One Last Chance

There aren't many things more romantic and cozy than a coffee shop on a rainy day.

I sat at a booth next to the window, cradling a warm cup between my two gloved hands. I inhaled the bittersweet hazelnut scent of the latte warming my fingertips. The steam from the cup swirled in the air and fogged up the window with warm moisture. Either that, or it was my persistent wistful sighs. Raindrops trickled down the glass outside, further obscuring my view of the world. But as per usual, there was only one thing I cared and hoped to see.

I wasn't quite sure where to draw the line between "he's late" and "he wasn't coming." I had no frame of reference, because he was always, always, always in the second category.

So, to back up a bit - why am I here in this coffee shop expecting my crush, Sonic the Hedgehog, to come? Well, after many long months of failure to score a date with Sonic, I decided to change up my approach. In the past I'd been proactive, asking him, begging him, even trying some hammer persuasion - and failed each time to get him to even look at me twice. So if he didn't want to be chased, I'd let up and leave that burden on him. Not only was I tired of being rejected, I figured if he really wanted to be with me, he'd make it happen himself. Sonic was that kinda guy after all.

It was hard at first, but I'd given him so many chances to make a move, approach me, ask me out. Sometimes he'd even come through, and one of two things would happen. He'd either shyly grab the back of his quills and ask me on a date, or he'd wink at me and say he'd see me later - either way, I could tell he was making at least a partial effort. And it thrilled me that he was showing some interest. At least he wasn't just ignoring and running from me anymore. But even though Sonic had officially asked me out sixteen times (...hehe, who's counting…?) - he'd failed to show up every single time, leaving me lonely until I finally gave up and went home alone.

He was just toying with my heart at this point, I knew it. He asked me out to get me off his back, but then left me hanging.

I'm not sure why I even try, or even get my hopes up with him. He lets me down every time. Says he's not ready, he's busy, has other stuff to do - and don't dare ask him about the future, because he's "not looking for anything serious" and "doesn't know" if we'll ever be together. Was he so terrible at commitment he couldn't even date me casually? I was really stumped on his recent behavior. Why does he even ask me out if he won't make it? Why bother to get my hopes up? And why am I an idiot and keep saying yes? Why do I get myself all pretty, put on my best dresses, waste perfectly good lipstick if he's never going to bother showing up?

And now I was here, all alone at a coffee shop on a rainy day, on attempt number sixteen. Waiting on the wind to finally blow my way for once. The fissure in my heart was only getting deeper, each disappointment another painful crack. I knew the answers to those questions about why I kept trying, and I wasn't proud of them.

It was the way Sonic spoke when he asked me - so casual and chill like he was always, but also intense and perhaps a bit shy. Even if it was just a few seconds, enough for him to ask me if I wanted to go out with him tomorrow, I'd still hung onto his every syllable, his every gesture, every sparkle in those gorgeous green eyes. Even long after he'd said goodbye, and rushed off to do what he did, I was still caught up in that one moment, as if it were burned into my memory. His words, his sweet sweet words echoed in my mind, and ricocheted off the sides of my heart. It was the way for just a few seconds he was focused on just me, I had his undivided attention, and there was the promise we'd be together, on a date. He gave me hope, and it was enough to keep me coming back every time.

Yes, words were all I got from him nowadays. All he bothered to share. He certainly wasn't interested in sharing his time with me.

Yet the more the words repeated in my heart, the more they broke me. The seconds, minutes, and now an hour ticked away, and I remaining sitting in the booth, checking my phone obsessively between sips of my latte. The rain kept falling down, people huddled under umbrellas but still made their appointments, the world went on, but it all passed me by. I was still here, waiting. And as I tried to take another sip, my coffee cup was empty - just like my heart.

I sighed. Again. He'd forgotten. Again. He stood me up. Again. I was jilted once more.

A sudden crack of thunder shook me from my head. I jumped a bit as I looked outside, searching for lightning. I'd better head home, then, if it was going to storm. I didn't want to be caught out in this. I slid out of the booth, grumbling as I gathered my things. I wrapped my red scarf around my neck, slipped my purse over my shoulder, and got my umbrella ready. I wasn't sure how to feel - not mad, not even disappointed, mostly just nothing. I shouldn't be surprised this was how my evening had turned out - I'd half-expected it. I'd just go home and watch a movie about a couple with the perfect happy ending to nurse my perpetual broken heart.

I used one hand to push the cafe door open, bracing myself for the water and wind as I opened my umbrella. The large fabric billowed out, but was stopped when it suddenly hit an unexpected object. I lowered it to see what was in my way -

You gotta be kidding me.

I was suddenly face to face with my date. And then I realized - the rumble of thunder I'd heard earlier hadn't been from the storm, but instead was Sonic's harbinger. His speedy sonic boom, letting me know he had arrived. Late.

"Amy, I'm so sorry."

More words I'd heard before. I just looked at the soaking wet blue hedgehog with a blank expression. Water was dripping off his quills and face, and he shivered from the impact of rain pelting his body. I immediately noticed the green scarf around his neck, a twin to my own accessory. I'd bought it for him, as the green reminded me of his eyes.

I said nothing, and just opened my umbrella in spite of him, dodging the puddles littering the street as I walked forward. I clutched the umbrella close to me as I hurried along, leaving him standing in the rain. It served the jerk right.

Woosh - a sudden gust of wind passed by me, kicking up a tiny wave that soaked my rain boots. Sonic was suddenly in front of me, of course, but I side-stepped him and kept walking.

He circled around in front again, walking backwards to try and meet my eyes. "Hey, I know I'm late, but I'm here now."

I walked forward as if he were invisible, not daring to acknowledge his presence. I'd had it with him. If he was gonna treat me like I meant nothing to him, then it was only fair I ignore him right back. See how he liked it.

"Amy - "

"What, Sonic?" I demanded, coming to a stop. The rain picked up, and I could feel it hammering against my umbrella. I knew he wouldn't give up, but I just wanted him to go away.

"Where are you going? Dontcha want to have our date?" He seemed a bit hesitant, as if he were afraid of my hammer coming out, but I didn't even want to waste my energy on that.

"Gee, would I like to have a date with you after being stood up time and time again?" I stopped for a second as if to think. "No, I'll pass."

"Amy, c'mon, I'm sorry - "

"You're always sorry, and you're never here,," I punctuated my words with a tiny stomp into a nearby puddle. "I've had enough of you playing with my heart. If you won't make time for me, then I'm obviously not that important to you. Don't ask me out if you won't bother to show up. Just... go home. And stop asking me out."

His face fell in shame, leaving his quills upright as a makeshift umbrella. "You are important to me - "

"How?" I used my free hand to gesture in a circle. "How can I possibly be important to you if you never follow up on your promises?"

"It's not...ugh," he groaned and raised his head again, my green eyes meeting his. "Look, I can't plan stuff, okay? Something always comes up and it's always the worst timing in the world, it's like I'm always on a grand adventure whenever I was supposed to be with you - "

"A grand adventure, of course. Excuses. Always excuses with you!"

Sonic sighed, and shivered once more, shaking more water everywhere. His fur was matted down from the moisture, and he looked silly but still cute. "I feel horrible. But I really like you, okay? I just can't - "

I interrupted. "You like me? Coulda fooled me. Prove it." I narrowed my eyes in focus on him, my heart pounding against my ribcage from his sudden admission. Did he really mean it?

He gestured to himself dramatically before shivering yet again. "Look at me. I'm out here in the rain, trying to chase you down, shivering wet, wearing your scarf, begging for another chance. And you know how much I hate water."

I shook my head, unimpressed, and adjusted my grip on the umbrella. "You just feel bad. Go home, Sonic. We're not having this date."

"Yes we are." Sonic suddenly crossed his arms and smirked, and I hated him for it. He knew I was weak for him.

"No, we're not."

"No need to play hard to get, Ames, I'm pretty sure I do that enough for the both of us."

I rolled my eyes. Great. Apologetic Sonic was gone and I was stuck with his annoyingly confident persona.

"Like I said, I'm here now. So here's what's what: we're gonna go back to that coffee spot, and have that date, then if you don't have a good time after this, then I'll leave you alone and stop asking you out. Forever. Okay?"

I didn't respond, as he was suddenly right by my side under the umbrella, his hand over mine as I held it up. His fingertips gently stroked my knuckles.

"Whaddya say? One last chance?"

Sonic was so close; my heart was beating insanely fast. A deep blush came to my cheeks as he took his other hand and wrapped it around my waist. I didn't care that he was soaking wet, just that we were now close enough to kiss. His gaze was tender, apologetic, soft. This side of him was so rare to see that I cherished every millisecond of it as I gazed into his gorgeous eyes. He'd stolen my breath, my heart, and so much more. I wanted to lean in to capture his lips so badly.

Still, I hesitated, even if I couldn't tear my eyes from him. I spoke softly. "Sonic, I don't know. I'm tired of these games, you like me and then you don't, you care and then you push me away, you ask me out and don't show up, I don't know what to think for real."

"Will ya let me show ya how I feel?"

His voice was so sweet, my heart was melting. While I was super attracted to cocky Sonic, softer Sonic had me captivated. I couldn't get enough of him when he let go of his bravado and showed that he truly did have a heart of gold locked away. I'd tried so hard for so long to find the key, but it seemed like nothing I did mattered. Sonic just did whatever he wanted. Didn't mean I couldn't try.

"You know I can't say no to you, as much as I want to…"

"Hey, think of it like this…" he trailed off, but his next words made me wonder why I expected anything profound out of his big mouth."You get to spend time with me. Me. Isn't that great?"

"Your ego is legendary," I rolled my eyes again, but was suddenly was reminded of his hands on me when they moved to gather me in his arms. I gripped the umbrella, holding it over us, as Sonic grinned down at me.

"Don't worry m'lady, I whilst protect thee feet from yonder water."

I raised a skeptical eyebrow at him. "What? There were so many things wrong with what you just said."

His ears folded back, and he looked adorable. I had to hug him close, putting my arms around his neck as I muffled my giggle against his shoulder.

"Hey, lay off, I'm tryin', thought you'd like some fancy talk," he began walking back to the cafe, taking care to avoid puddles and not go too fast as he carried me bridal style.

"You're so silly. It's 'thy', not 'thee', and 'yonder' is the furthest thing from fancy you can get."

"Ah whatevs. I guess I don't have to impress you anyway. Because you already loooove me," he teased as we were in front of the cafe.

I didn't even try to cover my blush, wearing my cute pink cheeks with pride. "And you spent a little too long getting here - you wanted to keep holding me, huh?"

I was instantly on the ground again, right in front of the shop. Sonic stood at a distance, back in the rain, arms crossed and cheeks flaming.

"No."

"Mmm-hmm, right." I deflated my umbrella and opened the door to the coffee shop.

Sonic zoomed inside, and as I followed him as it suddenly hit me. We were here, on a date. Maybe I was still a little mad at him for this, but I was finally, finally getting what I wanted. It wasn't under perfect circumstances, but still - I had to have the right attitude. If this was the only date I was going to have with Sonic, I'd make sure we both enjoyed it. Now if only I could erase all our painful history from my memory. I set down my soaking wet umbrella and shivered in the warmth of the building.

"Nice and warm in here, huh?" Sonic said to me, smiling kindly. I noticed him fiddling with his drenched scarf, attempting to untangle it from around his neck.

"Here, let me," I said and walked over to him with outstretched hands. I couldn't resist approaching him to help, as I'd take any excuse to be close to him. My heart warmed as he stood still and let me fuss over him. I took my time with the untangling, trying to figure out just how he weaved the scarf around himself, and enjoying living in his personal space. Sonic was fidgeting a bit as I worked, his hands playing with his opposite fingers - was he nervous being so close to me?

As I managed to help free the heavy fabric, I let it lay across his shoulders, but with me gripping the ends and staring into his eyes. I realized with a start how romantic the pose we suddenly found ourselves… how easy would it be to tug on the scarf to pull his face close to mine, and taste those perfect lips…

Both of us were frozen to the spot. Thanks to the height difference, I was eye-level with his lips; I studied them intensely, watching him breathe, as his eyes were locked onto me. I was afraid to move, lest I ruin the intimate moment somehow.

"Amy."

He breathed my name, and I thought for sure he was going to lean forward and kiss me. It'd be just like how I always imagined it - a jolt of electricity sparked through my system as his hands made their way to my waist, cupping around my back and pulling me even closer. We were in the pose! The kissing pose! The scarf fabric loosened in between my fingers, and I tossed it to the side, leaving it to drip dry on the back of a chair as I repositioned my hands on his now bare neck. I didn't remove my gaze from his lips, though, and the closer his face got, the wider my eyes grew. He was gonna kiss me now! Right here, now! I closed my eyes and braced myself, trying to relax despite how tense I was. I puckered my lips just slightly, not wanting to go full duck-face, but ready to accept his lips… any second now…

I felt a brief tickle on my muzzle, gentle as a butterfly wing and warm as sunshine. I opened my eyes a sliver to take a peek, and saw Sonic pulling away from me, looking super flustered. OMG he'd just kissed me! Yes, it was on the cheek, but I didn't care! He did it! He kissed me! For the first time!

After getting over my initial shock, my lips turned into a smile, and I wanted to say something, but all I could do was giggle from pure joy.

"Thanks Sonic."

He looked so embarrassed it was adorable. "Yeah, so, uh, sit?" He took his hands off me to gesture to the booth.

"Okay," I agreed, still glowing, and my cheek still warm from his kiss.

We took opposite seats, and Sonic called over a waiter to order a hot chocolate, and me another latte. We sat awkwardly for a second, Sonic gazing outside and tapping his foot, and me unable to stop smiling. My insides were bouncing from the thrill of feeling his lips against my face. It was our first kiss. If only I'd leaned to the side to steal a bit more. I should have! Well, next time he wasn't gonna get away with just kissing my cheek.

After a few more moments of internal excitement, I turned back to my crush who was still staring out the window.

"So what does the mysterious Sonic the Hedgehog do all day?" I started the conversation, trying to break the ice.

His shoulders rose and then fell. "I'm a simple guy. I run. I find stuff that looks cool. I'm a hero. I save the world pretty much everyday, no big deal. And I fight Eggman and kick his butt."

"Charming."

He smirked at me, his earlier softness gone. "I didn't know I had to make you like me, I thought you already did."

I couldn't help but blush - he always made me so flustered!

"C'mon Ames, do you or do you not have a huge crush on me?" He leaned across the table, flashing me his perfect teeth.

"You know I do."

"Of course, who wouldn't?" His smug smile made me both love and hate him more.

I matched his pose by leaning across the table, resting my elbows. "What about you, hmm? You have a crush on me, too?" I shot back.

Just like that his confident demeanor disappeared, and he looked at me wide-eyed as he leaned back against the seat.

"C'mon now Sonic, I answered your question, now you answer mine. Didn't you say you'd tell me how you felt?" I battered my lashes a bit.

"Show you, not tell you, that's what I said." He wiped his brow. "Whew, I'm safe."

"Oh c'mon," I pouted.

Sonic shrugged. "I don't know what to tell ya, Ames. I'm not sure what having a crush feels like, to be honest."

I dropped my grin and turned a bit sweeter. "That's okay. Just tell me how you feel. Say whatever is on you mind, Sonic."

"Right now? Uh, hate to disappoint ya but I don't feel much."

"Nothing?" I prodded. "You felt nothing a little bit ago, when you kissed me?"

The fur around his muzzle slowly started to resemble mine as it grew pink. He was thinking about it, I could tell. I had to smile as the spot on my own muzzle tingled. Seriously, I wouldn't wash that spot again...

"Okay, you got me there," he admitted, resting his face on his palm. His long fingers tapped against his cheek as he avoided my gaze for a moment more before finding my eyes.

"I've never really talked about my emotions and junk, but guess I'll try - I have this weird feeling here…" he gripped at his chest. "Super awkward but kinda nice? Excited and happy but also a little nervous? I'm having fun but also feel uncomfortable?" He gave me a half-smile, half-wince, further emphasizing the duality he felt.

I smiled wide. "I think those are signs you like me."

"Really?"

"Well, do you feel this way around anyone else?"

"No, just you…" I was about to squeal internally but he quickly followed up with, "But maybe it's cause you're the only girl I hang out with."

"Sonic. Please." I tilted my head to the side. "We never hang out."

"Hm, good point."

"And why is that? I thought we were at least friends, but it's never just the two of us…." I trailed off. "Why do you keep asking me out, anyway, if you never show up? You make no sense."

"I already told ya that something always comes up. But I don't know why this has taken us so long. You're the romance expert, not me."

"Wow, I didn't think your ego let you be bad at anything."

He made a face at me, but before he could say anything, our drinks arrived.

I happily accepted the warm drink, ready to nurse my second cup of caffeine. I was going to be bouncing off the walls later, but I'd need it if I was going to try to keep up with Sonic. Speaking of which -

"So, hot chocolate and not coffee, hmm?" I asked, eyeing his choice of beverage.

Sonic stuck out his tongue. "Yuck. I hate coffee."

"What? You don't like coffee? Have you ever had one with flavor?"

"Don't want to, 'sides, can you picture me hyped up on caffeine? Psh. I'm jittery enough as it is."

"Hmmm, I wonder if it'd make you go faster?" I raised an eyebrow at him, and for a moment I could see something register in his eyes. Of course, the daredevil wanted to go faster.

I snatched away my cup before he could get the idea to take a swig. Although wouldn't that mean my lips and his lips would touch the same thing? Wasn't that just like we'd kissed? Sonic was looking at me expectantly and my blush deepened as I remembered just how close we were a moment ago…

I took a sip to hide my red cheeks and had to tease him. "Too bad you don't like coffee. The world may never know just how fast Sonic the Hedgehog can go."

Upon seeing his unamused blank expression, I was unable to hide my grin and giggle.

Sonic suddenly shrugged. "Ya know, it doesn't matter. I've never been a fan of using performance enhancing drugs. Don't need 'em."

"Caffeine is not a drug!"

He blinked.

"Okay, so maybe it's technically a drug," I waved my hand in a circle. "Not like it's a steroid or something."

"Nah, I'm good. You keep your foul smelling black liquid to yourself. Blergh."

"You know…" I battered my lashes at him. "There's a way to taste it without actually tasting it." I smiled and leaned across the table, resting my elbows on top.

"Hmm?"

Of course he was clueless. I rubbed my lips together. "What is something two people normally do on a date?"

"Spend time together…?" I facepalmed, and he continued. "I dunno, you're the romance expert. I just haven't been on many dates. Actually, I haven't been on any dates. This is my first one actually. Sorry if I'm a bit clumsy, but I'll be up to speed in no time." He winked at me, and my heart forgave him immediately.

We stayed at the cafe for another half hour, talking, laughing, flirting, and watching the rain continue to soak the outside world. Thankfully we were still warm inside, due to the heater, our drinks, and - most importantly - each other. I couldn't deny that being around Sonic in an intimate setting like this was warming my heart. It was so nice to just be close to him and hang out, even if what we were doing wasn't particularly romantic. We were getting to know each other better if nothing else. I'd take any time with him that I could, and I'd give him time to figure out his feelings. Didn't mean I couldn't help him along, though - at one point his arm had been lying on top of the table, and I'd made a move to hold his hand. But curse his lightning quick reflexes, he'd moved before I got the chance.

You can't run from me forever, Sonic.

When Sonic finally finished off his drink, and took aim at the trash bin across the room. It obviously bounced off the rim, but Sonic was up in a flash to finish with a slam dunk before reappearing next to me. He remained standing.

"So, instead of sitting around talking about stuff, you wanna get outta here and do something fun?" He hooked his thumb towards the window.

"Like what?" I glanced outside. "It's still pouring down rain."

"I guess, if we have to, we can do something…" He winced as if the words were painful. "...inside…"

"Do you want to get wet?"

"No, I'm just not sure what normal people do inside other than sleep. Cause that's all I do. So I guess this is your department. Name it, and we'll do it."

"Really?"

"Yeah Ames. I mean, as many missed dates as we've had, I'm sure ya got lots of ideas. So I'll let you call the shots. Whaddya wanna do?"

Oh boy, here it was - the important first step. I'd have to think of something that Sonic would enjoy doing indoors - and quickly. I wracked my brain, crossing off most ideas I'd already come up with. Unfortunately, as we were both so active, the stuff I'd always daydreamed about doing with Sonic was all outdoors. Other than just kissing him of course - that could be done anywhere - maybe we could just make out - I found myself daydreaming about his lips again ~

"Earth to Amy!"

He was waving his gloved hand in front of my glazed expression, and I blinked. My head rattled from side to side as I tried to shake off my blush. I had to focus. Yes his lips were perfect, but I honestly did want to do more than just kiss. I wanted to have some fun, and most importantly, get him to like me even more. So this hopefully wouldn't be our only date.

"Sorry. I know what we can do," I said.

Sonic leaned forward in anticipation, and I let myself smile sweetly at him, hoping he liked my idea.