The Institute 17

The next morning, Sonic was silent at breakfast. Silver and Manic understood why and left him alone, watching with sad expressions on their faces. On the Semes' side of the room, Shadow was strangely subdued.

"Hey, Shadow, you okay?" Knuckles asked in a low voice.

"Fine, now leave me alone," Shadow snapped, although Knuckles didn't flinch at Shadow's harsh tone.

"All right." The echidna sighed.

Breakfast ended and the Carriers and the Semes started their usual trek to their first lesson. Manic and Silver hung back with Sonic who was finishing up his breakfast. He was slower than usual because of Dark; the six month old was starting to eat food in addition to the breast milk Sonic provided. Once the two of them had finished, Manic took care of the tray while Sonic got up.

"So I guess we've gotta say goodbye to Dark, huh?" Manic asked softly, returning to where they were.

"I guess so." Sonic nodded sadly.

"…Can I hold him?" Manic asked.

"Sure."

Manic held out his arms and Sonic put the pup in his embrace. Dark started fussing a little, but quickly settled down.

"There we go,” Manic chuckled softly down at the baby. “You're a good kid, you know that? And I'm really gonna miss you. I've gotten used to having you around."

Dark looked up at Manic curiously and smiled. Manic felt a piece of his heart break.

"Here," Manic said to Silver, his voice cracking.

He handed Dark to Silver who held him for several minutes before handing him over to Sonic once again.

"We'll see you tonight, Sonic," Manic said.

"Okay," Sonic murmured as tightened his arms around his son.

Silver stepped forward and put his arms around Sonic for a brief hug.

"Stay strong, okay honey?" he whispered.

"I'll try," Sonic replied.

"Manic and I both love you."

"I love you guys too," Sonic's whispered, his eyes filled with unshed tears.

Silver pulled away. He then watched Sonic slowly leave with Dark in his arms. Manic wrapped an arm around Silver and the two of them quietly walked to their lesson.

……………………………………………..

Sonic was soon escorted to Tails' office by several guards. Shadow was there, handcuffed, and surrounded by several more guards. For once, Tails wasn't sitting behind his desk, but stood at the window looking out.

One of the guards cleared his throat nervously and Director Miles turned. "I brought the boy, sir."

"Ah yes, thank you," he smiled before continuing. "Now that you're here, Sonic, we can proceed. As I said before, we're going to see the Council, which requires us to leave The Institute. I expect both of you to be on your best behavior while we're out. The rest of the world is very much aware of The Institute and what it does, but they do not know the intimate details. We try and keep it as quiet as possible so we'll probably receive quite a bit of attention. I know it'll be hard, but try and ignore the stares and whatever else may happen. With that said, I believe it's time for us to leave."

The adult kitsune was the first to leave the office with Sonic and Dark right behind him. Shadow was led out last, surrounded by a numerous amount of guards since the ebony male was unpredictable and hard to handle even when restrained.

They left The Institute through a side door and for the first time in over three years, Sonic stepped outside. He clenched his eyes shut at the harsh light, unused to what real light was like after being inside for so long. A black limousine waited for them just beyond the door parked on a gravel drive, the back door having been opened.

"Climb in first Sonic," Tails instructed.

Sonic nodded and handed his pup to one of the female guards so he could get in. When he was situated, the guard gently handed Dark back to his mother. Several guards then got in on both sides and surrounded the Carrier. Then, Shadow got in, seated across from his mate and the rest of the guards sat around him with Tails sitting up front with the driver.

The car then pulled out the driveway.

Sonic stared out the window for the entire ride, which had been rolled down to let the fresh air in. He had forgotten how beautiful the world was. They drove through the countryside with gentle rolling hills that soon became dotted with houses. Eventually, the houses started becoming closer and closer together and the land flattened out. The countryside eventually became a city that gave rise to large buildings that glistened in the sun. Their pace slowed as the streets became congested with more and more cars. Finally, the limo stopped.

"We’re here," Miles announced.

The doors were opened and everyone climbed out. Shadow's wrists were then released from the handcuffs and he rubbed them to get circulation back in them before looking up. They had stopped in front of a large white marble building. The building was decorated with ornate statutes of angels.

"This is the building where the Council meets," Tails explained in a low voice for Sonic's benefit. "The Council is the governing body of our day and age. They make the rules and let the police force enforce them. They were also the founders of The Institute when the number of Carriers started to drastically drop. They deal a lot with The Institute and have a keen interest in its running. I essentially run the Institute as I see fit, but I receive some guidance from the Council and they oversee the whole organization."

The group went into the building and looked around, feeling more than a little uncomfortable. The uke was so used to the plainness of The Institute that seeing this place made it seem like he was in a dream. The hall was enormous and empty for the most part. The floors were made of smooth marble that cast their reflections across the floor. There were columns that held the building up made of white limestone. And across the hall were a row of shining metal doors that turned out to be elevators. Even the inside of the elevator was expensively decorated.

They rode in an elevator up to the third floor and when the metal doors slid open with a slight hiss, they found themselves in a large reception area much like the one in the Medical Facility of The Institute. The only real difference was that there were actually people there. Miles uttered directions to the guards and went to the receptionist's desk. One of the guards, an otter, gently touched Sonic on the arm.

"This way," he said.

He guided Sonic to an empty seat in the corner, Shadow coming over to sit next to him, and he guards stood around them both. After Tails had finished talking to the receptionist, he joined the couple.

"We have to wait for a few minutes," he told them. “It won’t be long now.”

They waited. Sonic tried to keep a fussy Dark quiet so people wouldn't stare at him. But despite his efforts, they attracted many curious glances. It was pretty obvious where they were from.

Their names were called at last and they all got up, attracting even more looks. A woman around forty or so led them into the Council's chambers and left them at a set of large double doors. Tails then told the two teens once more to be on their best behavior and he pushed open the doors.

The chamber was dimly lit, casting shadows on the faces of all the occupants in the room. The Council members sat behind a large wooden desk in a half circle. There were twelve of them altogether, eight men and four women, six being human yet all of them were in their forties or fifties. Their faces all looked as though they were etched from stone and if they didn't blink every now and then, Sonic would have believed that they were statues, which scared him. For some reason, he was cold and gave a quiet shudder. Instinctively, Shadow moved closer to him and didn't correct his position.

"Are these the two you spoke of?" a woman, a white wolf to be exact, asked in a dramatic voice.

"Yes," Director Miles responded, his tone respectful. "This is Shadow and his mate Sonic." He motioned first to Shadow and then Sonic. The woman's steely glance was then fixed on the pup.

"Ah yes, and this is Dark, Shadow and Sonic's son," Tails added.

"We wish to speak to Shadow and Sonic separately," the female stated.

"Very well," Tails nodded.

"We have set up a small private room for you to wait in." A hedgehog with cobalt fur and a crop of brown hair that hung in front of his forest green eyes gestured toward a door to their immediate left. "Director Miles, if you and Sonic would be kind enough to wait, we'll speak to Shadow first."

Tails nodded and went with Sonic and Dark and several of the guards through the door the man indicated.

The room was small and empty except for several pieces of furniture such as chairs, couches, and a small wooden table. It was better lit than the Council's chamber and even had several small windows. Best of all, it was warm, much to Sonic’s relief. The Carrier sank onto one of the brown leather couches and kept Dark occupied.

The minutes dragged on.

At lunchtime, food was sent in for them. Sonic hastily ate something, not even caring what it was, and then turned his attention to Dark. He decided that he was just going to nurse Dark to make it easier. He opened his shirt and held Dark to his chest. After a few seconds, Dark started suckling. All the male guards discretely looked away after their female partners all glared at them.

Tails, however, watched interestedly. "It appears you've gotten the hang of it."

"I suppose so," Sonic murmured.

After Dark had finished, Sonic closed his shirt again and burped his child. A little while later, Shadow finally returned with his guards, looking immensely drained.

"Are you okay?" Sonic asked worriedly.

"I'm fine!" Shadow snapped, making Sonic flinch slightly.

The ebony male sank down in a chair and with a heavy sigh, put his face in his hands.

There was a gentle knock on the door not too long afterwards.

"Sonic's presence is requested in front of the Council," the receptionist from before said.

Sonic took in a shaky breath and got up with Dark in his arms.

When he entered the Council's chambers, he noticed that they hadn't changed their position at all.

"So," the cobalt male Councilman's voice rang out across the floor. "You are Sonic?"

"Y-yes sir," Sonic answered nervously.

"And how old are you?"

"…Sixteen," he hesitated.

"I see. And you like your life at The Institute?"

"Yes, sir, it's very nice… They treat us pretty good there."

"Do you have any friends?"

"Yes. Silver and Manic."

"Carriers like you?"

"Yes, sir."

"And what do you think of your mate?"

"Oh…um…Shadow’s all right,” he murmured. “He and I don't get to interact very much, though, because they separate Carriers and Semes, of course."

"You don't think he's cold?"

"…He's a little distant, I admit, but he does have some good qualities."

"Oh? Such as…?"

"Well he's very loyal, strong, brave, and very passionate."

"And how is he in bed?"

At that, the uke blushed. "I-It was…not bad. He was…surprisingly gentle my first time."

"So you are satisfied with your sex life?"

Sonic shifted uncomfortably. "We…We’ve only had sex once, so I can't say for sure."

"That is a fair answer. So…you have a child with Shadow?"

"Yes." Sonic nodded, shifting his baby in his arms. "This is Dark."

"How old is he now?"

"He's six months old."

"How old were you when he was born?"

"I was almost fifteen."

"That means that you have only had one heat, if my calculations are correct," he surmised.

"Yes. I got pregnant my very first time."

There was a low murmuring from the Council, making Sonic’s ears pin to his skull in nervousness. Had he said something wrong?

"Sonic, do you fear your mate?" One of the human men asked.

Sonic hesitated, thinking carefully. "I did…at first. But I don't anymore because I've gotten to know him a lot better and I understand him. He has his reasons when it comes to his actions."

The Council members looked surprised at his answers. They were silent for a while.

"We have no further questions for you, Sonic, thank you. You may return to the other room," the man who had been questioning him told him.

Sonic nodded and brought his son back into the other room. Shadow hadn't moved since the last time Sonic had seen him. Sonic silently sat on the same couch as before, Dark on his lap. After a few minutes, Tails was called into the Council room alone, leaving Sonic and Shadow alone for the most part. There were guards present in the room, but they ignored Sonic and Shadow.

Sonic and Shadow ignored each other as well.

"Sonic? Shadow?" Tails asked, suddenly sticking his head in the room. "It's time."

Sonic stiffened slightly. He glanced at Shadow before letting out a long breath and slowly stood up. Shadow mirrored his actions and they both went back into the Council's chambers.

There was a young couple standing off to the side and Sonic soon became aware of a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"Sonic, Shadow, I'd like you to meet Maria and Gerald. They are going to be Dark's foster parents," Tails said, motioning to the couple. Sonic nodded, his throat dry. "Maria, Gerald, this is Sonic who gave birth to Dark and his mate Shadow."

Sonic stared at the couple. They were both hedgehogs and in their early thirties.

"Hi Sonic," the gold, blue-eyed female named Maria said softly, stepping forward. Sonic hesitantly moved to meet her while Gerald and Shadow remained where they were.

"Is this Dark?" she asked with a smile.

"Yes, ma’am," Sonic answered politely.

"Oh, he's beautiful," Maria gasped before asking, "Can I hold him?"

Sonic visibly tensed for a moment, holding his pup close, but he swallowed the lump in his throat and reluctantly nodded.

Sonic took one last look at his baby and carefully handed his precious son over to her and slowly stepped back till he once again stood by Shadow.

Shadow glanced over at his mate. The azure was watching Maria take Dark over to her husband, his breathing becoming uneven as he choked back a sob, though his tear filled eyes gave away the pain he was feeling.

Suddenly, Shadow had an urge to put a comforting hand around his mate's waist. The ebony teen blinked, surprised at the sudden surge of emotions. But was it such a bad thing? He didn't know anymore.

Tails then placed a hand on Sonic's shoulder and silently indicated that they should leave.

“But…can’t I just say goodbye?” the young mother asked pleadingly.

“It’s better this way…” Miles said, giving Sonic’s shoulder a squeeze.

Sonic looked devastated and before the first of many tears could fall, he clenched his eyes closed. After making a sad attempt at composing himself, the young uke took a shaky breath and nodded, slowly moving toward the door, Shadow following close behind. Maria glanced up at them as they passed, surprised when the pup’s mother didn’t give his child a passing glance. Sonic had looked like he’d wanted to say something, but didn't.

Shadow pursed his lips, wishing he was anywhere but there.

As soon as they had left the building, however, Sonic lost control. Without any sort of a warning, he threw himself at Shadow and completely broke down. The guards started to move forward to separate them, but Tails waved them away. He watched Sonic and Shadow intently.

Shadow was stiff and he looked like he wanted to push Sonic away, but he never did. The guards and Tails looked on in stunned silence as Shadow gently wrapped his arms around his mate and just held him.

"Shadow… I think we need to get going," the Director said quietly.

They were attracting quite a few stares, so Shadow nodded and started moving toward the limo, which was difficult for him because Sonic was tightly clinging to him. Somehow, they’d managed to get in, though. The guards then climbed in after them and as before, Tails sat up front with the driver.

Sonic cried his heart out for the entire trip back to The Institute.

…………………………………………………………………..

Shadow couldn't concentrate at his afternoon lessons. He still didn't understand why he had reacted the way he had to Sonic after he had started crying even though nearly a month had passed and Sonic had calmed down. At first, he had thought it was merely instinct that drove him. Now he wasn't so sure. He had felt something when Sonic broke down. It was small, but he was sure it was there.

Finally, the lessons came to an end and they briefly went back to the dormitories before heading for dinner. On the way, Shadow caught a glimpse of Sonic with his two friends and made up his mind. He knew what he had to do in order to make things right. Part of him had already accepted it, a larger part than he thought…

Shadow boldly stepped into the Carrier's dormitories after he was sure they were all gone to dinner. As he predicted, Sonic had lagged behind, and even better, his two friends were gone. This made his job so much easier.

Sonic looked up at the sound of his footsteps and a startled expression crossed his face. Shadow knew what he was about to attempt was risky, but he had stopped caring a long time ago.

Sonic watched him through nervous green eyes as he approached, however, he didn't stop Shadow's path. As his mate drew nearer and nearer, he started to get even more nervous, but for some unexplainable reason, he couldn't bring himself to draw away. Such was Shadow's power over him.

"Shadow? W-what are you doing in here?" he stammered.

Shadow did not speak, but allowed his actions to instead. He wrapped his arms around Sonic's frame and picked him up from where he say, making his mate squeak with surprise. His lips gently pressed to his mate's for a slow, hesitant kiss. Sonic was quick to pull away, though he couldn't break Shadow's hold.

"What the hell was that?" he growled in a low voice that reminded Shadow of the bad blood between them.

New feelings of guilt washed over him. It was his fault that they were so distant. Sonic had never hurt Shadow or even tried to. It had always been the other way around. Shadow had tried to protect his heart from being hurt, but in the process, he had hurt the one person who would possibly love him despite everything he'd done.

"Shadow?" Sonic asked when he didn’t receive an answer.

Shadow stared at his mate for a long time, the words getting all jumbled up in his head.

"That was…exactly what you thought it was," he said finally.

"Will you stop talking in riddles!" Sonic frowned.

"Oh, so I can’t kiss my own mate now?" He frowned in return.

Sonic's eyes widened and he blinked in shock. "Does that mean you a-accept me…accept us?"

"…Yes," Shadow confessed.

"And you think…that I'm just going to pretend like nothing happened; that you didn't ignore me for over three years? You think I’m just going to forgive you?"

"No." Shadow admitted, much to the other’s surprise.

Sonic's eyes widened even more as Shadow continued, "I don't expect you to forgive me for anything, Sonic. I don't deserve to be forgiven. I was a cold, heartless bastard and that's inexcusable. I don't expect us to have a relationship; I understand you hate me for what I did and I hate myself for it. You did nothing to deserve the way I've been treating you and I'm sorry. I truly am sorry."

Sonic looked like he was going to say something but Shadow stopped him. "Sonic, please let me finish. Over and over again, you showed me kindness I didn't deserve. And when you told me that you loved me, when I was in the medical wing, I didn't know what to think or how to react--no one has ever said that to me before, not even my own parents." Shadow swallowed hard. "I told myself that I didn't feel anything for you. Never had, never would. I couldn't….But I was wrong." Shadow shook his head. "Chaos, I was so wrong."

"…What are you trying to say?" Sonic asked quietly.

"Sonic…" Shadow's voice was the softest Sonic had ever heard it be as he looked him in the eyes. "Sonic…I love you."

Three simple words, three simple words that had taken him years to say. And now, knowing Sonic would never accept them…

"I'll leave now Sonic,” he said with a sigh, letting his mate slip from his arms. “I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come. I can see that you still hate my guts."

"Yeah?" Sonic hissed. "Well I guess you don't know me as well as you think you do."

"Sonic, I - -." Shadow grunted as Sonic unexpectedly threw himself at him, pressing their lips together.

"What? I…I don't understand," Shadow said with a frown when Sonic had pulled away.

"I love you too, Faker," Sonic growled.

Shadow in turn kissed him again, this time with a lot more feeling.

Silver stopped dead in his tracks when he saw what was causing Sonic to miss dinner. Both he and Shadow were locked in the most passionate make-out scene he had ever seen. Shadow had Sonic pinned against the wall and was kissing him with such a force Silver had never seen before. And Sonic was responding to the kisses eagerly, his hands all over his mate as Shadow tried to take his shirt off. A smug grin flitted across Silver's face as he turned to Manic who’d just come around the corner, the lime green Carrier blinking in surprise at what he saw.

"You owe me five bucks."