PoC: Right, so this time I feel like trying something new with a character I've never used, nor will likely ever use again.
Silver: Blaze?
Metal: Nooo… You? Try something new? Which in all likelihood will crash and burn al a Vista BSoD (blue screen of death)? Does -not- compute Pen.
Silver: I'd like to see Blaze…
PoC: You're one to talk, being a baby blue bot that practically cries over his newfound emotions. Explains the red-eyed look for sure.
Silver: …Blaze plz?
Metal: Time for an ink-blot test, Pen. What do you see? Oh, what's that? Clouds that spell the words "Surrender the Emo"? Guess you better turn yourself in, ruby two shoes!
Silver: Hey…is the character in this fic Blaze?
PoC: I can't help but think you're missing a few nuts, seeing as how you're always after Sonic's!
Silver: …
Metal: I'm not the tool that wastes free time arguing with a childhood character! Why don't you get some sunlight, you pasty-white prude!
Silver: Mmm…argh! You're all so DEAF! *Stomps off*
PoC: ?
Metal: …W-well that wasn't very nice at all. *Sniffles* And just when we were having a simply delightful chat too…
PoC: Really! Some people have no shred of decency.
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Systemic
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Slinging my backpack up over my shoulders, I was at last ready to end my long day. Writing out yet another set of equations left me ready for some well-earned slacking and snacking over a bag of mint chocolate-chip cookies.
Well…okay, maybe I had a few friends to text before I lost myself to such indulgence. Flipping open my phone, I saw a message from Cream. Not surprising as she'd just enrolled this fall, telling me how positively nervous she was about going to college. I couldn't help but laugh at how formal and non-text like her messages always were, especially when she asked for advice. I went ahead and assured her of all the nicer aspects of the dorm life, whilst realistically warning her to steer clear of the 'creepy male types'. I knew how prone a trusting soul like hers was to hurt and heartbreak.
Funny, thinking like that made me queasily nostalgic. Ah, but why worry? I knew the worst years were behind me now.
Having typed up and sent my little note of encouragement, I smiled with contentedness. Though we were nothing more than close friends these days, I had once considered entering into a more serious relationship with Cream; a concept that most of our friends probably would've greatly supported. Yet, every time I had a chance, I was always stopped short by an nagging, empty feeling inside. It didn't make logical sense, seeing as how Cream was likely the sweetest, most responsible girl I'd ever known, not to mention quite attractive in her maturity.
However, despite all my attempts, any thoughts of advancing were always halted by a small, lingering feeling in my gut. I thought it was fear at first, but I felt so comfortable around her that that theory held little water. Sonic, ever the consummate jokester, even at his age, made the snarky guess that it had something to do with my being a fox and her being a rabbit. I to this very day recall his odd type of reassurance:
"Hey, no sweat bro. Look, maybe it's for the best. Call me old fashioned, but I don't think the whole "wine 'em and dine 'em" thing is any way to treat women, especially when you take the 'dine' part too far."
Asking what he meant definitely made my list of 'top ten moments that scarred me'. Then again, his light-hearted guidance never failed to put a smile on my face.
Speaking of Sonic, I hadn't heard from him in a few days. Being the doting big brother he was, the famous blue blur wouldn't usually miss a single chance to ask me how life was going. He once went as far as to claim I'm the number one reason he got a phone in the first place. Of course, his nosiness had been a little annoying from time to time, but I had more or less come to expect it and… Yes, I really missed my bro too. But I wasn't about to tell him that, lest he started REALLY getting into my business.
Musing like this had me so distracted, I nearly dropped my cell when it buzzed. Sighing over the quick scare, I looked at the device to find, much to my joyful surprise that Sonic had come through at last! I eagerly disabled the stubborn thing's keypad lock and flipped open my inbox to start reading.
The message within was…nice I suppose, but didn't really have that famous 'Sonic-vibe' to it, making the whole thing seem very secondhand to me. He merely greeted me with some plastic comments about how I was doing before getting to his main point; the point being that he had spoken with someone, a 'someone' that claimed to know me very well, and arranged for me to meet them at my place. Strangely, he didn't bothering giving a name, instead saying, quote "It's best if you see for yourself". That didn't make much sense, just what was he hiding? Who was this person that he felt so inclined to not tell me about?
Stupid questions… If I really trusted my bro, I should do what he says and go find out. With any luck, Sonic would be there to keep them company, or back me up, in case this someone was the untrustworthy type. In any case, worrying over it wouldn't help, so I vowed to keep my focus on the 'now' as I made tracks for home.
However, focusing like this didn't stop me from guessing all over the place. I couldn't help wondering if it was Mom, Dad, or some other lost relative. On the other hand, maybe it was just some silly gag, like Knuckles in a dress posing as an old flame! Disturbing as the thought was, I would gladly bear the burden on my eyes if it meant everything stayed un-dramatic.
Of course, that's not what my gut told me… Deep down I felt sick, shaky, and plain scared. Something new was definitely waiting for me, and I was pretty sure I wasn't going to like it.
L
*Later that afternoon*
L
Since when did the short walk home start tiring me out? Maybe any normal student would think thirty miles or so was too far on foot, but if you hang with Sonic, you had better start treating several hundred mile stretches like they were little more than brisk jogs. Being practically raised by the blue blur, I couldn't understand my fatigue. My pace was so sluggish and weak it was driving even me crazy, not to mention how ticked Sonic and our mystery guest were likely getting from waiting.
Was I really that nervous? It'd be hard to justify the itchy sweat massing on my forehead if not.
Things admittedly did get better when I finally saw my workshop/house sitting in complete tranquility by the seaside. The same hydroelectric generator I had installed oh so many years ago kept running quietly in the dusk sunlight. Next to this stood an old garage with my insignia placed squarely in the center of the faded grey shutter. Each of these stood as a soft reminder of days long past. I know how boring that must sound to anyone else, but some of my happiest days were spent in that beat-up old place.
To add extra relief, the neither the guest nor Sonic were anywhere in sight, meaning I had, against all odds, gotten back early enough to get everything prepared. Things were indeed back to looking positive.
I soon after gave in to the grin tugging at my cheeks and, before I knew it, I was standing at my own doorstep. How could I have forgotten the magic, Dr. Sonic prescribed formula for getting through any crisis? Now armed with a good old smile to beat the odds, I took out my keys and attempted to slide the lock open. But, as my crummy luck would have it, the door was jammed. No matter how hard I tried, the darn key would not turn an inch. Getting impatient with the stupid thing, I held the handle down for a better grip…only to push the door open with ease. Smacking my face in embarrassment, I realized the silly thing had been left unlocked.
…wait what? Unlocked? But how?
My distress stemmed mostly from the fact that no one, not even Sonic himself, had a key to my place. Since I was generally always home before I attended school, I never had a reason to make extra keys. Not to mention that I habitually made sure to lock up every time I left. I did, however, secretly leave one of the second story windows unlocked so Sonic could get in if he really had to. I suppose he could've let the visiting party in that way, otherwise…no one should've had access to my property.
Checking the lock quickly, I noticed a few scuff marks like something sharp had recently been inserted. Angrily assuming burglars had gotten bold, I snapped the door wide open to confront them; hoping that whoever was stupid enough to break in, enjoyed getting a spin dash to the abdomen. I could replace any tools they might try lifting, but I didn't want anyone getting the priceless belongings in my room. No doubt, that's probably exactly where I'd find this slimy lowlife(s); tucked away in a darkened room just waiting to get the jump on me. So, with my temper a little out of sorts, I burst into the family room and…
"My, my, somebody knows how to make an entrance."
…
That voice…Rogue? No way, but it sounded so familiar.
I turned my head in the speaker's direction, only to have my skin crawl and my stomach tighten. There sat the intruder, clear as day, lying spread out on my couch like they owned the place. Having locked eyes with me, the unwelcome guest's irises shone with a devious glint; leaving me to return my own stares of disgust and annoyance.
The visitor then cast a smile of eerie, likely false, affection whilst practically slithering up to me to say "Been quite a few years now, hasn't it? But judging by the stupid look on your face, I guess you haven't forgotten about me." Her words were almost as acidic as her touch, which I promptly backed away from.
"Fiona." I said blankly, remembering this treacherous rat with a fluffy tail very, very well. Being the dumb little kid I used to be, I had a significant crush on this vile woman, up until she turned her back on all of us. She was the same disgrace that had broken, no…practically ripped Sonic's heart in two after cheating on him with some scummy, ivy-colored hedgehog. Afterwards she got into all kinds of shady deals and criminal activity, until finally the authorities apprehended the both of them.
I once begged her not to go down that path, but all I got was nice slapping for my trouble.
In spite of all that, here she was, just as haughty and manipulative as ever. Why she thought her serpentine words would affect me now, long after my childhood had passed, was beyond understanding. Nevertheless, she still leaned in and wrapped her lithe arm around me, as if that would faze me at all…
…which it sadly did.
Fighting back the resurfacing memories, I gripped the vixen's shoulders and made some space between us. I put on my well-practiced, as Knuckles dubbed it, mad-as-hell look to break her down. Granted, it was hard to keep scowling when her own face shone with a sort of innocent nervousness, not that I was fooled. This was Fiona after all, and even doing time couldn't have changed a tough girl like her. Still, I wish she would just drop the act already. That pouty look was starting to make me uncomfortable.
Finally I'd had enough. Losing my cool I gave the traitor a quick shake and snarled "Alright, what the heck makes you think you're welcome here? And don't you dare try that 'turned over a new leaf' crap with me! Trust me, I know you better than that..." I tore into her as badly as my heart would allow. I only hoped she hadn't noticed the brief lapse in my tough composure.
Seemingly ashamed by my accusation, I saw her turn her gaze towards the floor. I wasn't in the mood for faux poutiness, so I pulled her chin up, forcing her to look me in the eye. Her baby blue irises now glimmered awkwardly in the dim light. Anyone else would've easily taken her despair to be in earnest. In fact, resisting the urge to not soften my harsh glare was one of the most difficult challenges I'd ever faced. Yet I persisted, knowing I couldn't let her guile dissuade me.
At last it was time for the climax, the utmost height of her grand performance. I watched as the vixen's shimmering eyes quickly gave way to a stream of gentle tears. Squeezing them back with all her supposed might, she once again pulled me into her arms, this time burying her muzzle deep into my chest. I was grateful she could not see my face right now, for my strong exterior had just crumbled to pieces from that small gesture. I strained my stiffened arms all the way down to my tingling fingertips to avoid returning the devilish embrace.
Agonized, I weathered this four minute long game of affection until my heartbeat grew erratic. It was then that I felt small breaths escape the vixen's mouth. Confused, I looked down to see her half-gasping on a somewhat bitter fit of laughter. She wiped the tears I knew to be false away, reestablishing the cunning grin I had seen not minutes ago.
"Aw…come on, where's that look, foxy? Where's that look of a little boy upset over his poor confused feelings?" Her smile was so…insulting and her tone belittling. It was proof that she had come all this way just to toy with me, much like in the old days. It made me so mad, so enraged that I barely processed her next words "So, how'd you do it? Got a girlfriend you're worried about being unfaithful to, or…maybe Sonic and you are…"
"Shut up!" I thundered, no longer willing to listen to her forked tongue "Did you really think I wouldn't see what a horrible liar you are? Or maybe you thought I'd freeze up when you put your grimy hands on me? Get over yourself Fiona! I'm not a kid anymore!" With my ridge raised and head full of rage, I was so close to tossing this trespasser out by her scruff.
But before I could make a move, the vixen gave a sly grin and snapped the lights off. Hastily turning them back on, I looked side to side, hoping to catch a glimpse of her escape. Suddenly, those same thin arms snaked up and clung to me again. Gritting my teeth, I imagined the snide face she must've been making, as her gloved hands traced my chest fur lovingly; an act that effectively stirred up a cocktail of wrath, disgust and slight amoral desire inside my blood.
"A girl's got ways, Tails." She purred, adding insulting emphasis on my nickname "You being a man just makes my job easier." Her last words tickled the edges of my right ear, feeding my urge to belt her one right on the nose.
"Okay, spill it, what'd you come here for?" I asked pointedly, having grown a little tired of these mind games of hers. At first my question was only met with her infuriating giggles, prompting me to turn around and snap her back up in my grip while shouting "Start talking! And while you're at it learn to keep your hands to yourself!" True, I was taught by Sonic to never, no matter what the reason, ever harm a girl. Even so, her shoulders would likely be redder than usual after I was through with them.
Rolling her eyes, the pompous vixen waved off my demands with disinterest "Oh come on, don't tell me you've become a total prude in my absence. Besides, I just came here to see my favorite admirer." She had the audacity to poke my nose, and then laughingly add "See I've been having a case of the blues lately. So, I figured I'd call for a strong fox hero to keep me company tonight."
So that's what this was about…
It hit me so suddenly, just what had really gone down…
Awake now to her true motives, I stroked the vixen's cheek and offered some 'reassurance' "Aw Fi, you should've just said so…" I then released her shoulders and pulled her into a strong hug. I could tell she didn't trust my sudden attitude shift, but that made little difference now. I had already, literally, gotten my hands on the truth.
"But next time…try not disguising yourself as my brother." I felt her squirm as I wrested something plastic and royal blue from her claws. Holding her just out of reach, I dangled a small phone with hedgehog symbol inches from her face, which was now contorted into a vicious scowl. While letting her stew in her loss, I started asking "So tell me Fi, did he turn you down first, or did you just snag this without stopping to chat?" Of course, she had no direct response aside from more dirty looks, so I went on "Never mind, I guess it doesn't matter. The fact that you'd use me to get him jealous is proof of how low you are. Did you really think I wouldn't figure it out?"
After the eightieth spite-filled glance, the red vixen finally surrendered a small smirk and spoke up "Well played foxy. You and Sonic are just as shrewd as ever, either that or being stuck in that cell left my technique a bit rusty." Shrugging off the last bit of anger she had, Fiona raised her shoulders with ambivalence and turned towards the front door. Just then, she did stop rather abruptly to comment "You're right though, Tails…I am low, underhanded and all that good stuff. I suppose it would take a male chauvinist or an ignorant child to fall for me and my tricks."
I might be crazy, but swore she almost sounded genuinely sad when she said that last part. Unfortunately, a sour dryness in my throat kept me from saying anything back as she walked away. I knew she was up to no good, heck she'd just admitted it! Coupling her crude advances with her trying to hurt Sonic, I knew I had every reason in the world to hate her. Yet…in that very small window of clarity, I thought I saw a small spark, a tiny bit of actual need underneath all that deception. It was as if a small part of her really was crying out for love and understanding. It really…made me want to take back all the contemptuous looks and bridge-burning comments I'd rained on her since she arrived.
But instead…I stayed quiet, denying her any trace of sympathy.
As I stood in my silence, I saw her reach the front door, remarking "You've really grown up. I guess that means it's time you moved on and forgot all about me." Offering me one last sideways grin, she turned the knob, saying "Take care of yourself…Miles."
…and exited my life.
Taking a seat on the back of my couch, I held the stolen phone in my hands, gazing strongly at the custom symbol on its backside. I wanted to hold it in, but no matter how I tried I couldn't stop a small tear from slipping down and staining the cobalt device.
"Sonic…could you see it? Could you see the good in her?" I asked the inanimate object, hoping for some encouragement in this time of confusion "I know I did, but I didn't…I-I didn't try to help her…"
Times like this left me feeling so helpless, so weak that it was shameful. An adult shouldn't be sitting there crying over a selfish person's inability to change. Still my eyes kept burning against my will, forcing me to cover my face in disgrace.
I thought I was past all this, done with that silly little crush I had so many years ago.
Looking at it now, I realized that I was in denial. I wanted to believe that I could let her go. I wished I could live up to her last sentiment of moving on and forgetting everything that had happened. I desperately hoped I could stop wanting and wishing the best for her.
But I couldn't…
Because…I was still afflicted…
Infected…by her.
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The End...?
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This is story has no true relation to either the Sega games or Archie comics' canon. It's just my random take on a generally hated pairing. Crude comments or personal rants about the story setting and/or character choice are naturally not welcome.
Until next time.