok?”

Knuckles stayed silent, letting his thoughts simmer on his tongue. I… the emerald. What if I fail?

But Rouge’s eyes. She was crying . I did that to her. 

…Why do I care?

It didn’t matter, Knuckles decided. He wouldn’t question why he cared, all he knew was that he couldn’t just stop without it cracking and fraying under his cumbersome hands. His ancestors would have wanted him to have a family, right? 

“I… suppose.” He relented, sighing in defeat. Now that she mentioned it, his eyelids were heavy. Sometimes mountains had to rest weary bones. 

Something in his mind told him he was making a mistake, that he would regret this. The genuine smile on Rouge’s face, unmasked for a mere millisecond, wiped all of his doubts away. She squeezed his hand–when had they started touching?–and looked away.

“Don’t make me regret this,” he added quickly, voice sharp. “This better not be one of your tricks, bat girl.”

(He made no move to remove his hand from hers.)

“I’m sure I’ll make it worth your while.” Rouge shifted closer, ever-teasing at whatever fragile bond they shared. “But for now? I suppose you can keep me in check. Wouldn’t want me finally claiming what’s mine, would I?”

“Of course not. What kind of guardian do you think I am?” Knuckles scoffed. Her breath was warm against his fur, and he let out a yawn, forehead resting against her shoulder. He’d forgotten how easy it was to let himself slip into unconsciousness. 

Knuckles worked alone, and he was okay with that. It was his duty, after all, and he didn’t need anyone else. But sometimes, he supposed, it was fine to let himself rely on others. Life wasn’t just about necessities, after all. 

end. (tysm for reading, reblogs are greatly appreciated!! :D)

[jadeaphire]

Chapter 18 of A Work In Progress is out!

Summary: Shadow and Sonic attend Vector’s bachelor party. Both fun and some chaos ensue during the event.

[stormingchaosheartcontrol]

More Than The Emerald

Knuckles stood guard of the Master Emerald on Emerald Isle; looking up toward the sky above him, it was quiet and though he usually enjoyed uneventful nights, the red echidna had his suspicion and a gut feeling that tonight wasn’t going to remain uneventful for long.

“Oh, Knuxie!” A sing song voice greeted.

He was right.

That name. That pet name there was only one person who called him that, and the Master Guardian knew exactly who it was.

“Well, Well, if it isn’t, Rouge the Bat.”

“Uh-uh. That name’s off-limits slugger.” The jewel thief corrected, “Because last time I checked, my new name is, Rouge the Rat.” Wiggling a scolding finger.

He recalled that memory vividly, “You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?”

Mischievousness radiated off her. From the very top of her head, down to the very bottoms of her white and pink heart shaped high heeled steel toed boots.

“I would, but what fun would that be?”

Violet eyes shot her a look, “Let me guess, you’re for the Master Emerald?”

She waved her hands defensively, “Don’t get all excited sweetie. While old habits do die hard, and I mean that for the both of us; you’ll be happy to know that that’s not why I’m here.” Squashing his assumption in the process.

Knuckles raised an intriguing brow which Rouge instantly caught.

A smile plastered itself on her features, “The reason for my visit is personal.”

“Personal?”

The ivory bat nodded affirmatively.

“Listen hun, I know we don’t always see things eye to eye-”

“-That’s an understatement.” Knuckles interjected.

“And while it’s true, I’ve tried stealing and have stolen the Master Emerald as well as all seven Chaos Emeralds from you more than once.” The ivory bat confessed, motioning towards the massive green emerald that sat behind them.

“More times than not.” He said, adding to the fact.

“Believe me when I say, that’s not why I decided to drop in unannounced.”

‘Or the other times for that matter.’

There was no questioning nor denying that the red echidna enjoyed his and Rouge’s playful banters -that usually turned into a heated argument between the two- and sure, he’d much rather have a conversation with the sass filled treasure hunter without having to dish out an insult every two seconds. Deep down he knew, both knew in fact, that that’s how they showed they cared for along with demonstrated their deeply rooted and unspoken love for one another. Yes. Despite the pairs countless quarrels -that mad them sound like an old married couple- name calling, disagreements, unexpected run ins, constant bickering as to who The Master Emerald truly belonged to -which was one thing the former G.U.N. agent and Guardian of the Master Emerald still, to this day couldn’t agree upon- and rapid fire insults. Knuckles knew his life would be dull and boring if he didn’t have the sassy bat in it. The same thing could be said about, Rouge and how she felt about her hot-headed knucklehead of an echidna.

‘You’re just a jewel thief, you wouldn’t know!’ She scoffed, mocking him, red dreadlocks appearing atop her head and ears.

‘Long time no see treasure hunter, are you ready to give me back my emerald?’

Her emerald? No way that was happening; how many times was he, the Master Guardian, going to have explain that to this bullheaded jewel obsessed bat until she got it through her head? His answer – 24/7.

Though it’d been years Knuckles knew that day at Meteor Herd, marked the beginning of what would eventually become a significant point and important detail in their relationship.

‘Oh, Knuxie.’ Her voice greeted.

Unamused eyes peered up at the ginormous Blue Typhoon video monitor, ‘Well, well, if it isn’t Rouge the Rat.’

Little did he know that that particular insult would later come back to haunt him.

Successfully swiping the gigantic and unexpectedly heavy emerald green jewel from its perch, the ivory treasure hunter was about halfway through the forest before being stopped and confronted by a fuming Knuckles the Echidna.

‘That’s the Master Emerald, and you’re going to help me take it back!’

‘First you’ll have to catch me!’ She expressed before dashing off.

Memory upon memory came flooding in Knuckles’s mind and while neither could read one another’s mind; both knew they had similar memories, but with different perspectives flying around in their minds.

“It wasn’t about the emeralds, was it?”

Rouge raised a perplexed brow, wanting to hear the rest of his sentence.

“Ancient Pyramids, Meteor Herd, Mobius, Blue Typhoon.” He said listing examples, “All those times you claimed to be there for the emeralds, was nothing more than a cover up wasn’t it?”

He’d asked her this before, to which she quickly denied his accusation and responded in true Rouge fashion with a sassy one-liner insult; meaning tonight, should not have been any different, but instead of falling back on her usual instincts the ivory female allowed herself to be honest him as well as herself and let bottled-up vulnerableness -that’d been pushed down for years- to finally be released and take its place on her features.

“Given the circumstances in place at that time.” She admitted.

Knuckles inquired, “Then your comment about pieces of the Master Emerald stinking like echidna’s was merely a front.”   

Rouge heard the smugness in his voice, “Oh, I meant what I said, hun.” The former agent quipped, “But seeing how you treated me, after our battle at Meteor Herd changed my opinion of you, for the better.”

Violet eyes met teal ones.

“How’s your wing?” The red echidna asked, referring to their most recent encounter.

“Not completely healed, but it’s come a long way since the injury.” She informed fully aware of where their conversation was going.

*Flashback*

If the hospital room conveyed an image of fullness how come a mixture of loneliness, emptiness, fear and uncertainty seemed to consume her? Loneliness taking up the majority of space in her heart; speaking of love, the ivory knew she had friends -if she could even call them that, considering all that transpired on earth and in space- always felt something in her life was missing. And no matter how hard, Rouge convinced herself it wasn’t true, the former G.U.N. agent had to face facts that she didn’t have a place- no. A person to rely on when difficult times, like the one she found herself in, reared its ugly head. Well, almost nobody, there was-  

A series of knocks brought her back to reality.

‘It’s open.’

Waiting for who the jewel thief thought was the doctor to speak quickly turned sour.

‘Don’t you know it’d rude to keep a lady waiting?!’ She refuted; her voice filled with sass.

‘Is that anyway to treat your guests?’

Receiving a quick witted comeback under normal circumstances was nothing and didn’t bother her in the slightest. However, it was an entirely different scenario to be served a rapid-fire insult while being badly injured and that one little detail wasn’t going to prevent, Rouge from unleashing her wrath on her unruly visitor.

‘Listen here mister!’ Huffed the ivory bat, ‘I don’t know who you are, or why you’re even here, but don’t think I won’t hesitate in having you removed from the premise!’

A smug smirk appeared on his face.

‘I see you’re as batty as ever.’

She paused before dishing out the next set of insults. More specifically the female treasure paused because she knew there was only one individual -or echidna in this case- who could evenly match her rapid-fire quips.

‘You’re still a knucklehead.’ Coined the ivory colored female, “But that doesn’t explain why you’re here, hun.’

Knuckles stepped forward a bit before being at her bedside, ‘Isn’t obvious,’

Puzzlement plastered on her face, quickly turned to one of intriguement.

‘To see you.’

Teal eyes widened for a few seconds before realizing what he meant; that’s when a fresh batch of emotions along with old locked up memories came flooding in, like a huge wave crashing up and into the shoreline. This was her opportunity to have a much needed discussion with the red Master Guardian about past events that happened between them.

‘Have a seat, sweetie. It’s time we have a heart-to-heart.’

*End of Flashback*

Silence settled around the echidna and bat, who now sat beside one another on the mini staircase that resided in front of the Master Emerald.

“Even if I hadn’t of known right away, I still would’ve come regardless.”

“I know.” Rouge said, her head resting on Knuckles’s shoulder, “And I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else.”

He smiled mischievously, “Gee, never thought I’d hear those words leave your mouth.”

The jewel thief mimicked his demeanor, “Hm, never thought I’d see the day, where you’d go more than five minutes not being a hot head.”

Knuckles put his arm over her free shoulder, resulting in the female bat to be pulled closer to him, causing a light tint to appear across their features. If two people fight, they really care about each other. A saying both have heard on more than one occasion and though they’d scoffed at such a thought at first; reminiscing about past adventures, memories, run ins -old and new- here at Emerald Isle, made two the treasure hunters come to terms of how it accurately depicted their relationship, and how there’d always been a deeper underlying reason when it came to searching for the Chaos Emeralds and Master Emerald and then some.

[sonic-writing-prompts]

// Knuxouge, Valentine’s Day

Knuckles and Rouge are about to leave for dinner when it starts to storm outside.

Neither of them wanting to get wet and Sonic still having their umbrella, they decide to stay in.

Rouge makes dinner. And Knuckles messily makes dessert. Then, they choose a movie to watch, play board games, and dance together. Agreeing the night was perfect as could be.