#team chaotix fanfiction

[merlyybird]

charmy's pb&j adventure

["i'm gonna write a little slice of life as a warmup" i said before writing ~2400 words lmao. hope you enjoy!]

"I'm hungry," Charmy said.

Vector glanced over from where he sat hunched at the desk, in the middle of listening to a client on the phone and taking notes on his notepad---his pen halted when he heard Charmy speak up. He carefully angled the phone away from his mouth before whispering back. "Go get some food, then. I'm busy."

"Can I have a peanut butter and jelly?"

Vector's brow set itself in a line. "You can have cheese crackers. I'll make you a sandwich when I'm done with this call," his eyes flicked back to the phone. "All right?"

Charmy furrowed his brow and raised his voice without even knowing it---all he knew is that he felt kind of mad now. "Why can't I make me a sandwich?"

"Charmy---!" Vector hushed for a moment to see if the client had heard him on the other line, then he faced Charmy and made a zip it! motion in front of his mouth.

"Look," he hissed, "We can make one together when I'm done, but you can't use a knife when I'm not there."

"Why not??"

"What do you mean, 'why not'? You cut your finger last year! Had to get stitches and everything! You don't remember---" Vector started and quickly straightened up in his desk chair, facing forward again and bringing the phone close to his mouth. "Uh---Yeah, I'm still here, sir! Just speaking with my associate...Can you, uh, gimme that whole last part again?"

Charmy remained there, hovering, for a few moments. He kept staring at Vector, waiting for him to change his mind, but Vector just said an occasional "Uh-huh" to the client and started writing on his notepad again. After a moment, he shot Charmy an intense look that plainly said, don't you dare.

Charmy let his arms unfold, his expression a little droopy with sadness now. He puttered out of the front office and meandered toward the kitchen with his head slightly bowed.

He couldn't use a knife? Just a butter knife, not even a real one? That accident was a whole year ago, and he was still little and stupid then. He wasn't little anymore. He knew how to do it right. After all, he'd watched Vector and Espio make a sandwich, like, a gazillion times, and they didn't even need to cut anything.

Well, he was gonna show them. It didn't matter that Vector had said no, because he was gonna show him he had nothing to worry about.

Charmy made it to the kitchen, which was currently empty and floating in soft late-morning light. He put a finger to his chin, squinted, and took inventory of where everything was. The bread was in the bread box. The peanut butter was in the cabinet. The jelly was in the fridge. And the knife would be with all the other silverware. It still gave him a tiny twinge of anxiety to think about using one---the incident last year still stuck out in his mind---but it was easy enough to push down and ignore.

Something Charmy had always liked to hold over his coworkers' heads was that he could fly, so he could reach all the cabinets with total ease, even the one above the fridge. It didn't take much effort to gather all the ingredients and lay them out on the counter.

He decided to pull up one of the kitchen chairs to sit on while he worked, though. He remembered that, last year, he had cut himself while he was hovering and trying to slice an orange. Maybe staying still would be safer, and then the others would see that he was good at being careful.

Once he was seated at the counter, Charmy pulled open the silverware drawer. The Chaotix kept utensils in various sizes---big forks for Vector, medium forks for Espio, small forks with different-colored rubber grips for Charmy. It kind of made him think about the story with the three bears, where each member of the household had something meant just for them. He wasn't too keen on being the "baby bear," though.

The butter knives sat in the far right part of the drawer. There were no small, Charmy-sized ones. He stared at the knives for a few moments, suddenly frozen in place. Was he scared? Why? This was a stupid thing to be scared about.

He reached in and took one of the medium ones. It felt surprisingly like holding any other utensil: fairly light and a little flimsy. Charmy let out his breath. Maybe the thought of it just seemed scarier after he'd cut himself last year.

Charmy put down the knife and took his time setting everything up. He opened the bread bag, grabbed two slices, and put them on the counter (that's what you were supposed to do, right?)

He decided to start with the jelly, because that was his favorite, and he wanted to add as much as possible now that he had the power. He went to open the lid, but found it stuck. Charmy glared and tried again---it wouldn't budge. It just hurt his hand.

He grunted and twisted the lid with all his might. "Come on!" he said to himself, "Come on! Why'd ya have to close it so tight, Vector---!"

All of a sudden, the lid flew off. Charmy shrieked as the jelly jar slipped out of his hand at the same time. He dove out of his chair and managed to catch it just before it hit the floor, but some of the jelly still sloshed over the edge and splatted on the tile, and some of it got on his gloves, too. Now they were all stained with splotches of grape-purple.

Charmy stood up, put the jelly jar on the counter, and hurried for the tea towel hanging on the dishwasher. He tore it off, tried to clean his gloves---which got rid of the jelly, but still left the stains behind---and threw it on the mess on the floor. He stared at the tea towel for a second as it lay there, just barely covering up the splatter.

He couldn't let Vector and Espio see, but he'd have to clean it up later. He'd get in even worse trouble if they saw him using a knife on his own.

Charmy returned to his chair and tried to pretend like nothing happened. He eyed the butter knife for a second before picking it up and dipping it into the jelly jar. Sticking his tongue out for focus, he scooped out the tiniest little bit of jelly, then paused. That was actually really easy.

Charmy's eyes brightened, and, more confident now, he went in for a much bigger scoop that immediately turned out to be more than he'd bargained for---he ended up with a big blob in the middle of the slice of bread. He pursed his mouth and tried to spread it around, even it out a little, but the jelly just ended up flooding the whole slice in a thick, gooey sheet that dripped over the edges and onto the counter.

Well...at least the sandwich would taste really sweet. And at least he had finally used a knife without---

"Charmy?" He jumped and turned to see Espio standing in the doorway, looking confused at first, but as realization dawned on his face, his expression quickly turned to exasperation. "What are you doing?"

Charmy gasped and hid the knife behind his back. "Don't tell Vector!"

"You're not supposed to do this by yourself," Espio said, approaching. He crouched down to wipe up as much of the jelly spill as he could with the tea towel, still on the floor. "You're making a mess, Charmy. Look at this, there's jelly everywhere."

"Well---" Charmy glanced at the spillage on the counter. He felt a little embarrassed, but doubled down so that he wouldn't show it. "I was hungry!"  

"Why didn't you just ask Vector for help?" Espio balled up the dirty tea towel in his hands, put it on the counter, then stood up. His gaze lingered on Charmy for a second before he raised both of his eyebrows. "Is that a knife?" Charmy hid it further and shook his head. Espio held his hand out. "Give it."

"No!" Charmy pouted his lip and wormed back and forth as Espio tried to snatch it from him. When Espio straightened up and disappeared with Leaf Swirl, Charmy flapped his wings and stole into the air just before Espio could poof back into view behind him.

"Stop trying to take it!" Charmy called, "I got it! I'm being safe!"

Espio closed his eyes, sighed, and brought a hand to his face. "Charmy, put the knife down."

"No!"

"Vector won't be happy when he sees you with it."

"I don't care!"

Espio paused for a moment to look up at Charmy. Then, he dropped his arms and shook his head. "Fine. Come down from there and I'll help you."

"How come someone always has to 'help' me?" Charmy settled to sit on top of the fridge and folded his arms, still holding on tight to the butter knife. "I fight robots all the time! And you send me on missions and stuff! I'm---I'm just as good as you guys!" His voice started to choke up, against his will. "How come you still treat me like a baby?"

Espio's eyes widened in surprise, and the whole room went still. Charmy tried his hardest to hold in tears, because if he started crying, he really would look too little to do anything.

After a few moments, Espio lowered his head.

"You're not a baby, Charmy," he began, "We know that better than anyone, because we do trust you. You're just inexperienced when it comes to matters of working in the kitchen. It's the reason you thought cutting an orange with a butter knife would be safe."

"Well, I don't think that anymore," Charmy huffed.

"Yes, because you made a mistake and learned from it. It doesn't mean you're ready to prepare food alone." Espio gestured toward the jelly mess all over the counter. "See? Without someone to tell you that's enough, you went overboard."

Charmy followed his gaze. He sniffed and furrowed his brow again. "...I guess so."

"Precision comes with experience," Espio continued, "Which usually comes with age." He paused. "Although...I suppose you do have a point. You have accomplished many things that other children your age have not."

Charmy kicked his feet idly back and forth. "Yeah," he said, "'Cause I'm a detective, and I've fought Dr. Eggman, like, a bunch of times."

His expression turned contemplative as he mulled over Espio's words. He thought about the handful of people he knew who were his age, usually just acquaintances he ran into at the park. Their lives sure seemed a whole lot more boring and small than his did. But, recently, he'd come to realize that 'boring' meant 'normal' for most people.

"I guess other kids still get their moms to make them sandwiches." He frowned. "But...but I'm supposed to be better than them! 'Cause I do all that dangerous stuff!"

Espio nodded, sighed, and smiled softly up at Charmy. "I think your strange skillset is owed to this...strange household," he said, "Vector and I aren't exactly the mothers you see at the park. And you aren't exactly the kids you meet there, are you?"

No, he wasn't. Espio was right, and Charmy wasn't sure how to feel about that.

The two of them lingered in silence for a few moments.

"I have an idea," Espio piped up at last. "Since we have the time, I could teach you my sandwich-making technique. That way, in the future, you can do it on your own." He straightened his back. "Consider it...training." 

Charmy gasped and brightened up again. "Really? You're gonna give me sandwich training??"

"Sure," Espio gestured to the mess on the counter, "If you help me clean this up."

"Yippee! You got it!"

***

"Hey, I'm off the phone," Vector called as he headed for the kitchen. He knocked on the doorway with one knuckle. "Charmy? You in here?" 

He stopped when he saw Espio standing at the counter, walking Charmy through putting two halves of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich together. "Make sure you lift up the peanut butter half," he said, "If you lift the jelly half, the jelly will slide off---"

"I know what I'm doing, Espio," said Charmy from where he sat on one of the kitchen chairs. Despite this, he still slammed the halves of bread together a little too hard, and jelly squished out from the sides.

Espio sighed. "Well, at least you're finished now." He turned to see Vector walking in. "Ah, hello. Done talking to that client?"

"Vector!" Charmy grinned, picked up one of the three plates sitting on the counter, and buzzed over to where Vector was standing. "Here! I made you one, too!"

Vector looked down at a very sloppily made peanut butter and jelly sandwich. "Oh," he said, taking it, "Hey, thanks. I've been thinkin' I could go for some food." He opened his jaw, threw the entire sandwich in, and ate it in one gulp. He took a second to let the extremely sweet taste settle in. "...Lotta jelly."

"Yeah, it's Charmy-Style," Charmy beamed at him, "And Espio helped me!"

"He still has some, well...room to grow," Espio made a face as he picked up his own sandwich and excess peanut butter-jelly sludge dripped out the bottom. "But the result is...functional, I guess."

"Well, well. Looks like stuff worked out." Vector watched as Charmy returned to the counter to grab his own sandwich, then flew over to sit on Vector's shoulder while he ate it. Vector smiled up at him. "Hey, sorry if I made ya feel bad earlier. You've grown up a lot since last year. I should probably trust ya to do something as easy as makin' a sandwich, huh?"

"Mm-hmm," Charmy said mid-bite. "I'm good at it now!"

"Well...good is a strong word," Espio corrected, "You're still just starting out."

Charmy wasn't paying much attention to him, though. He was too busy reveling in his brand-new independence.

An idea struck him right then and there. When he was done chewing, he smirked and leaned forward to face Vector. "So, Vector," he said, "If you really trust me to do stuff by myself, then...Can I drive your car?"

Vector snorted, reached up, and pushed Charmy's helmet so that the front part slipped over his eyes. Charmy laughed. "Don't push your luck, kid!"

[team-chaotix-week]

Here are a few one-shots that fit the bill:

The Case of the Missing Helmet by @merlyybird

Things That Go Bump in the Night by storydrsgon27

Brothers Doing What Brothers Do by sorrows_ending

Stranded by @naivesilver

Night Terrors as you Rest by @0ne-shot

Happy reading!

If anyone knows of any good espio and charmy sibling fanfics/one-shots please do share with me 😊

[rednexxsaysthing]

"I don't know any good Sonic The Hedgehog hurt/comfort fics!"

I gotchu

Sonic angst- Wilted Sunflower, If I Was Given a do-Over, Reflection, Nerve Pains, Late Night Talks

Tails angst- Better Days Ahead, Thunder's Embrace, Friendship in this Moment, This Family Sticks Together, The Truth is That I'm Not Leaving You, 30 Minutes

Knuckles angst- Knuckles is a Sayori AND Yuri Fan, Shot, The Whistle Through The Trees, Sleep Now, Hush Now, Quiet Now

Amy angst- A "Working Vacation", Not a Date, Mother's Day Memories, MUSETTE AND DRUMS, Take Care of Yourself, Whispers of Yesterday

Shadow angst- Misunderstanding You, Feeling Blue, It's All so Close And Yet so Far, Life Goes on, Shadow's Solitary Struggle

Rouge angst- When Your Faith is Dead, Rouge's Betrayal, Adularescence, Not Your Fault, Comfort Disguised as a Wound and Takeout Boxes

Silver angst- Send Me Flowers, To Lend a Hand, I Don't See Your Faces, Trace of a Robotic Soul, Serenity

Blaze angst- Purple Color in Dahlia and Iris, I'll Take Care of You, One-Sided Over You, Don't Leave Me Alone, The Storm Before the Calm

Vector angst- I couldn't find any sorry :(

Espio angst- Don't Leave Me Alone, Better to be Hated Than Loved (You're Lovable), Chameleon Means "Earth Lion" in Greek, Next to You, I Laid Softly on The Hard Ground, Things That Go Bump in the Night, Espio Prime

Charmy angst- Together as a Team, Calm Buzzing, Save a Bit of Hope For What's Yet to Come, Goodbye to a Brother (this one's more just angst rather than hurt/comfort)

If anyone wants more characters lmk

[sci-twi]

I heard that the scrapped idea for the cancelled third Sonic Storybook Game was supposedly going to be Greek Mythology themed, so I propose this: A Hades and Persephone Retelling.

Here’s some key points that I’ve come up with and will tweak or modify as I come up with them. I hope to make this into a full-fledged comic at some point and will get some concept art out hopefully in the next few days.

Synopsis: Sonic is summoned by Demeter to rescue Persephone, her daughter, from the dreadful God of the Dead, Hades, who has kidnapped her and is holding her hostage in the Underworld. However, as Sonic meets the rest of the Pantheon, he begins to suspect that there is more to the situation. His suspicions further arise as he travels within the Underworld, finding that things are not quite as the stories, and Demeter, claim.

Character assignments below the cut

The Pantheon

Eggman as Zeus (Side note: Hilariously he’s the only one to actually call Sonic a hedgehog as they were there in Ancient Greece. Apparently as pest control or weather predictors. Also: Eggman.)

Agent Stone as Hera

Sage as Athena

Metal Sonic as Hephaestus

Tails as Hermes

Mephiles as Poseidon

Vector as Dionysus “More wi-juice! I mean… juice! Yep!”

Knuckles as Ares

Rouge as Aphrodite

Espio as Artemis

Blaze as Hestia “I tend to stay out of these affairs…”

Silver as Helios

Charmy as Apollo

Cthonic Deities

Big as Cerberus “I warned yah buddy. You should turn back now while you have the chance.”

Omega as Hypnos “IT IS IMPORTANT FOR INFERIOR ORGANIC LIFEFORMS TO GET THE ALLOTTED EIGHT HOURS OF SLEEP IN ORDER TO REMAIN FUNCTIONAL.”

Shadow as Thanatos

Amy as Hecate

Sticks as Styx

Cream as Charon “Welcome to the Underworld! Please step aboard my boat and I’ll take you wherever you need to be- but first: obol please!”

Babylon Rogues as the Furies “Lord Hades said that you’re a slippery one and wants us to take you in alive. But he didn’t say anything about not making it hurt.”

Tom and Maddie (cameo?) as Odysseus and Penelope (note: Demeter has attempted to kidnap Persephone back many many times, hence why they are there now despite the original myth taking place before The Odyssey)

Maybe Tangle, Whisper, and Lanolin as the Fates

Hades and Persephone are both “humans” like Demeter.

Demeter has fiery red hair/auburn hair like a maple leaf. She is very fall/autumn themed. Something something if I had a nickel for every red head who betrayed me I’d have 15 cents and that’s a lot actually what the fuck

Her final form (boss mode) is winter themed.

Ascalaphus - one of Hades’ orchardists, turned into a screech owl and enslaved by Demeter. She sends them to go with Hermes and Sonic to the Underworld to ensure that Hermes won’t stray from the mission. May turn on her as the story progresses?

[000marie198]

Are there any sonic au’s you would recommend? I am trying to find more to get into so would love to know if you have any favourites out there :D

Hello! Oh there are so many! :D I definitely have some favorites and some which aren't favs but are pretty great.

Putting these under the cut because there are so many! And there's definitely more cool AUs that I haven't seen or haven't saved.

Anyways, please enjoy my personal selection:

Seven Years Too Soon by NightFuchia. Basically what if a much younger Sonic accidentally set Shadow free from Prison Island. It has awesome characterization and happens to be one of my favorite stories. The rest of Team Sonic is also present

Brotherhood's Twist by @/drawloverlala even though I don't think it counts entirely as Au but it still sort of does. Unbreakable Bond ageswitch due to Zeti's meddling.

Passion's @sonic-tangled-au . I love it! So very much. The lore and backstories are so good.

Noonui's World Restored in Imbalanced Chaos au. Extremely engaging and good. Has a bunch of world building and fun concepts and lore.

Sonic's Super Totally Awesome Mixtape, though it seems to be discontinued, I'm not sure. It's pretty good so far! Takes place in the movie verse.

@brainworms-all-night-long is working on a Dreamtale Au which I'm hyped for. The tag in use is 'dreamtale and sonic tomfoolery'.

@/the-starlight-project comic is pretty good too. Mystery! And emotions. So many emotions ough.

And there's @the-emerald-isle-au by @0vergrowngraveyard . Very intriguing. 👀

Please do check out the Pandora Au by @/starrjoy. It's great!

The Fair Folk by Irritable_Fabulamancer, this fic is one of my favorites! Team Sonic as Fae my beloved! I love fae AUs.

On that note, if you're alright wanting to read a Fae!AU which is pretty much a sonadow fic, there is also I don't believe in fairy tales [but I believe in you and me]. Fantasy and Fae! Satbk inspired, another one that had me hooked.

My Arms Are Blue by thekyuubivixen and its unofficial, fan-continuation (My Arms Are Blue! Final Four Edition) by PlaystationPassenger. The story doesn't completely count as an AU but I'm recommending them anyway cuz they're really really good and has that watching your own show from different dimension trope. It's also hilarious and fun.

Burning Arrow, Wildfire Heart by Taranea is SatSR novelisation AU with Sonic's other friends present too, it's pretty fun. Not very accurate regarding the desert but it's a good read and I come back to reread it often. Must read in my opinion. Just don't dare use it as guide for desert travel or you'll be shriveled up in the sand somewhere

This fic. Read it, I will not elaborate this one. Just trust me :]

And don't miss out on @shadofiredragon's Legends Never Die fic. It's a future fic! And an awesome one. I won't spoil much but it is so good. She also has lots of fun AUs in the works.

Down the Foxhole series by MoonlitNightin. Sonic Prime AU series which is great! Tails' pov. The Shatterverses have their own Sonics. Engaging and great.

Feel free to check out @/Son1c's 10verse and other AUs. Those are some pretty great ones. Love the different lore and variants given to the Shatterverses in 10verse.

Spirit of the Wind by TrenchCoatGecko. Satbk inspired fantasy au. Sonamy, has focus on magic and lore and other characters as well.

If you'd like some Forces angst with Unbreakable Bond focus, please do read Illusionary are your arms around me by @nixoon-again. The feels will kill you /pos

Chaos Barren by but_why_not. I forgot to add this earlier (this is an edited addition). Takes place in the Blue Devils AU, great story!

Baby Tails shenanigans by @myymi . Tails got turned into itty bitty infant kit. (And also check @0vergrowngraveyard 'baby tails' tag for more little gremlin scenarios)

Myla is also working on @tails-and-the-ink-machine au

Feral au by Oneshot_bravo. Little short stories or drabbles taking place in Unleashed but the werehog is feral yet keeps his memories. Very lighthearted and fun and cute

Three or more foxes form a skulk by @/chiropter36 . Post Prime au fic, loved it! Go read.

Also, @donelywell 'roadtrip! sonic au' and 'Casino Nights Au'

Haven't yet started reading The Fox's Burrow by @/space-gutz but I'm planning to. Recommending it either way cuz I feel like it's gonna be good. Unbreakable Bond but ageswaped au.

@/sonicchaoscontrol comic. Another in-progress au which is also quite intriguing. Sonic jumps through a portal and exits in future where the planet is a mess. The mystery of what and how it all happened and what's going on slowly unfolds.

The Buzzsaw Dillemma by redpenship. I haven't personally read it myself but I've heard many good things about it, especially it's world building.

Incomplete and won't be updated anymore but if you haven't read them yet, DO NOT miss out on Ghosts of the Future and The Murder of Me fancomics by Evan Stanley (spiritsonic) and Gigi Deutrix (gigi-D) respectively. They're a must read. Both are available on DeviantArt.

The Heart of a Monster comic, @/the-heart-of-a-monster. It's in progress and updates regularly. Unleashed retelling, really really good with some extra lore and everyone involved.

Sometimes the Picket Fence isn’t Perfect and Sharp Edges (Sonic Prime AU) series by @/skimmingthesurfaces. I'm holding off the first one to read later, like that one book you've been saving so I'm not sure if it completely counts as an AU, still putting it in recs, and the second one is intriguing so far. I have heard a lot of good thing about the Picket Fence series.

Dark Boom by Smash50. The entirety of Team Dark in the Sonic Boom universe. Alongside it, there's also Boomtober by the same author.

It Always Snows by the 24th by Selendred had me hooked even though it's a oneshot. Great au and would love to see it explored more.

No One said I Wish by SylWritesStuff. One of my fav stories from the Sonic Platonic Fairytale Week event. It's really funny.

Sonic Phantom Forces (SPF) au comic. Sonic Forces au, blue boy gets taken away but not in the way you think, pretty cool story so far. It's in-progress and available on both Tumblr and DeviantArt. @/spfau

If Black Doom tried to be a better father by Tirainy. Don't take this one seriously. It's pure comedy and I love every second of it. Shadow is having a time for sure XD.

Silent Talkers by @brainworms-all-night-long. Takes place in the Prime Bros verse, feels intensified, all the good ones. A must read, trust me.

And speaking of the Prime Bros AU (in which all Shatterverse foxes also got adopted by Sonic and are now brothers), feel free to scroll through the 'prime bros' tag here. So many awesome posts for this particular au by everyone!

There's so many more, cool ones, epic ones. I haven't saved all and I'm probably forgetting some great ones too so I'm leaving this open for others to add. If y'all have more cool AUs, plz add to these (I wanna check em out too)

....

And now a few from the Fanfiction.net site because it doesn't have much audience compared to AO3 and there are some actual gems hidden there;

Premonition by thekiyuubivixen (not entirely an au but it feels like one due to the unique ability Sonic gains)

The Sonic Project by SconnieSA. Rated M but it's a pretty awesome AU and the rating is due to more serious themes and uncensored language in some parts. Highly recommending this one

Survivor's Resolve by DC111. Not entirely an AU but I must rec this fic it's so good and doea havs some AU vibes.

Sonic the Hedgehog: Attorney of Law by thedraconicwerewolf. Ace Attorney type AU with Sonic and Tails as main characters. Not too adventurous but very very fun and interesting and still managed to keep Sonic in character. Though it has a sequel started, I only rec the main story, not the sequal as it seems to be abandoned and isn't needed to be read like them cliffhanger stories.

beLIEve by Meow21. I have only read snippets from this, waiting for this story to continue but it seems to be discontinued. Felt like an epic story too and deserves to be recommended.

Sonic and the Golden Journey. Sonic gets thrown in another storybook, this time it's a children's classic fairytale. Short but very comedic and fun. Go read it.

Tales of a Samurai. I am begging you to read this one, please it's so good. Also by Taranea.

Wonderful and it's sequal Sanctuary by Inflamore for some Unbreakable Bond angst. (Kindly ignore the obliviousness of earlier ff.net for not knowing the meaning of certain symbols, there's nothing of the sort in story, trust me.)

Regrets by MazzyBooks. A high school au of sorts. Sonic centric with some heavy angst. I'm not kidding about the angst part, trust me. It had me hooked from the first chapter though and I believe it deserves a rec.

You need the cracks (to let the light shine through) by king.needlemouse. Istg this is the most underrated thing I've ever come across, it's one of my absolute favorite fics which I can never forget. Do read it.

Within this Nightmare by sonicfan1990. Sonic get transported to an alternate universe which has gone post apocalyptic and his counterpart in that universe has been dead. Pretty great story, lots of angst and everything.

And that's all I could remember and have saved for now. I'm leaving this open to more AU recs (yes even self plugs are welcome) so if you know any I missed, plz feel free to add. I hope you enjoy all these great AUs!

Thanks for the ask!

[expresso-bean]

The Man Out Of Time [A ShadAmy and Silver Story]: Masterlist

Pairing: Shadow the Hedgehog x Amy Rose

Description: It has been seven years of peace following the grueling war with Eggman and his army. Though it took time to rebuild what they have lost, life for the Freedom Fighters could not be better. Whether it's finding love or trying to run from their past, celebrating post-war times has been different for each of them.

All is well until a silver hedgehog comes knocking on Amy Rose's door to deliver the tragic news about an incredible force that seems to be the cause of the future's destruction.

Will anyone believe the mysterious hedgehog's cry for help? Or will he be left to fight for his future alone? Read to find out!

Warnings: None

!! I do not own any of the art/gifs/borders used in my chapters. All credits to the rightful owners !!

Second Account: @expresso-beans

FULL SERIES MASTERLIST・❥・CREDITS・❥・AUTHOR'S NOTE ・❥・AUTHOR'S NOTE II (Poll)・❥・AUTHOR UPDATE

Main Story Chapters:

Chapter 1・❥・ Chapter 2 ・❥・ Chapter 3

Chapter 4 ・❥・Chapter5・❥・Chapter 6

Chapter 7・❥・Chapter 8 ・❥・Chapter 9

Chapter 10・❥・Chapter 11・❥・Chapter 12

Chapter 13・❥・Chapter 14・❥・Chapter 15

Chapter 16・❥・Chapter 17・❥・Chapter 18

Chapter 19・❥・Chapter 20・❥・Chapter 21

Chapter 22・❥・Chapter 23・❥・Chapter 24

Chapter 25・❥・Chapter 26・❥・Chapter 27

Chapter 28・❥・Chapter 29・❥・Chapter 30

Chapter 31

EXTRA Chapters:

Memories ✦ Answers

[maynez]

Time to Heal... (A Vector X Vanilla fanfic) (AU post Zombot)

This story takes place several months after the Zombot arc from IDW's Sonic comics.

Although the day is still young and full of sunshine, things are still tense at the Chaotix house. The old Zombot virus seems to have left several after-effects on the inhabitants who had previously been infected by that virus. The new effects could vary from a simple cold to high fevers, which have left several of those affected in critical condition. Vector and Charmy were previously affected by the Zombot virus, and now the side effects are starting to affect Charmy, who has had a fairly high fever and dry cough for several days, which do not seem to diminish as the days go by.

Charmy is resting in his room, Vector opens the door gently, bringing with him a bag full of medicine. Seeing that the bee was still asleep, he wakes him up with a low voice, saying:

Vector: Charmy, wake up, it's time to take your medicine.

As he was waking up, Vector put his hand on Charmy's forehead, it was much less hot than last night. Charmy wakes up with an upset face.

Charmy: Huh?... I don't want to.

After saying that, Charmy starts to cough. Vector leaves the bag on a chair in the room and begins to take out some cough syrup from it, and with a small spoon, held by his other hand, he begins to pour the correct amount of syrup on it. When he finishes, Vector brings the spoon to Charmy's mouth.

Vector: Ok... open your mouth.

Charmy: Nooo...

With a louder tone, Vector answers:

Vector: Charmy, open your mouth.

Charmy, clearly upset, raised his voice:

Charmy: I DON'T WANT TO!

Vector: CHARMY, YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT.

Charmy: IT TASTES AWFUL!

Vector: IF YOU DON'T WANT TO TAKE THE MEDICINE, HOW ARE YOU GOING TO GET BETTER?!

Charmy: I DON'T WANT MEDICINE ANYMORE!

Vector: DO YOU WANT TO STAY IN A HOSPITAL THEN?! HUH?!

Charmy: … no. Charmy starts crying inconsolably.

Vector: *Sigh* Sorry Charmy, I know this is really hard for you, but you can't be like this all the time. If you want to get better you have to take your medicine, even if it tastes bad.

Charmy: I don't want to anymore, Vector. I don't know if I can keep taking it. *Sniff*

Vector was silent for a moment, so to try to convince Charmy, he made him a proposal.

Vector: Look, let's do something, if you promise me that you'll keep taking your medicine like the doctor asked you to, the day you're better, I'll take you to the amusement park you've been wanting to visit so much. What do you think?

Charmy, with eyes shining with hope, asked in a trembling voice.

Charmy: Do… do you promise?

Vector: I promise.

Although he knew that the tickets to the park were expensive, seeing the smile on Charmy's face made Vector feel confident that he was making the right decision.

Charmy: Okay.

Vector was finally able to convince Charmy, and after several efforts, he was able to finish taking his medicine.

Vector: See, it wasn't so bad?

With Charmy calmer, Vector took the opportunity to take his temperature. He put a thermometer under his arm and they waited together for the results to come back. Meanwhile, Charmy, worried, looked at Vector and asked him.

Charmy: Vector… What if I don't get better?

Vector was speechless for a moment, but tried to comfort him by saying:

Vector: Try to get some rest, okay. You'll be fine.

While saying that, Vector was caressing the young bee's head, until he slowly fell asleep. The thermometer rang, resulting in a temperature of 37º, although his temperature was high, it was a relief considering that last night, he had 40º. Vector put a wet towel over his head and left his room.

A silence abounded throughout the house, only the sounds of Charmy's dry breathing could be heard, and sometimes his sudden coughing attacks, but it was enough for Vector to have a moment of peace, but that moment was interrupted when the doorbell of his house rang.

Somewhat annoyed, Vector heads towards the door to find out who it is, in his thoughts he said to himself

Vector: ugh... now who will it be, I just hope it's not some desperate client or the renters looking to collect, I'm tired of being bothered.

Just after opening the door, his annoyed face changes to one of surprise, when he notices that Vanilla was standing at the door, with a basket in her hands.

Vanilla: Good morning, Vector.

Vector: V-Vanilla

Vector blushes, and starts rubbing his face with his hands.

Vanilla: Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt a bad moment.

Vector: No no, it's okay, I just... I was surprised.

Vanilla: Oh, okay... is everything okay? Is Charmy, okay?

Vector: Yeah... he just took his medicine and is taking a nap right now.

Vanilla: I'm glad to hear it. Hey, I brought some things for him, I don't know if I could-

Vector: Yeah, yeah, come in.

Vector signals Vanilla to go home, while he quickly goes to clean the couch, which was full of papers and candy wrappers.

As she was walking into the house, Vanilla noticed that the house was somewhat neglected, they must have been under a lot of pressure since Charmy got sick, she said to herself. Vector, noticing Vanilla's worried face, said to her:

Vector: I'm sorry about this mess.

Vanilla: It's okay, I know this has been really hard for you.

Vanilla leaves her basket on the table that was near the couch.

Vanilla: And how is Espio?

Vector: He... He went out for a few days... He needs to clear his mind of everything that's going on.

Vanilla: Oh... I understand.

Vector finishes cleaning the couch, and the couple proceeds to sit down.

Vector: So... What did you bring?

Vanilla: Look!

Vanilla starts to open the basket, which included all of her products wrapped in 3 blankets, separately

Vanilla: I didn't bring too many things, but I hope I can help you.

Vanilla starts to unravel the first blanket, which had several juice boxes, tea bags, and a small jar of honey.

Vanilla: I know Charmy loves juice, that's why I wanted to bring him several flavors. I also brought several tea bags; these are very helpful especially for his cough problem. I know that tea doesn't have the best flavor, that's why I also brought a small jar of honey, I assure you that if you put a teaspoon of honey in your tea, it will taste better.

Vanilla starts to unravel the second blanket, which was the largest. Which was a small pot, which seemed to still be warm

Vanilla: I also brought him some chicken broth, if for some reason Charmy doesn't want to eat right now, you can keep it in the refrigerator, and whenever he wants, you can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. I know I didn't bring much, but if you need anything else, don't hesitate to tell me, okay?

Vector with almost tears in his eye’s answers Vanilla.

Vector: Vanilla, I don't know what to say, this is too much...

Vanilla: Don't worry, I want to help him as much as I can... but now that I think about it you haven't eaten anything all day, don't you want me to-.

Vector: No no I'm fine, thank you very much Vanilla, you've helped us a lot these last few days. I promise you that when all this is over, I'll reward you in one way or another...

Vanilla: You're welcome, Vector... but do you really not need any more help?

Vector: I'm fine Vanilla, I have everything under control.

Following this, Vector gave a rather large yawn, and his eyes were half-closed. Vanilla, noticing this, asked him:

Vanilla: I notice you're quite exhausted... Have you been sleeping well?

Vector, changing to a more serious tone, answers him.

Vector: *Sigh* The truth is that no... last night Charmy got a very high fever, the thermometer was reading 40º, and he also couldn't stop shaking. I tried to talk to the doctor, but he wasn't available, and I didn't want to give him more medicine than what they prescribed, I don't know what else I could do, other than put wet towels on his head and lie down with him, while he could calm down.

Vanilla: My God... I didn't know that Charmy's situation was so bad...

Vector: When Charmy got sick, I thought it was going to be something mild and temporary, just like what happened to me, but his situation became more and more serious. Ever since he got sick, he hasn’t stopped coughing, sometimes his cough gets so dry that it seems like he’s short of breath… And his temperature can vary between 38 and 39 degrees, just today his temperature dropped to 37º, I know it’s not much, but considering that last night it was at 40º, he’s improved a lot.

Vanilla: And the doctor hasn’t told you about that?

Vector: The doctor told me to continue with the medicine, to see if in the next few days his situation gets worse or not, but I’m tired of waiting… You know, it’s funny that a few days ago Espio was trying to convince me that Charmy had to be in the hospital no matter what, that if necessary he could go to the hospital to threaten the doctors to let him in, but I tried to convince him that we should follow the doctor’s instructions, that maybe Charmy can get better in a few days with just the medicine, and honestly the last thing I wanted was for Espio to do something stupid that would make everything worse. But his situation didn't seem to improve, and Espio was getting increasingly upset... There came a point where the arguments were so strong that Espio exploded, telling me that I was a good-for-nothing, that none of this would have happened if I had saved Charmy from getting infected with the virus, and if for some reason Charmy's situation got worse, it would all be my fault. And he left the house. Vanilla: Vector... this isn't your fault; you're doing the best you can. Besides, none of us knew how to act when the virus happened, surely Espio will understand.

Vector: I don't know, Vanilla... He might be right, I'm the head of the Chaotix, and I didn't have the courage to stop Charmy at that moment, and when I tried to fix things, I made things worse by letting myself get infected by the virus, in the end Espio was left alone because of all this, and I know he still feels hurt by that... It's been two days since Espio left, and I haven't heard from him again, and I long for him to come back and we can solve things, but maybe this time he really left... and seeing that Charmy isn't getting better, maybe I'll lose him too...

Vector tried to bear it for a long time, but tears started to come out of his eyes.

Vanilla: Vector...

Vector: I'm sorry, I...

Vanilla: Hey... It's okay.

Vector couldn't take it anymore and started crying inconsolably while Vanilla hugged him. Between his sobs, Vector said:

Vector: I don't want to lose them... I don't want to...

While he said this, Vanilla comforted him, telling him:

Vanilla: I know... you're not going to lose them... you're not alone.

Vector slowly calmed down, and coming to his senses a little, the only words from his mouth were:

Vector: I'm sorry...

Vanilla, also with tears in her eyes, looks at Vector and says:

Vanilla: It's understandable that you feel that way... This hasn't been easy for any of us, what happened with that virus was catastrophic, in those days we all made bad decisions, which have continued to affect us to this day. The day Chesse, Chocola, and I got sick and had to go to the hospital, Cream couldn't stop feeling anxious about all of us, she would get quite aggressive and hostile because she felt like she wasn't doing enough to make us feel better... Gemerl and all of us made her understand that everything was going to be okay, but she became more and more distant, and it got to the point where we didn't know what else to say to her to make her calmer... There would be nights when I would hear her sobbing in the hallways, and it made me feel helpless knowing that I couldn't help her, at that moment I also thought that I was going to lose her. But it was thanks to the support of her friends, and especially yours, that Cream started to be calmer. Despite the fact that Cream could be hostile, you would listen to her and give her advice on how to handle her worry, and you would stay with her until late at night; That encouraged me to keep fighting to be better, and thanks to you I have become much stronger than before, something I will always be grateful for... After those days, I learned how important it is to live in the now, I know that the past still hurts, and the future is uncertain, but knowing that today we have our friends who continue to support us despite everything, is a reason to keep living...

Vector was silent for a moment, and with more tears in his eyes he replied.

Vector: I don't want to lose my friends, they are my family, and I would give everything for them to be happy.

Vanilla: And that's what we will do. Whatever challenges will come in our way, we will face them, TOGETHER.

Vector gives Vanilla a huge smile, while she also returns the gesture. The beautiful moment is interrupted by the growling of Vector's stomach.

Vector: Oops, sorry.

Vanilla: I knew you were hungry, don't worry, I came prepared.

Vanilla unwraps the third blanket that was in her basket.

Vanilla: Because I also brought a rich and delicious apple pie for you.

Vector: Vanilla, you're spoiling me too much, it can't be.

Vanilla: A mother always has to be prepared for anything.

They both laugh at that comment, thus returning a bit of happiness to the Chaotix house.

Outside the house, right near the front door, a leaf falls on an apparently invisible object, at that moment, the object becomes visible, revealing itself to be Espio who was using his camouflage ability. Espio picks up the leaf that fell on his head, and stares at it thinking about everything he had just heard, he takes one last look at the window where Vector and Vanilla were, and sees both of them eating pie while laughing and drying their tears; Espio had never seen Vector so vulnerable and open with his emotions, he could understand that he was doing the best he could do, and that despite everything, he truly cares about both of them. Still with doubts, he decides to carefully go to the window where Charmy's room is, he finds him sleeping, but with a huge smile on his face. Espio couldn't react in any other way, but to return his smile, while tears fell in his eyes.

Epilogue:

Days passed, and Charmy's health gradually improved, and he slowly regained his characteristic energetic attitude. Vector kept his promise, and decided to take Charmy to the amusement park, this time accompanied by Cream, Vanilla and the Chaos.

Everyone is at the Chaotix house, a few minutes before leaving for the amusement park, Vector and Vanilla are already ready to leave, but Charmy and Cream are still in the room finishing getting ready.

Vector: KIDS, WE'RE READY!

Charmy: ONE SECOND, WE'RE ALMOST THERE!

Vector: HURRY UP.

Vanilla approaches Vector and tells him:

Vanilla: Don't worry Vector, we still have time to get there.

Vector: Ugh... I just hope I can find a good parking spot.

Right after saying that, the doorbell rings.

Vanilla: Huh? Who could it be?

Vector, somewhat puzzled, answers.

Vector: Huh? I have no idea; I hope whoever it is, it doesn't waste us too much of our time.

A little frustrated, he heads for the door, hoping it's a desperate customer or anyone who's going to waste his time. Without thinking twice, he finds Espio in front of the door.

Vector: Espio?

Espio: Hi...

The meeting was a little awkward, the last few days that Espio went to visit Charmy, Vector and he never had a conversation, since their intense discussion. The meeting was interrupted by Vanilla, who was happy to see Espio again.

Vanilla: Espio, honey, how have you been?

Espio: I'm fine, thank you very much for asking.

Noticing a lot of activity in the house and seeing how Vector was cleaner than usual, he asked:

Espio: Is everything in order?

Vector: Yes, in a while I'm going to take the kids and Vanilla to the amusement park; Charmy insisted a lot to take him, and seeing that he is much better, I decided to keep my promise. I sent you a message yesterday telling you about it, but I don't know if you read it.

Espio: Yes, I read the message... But are you sure he can go? I mean...

Just then Charmy comes out of his room holding a huge backpack on his back, along with Cream and the Chaos.

Charmy: READY

Cream: WE ARE READY.

Chaos: CHAO CHAO

Vanilla, noticing the huge backpack, asks the children:

Vanilla: Children, why do you bring that huge backpack?

Charmy: Oh, that's right! so that we are more protected on the Trip, we brought-

Charmy opens his backpack, revealing several slingshots, along with other objects, such as paper balls, stones, small balls, etc.

Charmy and Cream: TADAAAAA

Vanilla: Umm... and why do you bring all this?

Cream: Mom, we know that Doctor Eggman is still on the loose, and at any moment he can do one of his misdeeds.

Charmy: And so as not to be caught off guard, we brought several weapons to be able to face Egg face and his robots. We brought enough, even you can use one if necessary.

Vanilla responds with a nervous laugh at everything the children told her.

Vanilla: I appreciate it dear, but I don't think Doctor Eggman will interfere with our trip, and if he were, I don't think it would be convenient for you to fight him.

Cream and Charmy: Awwwwwww why?

Cream: Mom, we are able to stop him, I am much stronger than I was before, and believe me this time I will not be afraid.

Charmy: YES! In fact, I recently learned new Karate tricks to stop him

Cream: Me too, look.

Cream and Charmy proceed to punch the air several times, while making Karateka screams, and the Chaos also played along. Vanilla didn't know how to react, but to laugh tenderly.

Vector: That answers your question?

Espio: Hehe... I see.

Espio stayed silent for a moment, and began to turn his back to Vector

Espio: Well... Then I won't interrupt you any longer, I-

Vector: WAIT... since you're here, I wanted to ask you if... you'd like to join us.

The sparkle in Espio's eyes returned, and he paused for a moment, but finally he looked back at Vector and answered.

Espio: I'd... love to.

Vector made a gesture for him and Espio to bump fists, Espio noticing this decides to return the gesture, and both gave a soft and gentle fist bump.

Vector: Charmy!

Charmy and Cream stop their Karate demonstration, to observe the crocodile.

Charmy: ESPIO!

Cream: MR. ESPIO!

Vector: Espio is going to accompany us on the trip. So be good to him.

Charmy and Cream quickly approached Espio, telling him all their plans for the amusement park.

While Vector looked at the children talking with a smile, he felt a kiss on the cheek from Vanilla, followed by a hug from her, Vector was stunned and blushed at such a display of affection.

They all spent an unforgettable day full of laughter and fun, where they could finally rest after long months full of fear and uncertainty.

End This a prequel of i comic i made a few months ago, you can see it here: Tumblr

[bowserbowser29]

https://archiveofourown.org/works/64035385

Time to serve up the Espilver nation

[vee-isaweirdartist]

"He was picking berries from a bush he had found, but his hand hit something hard. Something that squeaked. And there I was, one hand in the berry basket."

click for better quality!

FINALLY HAHAHAHAH, THE RECKONING OF MY PROMISE, A fanart for @reploidbuddy 's amazing espilver fic! This is based on a dialogue that revealed a bit of how Vector came to find Espio in their childhood, and by God when I tell you I almost cried I ALMOST CRIED TvT. Y'all! You should definitely check out this fic, Where The Water Narrows is such an amazing journey so far and even with 12 chapters out, everything just EVERYTHING is very well crafted to get you into it!

Same drawing without the texture and the sketch for it!

Yes my process is chaotic how did y'all know

[princessvictory]

Vector's Acceptance 🤣

[ “And I just think it's hilarious that two of the world's biggest blowhards went from rivals to lovers,” Vector remarked, still laughing.

“It's not bragging if it's the truth,” Sonic and Shadow answered in unison.

“I am the Ultimate Lifeform.”

“And I am the fastest thing alive,” Sonic added, winking.

“Exactly, boys, exactly. And you're already saying stuff at the same time. Shoulda seen this one coming.” Vector patted Sonic and Shadow on the shoulders. ]

Excerpt from my fic, The Meteor Shower. 💙

[expresso-beans]

All Stories Masterlists

Main Story: The Man Out of Time [A ShadAmy and Silver Story]

Pairing: Shadow the Hedgehog x Amy Rose

Description: It has been seven years of peace following the grueling war with Eggman and his army. Though it took time to rebuild what they have lost, life for the Freedom Fighters could not be better. Whether it's finding love or trying to run from their past, celebrating post-war times has been different for each of them.

All is well until a silver hedgehog comes knocking on Amy Rose's door to deliver the tragic news about an incredible force that seems to be the cause of the future's destruction.

Will anyone believe the mysterious hedgehog's cry for help? Or will he be left to fight for his future alone? Read to find out!

Prequal: A Rose with Thorns

Description: Amy Rose grew up in the midst of a war with nothing but her older brother as her guardian. Though he is doing his best, he harbors secrets that cannot be releveled, not even to his beloved little sister. But when his loyalty to his motto 'always do the right thing' leaves Amy to fend for herself, what will happen to the future hero of Mobius?

In these few chapters, we will take a glimpse into Amy's past before the setting of the main story and the events of The Four Year War.

Chapters:

[To Be Revealed]

Prequal: The Four Year War

Description: The Battle with Anti and Ace is not the Freedom Fighters first rodeo. Before them, they had spend years battling Eggman until he decreed a war that would last four years.

Both Shadow and Amy have suffered immense loss, but kept fighting for what they believed was true justice. However, that left them on opposite sides of the war, believing that the other was the true enemy. But when a single sentence spoken by Amy sticks with Shadow, will he be willing to abandon the man who promised him vengeance?

In a nearly ten-part saga, read about what really happened between Shadow and Amy before the events of The Man Out of Time.

Chapters:

First Encounter

Future!Silver's Timeline

Description: Silver is known to the Freedom Fighters as 'the hedgehog who came from the future', but he is more than the tagline of 'time traveler'.

In these six chapters, read about the past Silver wished he could have shared with the Freedom Fighters during the events of The Man Out of Time.

Chapters:

Death of a True Hero

Sequel: A Fixed Future

Description: (To Be Revealed)

Chapters:

The Petals that Flutter Around Us

Dividers Credits: Caard ❀ animatedglittergraphics-n-more

[merlyybird]

the second and final chapter of my post-metal virus angst is out!! time for espio and vector to talk about what just happened! thank you so much to everyone who’s shown support for this little piece!! (also here’s chapter 1 if you missed it!)

[0ne-shot]

night terrors as you rest.

bjsjshs could you tell i dont feel creative with fic titles rn ANYWAY my brain is still so so full from rereading the metal virus arc and a vision came to me of espio's trauma from that. nightmares are still abundant for the poor teen lol. so i wrote a small fic about it in like. a day. enjoy!

-------

…..

It appeared again.

After thinking those events from 2 weeks ago had finally left his mind for good…

It still creeped into his head.

The distorted images of Charmy and Vector’s metal-coated bodies didn't leave his mind, even in his sleep.

But everyone was cured..? Why was this burden, that wasn't even a result of his fault, still weighing down on his mind until it caved in?

It was an innocent inquiry.

Something that Espio would ask himself to cope with the notion that– oh no, no, he DID know why it was still there.

That heavy guilt and grief that Espio had been carrying in his heart—still after everyone was cured—stayed. Stayed with no intention of growing a wall around itself to let itself be forgotten and pulled back those past images of his friends -– no, family, still with their bodies wracked and coated with metal until there was no more trace of their individuality. Just mindless zombots. 

That’s what they were seized into during that time.

 Worst of all? 

He couldnt even fucking do anything about it except helplessly run around to safe evacuations until he himself became one with them. Maybe that was fate. The most comfortable fate there, really. Out of all the screaming, mercy-kills and trying to save others, he’d pick that time of himself being infected to relive. To pay for the same pain he couldn't save his friends from.

Any pain– any sort of pain he had gone through or could’ve gone through then didn't amount to a speck when Charmy was punished for just trying to be a helpful child. Punished by being slowly dragged down a pool of zombots before he joined with that pool.

Or when Vector had to go through heavier grief for the loss of the kid, trying to preserve him before a cure could be found—all until Charmy escaped while infected and Vector had to latch onto him so nobody else could be put in danger. Then the door shut. And that was it.

Nobody else.

Nobody there with him.

His mind kept on tampering and entertaining situations of what ifs and gruesome outcomes of both his teammates – no, family, –  not coming out cured. Stuck like that.

And with it flashed Charmy’s infected body, how the youngest had to go first, how the little kid had to go through so much pain and agony while nobody was there to answer his cries—

``Espio..?``

..!-

Reality faded.

He wasn't sure whether it faded in or out.

But the ceiling fan he was suddenly gazing at and the small voice next to him proved the former.

``Espio!? Are you…?``

Espio’s head shot up as he jabbed his elbow to the mattress and sat up straight, breathing heavily and sweating as his heart pounded—ironically after rest.

“Rest”?

….

That wasn't rest.

He was better off not sleeping.

He finally turned his gaze to the voice and as he predicted; it was Charmy. Sitting next to his bed with fuzzy antennae drooped sadly and a worried look filling his bleary little orange eyes.

``Charmy!`` Espio frantically replied,  ``You’re…`` 

….

 It was… almost strange to see Charmy worried. Espio never got the chance to really see the bee’s face so genuinely somber and concerned.

It only pumped that guilt further and further into Espio’s heart.

But maybe that was worth the coming relief.

It wasn't real.

It wasn't real.

What you experienced. Was. Not. Real.

They’re still here. Still with you.

Espio took a deep breath and attempted to gather his thoughts.

``Why are you awake? I assume it's already late.`` Espio tried his hardest to speak in a calm, quiet voice to Charmy through the panic-induced rasp that was clogging his throat.

``You were breathing really, really fast in your sleep.. and I got worried.``

…

He was?

He assumed he was silent through that whole nightmarish sequence. But if he was actually hyperventilating enough to wake up and worry Charmy…

Gaia, did he disturb the kid’s sleep because of it?

``...I'm fine. It wasn't anything note-worthy. You should go back to sleep.``

Every feature on the ninja’s body screamed otherwise to being “fine”. His usually swirly tail was still stiffened straight with those images running through his mind, and his heart was pounding wildly in shock from that nightmare.

But, still. Espio didn't want to cloud the bee’s mind and remind him of what happened to him during the metal virus: he had already moved on. That was for the better. The kid didn't deserve to think about that again. But he knew Charmy was one to press on, evidently so. So, the chameleon could only silently pray that he would not ask anything that couldn't be avoided without an answer.

``Espio…`` Charmy muttered with that concern still lingering in his head, ``That’s not normal to do while sleeping. Were you having a nightmare?``

…

Shit.

Guess the universe wasn't feeling like answering that silent prayer.

There’s not many things in the world that can explain full on hyperventilation in sleep other than a nightmare or night terror…

Maybe if he just… could set aside what the nightmare exactly.. was…

``...`` Espio nodded in response to Charmy’s question, before trying to shrug it off.

``About..? It must’ve been freaky—I’ve never seen you so.. scared before.``

``I… It’s not worth noting.``

``Are you sure?`` The little bee pressed on.

Flapping his wings, Charmy flew over and climbed onto Espio’s bed, shuffling himself closer to the chameleon with his innocent eyes eager for an answer. He seemed to want to help calm down Espio with maybe a small side hug, or a pat on the shoulder, too; but the bee was hesitant with that decision considering Espio’s hate for physical touch. Especially when Espio’s stressed, like now.

``...I- It was just a night terror that.. isn't worth getting worked up on,`` Espio spoke through slightly panting breaths, ``and besides, I don't want to remind and stress you out, too.``

``It’s not gonna help bottling up whatever scared y— wait, “remind me”?``

…

Espio slipped out the very thing he was trying to avoid…

Realization slowly pooled in Charmy’s eyes.

``..Oh.``

…This should’ve been expected, huh?

He shouldn’t have tried hiding this.

Hiding this from Charmy, of all mobians.

…But before Espio could try and still save himself from this, he felt a small pair of arms cling around his own—doing what they feared to do before.

``...Espio.. It was okay to tell me, y’know?... I was scared during then, too.``

Charmy then cautiously nuzzled his head onto Espio’s shoulder. 

The ninja’s breath hitched.

He wasn't used to this. Used to having a younger one who you should be looking after, looking after you. Comforting you. It felt so alien to him.

It felt so alien with anyone comforting him, really.

It was mostly Espio’s fault for it, wasn't it? He’d always try to convince himself that walling off his vulnerability was the best thing for him; the best thing for everyone around him, too. Those emotions rarely seeped out, and when they did, every thought was cancelled out for one goal to get it together again and remain stoic once more.

The same thing happened just now, too.

The last part was the only thing that varied.

 His mind was screaming about how this wasn't right, and he shouldn't even have inadvertently told the bee—let alone burden him with his own fears and emotions. Charmy suffered more pain than he did, but he was the one soothing Espio? The chameleon felt so selfish for it.

…But his body said otherwise to his mind as he gently returned Charmy’s hug, wrapping his arms around the bee’s fuzzy, warm body.

His chest felt a little lighter.

He could feel Charmy’s wings twitch a little in shock when his arms returned the favour. It was clear the bee didn't foresee Espio actually accepting the hug—let alone hugging him back.

``...Charmy?``

``Mhm?`` Charmy’s eyes gazed up at Espio, face still nuzzled in his shoulder.

``...``

``Thank you.``

Espio didn't know how else to express it.

Words didn't do any sort of favour, really. But he just… needed to get it out somehow.

The ninja couldn't see, but he could definitely sense a small smile emerging onto Charmy’s face as he tightened his hug around Espio.

``No. Thank you.``

….

They stayed like that for a while.

It felt so soothing. Staying in that position as his breathing finally calmed down and his heart’s pace started to relax.

The images — those horrifying images — slowly faded away back into subconsciousness.

Espio would’ve remained so still for just a little while longer until Charmy’s small yawn reminded the chameleon of the fact that it was still past midnight, and now extremely late. Cases were waiting tomorrow, so was a long, long day. They should get to sleep now..

But Espio didn't feel like letting go anytime soon…

In result, wordlessly, he slowly adjusted his grip around Charmy before slowly lowering his body and putting his legs onto the mattress again as he rested his head on the pillow; now cuddling the fuzzy little body in his arms. He felt Charmy finally comfortable enough to nuzzle his head onto Espio’s chest as he let his eyes flutter shut in sleepiness. 

Espio’s chest felt a lot warmer now.

For a while, Espio’s eyes remained blinking blearily and his hands still stroked Charmy’s fluffy fur—the very thing that lulled the bee back to sleep in the first place.

He stared at the window beside him.

This was quite the long night, huh..?

Espio didn't think it’d turn out this way, but he wouldn’t have chosen anything else for it.

He wouldn't trade this moment for the world.

Exhaustion came to Espio eventually, and he let his eyes close and his hand rest still on Charmy’s head.

``G’night, Charmy…`` Espio slurred with tiredness.

A few more blinks, then his eyes closed.

And the world grew dark again as Espio finally let himself drift off.

-----------

note: charmy ily <3 best bros ever

[myymi]

weeeee

[regulatedstrawberry]

Probably one of my favorite things ive written actually

At least he can spell his name

[misty-lake101]

Finally posting a Team Chaotix story! This one is more about their origins. I love how because of how open-ended most of the characters’ backgrounds are, there are so many different versions people have on how these goobers met and became friends. So here I am with one of my own! This is also my time writing them specifically, so I hope you all enjoy it!

Rated T for some Violence and Swearing. There is no romance or explicit content.

Synopsis:

Tired of his run-down, mundane life that looks more hopeless by the day, Vector decides to be the change he wants to see. He takes a chance and leaves his hometown, seeking a new lease in life.

Meanwhile in another corner of the world, a young chameleon, rejected from his clan and on the run, has found himself in a new, unfamiliar land where he barely knows the language.

They both cross paths and form an unlikely (and somewhat chaotic) friendship in a journey to survive and achieve their dreams.