Yawns…

  The orange hedgehog wakes up on a familiar couch, stretching his body to start his day-

  “Look who’s awake, lil’ bro.”

  — Woofa’s Apartment (Downtown District) —

  The porcupine goes down to his level to see his brother, who’s confused by their presence. And from the hedgehog’s perspective, they’re watching him like witnessing someone waking up from a coma. “Come on, tell us what happened.”

  Still, Solid doesn’t know what they’re talking about. He had woken up from what he had thought to be the most beautiful sleep he had ever had in his entire life, and they’re giving him a cryptic message. “What are you talking about?”

  Sonic tries to explain, but Woofa prevents him, letting her best friend take his time. “Take your time. Try to remember what you did before you went to your so-called sleep.”

  “...”

  “Oh…” He sits up, finally realizing what had happened prior. “I went to a maze… got bombarded by the recruiters… finished the maze… and got poked by a needle.”

  “Why did you get lured into the maze?” Asks Tails, who’s seemingly curious about Solid’s decision-making.

  “'Cause I’m bored.”

  “Really, you’re bored?” Tricky crosses his arms, seemingly disappointed with him. “Not only did you get lured into a trap, but the last time you lost to an 8-year-old was never. Not until now. You wanna talk about major embarrassment, that’s the result you got.”

  Still, he does a slight shrug, almost as if he doesn’t care about his embarrassing moment. “Hmm… The place looked convincing; actual people were lining up outside, only to reveal themselves as the recruiters. For Doubt… I wouldn’t care much about him. I’m glad I got embarrassed by an 8-year-old, which tells me I needed to do more. Though… not bad for my first solo mission.”

  “That says a lot,” His stepbrother continues to make fun of him, “You were holding up well until that moment, when you decided to plummet. But, hey, at least you woke up from an unconscious state like it’s another typical weekend.”

  “You know–I haven’t had much sleep, so… would I say I regret my decision? … Nah.” He stands up and goes to the kitchen, checking on some stuff inside the fridge.

  “... These are some interesting stepbrothers if you ask me…” Amy whispers to Sonic, watching them still interact with each other on a typical Friday afternoon. “Do you think having a step-sister would be as dramatic as them?”

  “You’d probably have the same mentality, albeit a little calmer compared to the two of them.” Woofa responds, who has experienced enough ruckus between the two brothers, almost feeling like they’re straight out of a comedy skit.

  Although Tricky lets Solid be, he says one more thing to tell, which everyone knows, except for his step-brother. “Yo, you wanna see something cool?” His voice gets the attention of the orange hedgehog, causing him to look back at his porcupine brother, who instantly flashes out of the apartment. The once-tired hedgehog is a bit stunned, getting revealed by his step-brother’s powers before the porcupine returns with some sushi packs. “I’ve got powers.” Sneering at the hedgehog, while setting down the packs onto the kitchen island.

  Even from the sudden shock, the orange hedgehog eventually sheepishly stares at him and returns to his usual tired expression. He lets out a soft laugh, confusing the others, but explains. “Man… those days of me helping you wake up must be worth nothing.” He yawns once more, leaning against the counter. “I’m glad I don’t have to live with you ever again… Pendejo.”

  “What?”

  “What?”

  Solid decides to grab one of the sushi packs and eat, savoring the taste. “Regardless, I’d think I already finished my Friday. The maze brought my morale to its lowest, and I think I need to recover.” He says with exhaustion, yet in a calm and relaxing tone, as he sits down at the dining table and proceeds to eat.

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  With everyone essentially in this apartment without much to do, Tails goes up to the seated hedgehog, asking him a question. “What are we supposed to do now that you’re holding out for today?”

  Solid fidgets around with the chopsticks, trying to decide what the team could do now that he’s technically out for a day. “I… suggest exploring around this city. Exploring around cannot only familiarize you with the streets of Haven City, but you might stumble upon Eggman’s bases, if you’re coincidentally right there at the right time. That is, if you do manage to find one before I can…” He leans forward on the table, resting his chopsticks momentarily to think for a while until he resumes eating.

  “Hmm, not bad. It’s just who’s going to go with me.” Sonic looks around and sees that, essentially, his friends agree with his decision to go with him. But seeing that they’re still not familiarized with the streets… “Tricky. Come on! I know you’re-”

  “I’m down, bro.” He immediately passed them and exited through the front door, no explanations or convincing needed for the porcupine.

  “He’s out.” Knuckles jokingly says while following him, “Might as well follow him before he gets lost like Solid in the maze.” Tails and Amy leave with the echidna, leaving the Blue Blur alone with a benched Solid and a lone Woofa.

  “Woofa, your choice. It’s not like we’re running out of people or anything, but it’s up to you whether you want to help us with our mission or stay with your orange furball.” Sonic leans against the counter, allowing her to take the time to make a decision. “Then again, this is a team effort. Like it or not, when one of us gets injured, we must have a chance to recover while the others are at it. You feel me?”

  The brown dog nods at his words. She proceeds to look at her best friend, still seated and eating his sushi. To an extent, she wants to fight alongside them, help uncover places to save this city. Yet, her protective instincts force her to remind that if she did leave, Solid would be left alone once again. She constantly reminds herself that being separated from him means his life being at risk. Because of this fear from earlier, she ultimately decides… “Let me stay with him.”

  Sonic accepts her decision, understanding what she has to do, but hints at a knowing smirk. Meanwhile, her decision causes Solid to hide his amused expression, who is honestly expecting her to make such bold decisions. “Still recovering from your traumatizing experience?”

  “YES!” She complains, staring at her best friend. “You… scared me to HELL!” She goes up to him and plants her hand on the table, showing how serious she is. “Sigh… Solid… My emotions truly get the best out of me… but you’re the one I’ve truly cared about. You know that my parents never cared about my well-being. Other than my supportive friends, you’re someone I can’t let go of. You’ve been supportive and there for me since we met.”

  Solid can’t help but deeply reflect on the situation he’s currently in. Not like literally, but around him. He’s now considered an enemy of a person who’s not even around here and is recruiting as many people as possible to chase the team down, which includes him. Not only that, but he’s a subject for being captured, or quite possibly the main target, if it weren’t for Sonic.

  Apart from the niche situations, the orange hedgehog is pleased with the support. To the team, they also see him not only as a friend but as a sort of family member. “You’re such a velcro, but that’s your personality, I can’t change it.” He amusingly says, watching her smile while her tail wags uncontrollably from his response. “Thank you for being the best friend that I truly know by heart. And with Tricky… and I guess Sonic and his friends, if they ever do manage to visit us in the near future…” He whispers, forcing the Blue Blur to look at them, confused by their shared understanding. “I promise that we’ll stick with each other, forever. ... Except for work or any relationships that’ll hinder our bond, but what matters.”

  “Yeah, what matters? Maybe next time we could live together in this apartment! You’d love the couch anyway, might as well make it your bed, you homeless furball.” Both shared a contained yet peaceful laugh, enjoying their shared humor.

  “After we finish our mission, that is. Tricky can sleep on the counter while Sonic can sleep on top of the dining table-”

  “Shut up!” She remarks while they continue to laugh, glancing at Sonic’s still confused expression, unsure why his name was even brought up. “You know he needs to return to his world with his friends!”

  Solid continues to chuckle, forgetting about their friend’s status. “I’m sorry, I can’t.” Chuckling. “I… I totally forgot!” He puts his chopstick down once again and leans forward on the table, looking down while continuing to find his own comment amusing.

  The Blue Blur doesn’t fully understand their dynamic relationship, but in the end, he can’t help but cross his arms and smirk. Closing his eyes while also containing his laughter. “You two are definitely 'best friends.' Bizarrely clingy. Not even Tails and I would be THAT clingy. Talk about overprotectiveness from you two.” He explains, before leaning against the front door’s frame, getting ready to leave the apartment. “Tails and Knuckles have the vibes I’ve known and loved compared to you two. If I’d roll with you two, I’ll immediately crash out on the first day!”

  “That’s what makes our relationship unique, Sonic. Nothing has it better between us-”

  “Sonic, are you going to come or what!?” Yells Knuckles, who teasingly mocks him for his impatience. “They’re already waiting for the elevator, might as well leave you!”

  “Looks like Knux got himself my patience.” Snickering. “Solid, Woofa, take care of each other. I mean it. Once we’re done with our day, the new day is ours to move forward. So, you two, relax and chill in this atmospheric apartment, or anything to make what’s yours.” He casually winks at them, pointing at the two best friends. “Nothing goes wrong with our decisions. It’s not about the huge impact, but rather our progression towards our goal.” Eventually, he’s now out of the apartment, still holding the apartment door before finally ending their conversation. “Take care, you hedgehog and dog pair!” Thud. “Make sure to buy me more Chili Dogs, Woofa!” His remaining words cause the two of them to laugh, unsure why their conversation was even humorous; they eventually wiped away their tears.

  …

  Finally recovering from their laughter, Solid eventually continues eating his sushi, not until his best friend intervenes. “Stop eating sushi! You always eat that every single day!” Woofa leans forward, still showing her amused expression while she’s simultaneously concerned about his eating patterns.

  “I can’t help it, Woofa, it’s my addiction. Though I eventually might listen to you.” Solid continues eating his sushi, eventually handing her the remaining sushi. “You want some?”

  “Sure. Whatever works!”

  In the elevator, they all casually wait inside, letting the elevator go down through each floor. Everyone is too busy talking and stuff, though the porcupine can’t help but shake off the thought between the two who decided not to go. “They’re too busy hiding their relationship.”