Again, thanks for all the kind reviews guys, they mean a lot! This next chapter is a combination of two episodes- Hedgehog Hunt and Zelkova Strikes back. This section finally gives you some insight on Knuckles, and his often rocky friendship with Amy. Someone asked about that a little while ago, so here it is! Wish me luck. ;P
Steal You Away
Amy was still not over it. To say the least, she was surprised- if not waiting for the moment that things would go horribly to hell again. Although grateful for this break, she had to wonder at what price they'd earned it.
They'd flown out into the open space after crash landing on a planet, and thanks to the Chaotix, they'd made it back off of the unfamiliar turf with new parts, and without a hitch.
That, is what puzzled her. There was no doubt in her mind, the Metarex knew where they were.
Tails had called everyone on board up to the deck, thinking that crash landing on the planet was going to be the end of them. Upon running into the Chaotix and hiding out with them in the loft above the bar they ran, Vector was strangely called out by Eggman. That hadn't done wonders to everyone's nerves, having Eggman so near to their hide out. He had stopped in to Vector's bar to dispel news of a Metarex fleet, waiting to lunge at their solitary ship once they cleared the area of the planet during take off. They weren't supposed to make it out intact- 'Sitting ducks', Tails had proclaimed, shaking his head- there had been such a morose, sickening atmosphere in the ship before taking off. It had been like willingly walking out into an open field during war, with all gun barrels pointed blatantly your way.
But the fact that they hadn't been met by any enemy ships... the fact that even as they watched that planet- the place that was supposed to seal their doom- fade into a mere, glowing spot in the distance...
Well, she couldn't shake that feeling of false security. Perhaps they were just waiting...
There was one more thing that was weighing heavy on her mind. Sonic's reaction to Eggman. Why had Sonic laughed when he heard of Eggman's indulgence in a devious attack against them at Vectors bar? Why had Sonic been so confident- smirking and laughing while the rest of them boiled about Eggman's attitude and death wish for them? After the kind of double-crossing Eggman had done- almost killing Sonic this time in the process- she was almost unwilling to believe Sonic's cavalier attitude toward that egg shaped bastard. Well, she sure wasn't feeling buddy buddy with Eggman. Moreso, she felt that if she saw him, he'd have a hard time giving one of his psycho uber-rants with her hammer shoved down his throat!
Before she even realized she was going there, she was standing in front of the doorway to the cargo hold.
'Just... come here, Amy. I'll find you. I'll know.'
She knew, by instinct, she came here now to relieve her mind. Unusually, Sonic had not failed her yet by meeting her there. Every, single, time.
What a genuine feeling of happiness she got then. Well, if one thing good came out of this dangerous trip... it was how much Sonic and her had gotten closer to each other. She treasured that, and she often had to think upon it- perhaps he did, too.
When she pushed the door open, eyes raking over the luggage in the dark, she did a double take when she saw a blue form perched on a piece of luggage nearest the window- their window, she thought warmly, where he had finally opened up to her. He averted his gaze from the port-hole like aperture to space, smile wide, lime green illuminated in life when she flicked on the lights.
Yeah, this was something she could get used to.
"Hey, Amy! What's up?" He asked, and with the snap of fingers he was there before her from the top of the pile, gracefully landing on his feet with arms folded. She stopped abruptly with a start, not expecting him in front of her so fast.
"Whoa- hey Sonic! Um, I came here, because..." The exchanged looks, tittering. This was now their designated hang out spot, when they wanted to be just two.
"Somethin' on your mind?" He quizzed, now standing traditionally with one leg tossed behind the other, bouncing the toe of the sneaker against the floor. The boy couldn't keep still for any amount of money or chili dog.
"Something on yours? Or do you just hang out here now?" She challenged, cocking an eyebrow, and he rubbed the back of his head.
"I guess I did kinda get here first..." Now when she blinked his grinning face wasn't before her, but atop the pile of luggage again, standing tall and proud as he looked down at her. "I've been thinkin' yeah, nothin' deep... guess it's relief." He confessed, looking thoughtfully upwards as he held one elbow in arm. His eyes idolized the stars through the window, like first discovering them, as if a worry had been lifted from his shoulders and he could relax. Relief? Amy moved forward, not quite getting to the top of the pile at his speed. Relief wasn't a word she expected to hear, seeing it was one far from describing her own feelings right now. Then again... when was Sonic ever comparable to someone else? He was always doing, thinking and feeling his own way.
"What's got you in such a good mood?" She prodded, accepting his outstretched hand as she scrambled up the luggage. His strength had her topple over a portion of luggage, and he met her furrowed brow with an apologetic grin.
"Whut? You kiddin' me Ames?" Sonic's smile was full force now, and he threw himself back along a couple long, padded articles of baggage. She took a seat by the window, back to it, still looking at him in befuddlement.
"I don't get it, Sonic."
"You don't?" Sonic mused, his voice light and enlivened. "Amy..." Sonic sat up like a bolt, as if he were about to share exciting news. "Eggman spotted us one, y'know."
"Huh?" He bark laughed at her unguarded expression of bewilderment, as if she were listening to a crazy man. "Sonic, you mean you're trying to tell me-"
"Eggman cleared our way!" He beamed, shrugging, and he was staring at her cool and aloof, though anxiously awaiting her response to this. What he got was NOT what he expected.
"Are you insane?!" Amy snapped, brow dipping angrily as she stood to her feet, the force of the word making Sonic blink humorously in surprise. "No WAY, how can you give him credit?! I could kill Eggman! If I could I-I'd strangle him with my bare-"
"Whoa, whoa!" Sonic put his hands up, watching her boil. "Chill, Amy! He saved our butts today- isn't it obvious?" Sonic gloated, one hand now resting on her clasped fist, eyes closed as he stroked a finger under his nose smartly. She gave him a very unconvinced look.
"Sure, he did, Sonic..." She rolled her eyes, whipping her arms into a tight fold. "Like how he almost killed you last time, like how he lured us into a Metarex trap, then he-"
"I don't think he knew. That is, I totally don't think he expected what went on, is what I'm gettin' at." Sonic thought aloud, now wearing a focused look of contemplation.
"Oh no, he hasn't been trying to kill us since I've known you or anything-"
"When has he tried to kill me? Seriously..." His dismissive grin with a shrug had her sitting at full attention, eyes wild.
"On the ARK?!" She spat. "When he SHOT YOU into SPACE?!"
"Ok... about that, well- the main thing is I got out of it, huh?"
"When he used Chaos to almost drown, crush, destroy EVERYTHING-"
"Well, there's that, that was also a tad outta hand-"
"A tad?!" She yapped, glaring at Sonic's amused face. "How about when he used that stupid, HUGE Octobot to put you under water, 'don't let him up for air' huh? Ringing any bells-"
"Alright, Alright, but he's never actually hurt me, has he?"
"Oh no, not at all." Amy growled, turning her back from him. Sonic stared at her for a moment, attempting to gain control over his huge grin.
"Amy, c'mon now." He reached for her moody form, but received the shoulder. Amy could be spiteful, when she was mad. Although it could be hard to break through... Sonic secretly enjoyed her hot headedness. It made her a great fighter, and he liked a lady who could hold her own and impress him. The problem was... it wasn't easy being the target of her short temper.
"Don't, Sonic! I can't believe after what he did to you with that Metarex fleet, you're willing to give him credit like that!" Sonic recalled Amy's tears in her fighter jet when she picked him up, how she hadn't been able to contain them, how scared she'd been for him... he now felt guilty for tormenting her, and opted for reasoning. Her back was to him, and he amusingly scooted closer to her like an ignored puppy.
"It's not- I think Eggman was in way over his head, Ames." She didn't look back.
"HE ALWAYS is because he's INSANE! He's a crazy man, why do you trust him?" Sonic knew then that the damage was done, and maybe he should try reasoning with her when she felt less grudging. Although he hated to see her upset, he stood by what he believed. Always.
"Because Amy. He went out of his way to help us today, and I know it. Sorry if that bugs ya, but when I'm sure I'm sure." Sonic said conclusively, standing, turning to jump from the pile. To be honest, he was taken aback by Amy's mistrust in his judgement. But he wasn't the type to mope, a good run would shake off any negativity clinging to him. It always did, no matter where he was- hence his hatred for the lack of ability to do it. Before he managed to propel himself, he felt a gentle grasp on one of his ankles. He looked at her accusingly.
"S'cuse me miss..." He snorted, lifting the trapped leg in an air of humor.
"Sonic... I don't want you to be mad at me." She pouted so pitifully, and he stared at her, blinking for a moment before bursting into laughter.
"Ya think I'm gonna get angry over that? Amy, I- of course you think that, the guy is a nutter! I don't blame ya." He retorted with a good natured shrug, before lifting his leg again like a rabbit caught by the leg in a snare, then looking to her pleadingly. It amused her, his absolute distaste in having either leg immobilized.
"But you're not. I don't want you to think..." She released his leg now, folding her arms around her bended knees, but he didn't run away. She looked down to the side, a slight shame in her eyes. "I'm sorry for making fun of you, Sonic. You've never lied to me before, so... I'm sure you must be right. I don't know how, I wouldn't trust that stupid, hard boiled loser with my headband, let alone me- but I trust you." She confessed, rubbing her arm self consciously. "Even if I think it was just a one shot, I guess maybe there could be something worthwhile in that cracked egghead of his." She mulled, finger tracing a circle on the top of her knee, and she focused on it. She hated to see Sonic troubled, even a little bit. She didn't expect the sudden hand caressing under her chin, and she leaned into his touch- his closeness, her vision filled with sapphire and sparkling green, and how his thumb affectionately stroked across her button nose. Even if after the necklace, he'd somewhat confirmed mutual feelings for her, she was still always shocked by his touch- so accustomed to a shy, reserved Sonic.
"That's my girl." Was his simple reply, but what an affect on her mood! His smile was infectious, accompanied by a charming wink. When she blinked, all there was before her was empty space, and the door to the cargo hold slowly coming closed, leaving her on a high of Sonic and what having him near did. Running at break neck speed, Sonic allowed a happy wave of laughter out as he heard her wail of fan-girl joy, echoing down the hall behind him.
—
Next night...
"Is everyone ok?" Sonic paced along his group of friends atop the Blue Typhoon, looking them over as he visually scanned for injuries. Amy watched him down on one knee, sifting through fur on his young friends. Cream simply talked to him happily, unaffected, and went on her way. Tails was swatting away his hands embarrassedly, darting a shy glance at Cosmo, causing Sonic to apologize with a laugh and scratch the back of his head. Amy hid her laughter behind the scratching of her muzzle. Sonic could be defensive of the younger members of the group, when things got tense. It was cute to watch him with them. As they had all dreaded, the Metarex had merely taken time out to devise a new, destructive scheme. Amy had boiled in a vat of fear and rage, as the return of Yellow Zelkova wasn't a minimal one. Egghead had made the brute of a villain all the more resistant to defeat, bestowing on him the technological benefit of an illuma-sheild.
"Told you it was a one time thing." She'd pointed out smartly to Sonic, once she'd landed her jet in the hanger safely. Thankfully, unlike past events in this whirlwind of war, fate was on their side that day. She'd never been so happy to see another individual get fried so bad, especially after doing such a number on Knuckles. Not only the first time, but the second time Knuckles had gotten injured even worse. She didn't know where he found the strength- perhaps it was the humiliation of last time, perhaps something had snapped inside of Knuckles that changed him, pumped his adrenaline. There was something that day that made him less unsure of himself, more of a force to be reckoned with when he charged full force at the golden monster. Could it have been Zelkova threatening to push them into the lava that had made Knuckles so angry, so vengeful? Whatever it was, she saw it slipping away- disappearing into somewhat of a horror, a reality when the marred armor slipped away... and revealed a living being. Knuckles had been different then- reluctant even, to continue his fight with Zelkova. Had he been startled by the appearance of an actual creature underneath all that metal? Was it easier for Knuckles to bring his fists pummeling at the figure when he was just a bot- now a stubborn but vulnerable foe in front of him?
To put it bluntly, yes.
Although Knuckles was a brutal, rigid, often unforgiving fighter, there was a deep seeded mercy in Knuckles. It was often blanketed by his short temper and stubbornness, but there was mercy and compassion- a respect for a fair fight under his tough layers. He was a beautiful individual, if you were willing to wait a while, and watch the layers peel back. Sonic had always kept a brotherly affection for the hot-headed echidna, whereas Amy had never fully understood him.
But watching him leap over the side of that lava spewing cliff, in an effort to save someone who had moments ago stomped on his body, tried to crush the life out of him... she saw everything that Sonic had always seen in Knuckles.
When Zelkova had tumbled down over the cliff, it shone through fiercely in Knuckles.
In a panic he'd fearlessly dove after Zelkova, nearly taking himself down in the process, for what? That creature had wanted nothing more than to see Knuckles still, dead.
What a picture of an all around noble fighter- what a stripped down, honest display of who Knuckles truly was, she saw in that angst-ridden moment.
When he came back over the cliff, shaking his injured knuckle in a haze of contemplation... Sonic had released a sound of sadness. Amy knew then, with Sonic's knowledge of the undaunted brawler, Knuckles wouldn't be forgetting that face, or letting go of it any time soon. Knuckles was the same breed of hero as Sonic... just born and raised in a different vein. They both hated to see any life wasted, when things could've been otherwise. Turning away from the dark scene, Sonic looked to the faces of all his friends urgently. Seeing Knuckles in bad shape enforced his need to at least know, his other friends had been well protected.
"Nobody hurt?" Sonic pressed again, looking sternly from one to the other. He had been missing from the battle for a period, so his concern was understandable. A chorus of assurance rose, but Cream was standing on the edge of the ship, looking out over where the cliffs edge met lava. Sonic watched Amy approach her before he joined the other three, discussing a way of charging the ships engine with the electricity that had ended Zelkova, and getting out of there. Amy watched Cream's eyes, and how they held the red form, still standing with arms folded, looking over the cliffs edge.
"Whatcha thinking, Cream?" the little girl acknowledged Amy's presence by taking her outstretched hand. Amy had always been an admiration to Cream that she welcomed, like the true big sister she never had. She trusted Amy with her thoughts.
"Knuckles feels bad." Cream said morosely, still watching him as she held her free hand to her mouth. "I'm worried for him. I never knew there was a monster inside, I guess Knuckles didn't either." Her long, graceful ears drooped with sadness as her gaze stayed fixated on the tall red form. "I really don't think he wanted him to die..."
As if on cue, Knuckles turned around, walking from the scene in a dark, distant place in his mind. Amy felt the pinch of emotion, hearing a six year old commenting on a death they'd all just witnessed. She thought of Cream's mother Vanilla, and what she would think if she knew what her daughter had been through. What pain, Amy had to watch her beautiful friends bear and deal with. Would they ever get to go home, back to their carefree, fun loving lives on Mobius together? With her heart so heavy with grief now, she clung to a memory hungrily that seemed to lift the pressure.
'Amy... just trust me, ok? I'm the only one who can do this. And I will.'
She thought of Sonic's stress-free face, how no lines of doubt ever seemed to deepen his expressions, how even his vibrant coloring of royal blue and lime green seemed to carry a confidence, a reason to believe. Ever since the day she met him, blue became to color of unfaltering loyalty to her. Even though things were so rocky it was hard to find a grip... nothing, not one thing the powers that be could conceive, could shake the sturdy grip on triumph that Sonic the hedgehog held. And as long as Sonic was sure, she was sure... there was nothing they couldn't handle. Amy held out her arms and Cream held hers out in return. The pink hedgehog stooped to pick her up with one hip, walking with her back into the ships confines.
"Don't worry about Knuckles. Nurse Amy will see to him when he gets here, ok? He'll be fixed up in no time." She vowed, and this caused such a bright, carefree smile to grace her young friends face.
"That's great, Amy- I know he'll be in good hands now!" She flattered, hugging her big sister figure around the neck. Amy smiled inwardly, knowing that Sonic's positivity was contagious. She was only glad that he'd given her the gift to give that to others.
—
Knuckles the echidna walked back on board the Blue Typhoon, wearing his usual grim, stone faced look. He was so lost in his own thoughts... he couldn't escape the feeling. It was the eyes that had bothered him the most. When he could look someone in the eye, know what they felt... it made it harder for him to be merciless. He pitied individuals too often, especially when they didn't deserve it. Eggman was sure proof of that, getting more chances in a lifetime than he'd ever earned in his books. He couldn't escape those eyes, the pain in them glowing in the embers of lava, the satisfaction to be willingly giving up on life... why did things have to come to this? Knuckles spirits were low, as he ran a hand over a bruising area under his fur. Could it be, that these creatures were so deeply buried in hate, there really was no saving them, only destroying or to be destroyed? What a waste of a good fighter, to be so corrupted, to willingly take your own life in a whim...
He made his way down one of the many halls on the Typhoon, and ended up at the recovery wing. Although he hated to admit it, his right hand was really killing him. He was staring at the broken points of his mitt, and was taken aback by the blood. He had to stop in surprise for a moment in the doorway, not expecting Amy to be standing there on the other side of the door. She had been waiting for him in the recovery room. He nodded at her in greeting, and her smile was welcoming, but touched with an edge of something he wasn't quite sure of.
"How are you feeling, Knuckles?" She asked cautiously, as he sat on the edge of a bed. Reluctantly, he allowed her to take off his mitt, and she gasped in horror at the blood.
"Been better." He said simply with a half smirk, now looking in a haze with her at his abused knuckle. He tensed as she began perusing his fur, checking out the damage.
"Knuckles my God!" She mourned, grabbing for the peroxide. "Why did you keep going back at him? Your body is-"
"Well with Sonic and Chris gone, did you really want me to let him push you guys into the lava, or am I guilty of doin' somethin' right?" He said in a rushed heat, evidently not wanting to be scolded at. She frowned, thinking on the situation.
"I guess you're right... sorry, I-I just..."
"S'ok." He looked at the floor. "You're only trying to help."
"So were you. You did great out there today, Knuckles. I've never seen someone take that kind of beating in my life... not even Sonic." She marveled, and this seemed to perk him up, a slight pride glinting in the eyes as he gave the slightest upturn of lips.
"Yeah, well... it was nothin'." She started to feel through the injury with gusto, looking for breaks, and it couldn't have felt anything close to good. He merely clenched his teeth against the pain for a few seconds, then grew accustomed to it. Looking at him now... although it was a bad, bad time to be thinking things like this, she couldn't help but feel a heavy guilt. On this trip, she hadn't exactly given Knuckles an easy time. It was no secret that the two could often send each other's tempers flying, getting on each others nerves... but had she ever stepped back and actually thanked him, for everything he did? When fleeing that horrible Metarex castle, he'd been the one who carried her to safety. When they first got to earth, although he insisted he didn't care, he'd been the first on the scene to her rescue. She'd even gone so far as to de-value him before, as the butt of a joke- even saying things about him that she didn't mean, but couldn't take back now. Still here he sat, unwilling to gloat or take in heaps of credit, after proving all of their doubts wrong. He'd only wanted to make sure, even at the cost of his own health or life, that not one of the people on board got hurt. Because deep, deep, deep within a hard shell of introverted pride, which came with being a steel-willed fighter... there was a care for his friends that surpassed even his own safety. He could've died today, protecting them. And he would've went gladly, though silently, as a sacrifice to keep them from harm. Had Sonic always known this about his moody friend, and Amy was only now figuring this out? The shame...
It was too much, and Knuckles was staring at her strangely now, eyebrow crooked at the quivering build-up in her eyes, how her bottom lip trembled. Even her hands were unsteady, holding it all in. She was too emotional for her own good sometimes- it's not like she hid her thoughts well. Finally, she exploded.
"Oh GOD, I told you that you were excess baggage!" She pressed the bandages she'd been working around his injured knuckle to her face, succumbing to her own tears as she covered it. "Knuckles I've been such a jerk to you, it's sinful! And all you've ever done is help us...I don't want you to think that I don't care about you, you're my friend!" She sniffled, holding his strong gloved mitt in hers, making him flush and look away bashfully. He wasn't what you'd call a mushy individual, but he could handle it to an extent. Besides, Amy was like family to him. She could get away with it. "You saved my life today! You do it all the time, you never get thanked like Sonic. It's not fair, I've been so selfish with you, and you just put up with it! I can't believe you've listened to everyone putting you down all the time, not giving you enough credit... could you ever forgive me for being so stupid?" She ranted, freeing his hand to address her tears. The bewildered echidna stared at her for a long moment, wiping her eyes in a remorseful shame. Even if he mightn't wear what he felt, like she did... he couldn't deny that her little speech had considerably made him feel better about his efforts, the things he'd done that had been ignored, the fact that she'd never seemed to like him...
At least she took the time out to let him know otherwise, and he respected her immensely for that. He could never, ever dream of bearing himself, the way she was prone to. It was that kind of strength that she had that he envied.. though maybe, knowing his stubbornness, he'd take that secret to the grave. He got a hold of his emotions, and came up with a level response.
"You're not stupid." He said simply, still looking at the marred knuckles. "I'm no Cream either. Look..." He rubbed the back of his head as Amy had to grin at the reference. Cream was a nice analogy, for all that was good and kind. "I'm not exactly fond of this kinda stuff, but I'll say this. I told ya before you were no picnic either, when if you hadn'ta come along, we'd all be... well, to be frank, I'd say dead. You help, a lot. And if it weren't for you we'd all still be laid up from the Meta-freaks last barbeque fest. So... Sorry. If I made you feel..." his brow drew low, closing his eyes moodily, noticing how huge Amy's grin was.
"You actually liiiiike meeee, you don't really haaaate meeee!" She teased, and he growled in a reprimanding fashion, face scarlet.
"Look I never said I hated- anyway, you're not stupid Amy. Kinda love crazy... ok?" He said heatedly. "Not stupid."
"Yeah... I guess my obsession can get overbearing sometimes..." She chuckled lowly, eyes downcast upon the injury that she now dabbed at with a cotton ball. She expected him to flinch, but he didn't even blink. Not even a sniff of pain. Perhaps the sting from that was nothing, compared to the pain of busting through that armor... she drew in a long breath, continuing with "but it's... I just want to see him safe. That's all. And when you feel so much and you're not sure if..." She paused awkwardly, wondering why she was saying this to him, but she felt compelled anyway "when you're not sure if someone loves you back, all you can do is try."
"I'm no expert." Knuckles muttered, staring out a window now. "But I know what it's like to care for someone when they don't really give a damn. Don't worry 'bout it." This caused Amy to drop the roll of bandage she was winding around his hand, and they both watched it roll for a moment to hit against her red boot. She flushed hard, stooping to get it, and when she came back up he was smirking his amusement.
"I-I'm- yeah, clumsy. Sorry, I just-" She hitched a giggle, shaking her head. "I-I never expected you to ever tell me something like that. Ever."
"Yeah, well, everyone's got somethin'." He commented, flexing the hurt knuckles testily.
"Don't strain them yet, goodness, I don't even have the bandage- who is it?!" She stopped her calm attempt at seeming uninterested and clasped her hands together, leaning in to him pleadingly. "Please, I'll go crazy if you don't-"
"I think I've said enough." He snuffed, closing his eyes as he held his other mitt up in dismissal.
"Knuckles, puh-LEASE, uh!" She howled loudly, causing him to open his eyes at her in alarm.
"I might think about it if you keep torturing my ear." He snorted, starting to bandage the knuckles himself.
"No!" She swatted his mitt away, snatching the bandage roll back hastily. "You stick to what you're good at." She ordered, and promptly went back to her duties, him resting his head in his free hand, concealing a bemused grin. At least that took her hawk eye off of- "Now tell me. Please." She cut his hopeful thought down with this utter, still wrapping. GIRLS...
"Well if you don't know by now-"
"OAH!!" She let out a girlish bark, making him jump with a start. "I KNOW NOW!!" She bawled, and Knuckles rubbed at his ears.
"Jeez..."
"It's Rouge, isn't it?!" She gasped, gawking at him with breath held, and when he merely looked out the window dismally, she pipped in success, doing a little dance. "It's so Rouge..." She giggled, and his eyes returned to her with a glare. Her ears drooped then, as she applied the clip to hold his bandage in place. "Oh, are you upset because she's on the bad side Knuckles?" He seemed so weary to touch on this, for a moment she thought he might ignore her. At the very least, he was feeling kind and calm enough to answer the question.
"Just a tad." Was his low response, and although he attempted to look nonchalant, she could hear that there was a disappointment dripping in his tone.
"Oh Knuckles, I never knew you cared!!" She warbled, and he blushed.
"We could use some allies." He said cooly, replacing his right mitt back over his bandaged hand. She leered at him.
"That glove has blood on it!"
"Oh." He looked moodily at it. "Gimme a sec Amy, lemme haul my washer outta my-"
"Now you don't need to be such a grump about it." She scolded, taking the soiled glove back. "I'm going to go get you another... you packed spares, right?" She looked back at him, still he seemed distant.
"Well it is the only thing I wear besides shoes-"
"Where's your room?" She asked. She didn't mind his attitude, it only seemed to show when something touchy was on his mind. She had brought up the topic of Rouge, so she felt she'd earned that well enough.
"They're not there- they're packed in the cargo hold."
She perked up at this, smiling to herself.
"Oh!" She raced to the door, then turned back to look at him with a slight blush. "I-I'll be back in a bit, I just have to get-"
"Shall I tell you what bag I own, first off?" He chuckled, head still resting in his mitt, the un-gloved one drumming impatiently on his knee.
"UM! Yeah, that'd be- sorry..." She laughed, bashful as she moved toward him to get the location and bag description. She stole off for the door again, and dashed down the hall, all the while Knuckles listened to her footsteps growing fainter. Although his earlier mood had definitely been lifted, he was thinking of someone else, somewhere else...wondering what they were doing at that moment.
—
Going to the cargo hold was like a delight for Amy now, funny as that was. She never knew when she'd be treated to the usual visitor- the hero in blue, sitting in his usual mellow disposition, acknowledging her presence with a carefree grin. She flicked on the lights, and couldn't help feeling that sinking power of disappointment when his azure silhouette was missing. Walking her way to the pile, she sifted through the luggage, trying to find Knuckles bag. She would've screamed aloud if a hand hadn't have caught her mouth first, an arm coming around her waist to yank her backwards and up off her feet for a moment. She struggled & spiraled around in a heated fluster at being caught off guard- already registering the familiar, hooting laughter of her favorite hero.
"Sonic, you freak!" She jested, shoving at him in her timidity with a power that made him totter on one foot for a second.
"You so never even knew I was here, didja?... didja?!" He demanded gleefully, and she huffed out a laugh at his enthusiasm at getting one over on her.
"No clue! Are you bored or what?" She snickered, and that had to make him laugh... specifically at how she knew that.
"Totally. I've ran around this whole ship at least 26 times..." He admitted, and she pouted, scratching under his chin.
"Awwwww, does widdle Sonic need a tread mill or a bicycle?"
"Cut it out, Ames!" He ducked away from her teasing, still sporting a hefty grin. "Unless you've got one lying around..." She noticed a slight gust, and that he wasn't behind her anymore, so she instinctively looked to the top of the luggage heap. "You comin' up here or what?!" He tapped his foot, arms folded as she looked up at him. She could barely resist a bubble of laughter with what she was about to say, but she held it together... she couldn't wait to see what he'd do.
"Sorry Sonic, I'm busy." Another gust of wind, and he was next to her side again, still cocky as ever, though looking a little taken aback by her dismissal. She was watching him over her shoulder again, finally having found Knuckles bag and mitts. He was too cool, leaning against a wall near the heap.
"Oh no prob, that's cool." He commented with a smile, though his drooping ears indicated anything but 'cool'. She laughed, tossing the bag down to whirl and squeeze him, causing a befuddled expression from him.
"Oh, don't be sad! I just have to take care of Knux, he needs new gloves..."
"How's he holdin' up, Ames?" He held her arms for a moment, the question ringing important. The soft concern in those eyes reminded Amy why she fell in love with him in the first place. Though he had a very brief and casual way of speaking and executing what he felt...he was just so genuinely caring about everyone, especially those that he loved the most.
"Much better than when he got to the recovery wing, I'll say that." She winked. "You know Knux... he's tough as nails. He'll be ok."
"Gotta love 'em for that." Sonic's grin was now back in full force, a sense of relief born onto his features. She knew then that he'd come here in worry, mentally mulling and working the concern out, about what his good friend had to witness today. Because Sonic had nowhere to run, it was hard for him to hide his personal moments- those times he kept hidden from her when he'd go on a run, burn it out of his system. Thanks to the situation they were in... Amy felt secretly blessed, to finally be able to realize that Sonic was every bit as caring and sensitive as she'd always thought him to be. He just knew how to cover the tracks well.
"Well I better bring him his gloves, but I'll give you the update when I get back." She grinned as she released him, and started heading for the door.
"You're comin' back?" Amy was glad that she had her back to him, because the lift in his voice had visibly rouged her cheeks. No matter how often it got proven to her, knowing that Sonic wanted her company was the most precious feeling in the world, to her. She cherished their time together... it was nice to know that he couldn't complain, either.
"You were waiting for me." She said pointedly, not actually sure of that. But his glance she caught darting toward the ceiling, with a hand flying for the back of his head, made her certain. "I don't know about you, but I hate to be kept waiting." Her grin was playfully rueful, and he bark laughed at that, a slight tint to his cheeks.
"Yeah... you're talkin' to the right hedgehog."
—
When Amy arrived back with the pair of gloves, getting ready to pour up Knuckles some water, he hit her with a curve ball.
"What do you guys do in the cargo hold, anyway?" He asked out of nowhere, suspiciously, and Amy crushed the paper cup in her hand abruptly by accident, eyes becoming huge. She turned back to him at lightening speed, feigning innocence.
"W-what do you mean, 'you guys', I just went to get the-"
"Well, I see you both go in there all the time." He said pointedly, now kicking back on the recovery bed as if he were stretching out in front of the Emerald shrine. His eyes were closed, but he could hear the nervousness in her voice.
"I'm... it's not what you think! We...wait!- why do you watch us Knuckles?!" She rounded on him, and that wiped the smug grin off his face, one eye opening.
"I walk around a lot at night, that's all! Just so happens-"
"Just so happens, ok... pervert." She taunted over her shoulder now, heading to the bathroom to get more cotton balls for his cuts and scrapes.
"Pervert?! Why you-" He snarled savagely, bolt upright now, but then he was silent for a while, pondering.
"...Knuckles?" Amy's voice rose in concern from the bathroom at his silence. Finally, his voice carried to her again.
"Wait a sec... how am I the pervert, thought you said nothin's goin' on in there!"
When Amy returned from the bathroom wearing a sweet smile and holding a handful of cotton balls, Knuckles became quite tight lipped and wide eyed, not pressing the issue.
Because she also happened to be carrying her hammer... in his own humble opinion, he was quite content with one whooping for the evening.
—
Aww, it's nice to finally do a decent scene between Amy and Knux. Come on, you know they can't hate each other! I hope you all think I did Knux character justice, don't be afraid to let me know what you think- and see you next time, Sonic X fans. ;3 Leave your comments in the R&R!
(P.S: I'm putting some art I did for this story up soon, you may see it next chapter. XD)