AN: So I stayed up way late to finish this chapter up so I could post both my prologue and chapter 1 at the same time. And I have a test in the morning. So I'm sorry if some of the scenes are kinda rushed. I really just wasn't feeling the whole "going into details" thing during certain parts. So I took the cheaters way out. Sorry if it bothers you. Just use your imagination if you really want. Mine stopped working so well sometime after midnight. All right. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Sonic.
- - - - - - - - -
Six years had gone since Amy had put that box away. For a while she found the idea of letting him go very difficult. There wasn't one day that went by that she didn't think about him. That was something she had accepted early on, though. She knew he'd always be in her heart. And besides, forgetting him was never something she was willing to do.
But slowly she had begun to notice her heart healing. She found herself more willing to go out and have fun with her old friends. And the fake smiles started to be replaced with ones that were genuine. She hadn't really understood just how depressed and secluded she had gotten, either, until her friends kept making comments about how they were glad to still see her alive. It was during that time that she knew she had made the right decision.
And then, after a few years of mending her broken heart she did the unthinkable. Amy found herself actually going out on dates. When she first started to date she felt sorry for the guys because she knew whoever she was dating would never live up to Sonic. She had almost felt like cursing him for ruining her chances of finding true happiness. Why did she have to find him so perfect and irresistible? And just when she was about ready to give up and live her life all alone she met Sam.
Sam turned out to be everything that she needed. He was the exact opposite of Sonic. He was sweet to her, he loved to be around her whenever possible, and he was always on time for their dates. But the thing that was most different, and perhaps the most appreciated by her, was the fact that he liked to take it slow.
She had met him one day out on the beach not long after her latest break up. The sunset looked so beautiful as it slipped below the horizon. She sat on her favorite rock allowing her feet to dangle into the cool water. Her mind was lost in thoughts about the uncertainty of her future when a strange voice forced her to come to.
"Excuse me miss." She turned toward the unknown person hiding her irritation only to be greeted by a beautiful pink rose. She felt her cheeks turn hot as she reached out to grab the gift that had been offered. When she had it in her hands she looked up at the person who had given it to her. He was a deep green color with slicked back quills and his body was very fit. His cheeks were flushed with embarrassment, she noticed, but he still smiled sweetly. But what really drew Amy's attention was his beautiful baby blue eyes that sparkled back at her.
"I didn't mean to interrupt you," he said as he nervously scratched the back of his head, "but you just looked so sad and it really bothered me that such a beautiful girl like you would be feeling that way…" His eyes suddenly went wide as if he had said something he hadn't meant to. "Not that I was staring at you or anything!" He quickly interjected.
She stared in surprise for another few seconds and then a smile crossed her face. "You certainly know how to make a girl blush." She giggled. "Thanks for the rose…" she said lifting the rose as she mentioned it. "My name is Amy" she held out her free hand.
His look of shame quickly melted away and his face lit up. "My name is Sam" he replied as he shook her hand.
- - - - - - - -
Amy ran around her room looking for her missing shoe. "Ahh!! I can't wear this outfit without these shoes!" She wailed.
"Don't worry, Amy" Cream said in an attempt to calm down her friend. "We'll find it." Cream stood up from looking under the couch.
Suddenly Cheese came flying into the room. "Chao! Chao! Chao!" Cheese stated proudly, desperately trying to keep it's balance while holding the missing shoe.
"Oh Cheese! You're my hero!" Amy cried as she grabbed the shoe out of the pet Chao's hands. She slipped it on and then walked over to her mirror to examine her entire outfit. Her dress was white and sleeveless with a v-line neck. It accentuated her curves around her body and the skirt cut off just after her knees. The shoes that she wore were silver high heel straps. And in her hair she wore a matching sliver headband.
She looked down at her empty neckline and realized she had almost forgotten one last thing. She walked over to her nightstand and opened her jewelry box. She reached in and pulled out a string of beautiful white pearls that Sam had given her. When she had successfully put them on she closed her jewelry box and turned her attention to the photo next to it. She smiled warmly as she picked it up.
It was a picture of the day her and Sam had started dating. It had taken him almost a year to gather up the nerve to ask her to be his girlfriend, but in that time period they had become such close friends. She remembered how he eagerly sought out someone to snap their picture just after she had said yes so that he could capture the moment forever.
Amy had surprised everyone with the fact that she had actually committed to somebody, including herself, but her feelings for Sam had grown so much that she couldn't imagine what it would be like without him around. And here she was, after all this time, waiting for Sam to pick her up to go celebrate two wonderful years of being together.
She looked up nervously as she heard a knock on the door. "How do I look?" She quickly asked Cream.
"Oh, Amy! You look so beautiful!" She smiled back at her friend.
Amy walked over to the door. "Thanks Cream." She said before she cracked the door open to reveal Sam.
She giggled slightly when she noticed his jaw drop. Although she had a tendency to get these reactions out of him a lot it still made her feel warm inside.
"Wow. I mean- WOW!" Sam said as his eyes ran up and down her body.
"After two years you still know how to make me blush." Amy said as she leaned up and gave him a quick kiss. She waved to her roommate and pet. "Good night Cream! Good night Cheese!"
"Don't wait up!" Sam called out as she shut the door.
Amy turned to him and smiled. "So, where are we going?"
Sam smiled mischievously at her. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
"Actually, I would."
"Don't worry. We'll get there eventually." He grabbed a hold of her hand and started walking slowly down the road.
After a short time they arrived at the beach. "What are we doing at the beach? I thought you wanted me to get all dressed up?" Amy asked in confusion.
That same mischievous look came into his eyes as he stepped behind her. Suddenly her vision was blacked out. "Sam, what are you doing? I can't see!" She tugged playfully at his hands.
He leaned is mouth close to her ear and whispered, "Do you trust me?" The feel of his warm breath tickling the hairs on her neck sent a shiver down her spine and caused her to stop her attempts to remove his hands. She nodded. "Good. Now walk this way."
When they finally got to where he was directing her he leaned back into her ear. "Wait right here and don't peek." The warmth of his hands left her face and she could here him rustling around a bit. After a few minutes he returned to her and took her hands in his. "All right Amy, you can open your eyes."
When she did the sight before her made her gasp. He had set up a small romantic picnic on the beach with candles everywhere and two plates, one with a pink rose on top which she assumed was her spot. Off to the side she could see salad, bread, and a bowl full of spaghetti. "Sam! This is incredible!!" She said in awe.
He smiled triumphantly as he guided her to her seat. "You deserve only the best."
They sat and ate their dinner, laughing and joking around the entire time. When it was time for dessert Sam excused himself briefly stating that he had the dessert hidden somewhere else. After he left, Amy smiled to herself. Never in a million years would she have thought that she could have known someone as thoughtful as Sam was.
She snapped out of her thoughts quickly when she noticed Sam come walking back carrying a cake box. She looked at him in confusion. "Why'd you have to hide the cake somewhere else?"
"Because I- I mean I needed to- just open it." He said, his face turning bright red.
Amy was concerned. He was acting very strange and he looked completely stressed out. But she did what she was asked. Reaching out she lifted the box top and peered inside. The box was empty save for one little tiny black box inside.
She looked up at him in surprise and her insides started to tie into knots.
He looked at her with a very serious face. "Go ahead. Take it." He urged.
Suddenly her mouth became very dry as she reached inside and grabbed the black box. When she opened it she was greeted by a beautiful silver ring with one simple round diamond on top.
For a minute Amy couldn't take her eyes off of the gorgeous ring. But when Sam reached out and grabbed one of her hands she looked away and noticed him kneeling before her. Now more than ever before, Amy was terrified.
"Amy Rose, you are the most amazing and beautiful woman I have ever known. These past few years have been the most incredible years of my life. I can't imagine where my life would go without you there with me. You're always on my mind and you've always been in my heart since the very first time we met. I love you, Amy! Please say you'll do me the honor of marrying me." He looked up at her with anticipation.
Amy didn't know what to say. Here was this amazing guy who had given everything to her and had never once asked for anything back except at this very moment. And yet her mind was screaming at her. But suddenly it stopped and focused on one thing. Sonic. She felt sick to her stomach at the thought of his name. Why was she thinking about him right now? A slight squeeze of her hand caused her to come back to reality. Sam was still staring up at her, expecting an answer.
She thought about it for one more second and then decided. "Yes!" She cried and flung herself into his arms. After sharing in a passionate kiss he broke away and pulled out the ring, sliding it onto her finger.
"From now until forever, Amy Rose, I will always love you." At that moment the sky flashed brightly and died off just as quickly.
"What was that?" Amy asked as she stared up at the stars.
"Who knows." Sam shrugged as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
They spent the rest of the evening talking quietly and enjoying each other's company.
- - - - - - - - -
He stepped down lightly onto the old familiar ground. He was amazed to find that the place had not changed save for the trees getting much taller and a few extra bushes here and there. He began walking along slowly, allowing his mind to absorb the moment. He had wanted to come back for so long.
His mind drifted from his surroundings to his friends. He smiled when he thought of how shocked they would be to see him. Especially her. He imagined that she would fling herself into his arms like she had so many times in the past. That thought made him want to see her desperately.
She had been on his mind constantly since the day she had left his side. It was surprising at first, and he didn't know what to make of it until one day when he had been out for a run to clear her off his mind. He ended up stopping right next to a sign that had the words "Do you love her?" printed across the top of it. From that point on he knew. He became determined that sooner or later he would make his way home and explain his new found feelings to her. No matter what.
And here he was, finally back home. He didn't think it would have taken him so long to make his way back, but none of that seemed to matter now. All that mattered was seeing her. He took off in the direction of her house.
- - - - - - - - -
Amy sat at the edge of her bed. She had made her way directly to her room and locked herself inside after she and Sam had split ways. Her eyes were focused on the large box she was holding. With a shaky hand she undid the tape and lifted the box top up. The first thing that greeted her was the picture. She reached in and pulled it out, discarding the rest of the box off to the side.
Her fingers ran over his figure just like they had six years back when she had put the picture away. Her eyes drifted from the picture over to the newly placed ring on her finger. She sighed. "Is this ok, Sonic?"
She knew no one would be able to take his place but there were so many days when she thought Sam got close. Why was this even a doubt in her mind? Was part of her still clinging onto the idea that he would come back?
She placed the picture back in the box and closed it up. "Don't be silly, Amy" she scolded herself. "Sonic isn't coming back. Ever."
Suddenly her attention focused on the knocking she could hear coming from the front door. "Who in the world would be here so late?" She smiled when she thought the only logical person would be Sam. Did he have something else planned for her? That guy was always full of surprises. She secretly scolded herself for even having second thoughts as she rushed over to the door to open it.
"All right, Sam. What other surprises do you have planned-"
Amy stopped dead in her tracks as she looked at someone who was, in fact, not Sam. Her eyes went wide and her face turned pale as she looked on at something she couldn't believe.
One word escaped her lips. "Sonic." And then her world went black.
