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"Are you sure about this?"
A most familiar question to a thrill seeker. The tell-tale sign of either disbelief in your capabilities or legitimate concern. Scourge lifted the bottle in his hand to his lips, at least trying to look like he's thinking it over before answering. "Yeah. I am." It earned him a slightly exasperated sigh from Shadow, clearly it wasn't a satisfactory answer. "But why? From what I know it goes against the nature of your species."
"Nah it doesn't, we mark each other all the time."
"A bite isn't the same as a burn scar." Okay he might have a decent point there but as far as Scourge is concerned... "That's kind of the point. I don't want something everyone has. Consider it a habit that never died. “The princely side that wants to stand out. Who knew royal instincts could create the most contrarian hedgehog on the planet? "Is that really it? Bragging rights over a body modification?" Shadow raised a brow in disbelief.
"Wha- no, I mean kinda but not entirely. " Scourge huffed. "Bragging rights about who my mate is not how I got the mark." He took another swig of the beer he nursed. "And I know you're gonna say 'nobody knows who I am'." Scourge put up a fake deep voice as he imitated Shadow. "but that doesn't matter! I know who you are, this is for us not the outside world, you can't tell me the idea doesn't remotely interest you." It might, but that wouldn’t cut it. If not to brag about to the outside world, if it’s ‘just for them’ then why bother? They both know they share a bond so what’s really the point here? Scourge tapped his foot during the silence, he’d have to be patient to get a reply. Shadow always preferred to quietly think things over and he could take his sweet time with it when he did. By now Scourge is used to it, maybe at first it drove him up the wall as he didn't appreciate the radio silence but over time he learned to trust Shadow. While the ebony hedgehog stared out the window of the apartment Scourge got up to replace his empty bottle with a fresh one. It was a better place than he used to live in, this planet had been kind to him after all.
The silence in the apartment was palpable, save for the noise of the city outside which always soothed Scourge's nerves in it's own strange way. For Shadow it helped him think, mindlessly staring at the coming and going of complete strangers. Compared to the rigid structure he's used to the unpredictable nature of a place like this felt almost unreal, like the glass might as well have been a screen. His ear twitched as the noise got broken up by the hiss of a glass bottle getting uncapped and Scourge's footsteps approaching into the living room.
Such a strange specimen he is but if anything that made him undeniably intoxicating to be around. Scourge is an adrenaline junkie, rather vain, self-absorbed if given the chance and had more than a few vices. At least that's what Shadow saw at first. The more he had to guard this person of interest, which felt more like babysitting, the more he began to notice the cracks in his carefully crafted mask. The Nova Luna only ever saw a vengeful older twin brother who could easily take the fall for their own scheme and nobody would mourn the banished prince. By now Shadow saw a clearly broken hedgehog who clung to whatever made him feel alive, keeping up appearances for attention and admiration. Initially he thought of him as rather pathetic and insufferable but as time passed things changed, the more comfortable Scourge became with his lot in life the more candid he got and the more Shadow saw the remnants of a happier, carefree prince who clearly cared about what he considered to be injustice. To someone who always believed that his purpose in life is to smooth out the wrinkles in the societies they overthrow that dedication is something he could understand and before he knew it he found himself attracted to those societal imperfections Scourge embodied.
The feelings are mutual clearly, Shadow knew that for months now but this was a whole new level of dedication. Up until now the deepest and most poetic Scourge would get is when he opens the conversation of the evening with 'You know why I like the ocean?'. What followed would be a lengthy but beautifully worded speech that changes every time but always boils down to the water being his last beacon of true freedom. Whether he was still expected to make it on time to meetings or official events as part of a royal family or during his time as an outcast surviving in a city that wanted nothing more but to mount the head of a member of the royal family to the wall above their fireplace. He could always escape to the ocean, clear his mind among the waves and even now in his mutated form his bond with the water is deeper than ever. As much as this planet’s protector is a one with the wind so too is Scourge one with the deep greens and blues of the ocean. One day, after hearing him out for the third time Shadow finally decided to ask him why he kept repeating himself.
'It's how I feel about you, too.' He said, baffling the assassin.
'You realize you're still my prisoner? I could make you disappear right now if our plan fell through-'
'You won't. You can't fool me dude. Keep telling yourself all of your shoulder rubbing with the others is fake but at least be real with me. You hate your job, it makes you miserable, you're a wildfire contained to a pathetic patch of grass. Don't you want to cut loose from all that? Show them a REAL inferno?'
Shadow repeats those words in his head often. They'd haunt him every time this green bastard graced him with physical affection. As if it's something he owed him. He worried they couldn't keep this strange fling going even though he could put the viridian prince behind bars and Scourge would take it as foreplay but his loyalty to his kind had been wavering for some time now. Indeed this planet had been kind to both of them unlike Scourge's birthplace and the desire for conquest had left Shadow some time ago.
‘You're confined to a pathetic patch of grass.’
He's just as trapped as his 'captive' forced to act like he's not under threat. The thing is, Scourge had stopped being in any real danger a few months ago and he knows it. While Shadow clung to his ‘purpose’ Scourge is choosing to remain by him regardless. Much as Shadow would like to believe the green menace is a fool for doing so he’d been accurately called out on his wavering loyalty to his species. Now he's offering him a way out, another path, to either break free together or die trying together. Not just out of kindness, to ‘do the right thing’ or any sort of heroics but rather a strange but deep sort of love. The kind where you can simply co-exist and not expect anything more from the other but to go a day without it feels like a cold emptiness. This was more than a romantic gesture or another thrill for Scourge to seek out, this hypothetical mark, Shadow’s own calling card would be like painting a permanent target on his mate, for as soon as his handler finds out he dared to claim their prisoner as his own Shadow would be taken and judged for his high treason. It’s Scourge’s way of promising that if something happens they go down together. This is a proposal.
‘Show them a REAL inferno.’
And with that a decision is made.
Shadow finally turned, making his partner look up with intrigue from his spot on the couch. He wouldn't dare break eye contact now Shadow finally acknowledged him and so they just stared at each other even as Shadow approached the couch and took hold of his wrist, pulling him up to his feet. Scourge opened his mouth to speak and break up the silence but Shadow stopped him, placing his index finger over his lips and Scourge obeyed. He obeys. The most radically free spirit save for his blue doppelganger willingly obeys him. Shadow would be spinning the lie of the century if he tried to ignore the way that made him feel.
"Did you have a place in mind or do I get creative liberty?"
"It took you that long to come up with this?" Of course not, Scourge knows better but it drew a chuckle out of Shadow regardless, softening his expression. "Answer me please." Blue eyes darted from side to side as he thought, scratching the back of his neck and glanced at his reflection in the windows of the apartment. "You know I'd let you do whatever, long as it could pass for a tattoo at a distance so I don't get interrogated."
"Fair enough." Shadow conceded and without letting go of Scourge's wrist he guided him to the bedroom and outside onto the balcony.
“Sit down.” He didn’t really give Scourge’s an option, pushing him down by the shoulders onto one of the chairs by a small side table Scourge had obtained one day so he could spend his more sleepless nights outside under the stars just pondering whatever was on his mind. He’d watch Shadow head back inside, rummaging through drawers and ducking into the bathroom but when Shadow left his sight Scourge turned his attention to the stars. The breeze at night was cool and sent a chill through his body, causing his vivid green fur to puff up a little. It was a welcome addition to tonight’s strange atmosphere and he decided to set his drink down so he could lean back in his chair a moment. He looked so peaceful Shadow almost didn’t dare cross the threshold of the sliding door onto the balcony and disturb him but he wanted this so no take-backsies. Scourge’s right ear, the one with a notch in the side from an old injury flicked at the noise of Shadow passing him by and though he didn’t stir, those ears followed Shadow’s movements until he heard him sit down beside him, a soft metallic clinking catching his interest. They were scissors, the type stylists use on hair and fur but were common enough to own in a world where most planet inhabitants have a use for them. “What, you didn’t think I was going to burn your fur did you?”
He might’ve.
“Your silence speaks volumes.” Shadow shook his head. “I’m going to trim the pattern into your fur first, doing this blind would be an awful idea. Just keep still.” He took the scissors in one hand while the other slipped around Scourge’s left bicep to hold his arm still. Shadow’s grip was gentle, but perhaps that was only because Scourge had found the willpower to keep absolutely still for once in his life. He relaxed in his spot, closing his eyes and listening to the city like he does on those sleepless nights but this time his drifting thoughts would continuously be brought back to the present by the soft snips to his side and the cold breeze feeling significantly colder on his shoulder the more Shadow trimmed away. “You’re actually enjoying this aren’t you?” Shadow wouldn’t blame him if he said yes. “Eh, I am but I think that just ‘cause the moment’s nice.”
Thanks to the sharp, pointed blades he was able to apply a great deal of precision, a necessity for the curved symbol Shadow used as a calling card. He cut as close to the skin as he could until nothing but his darker, tan skin remained along with some remnants of an undercoat. Inspecting his work Shadow pulled the skin taught here and there to see what would happen if Scourge ends up bending his shoulder. “You do realize that you’re not going to be able to move this shoulder much for at least a week, right? I’m going to cause pretty severe burns that leave a lasting scar. Fur won’t grow back even when it fades.” Seeing the symbol etched into his fur already tugged something in his heart but he couldn’t tell if it was of a loving or a more possessive nature. Had Scourge not adamantly brought the idea up he would’ve felt a tinge of guilt.
“Eh, I heal quick. You keep forgetting I have more than a couple piercings Stripes~ I think I’ll be fine.” Scourge reassured his mate, though he didn’t answer right away. Taking the half full beer bottle in his hand Shadow thrusted it into Scourge’s hands. “Finish this. You’ll need it.”
“Bro two beers will not numb me enough.”
“If you sit still for me I’ll let you get absolutely shitfaced.” At that Scourge quickly rose to his feet and chugged the bottle’s contents. “Well NOW you’re speaking my language!” Enthusiastic as he might be Shadow knew better than to trust Scourge’s word on not being a finicky bastard about it. It didn’t matter in the end, he had another idea to keep him still. Shadow headed back inside of the bedroom with Scourge tailing close behind him and once again guided him to sit down, this time on the bed before rooting around the drawers of one of the nightstands. Shadow dug out a pair of genuine handcuffs Scourge no doubt pilfered from somewhere illegal for personal use. “I’ll make it easier on you. I’ll chain your left arm to the bed post, all you have to do is lean back and keep your arm straight, I’ll help of course, as much as I can.”
“Fair enough.” Scourge held up his arm as he scooted back further onto the bed, letting Shadow secure one half of the cuffs around his wrist and attaching the other end to the bedpost. Not super ideal but it gets the job done. All that was left was to join Scourge on the middle of the bed and hold his arm still with a free hand. Being a fire elemental entity, among other abilities, had some unexpected perks it seems, tonight all he needed for the job was his own claw, super heated enough to glide across skin and burn the mark in deep enough for the scar to be permanent. He cast one last glance at Scourge’s face. It hid a hint of anticipation and anxiety he saw right through and as the claw on his index finger glowed, changing it’s shape to resemble something made of igneous rock that might as well have lava flowing under the surface he studied Scourge’s face as it made contact with his skin. To nobody’s surprise Scourge jerked his arm, held still only by the grip Shadow had on him with his free hand.
“Hey, breathe, you’re fine.” He began to move. The resulting pain was strange to say the least, a momentary numbness replaced with immediate and overwhelming pain, worse than accidentally grabbing something hot with your bare hands for sure. The throbbing, burning pain followed Shadow’s movements with a sense of delay as if Scourge’s nerves had to catch up to him first or maybe the signals in his brain were so confused he’d do this willingly they took a moment to process. His ebony tinted mate had to move evenly and slowly to make sure the job was clean and even but for the hedgehog undergoing the artistic process it meant seconds that stretched into what felt like minutes of pain. A part of him felt pathetic for reacting like this, biting down on his lower lip to silence himself for dear life. Despite that a small part of Scourge indeed got a thrill out of being able to feel the exact contours of that familiar mark on his skin.
“You’re doing great.”
Shadow’s reassurance helped somehow, unclouding his mind that instinctively screamed at him that this wasn’t right. Scourge forced his eyes open a moment to watch Shadow bent over his shoulder in pure concentration, though if he didn’t know better he could swear he saw a smirk across his darker muzzle. Seems they both got a strange thrill out of it. Once more he opened his mouth to speak, to throw in some sort of horrendous quip which might not be the wisest of moves but Shadow, fully expecting this format of coping, moved his hand from Shadow’s arm to his throat. That silenced him alright. Careful to avoid putting pressure on the set of gills Scourge had gained the day he became a proper water elemental creature but still applying enough force to make him seize up completely.
"FuckfuckFUCK-"
"Hush, you're used to worse, aren't you?" A searing pain traced it's way across the skin of Scourge's shoulder, burning away skin and the remnants of fur that was left. Somehow, the light but affectionate teasing and the hand keeping him stable by his throat were oddly comforting. "I'm almost done, be a good boy and just hold still a little while longer." Scourge didn't know what drove him more delirious, Shadow burning a literal brand into his skin or his low, gravelly tone so close to his ear. "Almost..." he hummed in his mate's ear. Even with his eyes squeezed shut Scourge could tell Shadow smirked at the noises he made. Shadow's fingers squeezed gently on the skin between the gills on his neck, feeling his quickening pulse and limiting his attempts at cursing and yelling to raspy moans and whimpers. What a shame he'd stop singing that sweet little tune soon but knowing them it won't be for long.
"Done." Shadow lifted his white hot claw and as it cooled, returning to its previous state, he inspected his handiwork. Finally the hand on Scourge's throat would be lifted and he breathed deep, both in relief and the lingering burning sensation making his whole arm feel hot. Shadow slinked off the bed a second and in his absence Scourge took a moment to stretch his other limbs as much as he could, the clinking of the cuffs against the bedpost drawing a grumble out of Shadow. "Don't move that arm yet."
When he sat back down he clutched a couple of first aid supplies in his hands. Not wasting time in putting them to good use. "Don't move it too much especially the first couple days. Wouldn't want all that effort to be for nothing~" With the mark secured Shadow noticed Scourge's silence, it wasn't tense but rather overwhelmed like a strange sort of afterglow. Lifting his mate's chin gently to look at him Shadow noticed the thin streak of crimson running down from his lower lip, poor thing had bit his lip so hard he broke skin. Wrapping an arm around Scourge's waist to pull him close their lips met, a gentle and reassuring kiss at first turned to teasing as Shadow used his tongue to clean up the blood before it dried. "Mhh-" Scourge flinched as his ebony partner's tongue found the pinprick on his lip and quickly pulled away. "Sorry." He'd caused Scourge enough pain for today. "Eh you're good, but could ya take the cuffs off Stripes?" Oh dear he'd completely forgotten! Once more he'd slip off the bed, leaving a cold spot where his arm had held the small of Scourge's back. The cuffs would be returned to the drawer they resided in and while Scourge rubbed his wrist his eyes would follow Shadow leave the room. He'd track the sound of his pace around the apartment, first the kitchen, the noise of the fridge opening and closing, a drawer being rooted through, quiet taps on his phone from his claws hitting the screen and the cursing under his breath when it didn't cooperate.
He'd return to the bedroom to find Scourge having scooted further onto the bed and leaning back against the pillows he propped up against the headboard. The open sliding glass door to the balcony allowed for a cold breeze to chill the room and Scourge's eyes followed the silhouettes of people in the building opposite to theirs. "I believe I made you a promise."
"You did~"
Shadow joined him on the bed on Scourge's right side so he wouldn't accidentally bump against that sore left shoulder, passing the vagabond a third beer to honor the 'I'll let you get absolutely shitfaced' promise he'd made. Knowing Scourge he'd inevitably conk the hell out before that happens, unless he's in a crowded environment Scourge is the sleepy kind of drunk and he was absolutely adorable to boot. No yelling, no destructive streak, no aggression, just a purring kitten in his lap... in more than one way if he's lucky. Uncapping the bottle with his teeth he wasted no time on his first sip of a cold drink. Shadow always figured that due to his years living in the fringes of society Scourge had more than mastered the ability to actually enjoy his vices, his face spoke volumes after all. There was a sense of bliss there, not the relief of a man with a dependency but more akin to a man getting a bite of his favorite food he hadn't had in years.
"Don't overdo it though," he passed Scourge his phone, apparently he'd hijacked his mate's phone earlier to order take out. "We got some time to kill." Curiosity piqued the viridian hedgehog checked what he’d ordered. “Better not be sushi you know how I feel about that gag.”
“It’s not.” Shadow tossed him his phone back for Scourge to check. It was a laundry list of things, definitely charged to Scourge’s account but he never cared about the price. Money was never a problem when you know how to play local crime lords like Mozart playing the piano. On Mobius the crime rates were lower but if one did show up on the radar, they meant business and while they expected someone like Sonic to get in their way, they’d much sooner run into Scourge who fleeced them for everything they had. Perhaps not ideal but not a soul in law enforcement complained about their slightly unhinged impromptu bounty hunter who doesn’t even like to be called that, he just likes the ‘perks’. “Ain’t no way we’re finishing that tonight.”
“Never said we needed to, I know you, you get excited over microwave left overs. I thought you were royalty?”
“Keyword, ‘were’. Even if I still lived in a castle I would still get excited over cup noodles because all the five star rich people food either tastes like nothing or they’re the best breadcrumbs you’ve ever had and either way you’re left sad and unfulfilled.” He had a point there. Shadow relented with a soft chuckle.
“Though like I said, we have time to kill. I may know how to do just that if you ask nicely.” His dashing assassin had slipped a hand up across Scourge’s back and to his neck, massaging the skin gently but his claws teased the lines there on either side, openings to a vulnerable and sensitive part of the vagabond’s strange anatomy. Scourge’s body had seized completely from the hold his mate had on him, not to mention Shadow leaning in so close his tone made him shiver. Before responding he put the glass bottle to his lips again, taking a swig, recollecting his easily distracted thoughts. “What? I haven’t been enough of a good boy already?”
A fun fact about folks with gills, their veins would have to run closer to the surface, to the skin and are easier to apply pressure to. Much as Shadow would’ve wanted if he squeezed harder in response it would seriously cause Scourge a great deal of discomfort. No, a little banter isn’t worth a potential injury. There are other, better ways to make him squirm. Taking a moment to decide Shadow opted to corner him first, preferably underneath him which is easy enough. His vibrant green companion wouldn’t move a muscle even when Shadow shifted his weight, sitting up and moving to sit in Scourge’s lap, pinning him to his comfy little spot on the bed. “You ever ran something fizzy over your gills?” Not the question Scourge was expecting and it clearly caught him off guard as his expression went from smug to suspicious. “No why would I do tha-” The bottle was yanked from his hand and his head pinned back against the headboard as Shadow yanked it back by his quills.
“Would you like to find out what it’s like?” Scourge’s hands had slipped to the arm holding the bottle precariously above his neck.
“JEEZ-fucking hell Shadow! We both know you wouldn’t, I ain’t cleaning up after your bullshit!”
With the only light coming from the streets outside only the outline of Shadow’s silhouette was illuminated, that and those ruby red eyes leering down at him. They were gorgeous even when they were threatening to do something crazy. “Please, you make it sound like I’d waterboard you. Who do you take me for? I’m a professional.~” Shadow purred and easily pushed the bottle down despite Scourge’s efforts to stop him. That sore shoulder made it harder to really put much force against the alien assassin’s efforts, he didn’t stand a chance. “Will you relax? We both know you won’t choke.”
“It’ll still suck you red pinstripe bastard!”
“... Status?”
Shadow paused, rather than his arm being pushed back Scourge paused in tandem, the questioning phrase being a trigger for them both to pump the brakes. Safewords were corny in their eyes, not to mention inefficient and downright silly to Shadow who felt he was above something so simple. Instead they’d agreed to ask for the other’s ‘status’ before doing anything potentially uncomfortable. He’d much rather double check before doing anything and allow Scourge the time to speak freely. Scourge would remain silent for a few moments, thinking it over. “Scourge?” Shadow pressed gently, making sure he wouldn’t be getting stuck in his own head, torn between humoring Shadow at his own expense or not. He had a habit of doing that. “Eh, I’m good. I guess I am morbidly curious.”
“Are you sure?” Shadow raised a brow as Scourge’s hands slipped from the arm that held his alcoholic beverage. “Yup-” He didn’t need to let Scourge finish, the way his arms slumped and his body relaxed communicated plenty. So much so he didn’t even need to hold his head back anymore, a boon since, unless Scourge dipped his head underwater up to the shoulders his gills were no more than faint lines on either side of his neck, glowing a faint blue in the dark. If they were going to experiment a little, they were going to do it right. His left hand now freed Shadow stroked his mate’s cheek with his thumb a moment. “Excellent~”
Tipping the bottle down he covered the opening with his index finger while the other slipped back around Scourge’s throat, massaging sensitive skin before tipping his head to the side and pulling some of the skin on his neck back to expose the bioluminescent blue gills. It’s nothing like how you’d watch any ocean critter breathe, or try to when on dry ground. Scourge breathed slowly, his chest rising and falling slowly but the delicate secondary respiratory organ sat motionless when not in use. They looked almost like glimmering little fans as if they were put there purely for decoration and yet if you looked at just the right angle you could see straight into the hedgehog’s throat and be reminded of how complex of a specimen he truly is. To ensure Scourge could switch between air and water freely, the moment liquid hit his exposed gills all access to his lungs would snap shut by what Shadow assumed was a specialized valve not unlike the way the windpipe and esophagus are separated. Knowing that, the moment he’d move his index finger Scourge would lose access to air to breathe and yet he laid there, calm, collected and totally trusting. Shadow eyed the spare water bottle Scourge kept on the nightstand for his occasional middle of the night dehydration episodes. Still full. He’d be just fine.
Scourge squirmed, the dry air on some of his most sensitive parts clearly not feeling pleasant but nothing could prepare him for what came next. The cold glass against his skin and the brush of the tip of Shadow’s claw followed by his ability to breathe shutting off in a split second as an overwhelming tingling, like millions of pinpricks, spread from the middle of his neck’s left-center gill to his whole throat. The noise that left his throat was an abruptly cut off gasp, any attempts afterwards would only result in silence. Shadow had to pin his hands back above his head to stop him from clawing at his throat, or him for that matter as instinct took over. “Hey, easy, you’re not in danger.” Shadow spoke with such a matter of fact, business as usual tone while he switched the glass bottle out for the plastic water bottle. The water would feel like liquid salvation by comparison as his senses returned to the distraught river monster still trying to claw his way out of Shadow’s iron grip.
“H-hha-” He had to force himself to breathe, overriding the reflexive switch between using his lungs and his gills. Trying to speak his voice sounded raspier than usual. “Holy shit.”
Processing the strange sensation now the instinctual panic subsided, to his surprise it hadn’t actually hurt, just scared him a little against his control. It still tingled and his throat still felt tight but for as intensely his fight or flight kicked in the aftermath was closer to a strange bliss he couldn’t wrap his head around. “Damn, you looked like an angry shark dragged onto dry land for a moment.” Shadow chuckled. “How do you feel?” Deep blue eyes met those burning rubies, wordlessly drawing him closer for a kiss.
“Alive.”
Code for ‘never better... and a little turned on.’ An answer Shadow could work with. “Do you want to try again?” He hummed in Scourge’s ear and the nod Scourge gave in return doubled as a loving nuzzle against his cheek. “Alright, try to stay calm this time though. You nearly clawed my eye out.” Shadow’s low purr made it hard to pry Scourge off of him but he’d obey the slightest push tonight, happily letting Shadow push him back down against the pillows. He needed no guidance this time to expose his neck to his mate. Like before Shadow stretched the skin, taking the glass bottle in his hand but this time it would be the gills on the right side of Scourge’s neck that would be met with the carbonated beverage. The smallest drop was enough for that pins and needles sensation to spread through his neck and throat, his breathing cut off once more but he stayed calm. He could deal with no oxygen for a little bit, it took some mental fortitude but once he crossed that bridge his back arched and his claws tore at the sheets. Without panic clouding his brain the tingling reached the back of his neck, his spine, his head. It made him see stars for a moment in a way most familiar to him and yet completely new and foreign. If only his throat wasn’t cut off. What Shadow wouldn’t give right now to hear him sing.
He nearly missed the nightstand. The bottle clinked against the edge and he’d almost let go if he hadn’t noticed the lack of resistance but he was in a rush. Watching Scourge come undone had made him a smidge envious. He wouldn’t reach for the water bottle, instead his arms slipped through the gap between the bed and his mate’s back as he writhed. A diabolical idea had crossed his mind, well aware Scourge was already getting hot and bothered due to their strange new foreplay. After all he'd been sitting in Scourge's lap for while now, straddling his hips to keep him down. He wasn't unaware of the state Scourge was slipping into, he could feel it. He could shift his weight, grind his hips, hell he could pull his shorts down and give his mate what he wants but where's the fun in that? Especially when he had more than one spot that sends him to proverbial space. As Scourge writhed Shadow threw his body forward, keeping him down with his full weight, slipping his hand behind those green quills to grab a handful and pull his head back on it's side. Scourge's lips moved as if to moan but no sound left his throat, even more so when the waves of tingling making his head buzz got cut off by a warmth against his neck and between one of those gill slits. He clung to Shadow for dear life, digging his claws into his back and the resulting growl made his whole body vibrate. It's all so much Scourge could barely hear himself think.
That ebony bastard-
Shadow slipped his tongue between the sensitive skin on his neck and moved it across those delicate blue gills, tasting the remains of fizzy liquid and sea salt. His teeth grazed the skin, canines jabbing gently while he practically made out with the slits on Scourge's neck. The longer Shadow licked and sucked the longer his partner went without breath. Scourge's grip went slack and Shadow, taking notice of the decrease in his bucking and clawing paused to fill his mouth with the spring water from the bottle on the nightstand. Pulling his viridian prince upright Shadow pressed his lips against his lover's and Scourge caught on immediately. He tipped Scourge's head back slightly, delivering an entirely different kiss of life. Water soaked Scourge's green fur, flowing down from his gills and dripped down onto the sheets beneath them. They'd kissed underwater one time but back then it was Shadow who gasped for air. This is different, the roles are reversed as Shadow holds Scourge's only means to breathe literally in his hand and the only time Shadow pulled away was to deny Scourge the freedom to breathe. "I told you I won't let you pass out, you're too pretty when you squirm~"
All Shadow got in reply was a gurgled snarl as the last of that cold clean water passed over his gills, the equivalent of taking a deep breath before having to hold it for an indefinite time. The assassin didn't pay it any mind, switching the bottles in his hand again. "In fact, I want to see how long it'll take you to tap out." And he's going to repeat this process until Scourge gives in or the doorbell rings.
He got rougher now, keeping Scourge pinned down again not by his quills but by pressed the palm of his hand to his cheek. The bottle didn't get tipped over Scourge's neck but brought up to Shadow's lips who took a swig and winced. Scourge's tastes were... well strong to say the least, bitter, so fucking bitter. Perhaps all that sea water mangled his tastebuds. Still he had one more idea he wanted to try before either he has to scramble to the door or Scourge unravels completely. He leaned down again, still holding Scourge down by his head even when his lips met his neck, his tongue pried his slits apart and the liquid in his mouth trickled down past Scourge's gills a third time. Like clockwork his body seized and bucked, trembling to move and thrash despite every muscle tensing like a spring. It's too much, his throat burned and a thick fog clouded his mind, a fog of Shadow's hot breath and the sharp stinging of carbonation and alcohol. His body fought him but Scourge won as he sputtered and coughed, cursed and whimpered. Instinct dictated he check on his mate who almost sounds like he's drowning but as he pulled his mouth away-
"DON'T YOU DARE STOP!"
Scourge cried out, hoarse and raspy, like his life depended on it. Who is Shadow to deny his mate such a simple request after putting up with his experimenting so obediently? "As you wish my liege~" Shadow purred against his neck. The royal pet names always got Scourge to soften like putty in the ebony hedgehog's claws but during heated moments like these it only bolstered his passion and ego something fierce. Blue painted claws found the grooves in Shadow's back once more, every fresh cut motivating Shadow to press their bodies closer, grind his hips down harder, take his sweet time on each of the five slits on one side of his mate's neck before switching to the other. Words weren’t needed for orders to be given, Shadow knew exactly what each of Scourge’s noises meant and what got lost in translation the vibrant green brat would act on himself. Scourge slipped thumb his beneath the waistband of the black sweatpants Shadow wore when they got time to themselves at their shared apartment. Even assassins like to be comfortable. That and Scourge certainly wasn’t complaining at the eye-full of his bare upper body, his meticulously maintained fur and those fiery red streaks that shimmered in the light. He couldn’t see well but still caught a glimpse of the waistband slipping over Shadow’s tail, he could fill in the rest with his imagination. Shadow is, without a doubt one of the most handsome creatures he’s ever met in his life and it drove him insane. It just never got boring. As if his appearance wasn’t enough that gravelly voice being reduced to desperate groans and muffled cursing under his breath did things to him Scourge never thought he’d feel. In any other case he adored being worshiped by his partners but ever since Shadow entered his life, all of a sudden he found himself trying his damnedest to hear him fall apart and by the gods he’d get his wish.
“Scourge-”
Shadow’s breath hitched, feeling his mate’s claws trail down his hip. The sneaky bastard was planning something and as much as it amused him he’d deny Scourge the pleasure of taking back control. “Very considerate, but I’m still in charge.” Shadow hummed as he snatched Scourge’s wrist and pinned it to the bed before he could trail those claws dangerously low. “That’s not fair.” Scourge spoke with a hushed, breathy tone, still raspy from how much his throat’s been manhandled tonight. It tugged on the other hedgehog’s heart strings alright, though it’s unclear if it was Scourge’s failing voice or the attempted generous gesture that did it. “I’ll decide that. All you have to do is be good for me.” Much to Scourge’s dismay his mate had pushed himself off of him again, enough to speak that is. “I really don’t want to have to restrain you again, think you could be good for me and keep still?”
When he fully utilized the deep, sultry tone Scourge didn’t have much of a choice, all free will went out the window but his frustration bubbled beneath the surface like a slow cooker. Slowly, Shadow let go of Scourge’s wrist and he kept still as a statue, a perfect opportunity to let his hands roam for once. So far all they’ve been doing is holding Scourge down in some way or another so it’s more than long overdue as they hungrily glide over green fur and tan fuzz covering his chest and arms, tracing the claw marks on his chest with his own. Scourge’s body fascinated the alien assassin, athletic sure but in a way it suited him on land as much as in water, strong but with a softness to him that held even the cold of the arctic waters of Red Mountain’s peak at bay. His chest heaved, a muscle on his sensitive lower abdomen, just by his hip twitched as his claws traced the bone. Time felt so askew Scourge blinked and his dashing tormentor had undone his belt buckle. The slightest tug at his hips was enough to make Scourge get the memo, all that was needed was for the dark indigo fabric to be pulled down past his hips was shifting his weight and Shadow’s deft handiwork. Relief in itself for the pent up hedgehog that lasted a second. “Good boy~” Those were the last words Scourge’s brain actively remembered hearing for what followed was a relentless onslaught to every sweet spot he had.
Shadow would rob him of his view, entangling them both in their first proper kiss of the evening. Scourge’s piercings are too much fun to play with, the small stud in his tongue added a nice change in texture, that ring on his bottom lip a fidget toy to bite and tug at, little sensory things that scratched just the right itch in Shadow’s brain. Every nip triggered a new noise out of his mate, his mate. His and his alone, this strange but beautiful beast that defied what they knew about the species on both Mobius and the banished prince’s home world of Penrose. Banished... absolute nonsense to Shadow, this man is royalty. His prince of the sea, of the crushing depths and relentless waves. Shadow broke the kiss. “I want to hear you.” He muttered, not that his prince needed to be told such a thing. Soon as his gills were accosted again by Shadow’s tongue that sweet siren song filled the room once more.
“Shah-Shadow~” There’s a purr underlining his heavy breathing, sweet like honey but Shadow could push this further. One hand kept a grip on Scourge’s head by his jaw, the other went back down along his waist, down to those shorts pulled down just far enough for easy access. The piercings in the green hedgehog’s ears, his tongue and lip weren’t all he had. The pads of his fingertips ran across metal on skin, a series of little round studs like the one in his tongue lining the underside of his length.
It puzzled him at first, why anyone would do that to themselves and in such an intimate place. The clearest answer he got was a shrug and a muttered 'I don't know, it looks cool.' which wasn't a very helpful answer. He may still not truly understand but he did gain a sense of appreciation for it. Shadow's own kind are no strangers to body modifications but all of them needed to have a use, to alter one's form in a decorative way still felt like an alien concept but in a tantalizing way. The pain you put yourself through just to admire your own reflection, your own body a little more like an artist willing to suffer for the canvas that is himself. And now, Scourge allowed him to put his own signature on the canvas. Shadow's gaze lingered on that bandaged shoulder for a moment, does Scourge heal faster than the average hedgehog? Would it be I worth finding out? Considering his amphibian qualities...
Shadow lost himself in his thoughts, His viridian prince's neck had become dotted with bruises but his collarbones are free real estate. He'd whine and complain at his sensitive neck being left alone but he'll just have to cope, besides Shadow was about to make up for it. The hand teasing those delicate golden studs finally gave Scourge what he wanted. Warmth, friction, the solid grip of an expert who knew exactly how to reduce him to a whimpering mess with just a few slow strokes. Like clockwork his prince's body bucked into his touch, desperate for his affection. Living with Shadow meant never being pent up again and yet every single one of his buttons was pushed so expertly the lube in the nightstand often went untouched for his own slick would suffice. "So needy." Shadow breathed, the corners of his mouth curl up into a smirk. "I thought I told to keep still? It's unbecoming of royalty to beg." He felt Scourge's chest vibrate as his words earned him a deep growl, annoyed and frustrated. If he’s royalty shouldn’t he get whatever he wants? Some poor excuse of a knight Shadow turned out to be... though armor would look good on him. What he wouldn’t give to see that, Shadow decked out in finely crafted metal and gold, wielding a sword in his prince- no, his king’s honor... or to pin him against his throne with, either or. Both are good. Since the real Lancelot was too busy drawing things out Scourge’s little daydream of being ravished on his own throne will just have to get the job done. Alas, Shadow caught on. His handsome knight betrayed him, pulling his hand away to bring his partner back to earth.
"For fuck sake!-"
"You seemed distracted.” Shadow defended, though his devious smirk betrayed him. “Don’t leave me out of your little daydreams Scourge. Tell me what it is you want." Shadow grinned at the building tension in his mate, like a snake coiled and ready to strike. Between words he kissed, sucked and nipped at the thin skin over his collarbones. "My king-"
Blue painted claws dug into his skin again, though not on his back but on his throat.
Shadow froze, at a loss for words with how faced Scourge moved. It's so easy to forget this trembling, moaning mess beneath him is one of the fastest things alive, to their knowledge anyway but he'd be lying if he said it didn't excite him. "I'll do ya one better my knight." There was a shift in Scourge's entire being, from his eyes that looked straight through Shadow's to the stone cold tone of his voice. "I'll just show you!~" Time to process the turn of events would not be permitted as Scourge pushed Shadow partially off him, tucked his knee in and shoved it Shadow's abdomen to knock him on his side on the bed. "Did I not meet your expectations my liege?~" Shadow still teased him, egged him on to make him dig his claws in a little harder and his mate would oblige unknowingly. "You dragged this out long enough you extraterrestrial son of a bitch."
Slipping his shorts the rest of the way down with one free hand it would be the only entertainment Shadow would get before having to supply it. His king had enough of his most noble of knights talking like a common jester and could think of a better use for that tongue. He'd relent his grip on Shadow's throat to show him some kindness, "Here-" Scourge grabbed the pillow from his side of the bed, "You'll need it." and helped Shadow prop himself up, enough to be at eye level with his king's crown jewels that is. Fair is fair Shadow figured, gliding his hands up Scourge’s thighs to his hips and- “Don’t even think about it Lancelot, I don’t trust you anymore.” Scourge grabbed both of Shadow’s wrists, squeezing them tight and pinning them together above his head against the headboard, leaning forward to do so. “Has it clicked yet or do I gotta do everything myself?” Now there’s a thought. One that would’ve amused Shadow were it not for his mate’s impatience, then again he did bring this upon himself didn’t he?
Foolishly, he figured he’d still be allowed one reply but Scourge would have none of it.
The moment his lips parted Scourge slid one hand along the top of Shadow’s quills, digging his fingers between the spines pricking his hand just to get a good grip and thrusted his hips forward. The only noise leaving Shadow now was a startled gasp, taken back by the rough treatment. The studs of that Jacob’s ladder clicked against his bottom teeth since he wasn’t even granted the time to adjust but if that was ever a problem for Scourge he would’ve thought twice. No, this man never complained about claws and teeth, he’s still an animal deep down, he’s no stranger to a little bloodshed to compliment the sweat and tears of a perfect evening.
They knew each other's limits so well by now Scourge had no issue with forcing Shadow's head down until his muzzle hit emerald green fur. "Fuuuuck yes~" This beat anything Shadow could've done with his hands. After the thorough mauling of his throat that was starting to bruise Scourge deemed it only fair Shadow return the favor. Despite reaching the back of his knight's throat choking wasn't a concern but the strain it put on his neck was. The slightest pained groan from Shadow made him relent, the message was sent anyway. Scourge pushed his mate's head back against the pillows and freed his hands from his grip, careful to avoid those canines getting snagged on his piercings. "Instructions clear enough for ya?" Deep blue eyes looked down at him, his figure cast in darkness, illuminated only by the dim light from the glass behind him. He looked so regal like this, as if he might as well be staring down his enemy on the battlefield. All that was missing was a crown adorning his head and the best sword in the kingdom on his hip. No, better yet, that sword should be at his throat, cold metal pressed against the underside of his chin. "Crystal clear, your majesty." He rubbed his wrists briefly, less out of the strain Scourge put on them and more out of reverence for how little his king held back.
The urge to get handfuls of this strong hips and thighs nearly overtook him but he paused. "My lord, may I?" Finally. Generously allowing his dear knight to take the lead earlier had made him far too cocky for the king's tastes but it appears he's remembered his place. "You may." At his king's approval Shadow gripped his thighs, claws digging in dangerously close to piercing the skin. Without prompting from his mate Shadow buried his muzzle in the vibrant green fur at the base of Scourge's member. He wasn't even sure why, whether it's to further tease Scourge as much as he could, to take in his mate's scent or something even deeper. His quills got tugged lightly in response, not quite a hard order to knock it off but clearly not what Scourge wanted either. Shadow's tongue felt divine but he wasn't going to settle for it if he could have his whole mouth. His loyal knight would obey and this time Scourge trusted him to act in his own. He took it slow, taking Scourge in his mouth inch by inch, savoring the moment while it lasts. A wise choice considering his mate’s predictive nature proved him right, claws digging into black and red quills, urging him to move already. As he did he could feel his mate shiver a moment, poor thing is trying to hold himself back. The ever laid back free spirit found himself between a rock and a hard place. Torn between keeping his head held high, making Shadow do the work or taking charge by pinning his knight’s head back and fuck his mouth like a feral animal. Shadow felt bad for him if he wasn’t enjoying watching his conflicted expression of sheer concentration, eyes squeezed shut, sharp canines digging into his bottom lip.
Not a soul could have prepared him for the anomaly that is Scourge, for the ways his body had been altered by the strange bond he shared with the deep, with Chaos. The gills, his slightly altered teeth, a body shaped by years out in the ocean's waves and currents. On particularly dark nights he could swear the chartreuse spotting on his shoulders, hips, the tips of his quills and even his face lit up like the faintest of bioluminescense. The Nova Luna either downplayed or lied about Scourge, or this planet as a whole for that matter. They lied about so much- “Holy fuck Shadow~” Scourge bucked his hips, sounding less and less like royalty by the minute.
They told the assassin not to get his hopes up coming here. They made it sound so boring. 'Mobians are simple creatures.’ Shadow recalled. ‘The prince won’t be any different.’ A laughable statement if any. They’d gotten so jaded after the amount of planets they’d uprooted, species manipulated to fall in line. Shadow was no different. He’s good at his job, too good, so good they sent him on the prestigious job of tying up a loose end. The only thing Shadow’s kind was ever right about concerning the hedgehog he’d been sent to detain, it was Scourge’s delightfully predictive ego. It’s as infuriating as it is irresistible, or rather irresistible to mess with. He wasn’t sure if he should be angry or thankful, even now with said ‘loose end’ cursing under his breath as he tussled with his instincts. He’d hold his ground and keep the pace slow, he wanted to feel his mate’s grip falter, his body quiver and perhaps most of all, the way he could feel his pulse on his tongue, frantic and strong and a dead give away of his faltering composure. How long had he been lost in thought now? Absentmindedly bobbing his head, claws kneading his mate’s thighs and ass. It always felt longer than it had been, not that that’s a bad thing. Ruby eyes stared up at his mate who shot him a glare the moment he stopped.
"Did I say you could stop?"
"You seem torn about something my lord." Oh yeah, that got him right where Shadow wanted him. "*Fine!* But you asked for it!" He anticipated his mate's retaliation perhaps a bit too eagerly and it didn't go unnoticed. "*You bastard, you planned this you fucking-*" Both hands grabbed fist fulls of Shadow's spines, holding on for dear life. Shadow had wrapped both his arms around his mate's hips, closing the distance and leaving even less space than before. It wasn't just permission, it was a challenge.
Being taken advantage of isn't so bad if you enjoy watching your partner come undone. Even though Shadow did in fact ask for it through his own nebulous ways it didn't make the result appear any less brutal. Scourge had given up on holding himself back, in more ways than one, neighbors be damned. The noise of the still playing TV in the living room would get completely drowned out by Scourge's desperate growls and groans. His knight didn't just lay there and take it either, he'd finally occupy himself with his own growing discomfort. As his king abused his maw he couldn't help but touch himself through the fabric of his sweatpants like they might as well be entangled in the woods and he wasn't shown the grace of taking his armor off. Every now and then his ears picked up on his name being uttered under labored breaths.
"Shadow-"
In too much of a frenzy to finish his thoughts Scourge had given up on forming sentences. No complaints there, Shadow wouldn't dream of it even if he complain right now. All he could do was purr and moan pathetically, muffled and cut off each time Scourge bucked especially hard, hitting the back of his throat. Never underestimate the strength of a professional diver. If Scourge's cries wouldn't get them a complaint the headboard getting slammed into the wall certainly would, that extra show of kindness earlier wasn't for no reason after all. He used so much force Shadow's finer quills got caught on the fabric of the pillows, many hadn't survived for longer than a couple months because of this.
A dilemma reared it's head in the viridian king's thoughts. The choice between forcing his sweet, noble Lancelot to swallow everything or force him off and cover his face. One choice would only just annoy him, though he's cute when he's like that Scourge felt generous and opted for the other, kinder option that Shadow preferred. Judging from the way his ebony mate writhed beneath him he may not last long either. Scourge ran his hands along the length of Shadow's quills, those beautiful ruby red spines, he's *got* to talk Shadow into letting him pierce one of his ears some day, he'd look so good in gold. So, so good.
"My knight-"
Scourge dug his claws in those spines, they pricked at his skin but it's worth it, he's going to need the leverage. With his free hand he played with Shadow's ear, running his thumb along the rim where black fur turned to dark, tan fuzz. He imagined it adorned in delicate gold, inlaid with rubies or perhaps pearl, Scourge's favorite. His heart skipped a beat at the thought of adorning his mate in something symbolic of himself and the tip of his claw lingered, pressing on delicate skin. His rhythm grew erratic.
"My Shadow-"
It's so tempting, after all the dedication he's shown tonight would it be wrong to demand something in return? Scourge bit his lip, both at the tantalizing thought and the building heat making it hard to think. The choice was practically made for him. Scourge didn't last, tightening his grip on Shadow's spines he bucked and forced Shadow down as deep as he could, giving him no choice but to either swallow or choke. He wouldn't hear the muffled gasp over the sound of his own cursing and crying out his mate's name, something hot coated Scourge's thumb, trickling down the side of Shadow's head. A full minute passed before Scourge relented his grip on his mate and observed him a moment. Poor bastard's muzzle was flushed, a reddish hue tinting dark skin, hard to perceive but it's there. Experienced as Shadow is he'd taken the onslaught with grace, didn't even cough, just panted heavily and brought a hand up to his ear.
"Oh shit." Blood, Scourge smelled it now. Shadow's blood is clearly alien, bright red and shimmery as if it contained flecks if glitter, the scent was not akin to the blood of Mobians, metallic sure but there's a sweet tinge, like citrus instead of rust."What the fuck did you do?" Shadow shot his mate a glare who looked back at him a little stunned before chuckling to himself. "My hand slipped."
"Your hand 'slipped'?" Shadow raised a brow, not concerned that it wouldn't heal after all Scourge has drawn blood before but never near his face like this. His eyes followed Scourge's movements, wordlessly explaining the 'slip'. Scourge took out one of the pearl studs in his ears and bent down, piercing in hand his thumb ran over the puncture. "I may have slipped on purpose." Scourge hovered close to Shadow's ear, almost whispering. He smirked at the way Shadow's breath would hitch every time he did that, the big bad assassin from another species sent to apprehend the banished prince never expected the green scoundrel to be so strong and dominant. He thought he'd get a temporary plaything not an equal who could effortlessly bring him to his knees. By now he wouldn't want it any other way. His purring betrayed his annoyed little charade as Scourge used his tongue to clean up the mess he made of Shadow's ear and the dark fur on his temple. Once the worst of it had been groomed away Scourge brought the pearl stud to the puncture and to his relief it went clean through. Leaning back he admired his handiwork. "Now you're mine as much as I'm yours~"
~DINGDONG~
The overly cheery doorbell rang, better than the noise of a buzzer sure but it just wasn't Scourge sty-
"Motherfucker! We fucking forgot!"
The take-out they ordered to share and wrap up the day with. Quick as the breeze Scourge hopped off Shadow, off the bed, found his shorts and brushed his quills into place. He did all of that in about a second flat. Being one of the fastest things in the universe had some rather unexpected perks. While he got the door, cool and collected as ever Shadow slinked to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. He was a mess, still a bit red in the face and blood still speckled his fur if you looked close enough, nothing a splash of cold water couldn't fix. He still felt gross, though. Looking himself over he rubbed his forehead at his own scatterbrained state and the sweatpants he wore would be promptly tossed in the laundry to worry about later. Heading back into the bedroom he made himself useful, throwing sheets drenched in water and alcohol into the laundry, tidying what was left and taking that half empty beer bottle he tormented Scourge with outside to the balcony with him. This high up he wouldn’t have to worry about neighbors spotting a hedgehog black as the night going commando, besides, the fresh air is nice.
“I was wondering where you scampered off to!” Carrying the literal feast they were originally going to eat watching bad reality TV Scourge found his way to the balcony. He’d actually taken the effort to plate most of it out. Pizza slices, french fries, an assortment of fried foods that would make the average carnival goer cry. Settling down in the chair next to Shadow, somehow fitting everything on that small side table and snatching the now room temp beer bottle he finished the rest of it and winced. “I don’t know why I thought that was a good idea.” It made Shadow laugh though who didn’t bother waiting to nibble on some of those fries. It was all terribly unhealthy but as a species that barely ate he had to admit, this planet and it’s inhabitants have a point. If you need to do it you might as well make it enjoyable, at least some of the time. Scourge dug into one of many slices of pizza, no doubt there’s more in the kitchen still in the boxes. Yes, plural.
“We’re not gonna get any sleep tonight are we?”
“Nah, still gotta get my revenge for hijacking things."
“Shut up you let me do it.” Both of them knew Scourge is right, ending the debate with a mutual chuckle. “My shoulder hurts though, so I won’t argue.” Ever prepared he brought himself a back-up drink, one that Shadow would frequently snatch as is their strange method of sharing, by simply claiming things. “You still happy with your choice?” Shadow asked, prompting a raised brow from his mate in a way that said ‘Are you?’ and without answering the two of them simply understood the answer was mutual. “Not worried about what your friends will say?”
“Nah. They’ll know what it means.”
“And what is that?”
“I’m nothing if not dedicated.” Fair enough. Silence slipped back in as they watched people below pass by, watched minor traffic issues as drunk idiots decided the world revolved around themselves and continued to eat. “What about you? Your old alien pals? Worried about those assholes?”
“No.” Shadow shook his head, not hesitating in his answer for the first time since he’d begun to doubt his purpose. He no longer felt tethered to them anymore, he hadn’t for a while but if he had the choice between being barked at all day and spending his time exploring a planet like Mobius with someone as equally new and strange as him, someone equally eccentric and slightly unhinged he’d choose the latter without thinking about it. No memory loss, no fearing for his life, no more coping with the mistake of getting attached and losing that attachment. This time he’s digging his nails in and not letting go.
“And why’s that?” Scourge followed up, parroting his mate.
“They know what it means.”