Chapter One: Back in Town

Icy bellows of wind swept around him as Silver the Hedgehog hurried down the icy streets of the small town. It was dark, the only light being cast from the rising moon and a few shops still open for late Christmas shoppers. Up ahead, Silver spotted a familiar silhouette with small black wings and high heeled boots.

"Just the person I wanted to see," grumbled Silver as he recognized Rogue the Bat. Silver had been planning to try and walk past the bat unnoticed but then he realized the bat was coming out of a diamond shop with a loaded black bag and he knew that meant trouble. With a sigh, he headed towards her and the bat turned around, hearing the approaching footsteps.

"Silver…" the bat started but was quickly interrupted.

"Rogue, what are you doing… are those diamonds!" Silver had nothing against the bat but had never fully trusted her, even if she had been going out with Knuckles for more than a year. And no wonder, Silver thought to himself, I just caught her stealing from a diamond shop!

Immediately Rouge put on her most innocent look. "Aww, come on Silver! Not even a hello? It`s been what, a year? I`ve missed you!" And with that, the bat gave Silver a bone crushing hug. Silver could feel his annoyance towards the bat lessening slightly but still gave her a stern look.

"Rogue, you said you were done with stealing. You promised Knuckles!"

"The diamonds are only to pay for some Christmas presents Silvy! I mean, I make hardly anything at McDonalds!" The bat gave him a pleading look and finally, the hedgehog gave in.

"Okay, but this is the last time!" The bat gave him a serious nod and Silver turned to leave.

"Silver wait! Aren`t you going to say hi to the rest of the gang? They haven`t seen you in so long." Silver hesitated. It had been at least a year since he had seen them because he had decided to take off and travel. He had been to Paris, Italy, Europe, and Asia and soon planned to leave for Hawaii. He had only stopped in town for a few weeks for winter to let up. And though he missed his friends, he didn`t want them to get the impression that he was staying. Rogue must`ve sensed he was about to say no because she added,

"Tails is having a Christmas Party at his house in two days. Why don`t you come then? Amy, Sonic, Shadow, Knuckles, Cream, Cosmo, Blaze, we`ll all be there!" Silver felt himself smile as Rogue went over the list of names, smiling largest at Blazes. Rogue must`ve took the smile as a yes because she grinned at him and turned to leave.

"See you at the party Silvy!" and with a flap of her wings, took off.

The following day, a light drizzle of rain fell from the sky which froze and turned into ice. Silver spent most of his morning in his room at the inn. Although he did have a house, he had no idea where he put his keys and therefore, was unable to get inside. Instead he came to the inn where he was planning to stay for the next few weeks. Silver paced up and down the room until he finally had a somewhat decent list of Christmas presents to buy and then set out.

By 6:00, Silver was sitting on an iced bench just outside the pet shop where he had brought Cheese a brand new red bow. Checking over his list, Silver made sure he had gotten everything. Knuckles, a wrestling mat, Rogue, some perfumes, Cream, a new flower pin, Shadow, some quill gel (I mean, how long does it take him to do his quills?) Sonic, a timer, Tails, some tools, Cosmo, a bracelet, Amy, some makeup, and Blaze, a heart shaped necklace. He hadn`t see his friends for long he had to guess on what they would like. As the day grew darker and the wind, colder, Silver got up and went to a nearby Coffee Shop before going back to the inn.

A bell chimed as he opened the door and warm heat from a nearby heater blasted his fur. Only a few people were in line and there were still plenty of open tables. Stepping up to the counter, Silver ordered a chocolate chip frappuccino and two chocolate chip cookies. Taking his tray of food, Silver settled himself into a nearby seat. As the shop got ready to close, Silver ate his food. Next to him was an employee who looked familiar but Silver couldn`t quite tell where he had seen her. Just when the squirrel looked up, Silver remembered her name. Sally Acorn.

"Is that you Silver?" Sally asked, pausing in the table she was cleaning.

" Hey Sal, how`s it going?"

"Silver! I haven`t seen you in so many months! Where were you?" At this point, Sally was sitting down at Silver`s table, having finished cleaning the one next to it.

"I`ve been traveling a lot. I`m only stopping in town for a few weeks so winter lets up. So you work here now?"

" Yeah, the diner I was working at shut down. I`ve been working here for about four months. Already manager!" She proudly held out her nametag which read SALLY ACORN: MANAGER- HOW MAY I HELP YOU?

Silver applauded while Sally grinned. " So how`s the rest of the gang? You and Sonic still going out?" Sally and Sonic had been going out for quite a few months by the time Silver had left and there were rumors they were soon going to get married. Silver had easily believed these rumors for Sally and Sonic had simply seen like the most perfect happiest couple. But instead of nodding like he thought Sally would, she gave a sad shake of her head.

" No, we broke up about two months ago. Apparently, he wasn`t sure what he wanted." Sally`s sad face turned to one of anger as Silver processed what she said. Sonic wasn`t sure what he happened? Maybe Sonic had meant he wasn`t ready for marriage or, or that there was another girl in his life other than Sally. But if there was another girl, surely Silver would know who…..

Sally cleared her throat, interrupting Silver`s thoughts. " Well, it was great talking to you Silver. Unfortunately, we close early on Fridays." Silver checked the time and with great surprise, saw it was nearing 8:00.

" It was great talking to you too Sal. Hey, what are you doing for Christmas?" He hadn`t thought of it until now but he suddenly remembered Sally attending every holiday with the gang. But if she and Sonic had broke up, where would she spend Christmas?

Sally looked at him sadly. "Oh, I`ll just spend mine at home. It`s no big deal." But Silver shook his head.

" You can`t spend Christmas alone Sally. Why don`t you come to Tail`s house tomorrow? The whole gang will be there." But Sally was already shaking her head.

" No, I don`t want anyone to be uncomfortable with me there. I`m not exactly there friend anymore…"

" Sally, it`s Christmas. No one would want you to spend it alone! Just come to Tail`s. It will be fun." Sally bit her lower lip until eventually, she nodded.

" Alright but if anyone feels awkward…."

" They`ll be fine, don`t worry."

" Alright then Silver, if you insist. Have a goodnight, see you tomorrow!" Silver threw away his trash and waved goodbye.

Walking on his way back to the inn, Silver thought about what he had just done. It was the right thing to do, Silver thought. But something tells me there`s more to Sally and Sonics' breakup… And what else have I missed? Sonic broke up with Sally, Knuckles and Rogue are going out, surely there`s more relationships going on? But Silver cut his thoughts short as he neared the inn. Climbing into bed, Silver thought about one last thing. Talking about relationships, where are me and Blaze?

Hey everyone! This is my first fanfiction so please don`t be to hard on me! Please no flames! Chapter two may be a little shorter but there are going to be a few good surprises in it! Please Review:)