*Sonic's POV*
"I see something implanted behind your ear. You don't feel any pain when you touch it?" Tails asked as we all stood behind him, watching him go over the scans he did of me.

I reached for my ear and touched there. I didn't feel anything, no pain, no cut, not even a bump. I shook my head in response. I was about to speak when Shadow got closer and made me lean lower so him and Rouge could have a better look.

"I can remove whatever it is and run some tests on it. It might hurt, though." Tails lowered his ears and pointed at the medical bed I was supposed to lay down on.

"It's okay, bud." I patted his head and walked to the bed, then laid down. "I can handle it." I smiled at him. I could see Shadow standing behind Tails and Rouge. He looked worried for me, scared even. I felt bad, but I hoped that after dealing with Eggman, we would be able to go on our first date. I wanted to make him happy.

Tails looked hesitant for a second, then started to get his equipment ready. He said he would numb the area, but when he started cutting, I could feel every single little thing he would do. I couldn't feel the blades' edge exactly, but the pressure of it slicing through my skin sent waves of dull aching pain down my neck and felt my stomach twist. I bit my tongue tightly, clenching my fists, going against all instincts that told me to stand up and run away.

I tried to remain calm, I tried to for Tails sake, even for Shadow, who was looking at us like he wanted to kill Tails for putting me through this pain.

"I thought you said it would numb the area for him." Shadow growled, walking closer to me. Tails hands started shaking, and I could feel it.

"Everyone processes anesthetics differently. It will reduce the pain but not necessarily eliminate it." Tails stopped what he was doing and took in a deep breath. "Hang in there, Sonic."

Shadow walked closer and held my hand. It was nice to at least see Shadow had indeed changed. It was nice to see this side of him, seeing him all worried about me instead of denying it. I wish our relationship hadn't started this way, though, but I am happy nonetheless. 

As Tails pressed the blade deeper, I felt a nauseating pressure creep down my neck, spreading like a slow wave that made my skin prickle. My teeth gritted, and I forced myself not to cry out, swallowing back the fear that clawed its way up my throat. It was just Tails, just a small cut. How bad could it be?

Then Tails set the blade down, and I felt his fingers press against my skin. A shiver ran through me, but I couldn’t move, couldn’t flinch. He was so careful, so focused, as he slid his fingers into the incision and searched for the device. But every inch, every tiny shift of his fingers, made it feel like he was reaching through bone, like he was scraping against raw, exposed nerves. I could feel his touch, feel every minute adjustment he made, even if I wasn’t supposed to feel anything at all.

I bit down hard, squeezing my eyes shut as he probed deeper. My body felt on fire, every muscle tense as I tried not to scream, not to make this harder on him. My vision swam, and my breaths came short and ragged. I’d never felt this vulnerable, this… helpless.

“Almost there.” Tails whispered, but his voice sounded so far away. I nodded, trying to reassure him, even though my mind was a blur of pain and pressure, each second dragging on like an eternity.

And then, with a sudden, sickening jerk, I felt his fingers hook around the device. Pain tore through me as he pulled, as if the thing was trying to take part of me with it. I couldn’t help the strangled gasp that escaped, my whole body shuddering as it finally came free. The weight of it gone left me feeling hollow, like something had been torn from my very core. Blood trickled warm down my neck, but I didn’t care, I was free.

“Got it.” Tails murmured, his voice filled with relief and apology. He held up the device, and I gave him a shaky nod, managing a weak smile through the exhaustion and the lingering throb of pain.

"You can run tests on this?" I could hear Rouge talking, but she sounded far away.

I felt like air was drifting away until Shadow squeezed my hand, bringing me back to reality. I turned my head to look at him and weakly smiled at him. Shadow sighed and moved a chair closer to me, then sat down, never letting go of my hand at all.

"Get some rest, hedgehog." He whispered lowly, but I shook my head.

"No. I need to know what that thing really was." My voice was shaky and low. I tensed up when I felt Tails touch the cut again and watched as he moved a needle closer to me. He stitched me up, which, this time I didn't feel, then he sighed in relief.

"All done. Drink some water." Tails handed me a water bottle as him and Shadow helped me sit up. "I can, but it may take me a few hours. I'll give you a report on this in the morning. Is that okay?"

"Thanks, buddy." I nodded at him and tried to stand up, but Shadow wrapped an arm around me to help me walk. Was I able to walk? I'm not sure because he was basically carrying me.

At least I know Shadow really does care.

"Tomorrow then." Rouge said, and Shadow nodded.

"Get some rest, Sonic. Please." Tails said, and I nodded with a smile. "Are you taking him home?" He asked Shadow.

"Yes. I'll make sure he gets home safe." My smile widened when Shadow said that, and I leaned on him a bit more.

With nothing else to say, we left.

******
Okay maybe a bit too much detail on the procedure lol, it made my stomach turn rereading this. But I am not going to edit this AGAIN so just read, or don't. It's your choice.
I was THIS detailed and extra on "Through the Darkness" until I decided to rewrite everything from how sick it made me. Deleted SO MUCH but the end result should still be good enough.
I think most of you are too young to be reading those kind of stories anyways XD But let's be honest, this is Wattpad lmao