Hey guys! So I quickly got bored of my last story already, so after brief inspiration from somewhere I can't remember I've come up with yet another School fic, only it's not as depressing as my last one... or it might be, who knows, I'm pretty twisted. Anyways, this isn't centered around School, but you'll see if you read on.

Please show support by leaving a review, and hopefully I'll click on with the next chapter when I can :)

Nothing exciting was happening this morning. Just the same usual; small breeze, busy traffic, kids the same age as him walking in groups and laughing about anything. Not him though. Sonic always walked by himself to School. Not because he had no friends, but because it was the closest to freedom he could get. A simple half hour walk to School. Ideally, he would run, but that would take him less than a single minute. Besides… he wasn't allowed.

"Sorry dude" he heard after a bump collided with his arm. Sonic looked up, but it was just another student older then him racing to catch up with his group. The guy didn't look back but it didn't matter, Sonic really didn't care. In fact, there wasn't much about the School he did care about. It was just so… normal. Nothing ever happened. There were popular kids, nerd kids, gangs, groups, clicks, whatever. However, it was nothing like movies portrayed High Schools to be. There was no stereotype's beating each other up or random conspiracies going on, it was just a regular School. Some people got on and some people didn't.

Sonic got on with anyone he spoke to, but that didn't make him king of the School. He was… there. He had his close friends, he did well in sports, got good grades and struggled with certain lessons, much like a lot of people. He couldn't really come to grip with it though, he was thirteen yet already the world seemed so bland. Everything was a routine, the same thing every day, over and over, and it bugged him. It was bad enough his future was already planned for him, but this was something different. What was missing? He didn't know. He'd just have to wait.

Eyes finally lifting from the pavement, Sonic looked up at the large building he was walking to. Already the loud noise of students filled the air, doing their everyday thing. Pointlessly.

However, there was one thing that was different today.

Sitting on the floor against a building, just opposite the School, was another hedgehog. It was odd, he just sat with his arms crossed over, looking as if he was trying to sleep. Loads of people were walking passed him, but no one payed any mind to what he was doing. He was so still that Sonic probably wouldn't have noticed him either, had he not been sitting on the path he was walking.

The School bell loudly rung out in the distance, and Sonic realised he must have been staring when he seemed to snap out of a trance. Then suddenly, just when the streets were bursting with people, it all faded away as students went into the School building, leaving just the black hedgehog and him alone on the path.

Sonic didn't move, he knew he was going to be late, but now that the crowds had gone, he could see the man properly. Black fur with red streaks on his quills. His hands weren't crossed though, they were gripping his arms for warm as he shivered. His gloves were torn, and he had no shoes on his feet. He finally realised why this man was sitting on the side of the pavement, he had nowhere else to go.

It was sad seeing someone like this. There were so many stories of people being homeless and falling on desperate times. He'd seen beggar's in the streets before, they'd always ask for money when you walked past. He had wanted to give them some money, they had plenty to spare but his dad never let him.

This man was different though. He wasn't asking for anything, he just sat there looking invisible.

Sonic looked around now realising he was the only one left outside and very late for his first lesson. But could he really leave like this?

Apparently not. Without a second thought Sonic turned away from the School and walked over to the stranger. The closer he got the more he saw. Bruises tracing his mussel, and bones showing through his flesh. He could already hear the man's stomach growling.

When he was standing next to the man's side, he waited to be noticed. But he wasn't, so Sonic shyly reached down and tapped his shoulder.

The sudden jolt of the stranger's head sent a fright through the young teen who yelped out as the man narrowed his crimson coloured eyes. "What?" he snapped abruptly, clearly angry at being disturbed.

Sonic started to feel his heart race a little, worried he had made a mistake. Not only that but his dad would kill him if he found out he was late to School to talk to a homeless person. This was a bad idea!

Unsure of what to do, he gulped silently as a nervous chill ran down his spine. "I'm s-sorry. I came to see if you were alright?"

The man said nothing, but his eyes unnarrowed at the boy. Then with a soft sigh he looked away, "I'm fine, just run along" he answered, his voice sounding broken from dehydration. Sonic didn't though. He felt sad knowing this man was stuck out here, while he could easily walk into a warm building any time he wanted. So instead he decided to stay.

"What's your name?"

The man looked up, his brow raised unexpectedly. He couldn't tell if this kid was here to mock him or was just stupid. It was reluctant but he answered anyway, "Shadow. Shadow the hedgehog."

Sonic stood for a moment, only nodding. "Okay… I'm Sonic, I go to that School over there" he explained while pointing at the building. Shadow looked, but didn't seem impressed. "Fancy School. Are literally being criminal bait or do you want something?" he asked. Sonic was caught off by that comment and found himself stumbling for words, "Umm, no, no… I actually wanted to… well…" he took so long that Shadow started to ignore him, going back into his previous position before he was disturbed.

Realising he had made a mess of things, Sonic took his backpack from his back and placed it on the floor. He reached in and pulled out a red coat. This quickly got Shadows attention.

"My mum told me to bring it because it's going to rain later, I can get the bus home though. Here, I hope it fits."

Shadow only stared, completely lost for words. The child was holding this padded rain coat out to him, so warm and comfortable looking, it just couldn't be genuine. When he didn't take it, Sonic draped it over his shoulders for him. The feeling was like ice on a burn, only the other way around. His body had been constantly shivering for so long through the winter, using only newspapers for warmth. But then this! It felt like a soft flame warming up his skin, making him feel like he was inside a home once again. Something so simple, a coat. A thing people take for granted. He just knew that he would never let anyone take this away from him. Not again.

He looked up to the boy, gratitude filling his eyes but not knowing the correct words. Too many emotions took control. He was so happy for the gift, yet… ashamed. This should be the other way around. A child shouldn't be caring for him, he should be taking care of himself.

Breathing in deeply and closing his eyes, Shadow showed nothing. He took off the coat and handed it back to the young blue hedgehog. "Thank you, I truly appreciate the gesture, but I'll be alright. I can look after myself" he said respectfully. To his own surprise however, the boy suddenly looked sad, staring at the coat like he had just been slapped for giving it away. He didn't take it back, instead took it and placed it onto the floor right next to Shadow. Then, before the stranger could ask, Sonic reached into his bag and pulled out his lunch for the day and a bottle of water. He placed both items on top of the coat, then slowly backed away.

Shadow couldn't take it in, food, water and warm, all there in front of him. But his damn pride… he couldn't. "I don't want pity Sonic" he snapped.

"It doesn't matter, I've leaving them there whether you take them or not" was all that he said before picking up his bag and walking away, finally leaving Shadow alone. But the black hedgehog wasn't pleased. A deep twinge in his chest as guilt was creeping through his mind. The child was a fool, anything could have happened to him had it been the wrong person… yet all he wanted was to help.

Unable to resist, Shadow placed the coat back over his shoulders, it was a little small for him but it didn't matter, it was good enough. Then he opened the container with freshly made egg sandwiches, side salad and a slice of chocolate cake. In normal times, he would have turned his nose up to the repulsive smell of the sandwiches, this time however, he devoured the meal in front of him. Nothing was left, not a single crumb. He wasn't so careless with the water though. He took a huge gulp and drank no more. His throat almost burned, but the relief was so good. He wanted more but water was too sacred to him now. If it was going to rain later then he could refill the bottle but he didn't want to take the chance.

Shadow looked up to the School. The boy was long gone and very late, but for the first time, he was so glad that someone stayed behind for him. Not much compassion is shown in a city like this.

Sonic… he would repay his kindness somehow… one day.

The School morning was over, and now was time for everyone's favourite period; lunch time.

It normally was for Sonic as well, but today it was not. He actually started wishing he could skip lunch and finish his classes. Although if he was wishing for things, he'd wish he could just go home, that would be better… then again maybe not.

It was bitter sweet sitting with his friends and watching them take out their lunches and eating away happily. "Hey where's your food Sonic?" his best friend Knuckles asked him. The red echidna was a year older then him, so normally break periods were the only times they got to hang out. There were a few other kids at the table, but they rarely spoke to them. Sonic and Knuckled would sit in the same spot all the time, the others had the same idea. Luckily, they gave them space.

Especially now and Sonic shifted awkwardly. "Um I gave it away" he admitted. Knuckles stared at him for a moment, half his sandwich already shoved into his mouth as he raised his brow. "Annnnd why would you do that?"

"Because there was a guy outside who was homeless and hungry, so I gave him my food. It's no big deal" he shrugged.

Knuckles rolled his eyes, "Yeah unless your dad finds out Mr. Hero."

"Well don't tell him then, and he won't find out." Subconsciously Sonic's hand went to pick up invisible food that would normally be in front of him, only to groan when nothing was there.

Knuckled pushed his bait box forward with an irritable sigh, "Here, help yourself" he said, obviously not one to normally share. Sonic didn't protest however, "Thank you" he grinned, taking the last slice of peanut butter and jelly.

"How did it go on the exam?"

Knuckles, finally moving on from having his food taken away, laughed. "It wasn't bad. I got a B, which mean's next year I can make my way into sport studies, the easiest subject there can be."

"I don't think it will be that easy Knux, but well done I guess."

"What about you, still being forced to choose Phycology instead of something you want to do?"

Sonic placed his head in his head, tiredly going over the events of last night in his mind once again. It wasn't hard for Knuckles to pick up on the matter, "What happened this time?" he asked, used to the situations by now.

"I tried talking to my mum about spending the summer abroad with that charity program, but she was too busy with my brother and sisters and told me to talk to dad. I tried telling him it was fine, and there'd be adults there but he wasn't going to listen to me. I can't even talk him into letting me take geography, why did I think he'd let me go on this trip" he said miserably. Knuckles crossed his arms, lips pressed together as he thought of what to say, "Sorry bro, I really wish you were coming. But hey, I'll write your name on one of the water pipes we install and on a brick. It be just like you were there" he tried to joke. Sonic's deadpan expression was the only answer he needed.

"That's not funny. It's not fair, I even said I'd pay for it myself but he didn't care."

Knuckles eyes shifted for a moment, and he slowly leaned in closer, "Do you think he's worried about… you know… the gift" he whispered. Quickly Sonic kicked him in the shin.

"OW!"

"Shut up, don't mention that here!" Sonic hissed through his teeth, quickly looking at the others on the table to check they weren't listening. Luckily, he was safe.

"Okay I'm sorry, don't need to kick me man" Knuckles grumbled. "Anyway is the reason you gave your food away, so you can still feel like you're helping someone?"

He shrugged, "I don't know, maybe. I just felt really bad for him. People take so much for granted, or at least in my family they do."

"What really? You mean your dad who's a famous lawyer, stupidly rich, has seven cars and makes you live in a giant house of gold? Nah I thought he was a humble old chap" the echidna mocked before being shoved. "It's not just him I'm talking about, it's all of them. My sister actually cried yesterday because the necklace she wanted wasn't the right shade she wanted. That necklace cost more then what it would to go on this trip!"

"Yeah must be so horrible to be in your family. Imagine getting things you want whenever you want, eating diamonds and living it easy."

A nerve had been struck and Sonic angrily stood up and walked away without saying a word. Knuckles watched, confused as to what he did. He quickly threw his things in his bag and chased after his friend before the blue hedgehog was out of sight.

"Sonic! Wait" he called out, pushing past people in his way. He finally caught up when Sonic had slowed down, walking towards the yard for some open air. It can be intimidating surrounded by people all the time, especially when you're pegged down at the rich kid that's ashamed of his money. But it doesn't help when your closest friend treats you the same way.

Knuckles reached out and grabbed his arm, stopping him from walking off any further. "Hey dude, come on I was just messing around. Why are you being so sensitive?" the moment he asked that question however, his eye caught sight of something and he wished he hadn't. The bruise on the side of Sonic's ribs had been hard to notice due to his fur, but in the right light, it was easier to see. "Aw no… bro" he sighed, eyes furrowed upward in deep sympathy. "It's happening again, isn't it?" he pointed to the injury.

Sonic instantly covered his ribs, "No it's not… I'm not allowed to talk about it."

Knuckles felt his head shake, worry now filling inside for his friend. "Sonic my dad's a cop, you should talk to him."

"What good is it gonna do? My dad's a lawyer, he can get any criminal out of jail, why should be brother be any different?" he looked away, his hand never leaving his ribs.

"You know you can't keep living like this..."

Sonic breathed deeply, his eyes staring hopefully towards the world beyond the horizon, only dreaming about what it was like out there. "I know… the sooner I get as far away from here the better."