Wait a minute... what?!

Six months pass; everyone is concerned about Sonic's whereabouts, even Shadow, surprisingly. Sapphire is in the cave chamber alone as she starts missing her home. To take her mind off her home, she uses magic to make a blank sketch pad with a pencil appear and starts to draw. After a while, Sapphire finishes her picture; filled with trees and skylines, she's drawn a side-by-side landscape of a country field and city skyscrapers.

'Two very different areas, two different lives… Is this who I am?' Sapphire thinks

Sapphire then puts her sketch pad down, curls into a ball and stays that way. As for Sonic, he's in the mountains as he hears a sound. Curious, he goes inside the chamber, to see a shrine and enters it. He sees something that resembles Sapphire wearing a headdress. Having an idea, he pulls off the headdress.

As for Sapphire, she quickly gets an extremely painful headache, with abdominal pains as well. Shadow is with Amy as he gets the same thing. Amy notices, becoming concerned.

"Are you alright, Shadow?" Amy asks

"Everywhere is beginning to hurt; I don't know why." Shadow responds

"You need to get to Sapphire, now!"

Shadow nods as he teleports to Sapphire, noticing her curled up in a ball, with her spines standing upright. Shadow then approaches Sapphire, cautiously.

"Sapphire, are you alright?" Shadow asks

"No, someone's found the shrine and pulled the headdress off my statue. I don't know who it is, but they need to put it back. If it's off for longer than two hours, it'll kill us both." Sapphire informs

"Why me as well?"

"You were there when I was performing my annual ritual and you're my boyfriend. Therefore, making you a semi-saviour."

Sapphire then gets out of her ball and holds onto Shadow as he teleports to the shrine. Sapphire and Shadow both spot Sonic, holding the headdress from Sapphire's statue.

"Shadow put me down and get that headdress. You're the one that needs to put it back." Sapphire informs

"Why me?"

"The person that stole the headdress isn't a semi-saviour or complete saviour. Therefore, they're not allowed to put the headdress back without getting hurt. As much as I don't like the blue pincushion right now, is as much as I don't want him getting hurt. Do this not just for me, but for this world's sake."

After putting Sapphire down, Shadow teleports behind Sonic, hits his back and races to the headdress before it hits the ground. Shadow catches the headdress and rushes to Sapphire's statue, carefully replacing the headdress on the statue's head. After a few minutes, the statue's headdress is back in place, firmer than before. Sapphire, now fully recovered, goes to her statue, and touches its chest; mouthing an incantation and signalling Shadow to join her.

After a while, a statue of Shadow in a similar outfit to Sapphire's magically appears next to Sapphire's statue. Sapphire and Shadow step back as their individual powers change their clothing into suitable attire. Then, the same spirit from before shows up and the romantic duo bow before her.

"Hello, you two. I didn't expect to see you so soon. Yes, I know what's happened and Sonic will be punished accordingly." The spirit greets and informs

"Will Sonic get hurt?" Sapphire asks, worried

"Oh no, he just won't have his super speed for the next five years. If desired, an alternative punishment will come, with time Saviour."

"What about me?" Shadow asks

"You saved our Saviour and I'll be eternally grateful."

"Why the outfit, though?"

"Since you're a semi-saviour, like Sapphire has explained, you need attire that is fitting to your role. At your cave chamber, you'll find scrolls explaining what's going on. But deal with that later. Right now, let's give Sonic what he deserves. Sonic, come forward."

Sonic goes to the spirit, bowing before her.

"You've heard about your punishment, I presume."

"Yes, that's true." Sonic responds

"However, you've a lifeline. If you want your super speed spared, come back in five days for an alternative punishment. Otherwise, I will not spare your power. Is that clear?"

"Yes, your highness."

"That's great to hear. Now, run along Sonic."

Sonic then races home, confusing Sapphire and Shadow.

"Spirit, what's going on?" Sapphire asks

"You'll both find out, in due time Saviour." The spirit answers

The spirit disappears; Sapphire and Shadow are soon back in their original attire and go to Sapphire's house. Five days pass and Sonic is with the spirit, awaiting his alternative punishment.

"Do you remember our agreement?" The spirit asks

"Yes, quite vividly." Sonic answers

"Perfect, your alternative punishment will be… serving both the Saviour and her boyfriend for the next six months."

"Wait… what?!"

"It's either that, or not running at the speed of sound for five years."

"Alright, fine. How will I be serving them?"

"Firstly, fix the so-called friendship you have with the Saviour and try to get on with her boyfriend. Secondly, in any way they request."

"You're not informing them, are you?"

"Oh yes, I will be informing them. They might not believe me at first but seeing you in the picture should sway their beliefs."

"Oh, boy…"

"Remember what I have said. Now, head on to Sapphire's residence. That's where the two are residing."

Sonic nods and races to Sapphire's house, unaware that he's in a butler's outfit. He knocks on the door. Inside…

"Who could that be?" Sapphire asks

"I'll check." Shadow answers

Shadow answers, noticing Sonic.

"Babe, look who the cat dragged in."

Sapphire looks, noticing Sonic's get-up and getting curious.

"Hey, Speedy. What's with the get-up?" Sapphire greets, asking

Sonic then looks at his outfit, getting both embarrassed and fed-up.

"The spirit has sentenced me to six months with you and Shadow, miss." Sonic answers

"What exactly have you gotta do?"

"I've gotta fix our friendship, try to get on with Shadow and serve you both in any way that is requested."

"Now, this is interesting. Come in then, Faker." Shadow responds

Sonic enters the house, feeling guilty about what he did after saving the universe, lowering his ears.

"Are you okay, Sonic?" Sapphire asks, concerned

"I'm really sorry about barging into your house those months ago. I never knew how comfy the place was." Sonic answers, adding "I'm also sorry about spin attacking you in the chest. I wanted revenge, I thought I had it. Turns out, you'd passed out from the fear, and I didn't realise until after I did it."

Sapphire then hugs Sonic, putting her chin on Sonic's quills.

"Sonic, I'm more than willing to forgive you. I don't care if you've hurt me, I can't push you aside any longer. I'm sorry for doing that and it'll never happen again, friend."

"Friend?"

"Yes, I've been waiting to hear a genuine apology from you for years. I'm finally happy to accept you into my friend circle. Also, I've thought of a favour you can do. Not just for me, but for you too."

"Yes, miss?"

"I want you to meet with Amy, Sticks, Knuckles and Tails. Then, I'd like you to apologise for the way you've treated them, especially Amy and Sticks. Women do not appreciate being treated like dirt. With any luck, they still want to be your friends."

"How will they know of my arrival?"

"I've called Amy and asked her to pass on a message. Now, I'd suggest getting that done. Just an FYI, the spirit will know of your progress. I won't tell her, neither will Shadow. But she'll be watching over you."

Sonic nods as he races to the village square, to see Amy, Sticks, Knuckles and Tails waiting for him. He approaches them, for Sticks, Knuckles and Tails to laugh at his outfit. Amy approaches Sonic, containing her laughter.

"You're serving Sapphire and Shadow, I presume." Amy, somewhat greets

"Yes, that's true. I'm sorry about the way I've treated you all; it was really uncool." Sonic responds, lowering his ears

The group then huddles, hugging Sonic as he starts crying.

"We'll always be your friends, that won't ever change." Amy responds

Then, Sonic gets a call on his communicator. It's Sapphire.

"Sonic, are you there?" Sapphire asks

"Speaking, miss." Sonic answers

"Right, I need you to come back; you'll need to get the keys from me."

"Noted, I'll be there shortly."

"Okay, see you soon."

The communications are then cut.

"I'll see you guys later. I'm needed."

"See ya, Sonic." Sticks responds

Sonic then speeds to Sapphire's house, noticing both Sapphire and Shadow waiting outside.

"Hey there, Faker. You came back swiftly." Shadow greets, remarking

"Shads, that's enough. Now Sonic, here's a set of the house keys. Your task is to 'housesit' as people say." Sapphire informs

"What's going on?" Sonic asks

"We going on a date night on the town. We'll be in another part of Mobius, so you're responsible for keeping the house clean whilst we're gone. Rouge will be here in an hour to keep you company."

"What about Knucks?"

"From what I've heard from Amy and Comedy Chimp, not happening. Do you remember when Amy's couch got destroyed?"

"That wasn't us."

"You were the catalyst for Eggman's attack, of which destroyed the couch."

"Yeah, you're right. But Rouge? We've not seen her in years."

"I have, and she's said that she'd be delighted to use any spare time she gets keeping you entertained. So, the agreement was made and is now set-in stone. We'll be back late. Bye for now, Sonic."

Sapphire and Shadow then teleport to their destination. Sonic unlocks the door and enters the house. Having noticed how much time and effort went into the house; he quickly realises the reason why Sapphire refused letting Knuckles join him. Sonic then sits on the couch and starts flicking through the television channels, for the door to knock an hour later. Sonic answers, to see Rouge and invites her inside, blushing at her appearance.

"Why hello, Blue. It's good to see you again." Rouge greets

"Uh, hey Rouge. How have you been lately?" Sonic greets, flustered

"I've been good, just bored is all."

"Anyone new in your life?"

"Unfortunately, no. Just a string of failed romances, girls, and guys alike. How about you?"

"Nope, still single."

"What about Amy? I thought you two were an item."

"It never happened, I messed my friendship up with Sapphire and Amy hated it. Plus, she's more of a sister, anyway."

"Oh, okay. How has Amy been?"

"Recently, fine. We made up and are still friends."

"That's nice to hear, Blue."

Rouge looks around, loving the house.

"Is this Sapphire's house?"

"Yes, it is. She lives here with Shadow now."

"What's with those two then?"

"They're dating and tonight, they've gone on a date night."

Sonic lowers his ears.

"Are you alright, Blue?"

"I don't understand how they get on so well. That's all."

"Do you want that connection with someone else?"

"Yeah, I do."

Rouge then kisses Sonic's cheek, making him blush.

"To be honest, at home there's no-one I can connect with better than you. Also, you caught my eye, a couple of years after we made friends. Of course, if you want to give it a try when you're ready. Not that I---"

Sonic then interrupts Rouge, kissing her lips and squeezing her butt. Rouge soon eases into the kiss, lowering her ears as Sonic starts to move down.

"Rouge, I've liked you for a while. Why would I move my kisses down if I didn't?"

Sonic then continues kissing Rouge's body, making her heat up. Rouge then fights back, kissing Sonic's neck and making him moan.

"How do you do that?" Sonic asks, impressed

"Like they say, never underestimate the woman. By the way baby, I like it rough. So, don't take too long."

Then, Sonic gets excited as his erection shows. Taking her chance, Rouge licks the tip of Sonic's dick and starts sucking, starting her blowjob. Sonic then pushes Rouge's head forward, making her take the full length. After a while, Sonic comes in Rouge's mouth. Rouge pulls back, swallowing the full load.

"Ooh, you taste delicious, Blue."

Rouge then gets Sonic excited again, going hard for a second time.

"I think we should take this upstairs, batgirl." Sonic whispers, seductively

Sonic and Rouge then go upstairs to the spare double bedroom. Rouge then gets nervous as she moves back.

"Are you alright?" Sonic asks

"I've never done it before." Rouge admits

"I thought you said you liked it rough."

"That was before I remembered."

Sonic then hugs Rouge, comforting her.

"Look, we don't have to if you don't want it. I want you to be happy, not regretful."

Rouge slowly returns the hug, nuzzling into Sonic's chest.

"Plus, I could tell you weren't ready when you were teasing me. I'll only do it if you're ready, not until then."

"Thank you, Sonic."

"It's alright, Rouge. Let's find something to watch on TV."

"I like that idea, Blue."

Sonic and Rouge go downstairs and watch television, laughing at the comedy show they're watching. Soon, Rouge gets a call on her communicator.

"Hello, Rouge speaking." Rouge greets

"Hey friend, it's Sapphire." Sapphire greets

"Hey, is there any trouble?"

"No, I'm just calling to let you know that we'll be back in an hour. That's all."

"Okay, how's your date night going?"

"We're enjoying ourselves. How's Sonic holding up?"

"Oh, he's a real gent. We're just watching TV."

"What happened?"

"Nothing untoward, I can assure you of that."

"Okay, we'll see you later then."

"See you later, Sapphire."

Then, communications are cut, and Rouge hears gentle snoring. She looks up and notices that Sonic has fallen asleep, and that Sonic's grip has gone. Rouge then carefully gets out of Sonic's arm, ensuring that he doesn't wake up and takes him to the spare bedroom so he can sleep.

Soon after, the door is knocked, Rouge answers and notices Sapphire and Shadow. She invites them in.

"Where's Faker?" Shadow asks

"Sonic, is sleeping in the spare bedroom. He fell asleep whilst we were watching TV." Rouge answers

"Who took Sonic to bed?" Sapphire asks

"I managed to carry him to bed. By the way, he's cute when he's asleep."

"Are you two a thing?"

"I don't know, but I hope so. I've liked him for a while."

"And, you've told him, yes?"

"Yeah, he was fine with it."

"What happened?" Shadow asks, seriously

"We've kissed, then something else. Anyway, enough about me. How was your night out?"

Sapphire quickly notices a blush appearing on Rouge's cheeks.

"It was quite nice. Sapphire over here kept admiring the diamonds and other gems. So, I got her a sapphire headpiece."

"Yes, that's true and I'm thankful for it. Although, you wouldn't stop looking at the strip club." Sapphire responds

"Did you end up going there?" Rouge asks, concerned

"I liked the idea so, I said yes. The performers were amazing, the guys were okay. But the girls were amazing."

"Are you crushing on one of them?"

"No way, no-one comes close to Shadow. Not even a stripper, or exotic dancer as they're also known."

"Wait, you're bi?!"

Sapphire quickly blushes, knowing that her cover's been blown.

"Yes, that's true."

"How come I never knew?"

"You never asked, batgirl." Shadow responds

"It's not like you're any less in the dark than me."

"Excuse me? I've been with Sapphire long enough to have worked out her orientation. Plus, it took her a while to tell me."

"And… this means?"

"I'd worked it out before Sapphire had told me. I understand what that means, and I'm cool with it."

"Okay, since you were in the flashy part of Mobius and everyone knows who you both are, you'll be headline news there. First of your relationship, secondly of Sapphire's orientation. I'm cool with all this, but I don't know how they'll take it there."

Sapphire gives a look, as to say, 'do I look bothered?'. Then…

"Look, Rouge I'm used to a little fame here and there; with how my home world treated me as a star, I expected somewhere here to follow." Sapphire responds

"With that part, once they know, the rest of Mobius wants to know. Just saying. Anyway, I'll see you around."

Rouge soon leaves for home as Sonic comes down, messed up clothes and tired.

"Hey, guys. How was… the date night?" Sonic greets, asking

"It was a nice night out. Are you alright?" Sapphire responds, asking

"Yeah, just tired. Where's Rouge?"

"Rouge, she's just left for home."

"What's the deal with her anyway, Faker?" Shadow asks

Sonic then perks up, blushes, and gets flustered. Then…

"Umm… nothing, nothing at all." Sonic answers

"I've found another weakness, Sonic."

"Shadow, that's enough. Come to think of it, over these six months you're both meant to be trying to get on. Aren't I correct, Sonic?" Sapphire responds

"Yes, that's true. But the rivalry we have is usually friendly."

Sapphire then raises an eyebrow, as to say 'really?'.

"Nonetheless, your freedom isn't taken away. But I would want you two to try and start a friendship, at least. I'm not expecting you to start going out or anything that big. That's too much of an ask."

Soon after, and without further discussion, everyone goes to bed for the night.