Sonic X Reader; Behind the Scenes (The Sequel)

Chapter 12

The two heroes traversed the land together, and quickly. It had been a silent agreement for Sonic to carry (Y/N) back to the Resistance HQ, and the (a/t) was all for it. Aside from it being a much quicker trip, she also got to enjoy the feeling of Sonic holding her, like she was able to ignore the giant gap that was wedged awkwardly between them.

Of course, Sonic being, well, Sonic, it didn't take them long to get back to their hometown, and (Y/N) couldn't help but feel claustrophobic. She had spent months here with no leads, only to return when she finally had something. It had been another month or two since she had originally left, and the place was looking far better.

It was strange to be back here, and the two heroes were greeted by the townsfolk. They all seemed over the moon to see Sonic, however when they spotted the (a/t), now by the hedgehog's side and no longer being held, their excitement seemed to dwindle. It surprised her, she couldn't lie, but she tried not to let it get to her as Sonic now walked through the crowds.

He seemed to be revelling in the praise thrown his way, hearing the people talk about how he had gone to help the rest of the planet, how he had aided so many other cities, towns, villages. He couldn't keep the ego-filled grin from his muzzle. Until he heard what the citizens were saying about (Y/N). The two seemed taken aback by their distaste for her.

"She didn't even help us rebuild." One person said to another, the two giving the (f/c) (a/t) a sideways glance.

"Decided she had to focus on personal problems, like we all don't have them." Another huffed, crossing his arms.

"This place is her home too; she should have helped us instead of going off wherever she went." A third stated.

(Y/N)'s ears lowered slowly at the comments, not knowing that she had set this image in their minds all those months ago. She curled into herself, catching Sonic's attention. He was completely confused by the town's reactions, and his smile had long since faded. The hedgehog stopped in the centre of the crowd, causing everyone to go silent and stare in anticipation. (Y/N)'s ears perked in interest and alarm, wondering what Sonic was up to.

"(Y/N) was concerned for her family. She isn't actually obligated to help you guys. Especially if you're all going to be so entitled about it." He stated matter-of-factly, "She saved the whole world from Eggman's rein, and all you can think about is the clean-up afterwards? I didn't stick around either you know, and she certainly didn't have to risk her life to save the planet, but she did."

The crowd was still around them; their silent gazes like a weight on (Y/N)'s chest. She wasn't sure what to expect, but a lot of their gazes soon turned sheepish, and the crowd dispersed, as if in shame. One person even mumbled a 'thank you for your services' to the two. The (a/t) watched them go, though she held her arm self-consciously.

"Eh, who needs their approval?" Sonic shrugged them off, "They didn't stick their necks out like you did. They ran with their tails between their legs."

(Y/N) gave a nod, but she wasn't so sure herself. Sonic seemed to love their approval, he was glowing in it before. The hedgehog's gaze stayed on her for a moment, watching her, and he let out a sigh, putting a hand on her shoulder,

"Don't listen to them, okay? They don't get a say in what you choose to do with your time, especially since they didn't help in the war."

"Okay..." She agreed solemnly, lifting her head, and giving Sonic a weak smile. He didn't seem to fall for it, his eyes reading a strange seriousness she hadn't seen before. So, she tried to change the subject, "We should find HQ, the sooner Tails gets that info, the better right? The sooner he looks at the information, the sooner we can plan our next move."