Zonic stormed off to his room, fighting back tears. GOD he wished he could just turn off every emotion that he's ever had in his entire life.

But alas.

He flops on his bed, defeated. He cares about Fran SO MUCH, and OWES HIM HIS LIFE A MILLION TIMES OVER, WHY WON'T FRAN LET HIMSELF REST, THIS IS WHY EVERYONE HATES YOU ZONIC YOU'RE SUCH A MEANINGLESS-

He is perfectly aware that rotting like this will result in both mental and physical detriment, hell, look at him five seconds after being alone with his thoughts. Usually, after an... episode like this he would immediately storm outside to train. Unfortunately for him, his leg is in so much pain that it's probably not a good idea to even stand.

Luckily, he still has a working controller and Sonic Three. One of his only comforts these days, honestly. The cartridge case is long gone, so he had to get creative with keeping it safe, using an old cd case that he found in some rubble and stickers labeling the game that Cap made.

Booting it up on his salvaged box T.V. he could hear the angelic "Sega" that was at the beginning of every starting screen. Everyone in the house could also hear it, as Zonic's so deaf that all video games and movies have to be on top volume if he wants to even experience them slightly.

Hours go by, a mix of Nirvana and the Sonic soundtrack making the house seem normal again, even for just a little while. Looking at the clock next to his bed, he sees it's getting late and turns off the game and goes to say goodnight to everyone. He's made it a routine, to make sure everyone is home and safe.

He (reluctantly) grabs a cane and struggles up to the attic to wish Elise a safe sail off to the lake of dreams. He finds her in a similar trance that he was in not minutes ago, watching The Goldfinch on her bed, their kandi eel next to them like Zonic with his plushies.

"G'night, Cap" he grunts, the journey up to her obviously causing him a lot more pain than originally thought. "Night to you too, Z" she says, before adding. "You're not doing well, are you?" they ask, already knowing the answer.

"What? I-I'm fine, my stupid fucking leg is just acting up again. No big." Zonic lies, and not well at that. "Zonic. You're still wearing your mask, you haven't put down your hair, and you're relying on your cane way more than usual." Elise states, concern heavy in her voice. "You're sick. Again."

"So what if I am? All of us are, in one way or another. No excuse to rest." He retorts, knowing this conversation beat by beat, he's had it a million different times, with every member of the four.

"Goodnight, Zonic. Get some rest." They say, ending the conversation before it turns into a full-blown argument.

YOU DID IT AGAIN YOU USELESS EXCUSE FOR A HERO! HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW?? ANY BETTER??