XI: Auburn

Birds chirped and the sky was still a cool shade of blue while the sun continued to rise from its deep sleep. However, the morning was still a bustling time for the village of Knothole. Its residents were busy in preparation for the Flower Ball. The Flower Ball had originally been in honor of the Freedom Fighters, but the heroes being too modest insisted it be thrown for the beauty of their home and the friendships that had been made because of it.

Two girls were preoccupied with thoughts concerning on who they would end up going with to the ball. One being the regal Princess Sally, and the other being the adorable Amy Rose. The only problem was that they had the same person in mind. The said same person, a blue hedgehog to be exact, was lazily enjoying a chili dog by the lake with an all too familiar two-tailed fox, without a care in the world.

"Sonic haven't you thought about who you're gonna take to the Flower Ball tonight? I mean you have to go. We all have to go. And everyone expects you to take either Amy or Sally. It's science." The yellow kitsune half explained and half questioned while popping a candy in his mouth.

Sonic chuckled as he stuffed the last of what was left of his chili dog in his mouth and leaned back against the tree stump he had been sitting by.

"Do you want me to be honest? Cause nope. Do I even have to take anyone? Why can't I just go with all of my friends so that way it doesn't have to be weird? Then everyone can be happy."

Tails rolled his eyes at the blue blur's naivety. "You know someone's gonna get hurt. You just have to be the one to decide who. And seriously big brother, I don't envy you in the slightest."

Sonic frowned as he tried to conjure up a solution that would benefit everybody in the end, but try as he might there was no winning for everyone this time. Tails was right. Someone was going to get hurt and it made him sick to his stomach thinking about having to make a decision that would hurt the feelings of one of his friends. He sighed loudly and rolled over to take a nap on the cool grass, hoping that some sleep would help clear his head.

Clad in her signature red dress and boots, Amy Rose swayed nervously outside of the castle doors. She didn't know exactly why her feet brought her here, because it sure wasn't her head, but figured it was because she had a tendency to follow her gut. The door swung open and she jumped a bit when the stone faced guard looked at her intimidatingly.

"What is your business here?" He asked her quickly.

She smiled at him uneasily. "I'm here for a visit with Princess Sally. She's my friend."

The guard, who she figured to be some sort of bear, looked at her up and down with a scowl before determining that she was no actual threat, and began to walk off with the intention that she would follow. Amy quickly skipped behind him admiring all the glitz and glam of the castle's interior. They stopped in front of a large red door and this is where the guard decided to leave her, warning her not to try any funny business because she was on camera to which she nodded and agreed to in a panic.

Amy gulped timidly, not knowing why she was so scared. Sally was her friend. Whatever happened after this conversation wouldn't ruin the bond they have together, they just needed to talk about it. The Flower Ball was tonight and she needed the reassurance that not even a boy as special as Sonic would ruin their friendship. Raising her fist against the door, she knocked three times and waited in anticipation. She heard the door open after the longest ten seconds of her life and put on her best smile.

Princess Sally Acorn opened the door, surprised and eager to have a visitor at this time of the day, but it definitely wasn't from who she was expecting it to be. She was still happy nonetheless seeing that Amy was one of her nearest and dearest friends. She smiled brightly and opened her arms for a hug to which the bubblegum girl gave into easily.

"Amy! What a delightful surprise! What are you doing here?!" The chipmunk asked, inviting the hedgehog inside her room. She had her sit on the couch while she went and grabbed them some snacks and drinks to enjoy.

"Oh Sally, it's just been so long since the last time I've seen you. I know you've been busy and the Freedom Fighters have been all over the place so it's really nice to finally catch a break! And I guess if I'm being honest with you, there was something I wanted to talk to you about."

The pink girl twiddled her thumbs and took a deep breath. Sally had returned and sat down next to her while putting a comforting arm around her shoulder. She smiled gently at her and Amy smiled back.

"It's okay Amy, I think I know what this is about."

"Goodness you do?! Oh Sally, I know we haven't always seen eye to eye when it comes to Sonic but I don't want this night to ruin our friendship. I just wanted to tell you that I am completely okay if he decides to ask you to be his date tonight." She took hold of the auburn girl's hand frantically and Sally giggled at her friend's anxiousness.

"Yes of course I do, I've been thinking about it too. In fact, I was planning on saying the same thing to you myself. I would be completely fine if he asked you to the dance tonight instead, I promise."

The two laughed about how silly they had been being nervous about the whole thing, until an idea struck Amy's head.

"Hey wait a minute…do we even have to go with Sonic? We can go together as friends, right? And we could even meet up with everyone there without it being an issue! That way no one has to get their feelings hurt!"

Sally's eyes widened and a smile grew upon her face. "You know what, I think that's the best idea out of all of them. I would much prefer that! So whaddaya say, Amy? Let's do it to it!"

Friendship proved to be the winning factor, and the two girls hugged in celebration of their agreed decision. They walked out of the castle arm in arm to deliver the news to their favorite blue hero, and to find some dresses for a night they were now looking forward to more than anything.

Sometimes girl time is all you truly need.

A/N: I know I know, I don't normally care for the Archie comics nor do I care for any of the Archie comic characters (I grew up with SATAM too), but Sally and Amy's friendship is so often mishandled that I really felt the need to portray it in a brighter light. I'm pretty proud of this piece. I know updates are a little sporadic, but thanks for continuously tuning in! I appreciate all of you reading my story, your reviews and your favorites, I read them all and my heart grows seven sizes too big. As always, thank you SO much Linz2, Infinite's Ruby, and Stardown! Until next time my lovelies, XO.