Chapter Text
“There's nothing better than laying on the beach, soaking in the sun, and relaxing on such a beautiful day,” Sonic said, eyes filled with undeniable warmth, and patted the spot next to him, “Come on Mets, this is one of your lessons.”
Metal dutifully obeyed, the sand dipping under his weight as he sat close to his organic counterpart, their arms brushing. He was aware he was too close, invading the ‘personal space’ concept Tails had explained to him once. But Sonic never minded. Metal knew he did not. He found himself once again thankful for their mind connection.
I did not think you would partake in such leisure activities, Metal remarked, It is out of character for someone like you.
“Just because I’m the fastest thing alive doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a lazy day,” Sonic replied before raising an eye ridge, “I thought we agreed no more jedi talk until you get used to your voice.”
Childishly, Metal thought of giving Sonic the silent treatment. He did not like his voice. It was a higher pitch than he would have liked.
“Mets,” Sonic said exasperatedly, clearly sensing his disdain, “I like your voice.”
Metal decided he will not reply. Immediately, he felt a rush of satisfaction when Sonic spoke to him mentally.
The silent treatment doesn’t work when I can just talk to you in your mind. And seriously? I thought you were supposed to be the more mature one between us.
I am mature, Metal retorted, I do not build sand castles.
You enjoy sand castles as much as I do, Sonic then smiled softly, the kind Metal often found himself staring at for too long, I really do like your voice and I find it absolutely shameful I can’t hear it out loud.
Worst part of it was, Metal could feel Sonic was being sincere despite the teasing.
“I suppose I shall entertain you,” Metal responded, the voice only a tad higher pitch than Sonic’s, and felt an ecstatic warmth from Sonic. A warmth Metal coveted. He liked it when Sonic sent him such happy emotions, whether knowingly or unknowingly.
“There we go,” Sonic grinned, pleased with himself, “Now, back to our lesson. It’s important to note that your mind should be clear of all troubles. After all, what’s the point of this if you’re just a worry wart."
“What is a worry wart?”
“It means someone who lives and breathes stress. Not literally, just metaphorically.”
Metal filed away the new term and definition. Due to his original purpose of a killer robot, much of his database was lacking. A fact quickly remedied by Sonic and Tails.
“I see. One must be in a state of complete tranquility for this. Is this like stargazing?”
“Yup! Think of this as the day time version of it.”
Metal laid there for a few moments, listening to the hedgehog’s quiet breathing and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. The sky was clear blue, without a sign of white fluff, and the sun shone brightly at them.
Eventually, he spoke, “I think I like stargazing more. That is not to say I do not like this, but I prefer looking at stars than the sun. I can see the constellations at night too.”
“I get what you mean. I personally can’t choose one, both are pretty nice in their own way,” Sonic brought his arms behind his head, “I take it you wanna go stargazing tonight?”
Metal hesitated briefly but copied his counterpart’s action. The position was slightly uncomfortable and if he had a mouth, he would have frowned. Instead, he beeped in displeasure and resolved to just cross his arms. Sonic chuckled, but it was not mocking or teasing. It was fondness.
“Yes, I would like to go stargazing,” Metal then looked around, noting the long absence of a certain two-tailed fox, “I thought Tails would have been back by now.”
Sonic sat up, face slightly troubled, “The kid can handle himself,” but he still stood up, “I’m gonna go look for him anyways. He does tend to wander too far if he’s daydreaming.”
“I check East and you check West?” Metal prompted.
Sonic nodded, “Let’s meet back in half an hour."
With that, Sonic took off in a blur. A manner befitting of an older worried brother. One Metal shared. Even if it were not for their linked mind, he quite enjoyed the fox’s presence. He also found he was more patient than Sonic was when Tails was too hyper. Additionally, the young fox was a genius and despite his young age, was a brilliant inventor and capable of fixing and flying a plane. They speak often of the mechanics of machines and Metal’s own hardware. Like his own voice chip. Tails had it installed for him.
Still, Tails was young. Metal took off in the opposite direction, his thrusters working at low speed, calling out the fox’s name in the highest volume he could manage, and maximizing his auditory sensors for the slightest noise of the yellow fox. He made sure to search extensively for every small crevice and cave of the island. He had made it to the other side when his auditory sensory picked up distressed yelling and he swiftly changed course towards where the yelling came from.
When he came into view, yellow fur stood out against a large slab of rock. But there was a small crevice between the grey rock. And stuck deep in the crevice was one of the fox’s legs.
Tails was sobbing, eyes teary and red, and called out in relief, “Metal! I’m stuck! I can’t get out! I tried everything!”
Metal did not like to see Tails cry and he swiftly attempted to console the sobbing fox.
“Do not fret, I will get you out,” Metal said firmly and was glad he had not dulled his claws yet for he lunged towards the rock, claws easily breaking away the material, cracks coming apart. He kept at it until the gap widened and finally, Tails was able to free his trapped leg.
Just as Metal began to stand up, Tails had jumped him, arms wrapping itself around his chassis. Unprepared for the action, he stumbled and fell on his back.
“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much!” Tails cried out, “I was so scared I was going to be stuck there all night!”
“That is ridiculous,” Metal said and unsure of what else to do, returned the embrace awkwardly and patted the fox’s back, “Sonic and I would have noticed your absence, just as we did right now.”
Tails sniffed and gave him a wobbly smile, “Yeah that’s right. You guys came out to find me.”
Tails stood up and held out a hand to him. Metal stared at it.
“Oh! I’m offering my hand to help you stand up,” the fox explained.
Metal should have figured that out. Sonic had done the same. Back then, with the lava.
Regardless, he was careful not to accidentally scratch the fox with his claws and let the younger one help him to his feet.
“Sonic is looking for you on the other side of the island. We should go back home and let him know you’re fine.”
“Right! Let’s go!”
Before Tails could take another step, Metal had swiftly picked up Tails under his arm. The fox yelped in surprise but did not resist as Metal powered up his thrusters and took off.
He was in the same spot as before. He gently settled the fox down, who had a bright smile on his face.
“Boy, that never gets old! It’s just like with Sonic! Really fast!”
“But I am faster.”
“Yeah-” and Tails abruptly cut himself off, puffing his chest, “That’s not true. Sonic’s beaten you in all three races!”
Maybe before, he would have felt frustrated. Angered. But all he felt now was a motivated ambition. Just as Sonic was competitive, so too was he. Even if Sonic would continue to win, Metal will still give it his all not to make it easy. He was rather proud when all three races had Sonic huffing at the finish line, crossing it mere milliseconds before he did. Metal was created with Sonic’s life data after all, his speed was nothing to laugh at.
Nonetheless, Metal was finding amusement in the slip-ups Tails would say. A humor he shared with his organic counterpart.
“You are correct. But there will be many races in the foreseeable future and I do not give up easily.”
“Don’t I know it,” Tails said, “You know, I’m really glad you’re with us Metal. You like the same things I like! And you make Sonic really happy too!”
Metal’s motors whirled slightly. He felt joy to hear that. Tails’ acceptance and the reason for Sonic’s abundant happiness.
"Thank you," and he truly meant it. It had only been two weeks, three days, and nine hours since that fateful day Sonic pulled him from the lava. He was out of commission for several days but Tails had managed to repair him as best as he could.
Understandably, the young fox was wary and fearful of him initially. But after several days of Metal learning anything and everything he could, the fox had quickly opened up, eager to explain concepts Sonic would struggle at. It was why it was gratifying to hear the fox has accepted his presence in their life.
Suddenly, Metal felt a pull in his mind, a warmth washing over him coupled with relief. He tilted his head, sending back his own wave of content. It was only recently that he learned their emotions could be sensed even if apart from the hedgehog, a new development certainly, for Metal had not had that back when he thought Sonic was destroyed. Exactly how far apart that extended though, he was uncertain.
In a blur of blue, Sonic stood before Tails, hands on his hips, “What took you so long kid? We were starting to worry.”
“I didn’t mean to worry you or Metal,” Tails bit his lips, ashamed, “I wasn’t watching where I was going and my leg got stuck! I couldn’t fly away or do anything! I’m really sorry Sonic.”
Sonic swiftly ruffled the fox’s fur in between the ears, “Hey bud, that’s nothing to apologize for. Metal found you anyways, so it’s all good. Just be careful next time, yeah?”
Tails nodded vigorously, “I’ll be super duper careful!”
Sonic smiled at the young fox. Metal stared again. The difference was minuscule but he could tell this was a different smile. It was one of fondness too but it was unlike the one Sonic gave him. Perhaps because Tails was his little brother, a smile meant for family and the one Metal had was one of deep friendship.
Matter solved, Metal followed them inside the broken airplane as they spoke of lunch.
~
Later, when they can both hear the soft snores of the young fox from inside the airplane, Sonic had taken a dark green blanket, spread it out on top of the plane, and invited Metal to sit with him. Their arms once again brushed and their hands laid next to each other.
For some reason, Metal had a… want? A longing? He was not sure how to describe it. He just knew he would have liked to hold Sonic’s hand. He was unsure of how to ask of it.
“Something’s troubling you,” Sonic piped up, “Come on, fess up. What is it?”
“What does it mean when you wish to hold someone’s hand?” Metal asked instead.
Sonic paused, “I guess it means you like that person.”
That was an easy answer to comprehend. Metal did like Sonic.
“May I hold your hand?” He finally asked.
A myriad of emotions passed the hedgehog’s face. Metal waited there, growing unsure with each passing second. What if Sonic did not like him? But that could not be it. Metal could not feel any disdain or dislike through their connection. In fact, what he felt was elated… confusion?
“Sure Mets,” and Sonic did the honors of clasping their hands together, their fingers intertwining between them. Metal could feel the warmth of Sonic’s paw even through the glove. He could not help but notice their hands were a perfect fit.
Metal beeped in happiness, deciding that he liked this very much. In return, he felt a wave of embarrassment from his organic counterpart. Along with a slight flush on the hedgehog’s cheeks. Metal wanted to question the reaction when Sonic coughed.
“I think it’s time Tails and I take you to see the nearest town,” Sonic declared, “There’s lots of things to see and new people to meet. I wanna make sure you experience that.”
“Is this how you met Tails?”
“Oh no, far from it. I met the kid three years ago in some forest when he was being bullied by a bunch of other kids just because he had two tails. I stopped them and they quickly skedaddled since no one wanted to mess with me. Turns out, Tails was a big fan of me and wouldn’t stop following me around. Then I found out his parents were gone and he was homeless and I couldn’t exactly leave him. So I took him in. I’m glad I did. The kid saved my life more than once every time we went after Robotnik.”
“Were you not worried how young he was to face the doctor's dangerous schemes?"
Sonic puffed out a small chuckle, “You have no idea. But hey, I figured if I could take down Robotnik at ten, what’s the difference at five? Besides, he had me and I did everything I could to keep him safe.”
“Both of you are fortunate to have met each other than.”
“We’re fortunate to have met you too, you know.”
Sonic’s eyes were dark yet they shone as the stars and moon reflected off it. Metal looked down at their joined hands. He recollected his memories, the ensuing fights, the destruction he caused, how uncaring he had been at one point. Powerful and arrogant.
“Even if I had caused you pain?” Metal inquired quietly, “To you and the others?”
“Yes, because the end was what mattered,” Sonic used his other hand to lift his face, once again facing such a caring expression, “You’re not like that anymore. You’re your own person, no one can tell you what to do, and you choose to be good.”
As if the words weren’t enough, Metal felt the prideful emotions leaking from the hedgehog. His motors whirled slightly and steam rolled off of him. He could not hide his own overwhelmed emotions, both outward and inward. From Sonic’s close proximity to his genuine words and the emotions with it. He gave back just as much, sending his own adoration and gratitude.
Sonic’s cheeks were completely red and Metal was glad he was not alone in his embarrassment.
“I don’t think I’m ever going to get used to that,” Sonic murmured in a daze as he slowly let go of his chin.
Metal beeped in bemusement, “I do not think I will ever comprehend that not everyone shares a mental connection.”
“I think most people would freak out over it if they did.”
“Why would they 'freak' out?"
“Because it means someone reading your every thought and knowing what you feel at all times.”
Metal stared at Sonic, But you do not mind it, do you?
Of course not. You’re like my other half, I can feel you at the back of my mind even when you’re not pushing our connection. It feels like you were always there but I just didn’t know it. Does that make sense?
Yes. It is the same with me, you are always there with me, whether you are aware of it or not. This truly does not bother you? Your privacy, your secrecy, you will have none of it. Not with what we have.
Sonic’s eyes glint with an emotion Metal could not pin down or label. It felt like fondness but not quite.
There’s nothing I want to hide from you. All that I have, I want you to feel it too.
There was something deeper in that statement. Metal knew it. With the way Sonic knowingly smiled at him.
Something flew above them and Metal’s attention was quickly shifted. He saw the form of a star against the sky whisking past the others and leaving a trail of sparkling white. Metal refused to look away, enraptured at seeing such a rarity.
“What is that?” Metal asked quietly.
“That’s a shooting star,” Sonic explained, his own voice murmured and soft, “They do that sometimes. I’m not sure why. They’re also called wishing stars. Some believe if you wish something on it, your wish will come true.”
“Wishing star,” Metal repeated, watching as the star faded away, “It sounds purely fanatical. But as a shooting star, it is…” and he tried to find the right word for it and settled on the best he knew, “Beautiful.”
“Yeah," Sonic replied, "Very beautiful."
If Metal had not been so ensnared by the event, he would have noticed Sonic was not staring at the stars, but solely at him and only him.