Promises:
Chapter 1: "You've Changed"
"I don't know how else to say this, Sal; you've changed."
"Yeah, well thinking your boyfriend is dead for a year can do that." Sally glared at Sonic. They were standing in her quarters of the hidden compound. Everything was pristine and organized, which was a habit she had picked up as a princess. "Do you have any idea how many times I cried myself to sleep? How many times I asked myself 'why couldn't it of been me?'!"
Sonic averted his green gaze from her accusing eyes. "I told you it had to seem real."
"I'm your girlfriend, or at least, I was! That means I'm your partner, you could've at least told me. What you did nearly destroyed us. It didn't just hurt me, Tails completely lost hope and blamed himself for your supposed death."
Sonic didn't reply, he just stared at his red shoes. Sally continued, "If I hadn't for Knuckles' support, I don't know what we would've done."
Sonic looked up sharply at the mention of Knuckles' name. "He probably was glad to be rid of me so he could take the spotlight," he muttered.
Sally slapped him and he staggered. "He's our friend, how dare you accuse him of wanting your death?!"
Sonic rubbed his cheek. "Oh yeah? Tell me, did he try any moves on you?" he shot back. Sally swung again, but he managed to dodge it and grabbed her wrist.
"No. You're lucky he's such a loyal friend because I probably would've thrown myself into his arms if he had."
Sonic released her and shook his head. "See, this is what I'm talking about. Old Sal wouldn't threaten to cheat."
"Hello?! I thought you were dead, and you've changed yourself. You're a bigger dick than ever."
"I'm sorry, Sal… but it's over."
"Fine! I don't want to talk to you ever again."
"Aw c'mon, it doesn't have to be that way…"
"Just go."
"But -"
"Go!" Sally pointed towards the door for added emphasis. Sonic shut his mouth and reluctantly slunk out. Sally's stern face broke as a tear formed and rolled down her face. She flung herself on her bed facedown to mute the breaking of her heart.
Sonic wandered out into the main commons of the compound. The wide room was mostly deserted, only Tails and Amy talked quietly near the fox's workbench. They broke off when Sonic entered. Amy seemed uncomfortable while Tails deliberately looked away. Sonic knew what they had been talking about: his mysterious disappearance and, more recently, his mysterious reappearance. He also knew that they would need time to heal.
He continued to walk aimlessly, but as he passed he said, "You wander where I went and why, and I'll tell you everything in good time." Neither replied and Sonic left the room.