Sonic Series Fan Fiction ❯ The Babbysitter Affair ❯ The Morning After ( Chapter 8 )

 

The Babysitter Affair: Chapter 8

 

 

Within Amy's darkened room, a single slither of moonlight spilled through her window and rolled delicately over her lithe form. As her body turned towards the source of the light, a soft melody floated from her lips.

Softly and slowly, the lyric grew from being just a whisper, until it was the solitary sound in the room.

 

Floating around her features and encircling her pillow like a harmonious halo, her words and her song colorfully dashed the room with a warm glow.

And as beautifully as it had risen to an audible level, it spiraled lightly back to her tender lips and returned to being nothing more than a faint whisper.

Soon, her body changed positions again and she ended up on her back.

And as if someone dear to her had whispered gently in her ear for her to awaken, her eyes gingerly opened.

Her lids drowsily remaining half opened and half closed, Amy allowed her vision to wander off into space for a few passing seconds before trailing them over to her ivory lit window.

Frowning slightly, she held a hand over her eyes and pushed herself up from her bed. “I thought I closed those shades a few days ago…” she murmured, sliding her legs over the edge of the mattress. Sighing, she glanced over at her clock on the nightstand. It's dim red numbers read :3:15 AM.

 

Rubbing her eyes, she slowly tried to stand to her feet but the moment, she did, she found herself dropping right back down onto the sheets.

Holding her head, she closed her eyes and tried to ward off the tempestuous headache that was creeping up on her.

“Ugh what's wrong with me…” she mumbled incoherently, trying to remember.

Her mind was a cloudy mesh of bits and pieces of thoughts, but as far back as she could remember was being on Sonic's couch talking to Knuckles.

She remembered drinking something that calmed her down, talking to Knuckles, then after that---nothing.

 

Since it hurt too much to even attempt to remember anymore than that, Amy groaned and massaged her temples. But that wasn't helping.

Sighing dejectedly, she forced herself upto her feet.

She needed something to ease this headache and she needed it fast. Didn't Sonic always keep doubles of each kind of medicine and safety stuff he had?

“He should have some aspirin or something behind the mirror…” she spoke reassuringly to herself.

 

Steadying her balance enough to get her wobbly feet to the door, she leaned against its frame for a few seconds to collect herself.

Taking a deep and long breath, Amy forced herself away from the support of the door frame and carefully tried to head to the bathroom downstairs.

The hallway was darkened and that didn't help matters much at all.

Unstably stumbling down the hall and bumping into walls as she passed them, Amy almost began to regret her decision and thought of going back.

Turning to look behind her, once she realized she couldn't see a thing in front of her face from the way she came, she made herself rule that option out and kept on going.

 

Passing what she thought was Sonic's room, she felt around for the banister on the stairwell. Once she found it, she grinned to herself and slowly made her way downstairs.

 

Going past Shadow's room, she finally recognized the bathroom from a slither of its light showing clearly under the door.

“That Sonic…he left the light on again…!” she silently scolded the hedgehog. She had told him time and time again to turn off everything once he was finished with it, but even though he probably forgot, she was glad he did!

Placing her clammy hands over the knob, it took almost half the strength she could muster to get the door open.

And when she did, she had to immediately close her eyes as the shock from the light didn't give her enough time to adjust to the sudden change in contrast.

Once she managed to get one eye open, she fumbled around in the cabinet behind the mirror and grabbed every aspirin bottle, ibuprofen bottle and Midol bottle she could find and trudged out the door to go down yet another flight of stairs.

 

Once she reluctantly made it to the bottom, she padded through the living room, passing Knuckles, and going straight into the kitchen.

A few minutes passed until she was finally able to get a decent sized glass of water and she downed two sets of each type of medicine she brought with her.

Pouring out the rest of the water when she was done, she put the glass in the sink and dragged her feet out into the darkened living room again.

Starting to pass Knuckles for the second time, she suddenly lost feeling in her legs and collapsed to the carpet knees first, then flat on her face.

Too weak to push herself back up for the moment, Amy gave up and silently laid there.

 

Unknown to her, Knuckles was sleeping soundly on the couch only a few mere feet away from her.

But neither one of them would find out until someone woke up…

 

Moments later, the floor began to rumble as Knuckles started snoring.

 

Lost in a deep sleep within the seconds she collapsed, Amy's body unconsciously started to move.

Aimlessly, her body began to wobble unsteadily towards the source of the sound. Seeming as if she were a puppet on a string, a limp hand went up and slapped down over Knuckles' muzzle.

“…snortzibibble..” her mouth incoherently spoke, but in actuality, that was sleepy talk for “Stop snoring”. Her mouth was just faster than her understanding at that point. She was sleep-walking after all!

 

But her actions only made his snoring louder, so her hand clasped over his nose…

 

Minutes passed…

 

Coughing and hacking in a fit moments later, Knuckles angrily woke up and started swinging.

Miraculously Amy managed to avoid being hit by every punch.

Her body swayed backwards, then forwards and finally fell sideways—falling directly on him and making a sound as she did.

For a second, Knuckles was bout to leap off the couch, until he heard something that sounded a lot like Amy and scooped her up in his arms.

 

Holding her close to him as if she was a delicately crafted doll, Knuckles swore continuously, wondering how she got down there and why. Glancing to the stairs, he thought of taking her back to her room—but nah, he didn't feel like it.

Looking to the floor to lay her there crossed his mind, but that wouldn't be right. His eyes traveled upto the coffee table and he almost agreed to that idea, but then decided against it. Having Amy sleep on a coffee table would be too unladylike—and it sounded extremely kinky to him.

 

So what else could he do?

 

Growling in defeat, he eyed her dozing form and with that proving to be some type of remedy, all his anger and frustration melted away.

Chuckling lightly to himself, he shook his head, muttering about how cute she was, and draped her over his body.

Secretly watching her as she snuggled closer to him and fell into an even deeper sleep, Knuckles smiled and brushed her bouncy bangs out of her face, knowing they'd come right back.

Snickering to himself, he whispered goodnight to her and slipped an arm under his head before sleep claimed him once again.

 

-

 

The next morning came shining broadly through Rouge's window. Countless chirps and chipper songs from the birds carried on outside, forcing her to cover her ears in the sheets and wriggle deeper into them.

“Must they do this every morning?!” she grumbled, and yanked the sheets from over her head.

Exhaling in annoyance, Rouge was about to push herself up out of bed when the distinct aroma of something cooking wavered under her nose. Taking it in quickly, then getting a good long whiff of the delectable scent the second time around, Rouge licked her lips and threw the covers off of her.

Glancing to the closet to check for Shadow, she was surprised to find the door open, but he wasn't there.

 

The thought of him cooking breakfast ran through her mind, but she denied it each time it kept coming back.

“He can't be…he just can't be!” she repeated, straightening out her pajamas and eagerly heading down the hall.

She was still trying to deny it but the closer she got to the kitchen, the stronger that delicious aroma got!

As if being weightlessly led by the scent, Rouge sauntered into the kitchen and stood in one of its doorways in a gape.

The scene that was set before her was something she could only DREAM of.

A man was in HER kitchen, COOKING. The food looked good too and it smelled amazing!

 

Alarmed as she was amazed, it took a full 5 seconds for Rouge to finally come to her senses and think straight!

“Shadow???” she asked unsurely.

Chuckling to himself that she finally said something, Shadow turned casually to her with a large porcelain dish in his hand. “Oh good morning Rouge. How long have you been standing there?” he smirked.

“Wha-! Long enough!! What are you doing??” she inquired with a huge smile on her face. She just couldn't believe it!

Chuckling, Shadow set the dish down and grabbed a nearby roll of paper towels to wipe his hands off with.

 

“Isn't it obvious? I'm making your family breakfast.”

“But--!” Rouge started, flabbergasted and too shocked for decent words. “I...wow, I almost forgot you could cook. But this is just too much…!”

“Oh it is? Then I guess I'll just have to clean all this up...”

“NO! Don't you dare clean that food up!” she cried, rushing over to him and grabbing him by the arms.

Shadow had to laugh. “Relax, Rouge you're in luck. Breakfast is ready.”

“Really? Great!!” she chirped, her eyes starting to glisten. Humming to herself, she happily started to stick her finger in one of the tasty dishes before her when Shadow stopped her.

In awe and confusion, her large green eyes searched his for an answer. “What? I thought you said—“

“I did, but those are for me and the boys.” He stated with a sly smirk.

Finding his tone and attitude very alluring, Rouge raised an eyebrow and stepped back.

“Hmm allright! Then what exactly in my kitchen did you prepare for me?” she asked, the slight hint of charm to her voice.

Laughing lightly, Shadow held up a finger, gesturing for her to wait, as he turned behind him and presented her with large plate that had an aluminum dome over it.

It looked like those kinds of dishes that are a must-have staple at all those fancy-schmancy restaurants.

“Wow I never knew I had any of those in this house!” Rouge giggled as she eagerly took the meal from Shadow.

 

As she lifted its lid, Shadow's ears immediately folded back from the loud ecstatic shriek Rouge gave.

 

Pancakes!! The plate was stacked with fluffy and beautiful looking pancakes. And not only that! There was a generous amount of fresh strawberries strewn across the top.

No butter, no syrup just fruit, even with a little bit of sugar sprinkled throughout!

She loved her pancakes like this! And Shadow actually remembered?!

“And before you ask, yes I remembered, Rouge.” Shadow smiled, waving to her with a spatula.

“You actually did remember!!!” she cried, her eyes still glued to the delectable meal in her hands.

Laughing as he cleaned off the counters he used, Shadow glanced to her and pointed to the freezer.

“You might want to check in there, too.”

“Huh? You mean there's more?”

Instead of giving a verbal reply, he just pointed to the freezer again, a small smirk occupying his face. It almost seemed as if he was anticipating the genuine reaction she'd give when she saw what was in there for her…

Blinking, Rouge gently set down her plate of food the table in the kitchen delicately as if it was a bowl full of diamonds and slowly opened the freezer.

 

“You've already surprised me once this morning, Shadow. Just what else could you do to…OHH!!!” she gasped sharply, and again Shadow's ears were at her mercy.

 

“Shadow…you … DIDN'T!!” she declared, turning slowly to him with a huge and greedy grin on her face.

“I did…” Shadow smiled, finishing up his cleaning, “It's not too much for you is… it…?” he trailed off, turning to find her scarfing down the banana split by the mouthful.

Blinking in surprise, as well as enticement, Shadow laughed and shook his head. “I didn't act fast enough…!” he muttered to himself, then a thought came to him.

Where'd she get the spoon from so fast?

 

As Shadow began to set the table, the sound of tiny feet bounding up the stairs was heard.

“What's dat??” Akai wondered eagerly, sniffing the air and looking around.

“It smells like food!” Amethyst exclaimed, mimicking his brother and also sniffing the air. Rouge couldn't help but laugh at her sons as she finished up her frozen treat and placed the bowl in the sink.

“Smells nice doesn't it?” she asked, coming out the side door of the kitchen with her hands on her hips.

 

Glancing to her, Amethyst nodded enthusiastically while Akai ignored her and continued sniffing.

“Hmmm” Rouge half-frowned and narrowed her eyes. “Anyway, breakfast will be ready in a little bit. Why don't you two help Mr. Shadow finish setting the table?”

“Okay! Amethyst exclaimed cheerfully and ran up the steps, almost falling twice and gave his mother a hug.

Smiling warmly, Rouge peered down at him and stroked the top of his head tenderly before hugging him back. “Thank you, Amethyst.”

“Love you mommy” he smiled brightly, then rushed to go help Shadow in the dining room.

Akai on the other hand looked to his mother strangely.

Uncomfortable from the looks her son was giving her, Rouge covered it up with a stern maternal gaze.

Akai knew that whenever his mother did that, he had better straighten up quick before he got it! Walking over to Rouge, he lightly encircled his tiny arms around her calf but kept his gaze to the floor. “Love you too mommy…” he stated rather emotionlessly.

 

Concerned that her son was acting a lot more dispassionate than usual, Rouge leaned down and Akai instinctively looked upto her intently.

“Yes?” he asked in a small voice.

“…What's the matter Akai? Are you sick?”

The fiery echidna shook his head, his dreads almost smacking him in the face. “No I just…” he hesitated, adverting his eyes for a moment, then returned them widely to his mother's. “When's daddy coming back? I miss him.” He spoke honestly.

 

Feeling his words dig deeply within her, Rouge hesitated for a moment and tried to come up with a decent enough answer for a two year old could comprehend. “…Daddy…has gone on a trip, Akai. I don't know how long he'll be away, but you know he can't stay away from you and your brother for too long.” Rouge reassured. She paused as she thought over what she said and wondered just how fast Knuckles actually would come back.

But the growing smile on her son's face told her that she had said the one thing to him that made all the difference in the world.

“Really? You mean it, mommy??” he asked, enthusiastically tugging at her garment.

 

Saying nothing in response at first, Rouge eyed her son, then sunk to her knees and hugged him.

“Yes, Akai…I mean it…” she confirmed in a low and soft voice. Part of her wanted her husband to come back while another wanted him to stay away from her and the boys. It was bad enough they both practically looked like him—and already Akai was this attached to his father.

When things were better for the 4 of them, Akai would always happily run to Knuckles and hugged him. Then Knuckles would always pick him up and toss him playfully into the air and catch him. And as usual, not long after Amethyst saw his brother having so much fun, he'd go over to Knuckles as well. The tree of them would have some of the best times of their lives when they were together.

 

They appeared so inseparable…

 

But what about her? What was she doing during all this?

Watching from a distance…her eyes wavering with envy.

Those moments burned into her soul each time she thought back on them. They still felt fresh as if they happened just a few hours ago.

But this was silly…getting all worked up over something like that. Both of her children loved her. Akai just had problems showing it.

Yeah, that was it.

Bringing herself out of her thoughts, Rouge smiled briefly at Akai to encourage him and sent him off to the table.

 

At breakfast, the four of them were enjoying a rather delicious meal. Shadow had cooked sausage links, eggs with hash browns on top and waffles for both boys. He wasn't sure if they liked eggs or sausage, but from the looks on their faces as they happily scarfed down the food reassured him of otherwise. For himself, he made turkey sausage, steamed apples with cinnamon and sugar and waffles. He wasn't a fan of eggs or certain kinds of meat, but turkey suited him just fine. Quietly, he glanced over to Rouge who sat at the end of one side of the table next to Amethyst. With Shadow sitting at the every end of the table between the two excited boys, Rouge's silence was the most appealing.

 

And she stuck out like a sore thumb at that.

 

He watched her slowly pop a forkful of pancakes into her mouth, then aimlessly twirl the fork around on the plate as if she were deep in thought.

Catching this right away, Shadow cleared his throat and spoke in a soft tone, but was loud enough to be heard over the ecstatic puggles.

 

“Are you full?” he asked, knowing full well that wasn't what he wanted to ask, but it was just enough to get her attention.

Rouge gazed over to the dark and crimson hedgehog with a glossed glaze wavering in her irises. When Shadow's expression changed to honest concern, Rouge quickly recomposed herself and appeared cheerful.

“Yeah Shadow? Oh...No, I'm just…not very hungry…” she trailed off, her thoughts drifting elsewhere.

 

“Hmmm” Shadow voiced with narrowed eyes. Instead of getting to the core of the issue, he decided to keep their dialogue light for now.

Smiling faintly, he playfully mouthed. “Ate too much of that banana spilt, didn't you?”

Unable to hold back a broad smile at his message, Rouge meekly adverted her eyes and shook her head.

“No… what are you trying to say Shadow??” she mouthed back.

To this Shadow shrugged. “Maybe you should slow down…” he spoke aloud.

Every activity at the table ceased for a good few seconds after that and the boys exchanged looks with first themselves, then between the two adults before them.

Even Rouge had to think about what he said and let it process first. She could have taken that in so many ways, but she wondered…what way did he mean it in?

 

As if he could hear her wandering thoughts, Shadow waved the situation away.

Sensing that all was well for now, the boys went back to eating and talking with their mouths full.

“Don't eat with your mouth full, Akai. You know better.” Rouge lightly scolded instinctively without thought.

The smallish echidna pouted in protest. “But I wasn—“

“Don't do it!” she retaliated sternly.

She sounded so alarming that even Amethyst had to inch back in his seat.

“You're really loud mommy…” he uttered, which earned a wild glare from Rouge.

But then her features softened. “Yeah I am. Sorry hun.”

 

Smiling from feeling like `mommy's favorite' right now, Amethyst looked to his brother and made mocking little faces at him.

Hating being teased by his `younger' brother, Akai scooped a piece of the egg onto his fork and prepared to launch it at Amethyst when a gust of wind rushed past him.

 

Hesitant to find out what it was, Akai glanced to Amethyst, who had his eyes glued upwards on something behind his brother.

Cringing, Akai looked to Shadow, who gave him a rather sympathetic look, then went back to eating. Feeling trapped, Akai took his chances and slowly turned around.

 

And there was Rouge, with her hands placed firmly on her hips. Leaning over, she got right in Akai's face and raised a hand as if she were going to strike him.

“…You launch that food across my table and I will slap the bright red off you.” she warned in a low tone.

That straightened Akai right up!

Faster than lightening, he about faced and returned to eating as if nothing had happened.

Sighing in contentment that she could still set her son straight even if he ignored her when it came to other matters, Rouge began heading back to her seat. But as she passed Shadow, he placed a hand on her wrist and motioned for her to bend down.

Doing so, he leaned over and whispered in her ear. “If it's not too much, I'd like to speak with you after our meal.”

Blinking in shock and surprise about what he may want to talk to her about, a brief warmth traveled to Rouge's face and she nodded.

Giving Shadow a friendly smile, and hoping he couldn't see her blushing, she briskly went back to her seat and began eating.

 

Shadow watched her discreetly and was pleased to see her eating properly.

She had been under so much stress lately, for once in his life, he was actually thankful to be around to help. If she hadn't been so caring and still considered herself as his best friend, Shadow wasn't sure what he would be doing or if he'd still be alive.

 

For once he was grateful—truly grateful. But he knew he couldn't stay this close in her life as long as he may have liked to. She still had a husband and from the looks of things, she wasn't planning on giving him up so easily—despite the obvious lack of her happiness.

 

So, Shadow took it upon himself to do what he could for her—until she told him to stop.

 

But after all was said and done, what would be the aftermath for him?

That still remained a mystery. But in the back of his mind, he had a feeling he'd find out sooner or later.

 

Easing out of his thoughts, Shadow's eyes trailed over to Akai's plate as he eagerly continued to consume his meal.

“Hey Amafist, guess what!”

“What?”

“I got the biggest sausage!” Akai proudly announced, holding up the item on the end of his fork.

Seeing this as a challenge, Amethyst searched through his neat assortment of sausage links and held up the biggest one he had on the end of his fork as well.

“Nuh-uh! I have da biggest sausage!”

Watching them go back and forth so childishly, Rouge giggled and sighed, but her attention suddenly perked up when Shadow added to their debate.

“No…Actually, I have the biggest sausage.” He stated calmly and began to take a swig from the glass of juice next to him when Rouge stared at him with wide eyes.

 

Glancing to her innocently, he suddenly understood why she was staring and blushed wildly. “W-well, it's true…” he hesitated.

Her mouth in a gape, Rouge glanced downward, then at his plate. Was he being slick or honest?

Without saying a word, Shadow pointed to the remaining food on his plate and Rouge exhaled in relief, and disappointment.

 

Did he say that on purpose?

 

Judging by the bright blush on his face, Rouge figured it was just an honest mistake, but she could have sworn she saw him smirking.

Glancing to her, he grinned lightly, knowing Rouge would look his way.

“Sorry…”

“Oh don't apologize to me!” Rouge smiled, taking a few sips from her glass, obviously intrigued.

“Hmmm I wonder…” she thought, then brushed it aside when the idea of having another kid ran rampant in her mind.

She already had two wild and crazy boys. If she had another child, one more was about all she could take!

 

Another child, huh? She wondered about that and by doing so her mind reflected back to earlier the other day when she found that band in her husband's dreads.

He said it was a good luck charm so that they'd have a girl. Sure she always wanted a little girl but—

 

Her thoughts now dissected, Rouge rubbed her temples and groaned lowly in disgust.

 

“…Why did it have to be like this…” she uttered, secretly hoping Knuckles would come back so they could talk about everything.

But who knew how long he'd be over at Sonic's and in addition to that, who knew when he'd get off his butt and get a better paying job?

Sighing, the realization of having to go out and do the dirty work herself slipped back into her mind, but this time she was ready for it.

Glancing up at Shadow, who was finishing up his breakfast, a small smile crept across her lips.

 

`Shadow's with me now. I can do anything with his help. Just like old times.'

Also finishing his food, Amethyst looked up towards his mother out of favor, and followed her eyes to Shadow. Puzzled of what her dazed expression meant, Amethyst spoke up. “Mr. Shadow?”

“Yes?” Shadow answered, picking up his plate and excusing himself from the table.

As the hedgehog walked by his seat, Amethyst turned around in his chair. “Do you like mommy?”

Nearly slipping on the kitchen floor, Shadow spun on his heels and stared aghast at the little one.

Bewildered, his eyes nervously fleeted around and eventually fell on Rouge, who appeared rather interested in what his answer was.

But since he was taking too long, she answered for him. “Of course he does, but only as a friend, right Shadow?”

“Uh…whatever your mother says.”, he stated evenly, obviously uncomfortable by the subject.

Realizing this, Rouge turned her attention back to the boys and urged them to hurry up and finish.

 

Once the table was cleared and the boys ran off to play-wrestle with the other in the living room, Rouge padded into the kitchen and joined Shadow at the sink.

Glancing down into the sink at him hand washing the dishes instead of using the dishwasher, Rouge half-smiled and nudged him with her elbow.

“Hey…you allright?”

Saying nothing at first, Shadow glanced at her and nodded.

“Now I am, yes.”

“Hmm well don't scrub too hard, or you'll end up drying your hands out. I ended up finding that out the hard way.” She explained, avoiding the real reason behind what she originally asked.

Shadow noticed this and decided to play along. “You're right, but I prefer hand-washing over using some machine.”

“Oh?” Rouge's brows rose. “Do tell.”

“Well, for one thing, hand-washing allows you to see the progress of the dishes as they're being cleaned and deep stains can be taken out a lot easier.”

“Mmm” she murmured, responding to his voice, but not completely listening. “I'm sure anything can be done a lot easier to you, Ultimate Lifeform.”

Shadow smirked. “You haven't seen anything yet, Rouge.”

Her eyes widening at what he could mean, before Rouge could utter a word, Shadow smiled mischievously at her. His charming allure caused her to shut her mouth on the spot.

 

“Anyway…I still needed to speak with you.” he brought up, changing the subject.

“Hmm? Oh yea that's right. What's going on? Do you need help with something Shadow?”

 

Pleased by her eagerness to help, Shadow chuckled inwardly to himself but shook his head no. Drying off his hands, he turned to her and lightly touched her shoulder. “This time, I want you to help yourself.”

She blinked. “Huh? Help myself? I already pay the my own bills…”

Chuckling, he shook his head and tossed the hand towel on the table. “No, Rouge, what I mean is, while I'm watching the boys, it would be best if you went out and lived your own life. At least for a couple of days.” Then his tone softened. “You've been through enough stress and we both know you need time to relax so, why not do it while you can?”

Rouge gasped. She couldn't believe what she was hearing!

“Shadow are you giving me an invitation to a vacation?”

He thought it over and slightly shrugged. “If you want to call it that. You just need some time to yourself for a change, no strings attached. You can call me anytime if anything comes up. I'll give you my number later.”

 

A free vacation? No strings attached?

 

Rouge was so taken aback by the news, she could barely form any audible words as the smile on her face continued to grow.

With a giggle, she threw her arms around Shadow's neck and hugged him tightly. “Oh thank you, Shadow!! This is just what I needed!” Pulling away, she wiped away the small hint of tears that lingered on her lashes. “Oh…but I'd have to pay you. How much do you want?”

“Nothing.”

Nothing??

“Don't be silly, Shadow! Everybody needs to get paid with something! I ought to know that better than anyone else. I went out and paid myself when the President failed to do it right! The local museums sure didn't seem to mind.”

“Hmmm” he smirked, lowering his eyes at her and giving her a playfully reprimanding glare. “Back to stealing from defenseless museums are we?”

“Hey it's not my fault they have terrible security!” she defended.

“True, but Rouge, you have a family now… You can't risk getting locked up now.”

“Tch! Such little faith you have in me, Shadow! I've gotten captured before, but I've made it out!” She pouted, referring back to the times when they were a constant team.

“Yeah…with my help…”

`Hmph'ing, Rouge crossed her arms and turned her side to him. “ `Hem, anyway… Since you're doing this for me, what can I give you?”

Shadow's fist lightly clenched in shock of this question. And honestly, he answered.

“…Your beautiful smile…”

“Huh?!” Rouge whisked around to face him, a silent inquiry clear on her face.

Blushing lightly, Shadow wondered to himself if he really should have said that or not. But truthfully, he had been waiting more than fours years just to do so.

 

He'd say it was about time.

 

Nearing closer to her, Shadow slipped his arms around her lightly and hugged her. “Please take care of yourself Rouge.” He uttered and before she could return his embrace, he pulled away and proceeded to walk out of the room.

“Uh—Shadow…?” she called, but he did not return. Figuring that moment was a sensitive topic to him, she accepted that and headed back to her room to pack.

 

-

 

That same morning, Sonic eagerly awoke with a loud yawn and a good stretch. Scratching his chest with one hand and drowsily rubbing his eyes with the other, Sonic slid out of bed.

 

With one more satisfying stretch, the tranquil hedgehog grabbed some clean socks out of his top dresser drawer, as well as a cereal bar, and proceeded out the door.

 

Padding indolently down the hall and down two flights of stars, Sonic tucked the socks under his arm as he walked through the sunlit living room and into the kitchen.

 

Lazily flipping on the faucet, he yawned again and slipped a glass under the trickling water.

Taking a large bite of his travel-sized breakfast, Sonic drowsily trudged back out into the living room, passing a knocked out Knuckles and Amy and went back up the steps.

Finally making it to the bathroom on the second floor, Sonic tossed his socks on top of the toilet and took another swig of his water.

It took a good 5 seconds later for his brain to actually register what he just saw on the couch and he ferociously spat out his water all over the mirror.

 

Flustered, he tore out of the bathroom and appeared directly beside the snoozing couple within seconds—a minor sonic boom following late behind him.

Feeling a sudden gust ruffle her in her sleep, Amy's face scrunched in a painful grimace and a hand instinctively went to her head.

“Ugggh my head…!” she groaned, struggling with getting her eyes to open.

The moment she managed to gain sight in one of them, the frame of a fuming blue hedgehog was the first thing she beheld.

 

His chest heaved at a quickened pace and his brows were almost knitted together in vexation.

 

Alarmed as she was unexpected to see Sonic first thing in the morning, she happily sat up to greet him, thinking they were both in her room. But when she tried to move, something constricted her from doing so.

 

Glancing down curiously, the pupil in Amy's eye was nearly swallowed by her iris and her other eye popped open that instant.

 

There was Knuckles, sprawled out on the couch on his side with both arms around her waist.

 

“Oh s#it!” she forced out in a hushed whisper and brutally pushed Knuckles onto the floor. “Sonic, I can explain!!” she started to speak up in a small and raspy voice, but Sonic did not want to hear it.

“Forget it Amy. I'm going for a run. Don't wait up for me.” He stated with no emotion in his voice whatsoever and within the next split-second, he was gone, slamming the front door behind him.

 

Amy yelped as she grabbed hold of the back of the couch as best as she could as nearly everything in the living room without much weight was thrust into the air and slammed against the front door in Sonic's wake.

 

Hearing all the sudden banging and slamming, Knuckles woke up with a start in his classic fighting pose. “WHO IS IT? I told those cops to stay off my back, this is MY HOUSE!” he yelled, then looked around. “Wait, where am I?!”

“YOU FU#KING IDIOT!!!” Amy screamed, kicking him sharply in the back of the head. “THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!” she wailed, repeatedly attacking him even as he tried to face her.

 

“Wha---!Amy-!! Hey!! Stop!! STOP, girl!!” Knuckles shouted, blocking all of her attempts to seriously do some damage to him. “What has gotten into you?!!”

“THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT YOU BIG DUMB ECHIDNA!!” she screeched, batting at his face but when that didn't work, she slipped a quick kick at him squarely between the legs.

 

Harshly biting his bottom lip and choking on his next breath, Knuckles tried to remain standing but ended up sinking to his knees.

And Amy still continued to relentlessly show no mercy as she leapt on him and continuously pounded on his chest.

 

“It's all your fault he left me!! All your fault!!”

 

Moments later, Knuckles began to regain consciousness. Once he fully recognized that this girl was still beating on him, he swiftly grabbed her wrists and flipped her over on her back. Of course, she began to kick and he carefully blocked them with his shins while holding her down.

 

Before long her threatening assaults began to wear her down, and Knuckles wrapped his arms around her tightly to keep her steady.

The moment he took the initiative, her body began to shake and hot tepid tears streamed from her eyes and stung his chest.

 

Stung? Did he have an open wound somewhere?

Damn, she actually nailed a hit on him? When? He didn't even notice!

 

Nonetheless, Knuckles continued to hold the heart-broken girl in his arms as her tears furiously burned their story into his flesh.

 

-Mel