strugglingbutstillfighting

[strugglingbutstillfighting]

Just saw your wip Wednesday post and I gotta thank you for your contribution to Sonic Whump 🙌🏻🙏🏻🎉 I love seeing that blue hedgehog have a rough time and his fam and friends care for him. Also!! You mentioned whumptober!! Are you participating this year? I’ve been looking at the prompts list trying to brainstorm Sonic ideas lol

oh my gosh bro (gn) i literally all i do in ANY universe is identify one (1) person who gets the hurt so pretty much everyone else can do the comfort - tho it's usually also one or two other characters that the other is close to (adventure family, disaster lineage, and so forth) mostly that i write abt. bc. i just Exist on the hurtcomfort between fambly ................ . ... .....

(especially when it's someone that doesn't like being cared for but the friends know him well enough to react to tells and know how to subtly care and concern etc et c)

Oh I would loveee to do whumptober again this year - not sure how many I'll manage bc it's back to uni nursing againn BUT hopefully that will be inspiring!! but depends how busy it gets lol (tho no placement this year so hopefully won't be toooo tired for writing)

I will get to your prompts btw !!! they are definitely top tier ideas & i want to do them well,, especially to writing live action sonic for the first time bc i lovee that idea. and Rouge and Sonic interacting is always 10/10 i love they................

ps. spoilers ig assuming ppl have seen the new crossworlds animation,, theyve reteamed our Dark my beloved,,, shadow spending his items on saving rouge ,,,, my crops are watered my tears are dry

[strugglingbutstillfighting]

Hey! Love that you're posting a little about your WIPs! I definitely find that taking a little time to ramble about them can help shake more ideas loose, so hope this helps inspire you further :) You've got so many really good WIPs! Would love to hear more about #1 or #4, whichever you're leaning more towards!

if i knew how to do emojis on a laptop i would be putting the almost crying wide shiny eyes one that u put when someone you admire for something tells you youre also good at that thing

but yes thank youuu even tho it takes me 3 to 5 non business years to reply to anything andis now saturday i finally have the ability to actually reply to the replies to the post from wip wednesday rip

Surprisingly a few ppl asked abt #4 so I'll share #1 for this bc no one else said abt that one so i don't repeat myself !! thank u skimming & wishing you inspiration to work on your wips too if youd like !

So yes this one is the most recent & also most complete lol ,so I'm actually going to take this opportunity to try and do some editing on it as I type it up here from my phone ........

Tails wakes with a start at a shrill beep.

He lifts his head from where it was strangely on his workbench, managing to turn towards where one arm dangles off the side of the table.

Turning his wrist slightly, the screen of the communicator flashes at him with some aggression, demanding his attention.

Amber alert: oxygen levels low

It takes his frazzled mind precious seconds to take in the sudden situation, and several blinks later, he taps the notification for more information while simultaneously opening the laptop that was conveniently on the same workbench, shoved away from where he'd apparently fallen asleep.

Suppressing a yawn with annoyance and nervousness, Tails quickly accessed the program that monitored the vitals communicators that all his friends wore, tiredness dropping away as adrenaline began filling him at the information on the screen.

The alert immediately took him to Sonic's profile. On both his communicator and computer, Tails took in the numbers with a prickling at his neck: low oxygen, high heart rate. Emergency beacon not triggered.

Tails tried to calm himself with that, but unsurprisingly it did little. Okay - stay calm. Maybe just a late hibernation or something?

It was a weak suggestion even not spoken aloud, but he needed something to even slightly work with that wasn't a spiraling thought as he focused the computer to switch to a map screen.

Sonic's location was already on. Which wasn't completely unusual for a casual adventure that he'd mentioned setting out on yesterday, but Tails' anxious feeling only grew when the blue circle gently pulsed oddly close to the lab.

Still a good flight away for any normal person, but for Sonic it was almost nothing with his usual speeds. Which only made the bad feeling continue to creep up Tails' back as he couldn't help but speculate what was stopping his brother from returning; if something was wrong.

Tails tried to take a deep breath, raising his wrist to first do the obvious thing that could assuage his worries: simple contact.

The communicator did its equivalent of ringing as Tails bounced one leg nervously, glancing at the laptop's map screen.

"Sonic? Are you there? Yellow sky to blue leader, come in."

There wasn't particularly need to use their self-imposed (or, rather, Sonic-imposed) cal signs, but Sonic had always delighted in coming up with code names as such, and it both calmed Tails slightly and gave him hope that his brother would respond out of humour if nothing else.

"Hello? Sonic?"

The feed crackled as Tails brought it closer to one ear, making him wince out of sensitive hearing. He lowered and stared at the communicator for a second as it cut out. The devices were meant to be close to impossible to completely break or hack into, and designed to work in the most distant of locations like space, for a hopefully irrelevant example.

It wasn't particularly similar, but Tails was reminded of that time Sonic had gone to literal orbit to take on Eggman's fleet with a smug wink and the seven emeralds.

Which had resulted in his communicator cutting out after a short while as the strap snapped under the strain of being electrocuted or whatever Eggman had used to torture the hedgehog from his super form to an entirely different body.

Unfortunately, in reality communication channels still relied on satellites and such - so being unreachable technically didn't have to rely on something major happening.

Just as unfortunately, though, as expected that known fact didn't calm Tails' hyperintelligent mind much at all.

He zoomed in on the provided location, placing the blue dot more accurately several miles away. Narrowing his eyes, Tails tried to calculate how long it would take him to get there, glancing from the map to his communicator that had switched back to its vitals screen as the alert repeated as programmed after a couple of minutes without change.

Oxygen levels low, heart rate high. Only Tails did a double take when he realised the first wasn't only amber - it was actively going down. Slowly, yes, with only an 87 compared to its original alert at 89, triggered when the number dipped below 90, but given it was meant to ideally be at least 5% higher to be somewhat average, the situation was getting dangerous. Fast.

Tails didn't waste any more time on screens. He didn't bother closing the laptop as he hurried out of the workshop and into the adjoining garage, pausing only to check the red biplane had everything stocked that could be needed before vaulting himself into it and flicking on the engine, his own heart rate getting higher as he checked the communicator map.

The early morning drizzle didn't help his mood as Tails manoeuvred the Tornado out and quickly into the air, sunlight just beginning to pierce through some clouds in the distance.

Absently, he noted that he must've fallen asleep before remembering to go to bed last night, despite promising Sonic he would before the hedgehog left earlier in the afternoon. The thought didn't help his stress at the current situation, and Tails bit his lip as he honed in on the map location, trying not to think too much during the short flight.

[strugglingbutstillfighting]

WIP Wednesday

okay so inspired slightly by @skimmingmilk there are a ridiculous amount of wips on phone & laptop around here that could definitely do with some airing out (and maybe I'll stop spending so long trying to write something long & great and actually feel motivated to just finish something enjoyable!!)

Not sure how to do this so... I guess a list to start & figure what to share, or if anything sounds good let me know & I'll post what I've got just straight out! Maybe something will get worked on or inspiration will strike!!

If a number sounds interesting, let me know and I'll show you what I've got !

Most recent - working on a 2 chapter plan of Tails' POV then Sonic's POV of how he got trapped accidently in an air tight room & Tails only knew to come rescue him bc of communicator alerts/location. Ch 1 almost finished on a long car journey last week, needs filling out & editing to post/or do ch 2 aswell

2. Mostly dialogue & no actual story plan of Knuckles finding injured Sonic & caretaker Shadow in a cave after they all fell. Knuckles gets to be surprised at Shadows care (in character brusque but obvious) before he takes over applying pressure. They need to find a way out.

3. Extended/additional scene (?) of a fic while waiting for continuation, Rouge comes back to see Sonic napping as Shadow keeps contact w him to keep him stable after a prism incident. They're both doubtful when sonic is hard to wake & clearly off.

4. During sonic 3/& knuckles despite not actually having played it yet lol, knuckles goes after the intruders in hydrocity, only to find his help is needed when a desperate young tails tries to wake his brother after getting them out the water. Mostly finished actually? Needs editing etc

5. Domestic hypothermia with main gang, featuring surprisingly competent knuckles knowing what to do. Basic plot w some dialogue, could become a nice little thing

6. Post IDW uh the wrap up of riders arc, post resistance base explosion rip. Consequences for sonic almost getting fried to death by surge AGAIN. Featuring tangle & whisper for the first time! (In my writing lol)

7. Shadow looking for & rescuing sonic from an Eggman base but something's wrong. Competent medical person shadow but usual brusque care attitude. Inspired by beginning of Tethered by the Wrist but no plot yet

8. Unposted febuwhump prompt - knuckles looking for sonic at Tails' only for them to realise he's out in the cold & hasn't moved or something. Barely conscious/Left to die/I'm fine

9. Uh few that have barely anything - a) frontiers based with only title,, b) Prime missing scene s3ep1 after escaping the grim, sonic trying to hide panic from shadow unsuccessfully. Had more but computer ate it unfortunately

c) plot for humorous spooky- knuckles trying to knock on sonic & tails window in a dark stormy night while they're watching something vaguely scary. Funny scared boys w weapon like a frying pan & soaked unimpressed knuckles just wanting t get back to angel island

D) another practically complete drabble from whumptober last year, cowrote by me & miles. Amy makes a comment that Sonic doesn't take lightly when they're looking for Tails.

And 10. Computer fics -

10.current working on cowrite 5+1 with whole cast, five times Sonic made a fuss & there was nothing wrong, one time there actually was. Fully planned out, 2/5 chapters done feat. Tangle then Blaze, planned Cream, Rouge, Shadow, Chaotixs

11. Mid battle sonic gets stuck in smallish room inside after falling for obvious trap, calls tails but the others are still fighting. Currently light, abt 1500 words for first part

12. Begining of vague plan w early Amy & sonic in a cave after he saved her out the way. Not much wiritten

Bonus 13) makes me actually check laptop for any others rip

[strugglingbutstillfighting]

Reblog to give prev the power to write their fanfiction

[strugglingbutstillfighting]

Touches Ask Game

Prompts for writing human connection, intimacy, belonging.

Hand-holding

The purest form of human connection.

tiny hands in big hands

calloused hands in soft hands

cold hands in warm hands

hands with the perfect ratio to each other for hand-holding

platonic hand-holding

running their thumb over the other’s hand

dancing with their hands holding onto each other

squeezing hand for comfort and encouragement

holding hands across the table

happily doing everything with just one hand, if it means they don’t have to let go

not wanting to lose each other in a big crowd

possessive hand-holding

linking hands together during sex

grabbing hand to show them something

loosely holding onto each other’s hands, laying in one’s lap

only linking the pinkies together, not ready to let go completely

holding hands while skating

excitedly grabbing each other’s hands during a concert, jumping up and down together

playing with each other’s fingers

pressing the other’s hand against their cheek

holding hands while one is balancing on a small wall

grabbing the other’s hand to pull them back from something

holding hands under the table

only realizing it when they have to let go

standing in front of each other, holding both their hands

holding their hands above their head, fingers linked together

passionate hand-holding

grabbing the other’s hand so they don’t fall

holding hands while running through the rain

brushing against each other, linking fingers together for a second

grabbing their hand to grab their attention

not really paying attention, both doing something else, but still holding hands

bandaging the other’s hand and not quite letting go

holding hands while driving

grabbing the other’s hand to pull them back to them

unconsciously searching out each other’s hand while sleeping

not realizing they’re holding hands till someone points it out

swinging hands back and forth, skipping like children

holding hands in a museum to pull them to the next exhibition

letting go when there is an obstacle in their way and immediately grabbing each other’s hand again when they pass it

loosely holding onto each other’s hand

dragging the other with them, holding their hand

raising the other’s hand to their lips to kiss it softly

holding hands while jumping down from somewhere together

comparing hand sizes, then linking fingers together

secretly holding hands under the table

holding onto the other’s hand so they can’t run away

making a heart with their hands and then linking them together

taking the other’s hand to look for injuries

holding hands to calm each other down

Hugs

A warm embrace.

friendly hugs

hug around the waist

hugging while twirling around

comforting hugs

side hugs

hugging and gently holding the other’s head

pulling someone into a hug

hugging while walking

eye-to-eye hugs

hiding their face in the other’s neck

clinging to each other

hugging while lying down together

group hugs

hugging with head on shoulder

tender embrace

‘not wanting to let go’ hugs

hugging from behind

bear hugs

hugging with hands in each other’s pockets

cuddling

hugs and kisses

hugging and jumping up and down together

familiar hugs

hugging with height-difference

gentle hugs

hugging with patting on back

piggy back hugs

quick hugs

hugging while slow dancing

one-sided hugs

hugging while straddling the partner

long-lasting hugs

‘picking them up’ hugs

hugging while grabbing butt

cuddle pile

Kisses

Showing affections.

goodnight kisses

hand kisses

smiling while kissing

lips barely touching

morning kisses

slow kisses

passionate kisses

kisses on the cheek

first kisses

goodbye kisses

welcome home kisses

kisses on the corner of their mouth

frustrated kisses

kissing each other breathless

soothing kisses

nose kisses

kisses as a promise

short pecks

forehead kisses

French kisses

tearful kisses

kisses on head

calming kisses

“we’ll face this together” kisses

kisses in the rain

life-or-death kisses

kisses for a cover

hard kisses

giggling while kissing

desperate kisses

neck kisses

“stay strong” kisses

hushed conversation in-between kisses

eyelid kisses

gentle stroking of cheeks while kissing

small kisses

kissing it better

fake kisses

jaw kisses

wake-up kisses

thigh kisses

kissing away tears

“we’ll get through this” kisses

public kisses

relieved kisses

kisses for comfort

tummy kisses

kisses to shut them up

slowly kissing down the body

“we’ll see each other again” kisses

kissing each finger

quick kisses

reassuring kisses

sleepy kisses

feather-light kisses

angry kisses

kisses with trembling lips

“forever mine” kisses

secret kisses

kisses with their last dying breath

Touching

Feeling another human’s touch.

touching foreheads

running fingers through hair

hiding face in neck

caressing the other’s hand

feeling their pulse

patting the other’s head

holding hands

shielding the other one with their body

listening to the other’s heartbeat

spooning at night

laying their hand on the other’s neck

pushing a strand of hair behind their ear

nudging the other one

putting an arm around the other’s waist

hugging each other

massaging them

holding the other’s chin up

squishing the other’s cheek

high fiving

bandaging/stitching up an injury

kissing the other’s brow

falling asleep on the other’s shoulder

carrying the other one in their arms

whispering in their ear, lips touching the skin

stroking the other’s arm soothingly

kissing the top of their head

pulling the other one towards them

feeling for each other in the dark

tickling the other one

grabbing onto their arm

doing a pinky swear

caressing the other’s back

tasting their smile

washing the other’s body

kissing their bruises and scars

lifting the other one up

putting their head on the other’s chest

stroking their leg

leaning into the other’s side

patting them on the back

sitting close and knees touching

braiding the other’s hair

giving them a piggy-back ride

sitting on the other’s lap

feeling their temperature

linking arms with each other

touching their elbow to get their attention

dancing with each other

holding onto the other’s shoulders for support

putting a hand over the other’s mouth to shut them up

caressing the other’s cheek

gripping thigh

holding the other’s jaw

touching cheek to cheek

tracing the lines on the other’s hand

Hand-holding|Hugs|Kisses|Touching

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[strugglingbutstillfighting]

themes: platonic (only - except in very specific circumstances)(like childhood crush amy or flirty rouge or implied tangle/whisper eg.)

universe: sonic the hedgehog - any (excluding early comics like archie/fleetway ig but basically anything else of any media!)

put a line and characters if you want in this askbox - or throw em in the comments here :

https://archiveofourown.org/works/68854051/chapters/178357111

worried and relieved dialogue starters

“don’t ever scare me like that again.” 

“where have you been? do you know what time it is?” 

“you said you’d only be two hours. two!” 

“are you hurt? you look hurt, are you sure everything’s okay?” 

“just, sit down! please. god.”

“how long have you been home? i’ve been looking around for you like crazy..” 

“next time, just give me a heads up, ‘kay?” 

“woah, what the hell happened?”

“call me if anything like that happens again, got it?” 

“oh thank god, you’re safe…” 

“i wasn’t that worried, i was just wondering where you were..” 

“i’ll go. you’ve done enough for the day.” 

“i’m just glad you’re okay…” 

 “you look tired, love. go rest for a sec while i finish this.” 

 “why do you always do this to yourself? i don’t fucking get it..” 

 “i couldn’t find you and i just thought something happened, alright…” 

 “bring a damn charger next time, you scared the shit out of me!” 

 “come here come hug me right now.” 

 “i’m so proud of you.” 

 “you don’t have to go out there again if you don’t want to.” 

 “don’t overdo it, please.” 

 “you told me you’d be careful!” 

 “i just needed to hear your voice, you’re alright?” 

  “please. be careful. i’m serious.”

[strugglingbutstillfighting]

Not bad at all, but lost a little interest half way through and actually stopped for the night as well as trimmed the song down so had less to do the next day. Played a little with effects and such and pleased enough with the outcome, even if the video maker couldn't handle my quick edits - but thankfully the export makes it smooth enough, aside from some weird slicing it did with the track when I was trying to split the clip only, and a tiny blip at the end which was me personally almost perfecting a song transition from one chorus to the last line despite the tempo pickup. But pretty good overall, considering this was less of a plan or theme and more a bit abrupt and relating to the song!

[strugglingbutstillfighting]

The writing gods apparently blessed me tonight, and i got to put the animals in a fun situation (theme park) and most important put the Struggles of my real day onto one (1) hedgehog yet again. also it turned into a 4k WSaTW thing (even though it's after midnight now shh it still counts!)

excerpt:

i know i said we'd be doing this until we die (but now i fear we might)

It was apparently not a good day for blue hedgehogs. Going with friends to somewhere like an amusement park sounded cheery enough, and usually Sonic would be the first to lead the way into adventure. But being enticed and physically shoved onto a roller coaster that was nearly half as fast as him with the promise that it would be fun did not work out the way it was supposed to. All it did was leave him more breathless than he'd admit, even to his little brother's curious look, and an increasing bad feeling that he'd been trying to ignore all morning.

Taking part in a ghost train that was deliberately full of things meant to cause a choked heart-in-throat reaction did not help any of the not good feelings. However, it still felt lame to be taken down by what were generally children's rides even as he gasped for breath and curled his hand around wet grass in hopes of grounding himself even a little.

Dying of a heart attack or something in a meagre spot of grass and rocks around the back of an amusement park was not how he had ever envisioned an end of adventures, but between the pain in his chest and the way darkness encroached his vision, it seemed he was getting little choice in the matter. Which was also rather unfortunate, however he had used the last semblance of conscious control over emotions and physical symptoms to bolt away from the group of friends that he'd ended up accompanying, so that was as good as it seemed it was going to get, choice-wise here. And the grass was nice, if a little stabby on its longer ends, so that was bearable, a fairly normal part of his mind supposed absently. The rest of his mind was trying to remember how to breathe and keep balance on hands and knees with only one of the former on the ground to do so, the other busy almost closing around his own throat as though giving the strangling sensation a physical reason would somehow help.

In his defence, there was no book law saying it wouldn't, but either way he didn't get to figure out the result in his not actually very peaceful dying solitude because halfway between wondering if his body wanted to throw up or pass out – because both seemed a little dramatic and potentially dangerous really not to mention time-consuming as if he had a say on how time was used in his current apparent death state – there was a rustle that his ears would usually easily pick up on but didn't become apparent until a very familiar voice said his name.

[strugglingbutstillfighting]

i am once again thinking abt the growin' up raisin' you video i did while trying to finish a fic also abt these two........................

listening to songs in the background of writing is a dangerous job when they have such Emotions !!!!!!!!!!!!! im crey about them always.

pls watch if you too would like to cry abt the unbreakable bond today !!!!!! (and mayb i'll finish this fic bfore night & put it out for wsatw......)

[strugglingbutstillfighting]

🫂🩸 tails :)

finally showered after wearing the same clothes for days & realised things aren't completely awful. also got inspired to finally write something for this despite it being my favourite genre basically idk uh maybe somewhat graphic description of wound/blood ?? literaly u cant ask a nurse whether something is too much for ppl who dont deal w injuries etc much idk where the line is lol But anyway it's probly fine

comforting hug + patching up a wound

Sonic sighed as he stood under the warm shower spray.

The day hadn't been terribly bad as such, but a battle with various robots of the doctor's creation had gone on for an achingly long time, followed by an argument with some bystanders that complained about their grass or something - instead of being relieved or even grateful that the terrorizing badniks had finally been removed from the area.

In short, it was exhausting. Despite Sonic's intense dislike of water, usually including rain, a cleansing shower often felt very welcome and calming after busy events; offering an opportunity to recharge or reset by rinsing through his fur and mind, letting stresses wash away with the dripping water.

Well, some stresses. In most cases, usually.

He'd done the same after returning from space, allowing his mind to clear a bit after the confusing days that started with being chased by a huge truck, and ending with losing someone that they barely knew. Yet it still felt like a blow.

Even though it had been a few weeks since the whole event, it hadn't washed completely away. Not that it had to, and indeed his behaviour probably didn't seem much changed to those around him, but the thought of a light dimming as it fell sometimes drifted in his mind.

Sonic shook his head firmly, spraying some of the water to splatter on the walls. There was no need to dwell. It was later than ideal, and there was still food to eat before settling down for some sleep finally. Spending that time on the couch with his brother sounded like a good solution to such a day.

He quickly finished scrubbing and shook himself dry, using a towel to rub any persisting dampness out of fur and narrower places. Soon giving up on getting the insides of his ears truly dry, he threw the towel to one side and headed out with fresh gloves and socks pulled on.

Tails glanced around as he entered the room, making for the sofa. "Feeling better?"

Sonic offered a faint smile. "A bit." He stretched a little into a good sitting position as Tails brought over the dinner he'd warmed up.

Picking up his plate from the low table, Sonic chewed slower than usual as Tails flicked through some programs on the TV without much thought, both of them tired from the day and not particularly interested in any specific entertainment.

The two ate their food in a nice quiet, muted sounds from whatever channel they'd landed on giving a pleasant background buzz to the evening. When the empty plates were put together on the table, Tails yawned widely.

"Looks like someone should get some sleep," Sonic teased lightly, grinning despite the lack of visual attention.

Tails rubbed his nose, sniffing as it itched. "Yeah, and it's you," he replied half-heartedly, muffled by the actions. Scrunching his muzzle in distaste, he finally glanced at his brother's fond look. "Do you want the-- What happened?!"

Sonic blinked. "Uh?"

"Why didn't you say anything? When did you get hurt?"

As he spoke, tone aggravated with worry, Tails scrambled up and backtracked to the kitchen, hurriedly returning with a red box and a deep frown concentrated on Sonic's side.

"Buddy, I'm not sure what you... oh. Huh." Looking down at himself in an attempt to figure out what Tails was so upset about revealed his right side dyed with a startling amount of red. Shifting in alarm and raising his arm despite Tails' immediate protests to stay still, Sonic winced at a flare of pain near his elbow, and tilting it slightly revealed a deep looking wound that welled some more blood on being jostled.

Sonic frowned at the sight as Tails fussed, checking his side for any hidden injuries since half the fur was matted with blood, but to his relief, it all seemed to come from where Sonic had been resting his elbow, unfocused enough by eating and relaxing that the trickle of red slowly coating his side - and unfortunately some of the sofa - hadn't registered until seen.

Relaxing a little now the situation wasn't as urgent as it had seemed, Tails sat on the table in front of his brother, rummaging through the first aid kit to clean the wound as Sonic absently rubbed at the rest of the matted fur with a wipe.

"It must've clotted almost straight away," Tails mused, his mind always solving what was in front of him whether or not it was needed. "Your healing factor is usually pretty fast, but we were out there for a while, and it was pretty dusty and stuff by the time it was done." He patted the wound after clearing most of the blood away to critically check how bad it was, ignoring his brother's wince at the sting of antiseptic on open skin.

"I didn't really notice anythin' earlier," Sonic agreed, and grimaced again when Tails pressed the wipe to make sure the wound was cleared out. "Ouch."

"Sorry." Tails glanced at Sonic's expression briefly before twisting around to find a bandage, explaining as he continued. "Anyway, I think maybe the shower irritated it enough to open again. And since you're more relaxed now, and clean, the clotting would've been disrupted enough for it to bleed without healing for a bit." He finished winding a bandage neatly around Sonic's arm to keep the plaster in place, and checked the tightness.

Sonic folded the stained wipe he'd used to get most of the matted fur clean, resigned to having to shower again at some point to actually wash the grittiness of dried blood out, and tossed it lightly onto the table next to the first aid kit.

Tails gave him a look. "That's a biohazard."

"Only if you touch it, scientist." Sonic flexed his bandaged arm slightly, ignoring his brother's narrowed eyes. He offered a smile in return, finding himself even more tired than before now the situation was solved. "Thanks, lil' bro. Feels good."

"I'm an engineer. Are you in pain at all?" Tails frowned as he slowly tidied up the kit, pushing it to one side of the table towards the dishes to all be taken back to the kitchen at some point.

Sonic considered briefly and shook his head. Now he knew there was something there, his arm hurt a little, but only when he really moved the joint. Tails gave him a doubtful look as he stood up from the table.

"Are you sure?" He pressed, crossing the room to put the wipes in the bin and brush off his paws. Returning to hover uncertainly by the sofa, he bit his lip before words started to rush out of him. "You don't need to just 'deal with it', you know. We have stuff for pain. I know you kind of... just get on with it, but. I'm here and I care about you, Sonic. I want you to tell me when you're... well, just, you know. If I can help. And stuff. If you're hurting. We can talk. Or not. Just. I want you to be okay."

Sonic stared at his little brother, mouth slightly open in surprise. The kit had always been more apt at speaking than Sonic, able to go on excited rambles about his current project or anything that interested him, and even when they signed for communication before either would get hyperverbal, Tails would express feelings and thoughts that could take the hedgehog by surprise. Not because they weren't to acknowledge such things aloud - Sonic would never set any rule or limit, let alone restricting any kind of expression - but, well, mostly because Sonic wasn't good at it. And though they'd both grown up a little since going from forest to town with only campfires and blankets, Tails in particular was becoming constantly more aware and observant around their developing lives.

While Sonic struggled to formulate an answer that wasn't completely dismissive, Tails fiddled with his paws, pulling at the end of his gloves that only in recent years had he grown in to without the bands to keep them on small hands.

Almost taking himself by surprise, Sonic abruptly reached out with his good arm to tap at the kit's paws. "Careful, keed - you're gonna make 'em too big for you again."

Tails stopped fussing, but his expression deepened at the now lesser used term. He sat down when Sonic didn't add anything else, a little closer than before. Sonic continued looked slightly off to the side.

"I know the stuff with Shadow was a lot - and we don't hafta' talk about it! But it was a lot, for all of us." Tails hesitated for a second, an image of his brother in a capsule disappearing through a metal floor into space flashing in his mind. He shook himself slightly. "I just want you to be okay. Or just know that you can talk to me, I guess. I just... I care about you, and--"

"C'mere, squirt," Sonic suddenly reached out and pulled the fox towards him, ruffling the top of Tails' head and making him squeal in surprise and protest.

"Sonic! Stoppit--!"

"Nah. You're thinkin' too much for even that big brain of yours, and it needs taking down a peg."

Tails tried unsuccessfully to wriggle away from the treatment, but Sonic dragged him back and into a hug, putting his carefully bandaged arm around the fluffy back, resting his relaxed spines against a fluffy shoulder.

"I 'preciate it, kid," he murmured, almost inaudibly. "But you're still pretty young for that kinda stuff. Plus, it's been a long day. Prob'ly best we both get some shut-eye, don't you think?"

Tails sighed against him; not disappointed but almost expectant. He chanced pushing his muzzle into the crook of Sonic's neck, smelling the comforting familiarity of faint grass and wind, though it was marred with not quite faded metal oil and the muted scent of blood along with antiseptic sharpness.

Still, it was enough Sonic despite the fight and shower and wound, and Tails took a deep breath against the fine blue fur and felt the gentle pull of fingers through his own fluff.

"C'n I stay here," he mumbled, half into the sofa, the unspoken with you clear through sudden exhaustion.

A quiet chuckle rumbled from Sonic's chest, more felt than heard by the kit snuggled against him. Instead of words in answer, he started humming quietly, a familiar tune easily finding its way into the sound as he closed his eyes against the window's moonlight.

Tails tried to recall what the sound represented, its comforting familiarity from nights beside a small campfire easily pulling his mind to rest before he could remember. Something about lights and stars...

Sonic continued humming as he felt his own mind drift, exhaustion claiming both the young animals after being staved off by fear and worry. He let himself settle into the only touch that was almost never unwelcome, and thought of a single bright spark in the dark of space, allowed to go back to waiting arms.

[strugglingbutstillfighting]

I'm going to choose 💞 with Sonic and Tails. I'm not sure who else to choose other than that, but I like too much to pick anything else

warning: character death in nightmare ig? don't think it's gory or anything but literally as a veterinayr nurse i cannot know what the non medical person finds 'too much' ppffftttt

Prompts Open btw !

Post-nightmare cuddles

.

Tails continued creeping forward towards the sounds, wincing at each thump that almost made the ground vibrate, assumingly from something somewhat heavy smacking into it.

He hoped Sonic had done his part in the mission already - it would be much more difficult to detach the central control panel from the contained chaos emerald without the control room's security doors being unelectrified.

Carefully approaching the last corner, Tails crouched on his side of it, taking a deep breath before peeking around the wall.

Sure enough, the door was unlocked and frozen halfway up, the power having cut out before it could close and create an impenetrable metal barrier that would have them needing to retreat and perhaps come up with another plan.

Relieved that his research hadn't been for nothing, Tails straightened up a little to stealthily walk towards the control room, ducking unnecessarily under the door. Inside, a block of counter with various buttons took up an entire wall, but there was no sign of any container that could house the emerald.

Tails frowned. He scanned the area again, beginning to feel uneasy. It was silent and aside from a few flashing lights on some panels, nothing caught his eye.

There was a bang from behind him and Tails flinched, slapping a paw over his mouth to suppress a yelp as he half-spun around, twisting his body in a bid to check if something was approaching without moving from his position.

After a moment, there was nothing, and Tails exhaled slowly, lowering his arm and willing himself to calm down. He took a deep breath to clarify his thoughts and stepped further into the room.

But this time, there was something present: near the opposite corner, a mixture of red and blue stood out from the grey floor and Tails squinted, wondering how he could have missed the clear difference on his first look.

Slowly, he made his way towards the colours, his mind seeming to recognise something but refusing to allow him to realise it as he got closer.

It wasn't until he was standing over the scene when it clicked in a single second.

Tails gasped, a name in his mouth but it didn't come out despite feeling like he screamed it. He fell to his knees, the stench of something awfully strong filling his sensitive nostrils, the sensation of wet seeping into his fur from the ground. Reaching out one trembling hand, he watched it shake in front of his eyes, for some reason unable to make physical contact with the...

A rattling sound reached his ears, making them twitch, and with wide eyes he listened, frozen, to the weak wheezing of breath that sounded barely able to support life for long. With a gasping sob of his own, Tails suddenly found himself throwing his body forward and desperately crawling to drop the side of his head to short light fur, listening for the sound of a reassuring beat, the assurance that it wasn't too late, that things would be okay.

There was nothing echoing even as he pushed his muzzle into the surface, a wild sense of desperation telling him to be closer, to hold on, to wait for a sign of anything--

Crackling and rasping that sounded more like machine than a living thing had Tails quickly tilting his face to look, unable or unwanting to pull away from his position in fear of missing what he was waiting for. He lowered his gaze from dull green eyes that nonetheless seemed to pierce his soul and saw a mouth moving, even as a trickle of red matted with fur around it and another bang echoed above them, making it difficult to make out anything from his ears and even sight as he fancied he heard the whisper of something under the skin he half rested on and the mouth formed something that made his hope dive even as it fell, knowing they needed to get out but there were no plans, no blueprints, no help. And even as a blue head started to rise, there was a click from behind and only one word distinguishable from rushing in his ears and blackness and what felt like screaming without any noise...

"-Tails!"

Bolting upright, or at least trying to as the cushioned surface beneath him made it a much slower movement than intended, Tails found himself looking straight into bright green eyes that were shaded with concern and curiosity. They quickly backed up, gloved hands coming up in a soothing gesture.

"Hey, hey, it's okay. You just seemed a little out of it and didn't wake up when I called you the first couple times." The voice was pitched in a similar soothing way that radiated calm. "I was hoping that movie stuff last night wasn't playing on your mind."

Tails blinked and everything made sense again.

The comfortable sofa beneath him easily accommodated his stature into a corner. In front of it, Sonic stood just slightly crouched, hands up in the universal gesture of meaning no harm. From another room, the sound of boiling water occupied the background. Something tasty smelling offered its familiar scent.

Sonic frowned. "You're not thinking about it, right?" He rubbed the back of his head with one hand hesitantly. "I know I'm not the best guardian but if you think it's okay, and Chaos knows we've done enough to know what's actually real and whatnot, and you're a smart kid, you know the difference between movie things and real life, but I still want you to be--"

He got cut off as yellow fluff practically lunged forward to hug around his chest, blinking in surprise as Tails nestled his face into short peach fur. After a second, Sonic lowered his hands to hold the fox back, patting a couple of times.

"Buddy? I thought a nap would help, not make you... well, whatever this is."

Sensing his brother's unease and mounting concern, Tails quickly sniffed, letting the warm familiar scent and steady thumping under one ear fill his post-dream reality. He pulled back, swiping an arm under his nose with another sniff, and tried a quick grin at the confused expression staring at him.

"S-sorry. Uh, I know you like to be told first." He guiltily fiddled with his gloves, eyes downcast as he scolded himself internally for losing it and making his touch-averse brother uncomfortable. "There was... It just, uh, wasn't a great nap. Kind of a nightmare. I just wanted to... you know."

For both better and worse, Sonic did know. There were plenty of nights when his own hands shook and breath was short after waking, and Tails was either somehow already beside him or soon inviting him into distraction and comfort. His expression softened and he nudged a fluffy leg with a knee.

"Budge up." When Tails obediently shuffled a little to allow Sonic to sit beside him, the hedgehog didn't wait until there was adequate space to both use the sofa; instead squishing himself into the immediate space between fluff and sofa arm, simultaneously encompassing the kit in his hold, loose enough for easy escape if it wasn't wanted.

While touch wasn't his favourite, there was a reason why touch-selective described him very well. In being able to select who he hugged, it was okay. And there was one person that was always on the list.

"Hey, don't stress, bud. Take as long as ya need, okay?"

Tails sniffed once more before giving in and gripping back, once again burrowing his face into his brother's front and allowing the physical reassurance chase away the last of an unreal nightmare.

Despite the clear offer, Tails shuffled out of the hold after a minute or so, rubbing an arm over his face to refresh and mentally shake himself off. He gave a much more genuine smile as the two sat opposite each other on the sofa, Sonic patiently waiting with a soft expression never leaving his brother's form.

"I'm okay now," Tails reassured, stretching a little as he made to stand up.

Sonic cocked his head as he watched Tails straighten up, yawning away the remnants of a not so great nap. He stayed unusually still as Tails rubbed his nose and then raised an eyebrow back in an unspoken well?

The boiling water reached a crescendo of noise, and Sonic's ear twitched in response, glancing towards the source of the sound before returning his focus to his brother. He practically jumped up from the sofa, electing a faux exasperated sigh from Tails, and gave a wink in return.

"Well, if you're sure, kid, I started dinner while you were out. Fancy lending a hand? It's your house, after all."

Tails huffed and rolled his eyes in fondness, making a waving gesture with his paws to shove his chuckling brother towards the kitchen with the occasion physical push as he followed. The welcoming scent of their usual meal enticed both to pause the banter in favour of cooking up the dish, eventually settling together on the sofa to enjoy it.

And if Sonic noticed that Tails lent a little more against him into the evening, he didn't acknowledge anything more than winding an arm around fluffy shoulders in return.

[strugglingbutstillfighting]

🫂 with Sonic and Tails?

the emojis literally were just a black box on my phone so knowing what the actual prompt was had to wait until i used my laptop fsdkal also i couldnt start this for the life of me but wanted to do it bc it's already been days so my platonic partner gave me a starting sentence which helped

"You told me this wouldn't happen again."

Sonic made a face at his past reassuring words being used accusingly by his own brother.

"I knoww..." He dragged out the word a little, trying to come up with something justifiable. "But I'm fine, see!"

He spread his hands as if to prove the point by demonstrating the lack of mortal injury. Unfortunately, the few scrapes and bruises he had picked up didn't help the claim. Plus, Tails didn't even bother to look around from the kitchen counter.

Only the more than necessary aggressive sounds of chopping filled the short silence as Sonic dropped his arms back to his sides.

Faced with his brother's silence back and tails twitching in agitation, Sonic sighed quietly and padded forward.

"Tails, you know I don't leave you out of things on purpose," he started, "it's just--"

"What if you'd been badly hurt?" Tails finally spun around to almost shout, and Sonic took a physical step back at the tears in his eyes, stunned.

"I..."

Tails sniffed. "Never mind," he muttered, starting to turn his back again, but Sonic quickly stepped forward and put one hand on a fluffy shoulder.

"Hey."

He waited a moment, but Tails refused to look at him, keeping his face turned away although he didn't move to shift out of the light hold keeping him in place.

The tomatoes that had been victim of the forceful chopping leaked watery red on the light surface of the counter as Tails watched. He sniffed again.

"I made these devices so we could always know where someone is if needed." His voice was quiet, more matching the tone that he'd had when they'd first met than the competent genius in front of Sonic.

Sonic added nothing to his reply this time. "I know."

"It just... It's important to me. To know where you are, if you're hurt. If anyone is in danger." Tails bit his lip. "I know none of you really get it, but..."

"Hey." This time the call was firmer, and Tails finally turned his head to face his big brother. Sonic's eyes were focused but gentle. "It doesn't matter if we get it or not. If it's important to you, then it's is important. You know I'm not great with all this tech stuff, or proper words."

He gave a small grin and wink, prompted Tails to sniff again to hide a huff of amusement.

"But, I am sorry. Your big brain will have to forgive your big bro's small mind," he fluffed the fur atop Tails' head, relieved to hear a snort of laughter instead of another sniff.

Tails rubbed his nose and nodded, but his eyes were still downcast. "It's just... if something goes wrong. If something happens... I won't know where to find you. And it might be too late if I do. Or I never will and-"

"Hey, I'm okay. And so are you. I'll do my best to remember, okay?" Sonic used his other hand to gently nudge Tails' chin up, making sure the younger saw the honesty in his older brother's genuine expression.

The watery-ness had mostly disappeared, and Tails nodded again, but Sonic abruptly pulled him closer, leaning to put his head on his shoulder, wrapping his arms around the fluffy back as tails flicked in surprise.

There was only a moment before the hug was returned, Sonic's body squeezed surprisingly tightly by smaller arms.

Half-chopped tomatoes and onions watched impassively from in front of a frying pan on the counter Sonic could now see. Tails had been making chilli dogs in the absence of his brother, prepared for his return despite fear.

"Sonic?"

He allowed himself another quick squeeze and breath, then pulled back, keeping hands on the fox's shoulders briefly, offering a grin at the slightly concerned expression.

"Looks like you're makin' a lil something for lunch, buddy. Want some help?"

[strugglingbutstillfighting]

Send me emoji(s) and I'll write a drabble

🫂 Comforting hugs

🧠 Traumatic event

⚡ Scared of thunderstorms

🤝🏽 Hand holding

🎮 Games

💕 Kisses (specify)

🛁 Bathing together/platonic bathing (specifiy)

🩸 Patching up a wound

💪🏽 Bridal carry

🥰 Saying 'I love you' without saying it

🐾 Pet-names

🎶 Dancing

🎁 Presents

🌧️ Rainy day activities

💞 Post-nightmare cuddles

🥶 Cold

🍽️ Dinner date

✊🏽 Protecting

🤒 Needing to be looked after

💀 Near-death experience

❤️‍🩹 Reunited after a long time apart

Tried to keep this limited to things that can be both platonic or romantic <3 Please specify as much as you'd like when sending requests to people!

[strugglingbutstillfighting]

Shadow saved Sonic

[strugglingbutstillfighting]

Sonic Prime | 2x07 Cracking Down

[strugglingbutstillfighting]

Shadow vs Grim Rouge

#covering the eyes like he knew that would work i--

[strugglingbutstillfighting]

Protector, huh?

I guess he is: