It was around seven o'clock in the morning when Mally came out of her room and hurried towards the one Amy was in. The door was locked… She thought that such a thing would happen and took out a spare key from her pocket. As the door opened, she saw Amy sitting in her chair and reading a book. She didn't turn around to face her friend as she was just too deep in thoughts from what she was reading. Mally crossed her arms and glared at Amy.
"I think it's time for you to get ready for the party…"
"What if I say I won't go?" Amy looked up from her book and met Mally's glare. "If it won't have a positive effect on me, then what's the point in it all?! If he didn't run away yesterday, I was so going to send him to a hospital…"
"Wow… You really were angry, weren't you? Then today's a perfect day for you two to make out!"
"Don't you mean 'make up'?"
"Both!"
"Not going to happen! I don't want to see him ever again!"
"If you really were heartbroken as you claim, you would've been in tears by now! And since you're not, you just want him to say 'sorry' and to get more attention! You two so need a make out session…"
"Why don't you go and have fun with the pool boy!"
"I will only if you go to that party!"
"I'll go! I don't need you to tell me what to do… I already promised I'll go… But right now I just don't want to see him…"
"You'll get over it soon! And since he knows you all too well, I bet my skirt that you two will be friends again! Amy?" Amy was reading her book again and it seemed like she wasn't paying attention at all. Mally huffed and left the room. How can that girl be so stubborn!
'Actually… That's what you have to be if you want to be a manager…' Mally's thought trailed off to all kinds of possibilities as she was going further and further away from her boss' room. Amy looked away from her book and stared into empty space.
'How can Sonic be so cocky… Sometimes he's such an idiot…' whined Amy as she hugged her legs. Why can't he be the sweet version? Why is he still looking at other girls when he's showing interest in her? Why is all of this happening? Why is she even thinking like that?! Maybe… because she wanted to forgive him… She wanted him to come by her side and tell her that she's the only one he's looking at…
'You're the only girl in my heart, Amy… You just don't know how much I love you…'
Maybe something like that would be perfect… He said it once in her dreams and made her all warm and fluffy inside. How come he couldn't realize that if he wanted to impress her, he just had to do small things! No need to try and compete with her ways of pampering… How come he didn't notice that she was happy just being with him… How come…
'How come I fell in love with someone so stupid…'
"Hey, Sonic?" The door to Sonic's room was opened. A head of a yellow fox peered inside only to find it empty. "Where could he be?" Tails went on searching with a small book in his hands. He wanted to cheer him up before anyone comes. He needed some back up this time and what better way than revealing his true desires. He found him in the living room, laying on the couch while facing the front door. He was still sulking, but wanted to make things right. Tails could see that his best friend was having problems with his confidence, so why not give it a shot!
"Sonic? Are you waiting for Amy to come?"
"Even if I was, it's not like she'll come willingly… More like forced because of a promise…"
"And you think that it would be tough for you when she's not in the mood?"
"Bull's eye…"
"I have something to entertain ourselves with during the party! Cream said that this book was a best seller! And it sure is worth the reading. The title is Kokology – a series of psychological games, made to unravel you relationship with sex, family, love and work. I read some questions, you answer them, and then check the key to analyze what you had said. Want to give it a try?"
"Since I have nothing better to do… Go ahead…"
"The first one I have for you is On You Birthday. It says:
Your birthday is the only moment in the year when you have the full right to expect things to be a little better than usual. Wishes and best regards, gifts and wish cards, maybe even a party or a romantic dinner for two.
Today is your birthday and while you're looking through your mail, you notice a card from someone, you expected the least. Who was the one who send it? You've received lots of presents from relatives and friends. From those people, who was the one with the largest gift? (while answering the questions, name the people who are part of your life)."
"Hmm…" This really seemed to give Sonic some thinking. Tails was looking at him from the book and waited patiently. "It's been a while since I celebrated my birthday… The person to send an unexpected card… The first one I thought of was Amy. She hasn't been sending anything the last seven years, so I would be surprised… Though I would be shocked to see Shadow actually send me one…"
"And the largest gift of all was from whom?"
"Perhaps Amy again… She would always try to find me the perfect gift… Though that was years ago…"
"You have a point. Then let's see the answers you've given:
The answers you've given show your real feelings for the people part of your life, feelings you yourself have not realized.
The person with the unexpected card, in reality is someone who you want to care more about you and to give you more attention. In short, you have chosen for a sender someone you admire from behind. Someone who you hesitate to talk to or just a friend, with whom you haven't seen for a long time? Perhaps it is high time for you to make the first move and shorten the distance.
On first sight you could connect the biggest gift with good feeling with the person, who gave it to you. But on psychological point of view, you accept the love of the person, whose name you have chosen. This doesn't necessarily mean lack of respect, but you are certain in his feeling for you. Don't be too confident. Because what you have taken as granted, may be thought as a form of selfishness."
"They know me better than I thought…" chuckled Sonic with a weak smile. He did take for granted Amy's feelings and thought that they won't change. Well… Looked like they did… And now all he could do was wait for her to come and see if there was a way to fix that.
"We all know that so far you've been walking on thin ice, but think about it! I say that only you can see where the ice is thicker and where fragile! That's why you have the advantage."
"Great! And it just so happened that I walked into an opened hole… So good at seeing it just like I'm blind…"
"I'm sure things will work out, Sonic. Really!"
"I'm not sure… If she already hates me that much… Then there's no point in forcing her…" he let out a painful sigh.
"Here's another one for you – The Blue Bird!"
"How ironic…"
"Just do it! It says:
One day through the window of your room flies in a blue bird and it remains trapped. Something attracts you to this bird and decide to keep it. But for your greatest surprise, the next day it changes its color – from blue, it turns yellow! This so unusual bird changes its color every night – the morning of the third day its bright red, and on the fourth day it become absolutely black. What color is the bird when you wake up on the fifth day?
The bird doesn't change its color ever again and remains black.
It returns its original blue color.
The bird turns white.
The bird becomes golden."
"So let me get this straight. First blue, then yellow, red and in the end – black. I say that it will turn back to its original color."
"Is it just because you yourself are blue? Anyway…
The bird that enters your room is a symbol of luck, who changes its color, leaving you with the uneasiness that happiness will be short. Your reaction to this situation shows how you would react to hardships and uncertainties in real life.
Those who said that the bird will become blue again are practical optimists.
You believe that life is a mixture of good and bad and it's not worth it to try and fight that reality. You accept troubles calmly and let things happen without unnecessary stress or inconvenience. This point of view on life allows you to carry on the waves of misfortune, which sometimes arise as you don't let them consume you."
"I've always been the carefree type. So I'm not surprised…"
"This thing really works! You look better already!" smiled Tails.
"You're right. If it doesn't work this time, I'll just try it again!"
A knock on the door interrupted their conversation and Amy came in a little hesitant.
"Hello? Oh… You were waiting for me?" asked she asked a little uneasy. Maybe she did come quite late and Tails was getting inpatient.
"Yes!... I mean not like you are late or something…" assured her Tails with a smile. "It's just the right time! We have three hours to set some order here, put some decoration and arrange the food which I ordered and is on its way."
"That's a relieve…" sighed Amy as a smile appeared on her face. Noticing that, Sonic's hopes reached a higher level. So there was a chance for him to fix things between them. "Oh, I almost forgot! I'm so sorry about yesterday! I didn't mean to ruin your workshop… Really! I don't know what came over me…" apologized Amy in a sad voice.
"It's no big deal… I was actually expecting something like that!" chuckled Tails as he threw an evil stare at Sonic. It was all his fault!!!
"I couldn't help but notice that it was brand new… And I trashed it! By the way, did something happen that needed urgent repairs in more than half of the workshop?" asked Amy. This question sent Tails in panic. If she found out the reason!!!
"Unsuccessful lab experiment! Yeah! Come! I'll show you what I have in plan for decoration. I still haven't unpacked it, so you'll have the honor!" cheered Tails as he led the way for Amy and she followed. This was great! The head manager of the most popular hotel would decorate the room! How lucky he was! Everything would be with taste. As the two of them headed to a different part of the workshop, Sonic felt isolated. As Amy was about to pass him… she ignored his presence!
"Amy?" he called out a little unsure. The pink hedgehog turned around surprised and noticed that he seemed in a pretty good mood.
"Oh… Hi…" she simply said and hurried to catch up to Tails. Sonic seemed too carefree and happy! If he felt any shame and guilt from the few days ago, he would have at least tried to apologize! Sonic was staring at the drifting away figure of Amy as she finally exited the living room and went to another.
'Level zero, huh… More like completely out of the competition…'
"I was meaning to ask you something…" began Tails and Amy looked at him. Did he have something in mind before work? "I have this book from Cream and wanted to show it to everyone! The title is Kokology – a series of psychological games, made to unravel you relationship with sex, family, love and work. I read some questions, you answer them, and then check the key to analyze what you had said. Want to give it a try?"
"I love questionnaires!!!"
"Here it goes: Blue Shirt, Yellow Shirt
A gathering at the city square to light the lights of the Christmas tree gives everyone a chance to unite and celebrate the coming of the new year. It's a nostalgic moment, as well as a chance to create new memories. The mood is festive, strangers are acting like friends, happiness and peace rule the atmosphere.
The night is cold, but you have gone out with a group of friends to watch the lighting of the Christmas tree. In your group someone is dressed in a yellow shirt, and another one with a blue one. Who is the one with the yellow shirt and who is with the blue one? (give the names of people you know)."
"That's a tough one…" Amy thought for a while. "Everyone I know would be out of fashion if they had to wear something as plain as those two shirts…"
"It doesn't matter. Just think of it as to which color would go best for the personalities."
"Well… The yellow one… Hmm… Come to think of it… When Sonic is using all seven Chaos Emeralds he becomes sparkling yellow if now even close to golden… So maybe… he would be with the yellow shirt… The blue shirt… Hmm… I can't think of anyone at this point…"
"It's ok… Here's what the key says:
In psychology bright colors, like yellow, are connected with warm and positive feelings, while the cold colors, like blue, are associated with cold and negative emotions. You may be surprised , but the person that you have chosen to wear the yellow shirt is someone you like and makes you happy. While there's something with the person with the blue shirt that makes you act more coldly towards him."
"That can't be true!" argued Amy as she snatched the book from Tails. For her shock her friend was reading exactly as it said.
"It says so here! Don't kill me!"
"Sorry… But still! Sonic most certainly is not making me happy! Especially since three days ago…"
"How come you two had a fight yesterday?"
"While I was at the spa hotel, I saw him with two twin sisters. And he was kissing with one of them right before my eyes! And then he tells me that it's always that way…" huffed Amy as she looked away.
"Is that it? Boy, Amy, either you are still simple minded like before, or you just like him so much that you don't want to share!"
"They can have him! See? I'm not selfish…"
"Then you're still simple minded and can't see the obvious."
"What do you mean…"
"Well… As someone who has known him for about fifteen years and keep some of his secrets… Most girls he saves would plant a kiss on him. But it's not a real kiss since he has never returned it. Makes sense, doesn't it. So what you saw the other day was just an unsuccessful try at a flirt." Amy looked away and buried her stare in the ground. Thing do sound different this way… "And besides… As far as my records are always correct – there was only one time when he has kissed someone willingly…"
"Just once?!" she asked amazed. So he wasn't some dirty womanizer… "But it still doesn't cover him up for the way he talked to them… It all sounded so disturbing!"
"Well, Amy… We have his cockiness to blame here… But I think that both his ego and pride are broken now." This was so going according to plan! Just a few more pushes and they would be together again!
"Then I'll leave him reorganize the pieces of his ego and pride in peace!" smiled Amy as she began unpacking the decorations. Tails let out a sigh and helped her with the unpacking. He then noticed the way she was dressed. A plain jean skirt and a T-shirt.
"Amy? Are you going to wear this at the party?"
"No, of course! I have a special dress in my back pack!" she smiled and turned around so that Tails could see what was hanging from her shoulders. "Since I've got work to do here, I don't want to mess up my clothing."
"That's true. I think that Sonic should have finished removing machinery from the living room by now."
"And I'll have the room all for myself to decorate…" sighed Amy happily. Thought as she was looking through the boxes, she couldn't see something very promising. Well since this isn't a high class gathering, no need for perfection is needed. They picked up the decorations with their boxes and went to the living room. There they saw every single machinery placed on a visible spot.
"Sonic? Didn't I tell you to move them away from the party 'saloon'?"
"No, you said to place them on visible spots so that you can show off…" answered Sonic from the couch in a dull voice.
"No, I didn't! You just want to have a reason to stay in this room and have a chance to talk with Amy!" Tails nearly shouted. The blue hedgehog stared at him in disbelieve. Did he do that on purpose right from the start?! "Your idea won't work! That's why I'll take care of my inventions while you find yourself something useful to do… Like help decorate!"
"That's not quite-…" began Sonic but Tails already left with one of the many machines in the room. Sonic let out a sigh . Tails was so not making this better for him… More like give Amy a false impression. Amy knew what was going on and only stared at the direction the fox went. If Tails wanted to make things easier for Sonic and her to make up… He had it all wrong. All she wanted was a dissent apology… Letting out a sigh in annoyance, she kneeled down and started to fumble with the box. There were some candles, ribbons, long bands, decorative toys… Everything you can think of! She looked around the room and felt suddenly depressed. All of this was out of taste. How can red silk bands be hanged over metal pillars and white painted walls? How can she place candles and toys when there is only one large table? And that only table will be for the food! Taking out a single red band she lifted it up above her and scanned the room for available places to hang over.
"But where can I put the toys and candles and everything?"
"Since Tails will remove all machines from here, you can put the toys and candles there."
"That should work. And the band… Perhaps over the sofa…" she hesitated. But that was the only appropriate place. "Yep… It should be fine there…"
"Need some help?" asked Sonic. He was hoping for 'yes', but…
"Not really. Thanks for the concern…" she took off her shoes and stepped on the couch. She hanged both ends of the band with duck tape and looked for some kind of hanging toy. Sonic was completely left out of this. Taking a deep breath, he moved a little closer to Amy.
"Can we talk?"
"Of course we can! We're doing it now, right?" she ignored the topic.
"I mean about yesterday and the day before it…"
"I thought we said everything that needed to be said."
"We did not!"
There was a knock on the door that interrupted their attempt for a conversation. Amy jumped down from the sofa and hurried to the door.
"I'll get it!!!" shouted Tails from somewhere downstairs in his lab. She shock her head and went to open the door. On the door step was standing a courier with some nicely smelling packs behind him.
"Are you the one who ordered a-"
"Yes! I'm the one!" shouted Tails as he pushed his way to the courier. Amy let out a sigh and turned back inside the living room. Sonic turned his head away, obviously not wanting to start another fight. This wasn't turning out good at all. Perhaps it wasn't a good idea to leave those two alone at the moment. Maybe some more pushes before head… Tails rushed inside, completely forgetting the meals. Running in front of Amy, he smiled from ear to ear and began praising her. "The decoration is fantastic! You really do have taste! I couldn't have done it without you! Now why don't you go and change. Everyone will be here shortly!"
"Did three hours already pass?!"
"Time flies! Go, Amy, go!"
"Ok…" This was for the best. Right now was not the time for clearing up past events. Amy knew that Tails was not sincere about the decorations… He had hung up a mere red band one a completely empty white wall. How can that be called taste?! But since he did this to separate her from Sonic, she didn't mind. Tails let out a sigh in annoyance and as soon as Amy was behind a door, he ran to Sonic's side.
"How come you can't make thinks right! What happened to your confidence!?"
"She can't forget what she saw and doesn't give me a chance to explain! She is the type of person to plan everything in advance. I'm not… I like to make a split minute decision and have always done so! And when I decided to plan things over… It all backfired…"
"You had everything just perfect! It was an accident what she saw… Just apologize! That's what she wants from you!!!"
"I can't… She has build a think wall between us!... Don't you see it Tails?! She sees me as any other show off guy, trying to take her down… I'm losing the gamble…" with that said, Sonic sat on the couch and buried his head in his hands. Walking on thin ice? Perhaps at the beginning he was doing a great job! But then it was like he had decided to start jumping around. And now that the ice was broken, he was falling deeper and deeper in despair.
'Oh, Cream… Please come here faster!'
Amy was sitting on a chair in the same room she and Tails unpacked the decorations. She had a long red cotton dress to cover her body. Her shoulders were bare and the straps from her black bra could be seen clearly. Even though the dress didn't cover her shoulders, it still had sleeves up to her elbows and a wide neckline. A small rose from the same color and material as the dress was placed on one of her sides. Now Amy was fixing her hair and eyeliner.
'Was that even an attempt to apologize? More like a big nothing… Is what I want too much to ask?! Can't he be the sweet version all the time?!' she thought angrily. But then she realized something. 'Since when did I start putting conditions on him…? Since when did I start wanting him to change…? Didn't I fall in love because of who he is? Maybe I should give up on the idea of a kind and sweet Sonic…'
The front door of the workshop opened and through it went a taller than before female rabbit.
"Welcome Cream!" cheered Tails. 'Finally!!! We're saved!!!'
"Hello Tails, hello Sonic!" she greeted them politely. She was wearing an orange dress that reached her knees. For a teenager she looked as cute as before.
"Hey, Cream. Hope we all have a good time…" said Sonic with a weak smile. It's not like things could get any worse between him and Amy…
"Cream?!" Amy flew out of her room and stared at the cute bunny before her. Those ears, those eyes! They were even better than ever! Amy's heart melted as she ran to her and hugged her tight. "You're so cute! I want to take you home!!!"
"N-nice to see you too, Amy." Cream returned the hug a little embarrassed. Amy did change, yet she was still the same!
"Bad Amy, bad! You can't take Cream home! I need her here!!!" protested Tails. Amy loosened up her grip and smiled slyly at Tails.
"Why do you need her, Tails?"
"Because we have plans for today!" Amy made a cat grin as a small blush appeared on her face. She could hardly contain her excitement!
"So cute! I didn't know that you two had an eye for each other!" Tails and Cream blushed by that comment.
"It's not like that! I mean the party organization!" he protested. 'I could easily tell you that Cream and I are working hard to get you and Sonic together…'
"Tails is right, Amy. We're all friends here!"
'Unfortunately… we all are just friends…' thought Sonic. How can he make things right, since Amy won't give him a chance to! And just how beautiful she looked… It was as if she was doing it on purpose. Making him fall deeper and deeper in love with her… Making him want to embrace her right on the spot… But even if he tried to reach out for her, she was too far away. He bend his head low and a weak smile appeared on his face. 'So I guess that's how she felt before…'
Amy and Cream were in the kitchen arranging the food in plates and the drinks in glasses. Now Amy knew most of the things that had happened to Cream and Cream knew about Amy. Girls' talk. What do you expect!
"Amy? Is it true that you're giving Sonic a hard time?"
"What do you mean?"
"You're playing hard to get, aren't you?"
"I just want him to change some parts of his character!"
"You mean his attitude? You can't change it. That's what makes him Sonic! And you loved him despite such issues."
"That was years ago, Cream… It's different now…" Amy turned around and hurried to do something.
"You may be right. If you had a crush on him then, then I'm sure you love him now. The older you get, the more love you are able to bare!"
"I don't think he's the one for such a thing…" confide Amy as she let out a painful sigh and went on with the preparations.
Later that day we can see Sonic sitting on the couch, Knuckles on a chair in front of him, Tails was next to Knuckles and Rouge was between Knuckles and Sonic. The table was formed like a big square, filled with lots of snacks, drinks, sweets, treats and empty glasses. Amy and Cream were racing up and down from the kitchen to the living room to place everything which had place. Since Cream had sandals, she was faster than Amy, who had high heels. After winning the 'race', the cream colored bunny ran to Tails and sat next to him, in front Rouge, and next to an empty place. The two teenagers sniggered evilly as their position strategy was going to plan.
"Anyone up for a questionnaire? Cream said that this book was a best seller! And it sure is worth the reading. The title is Kokology – a series of psychological games, made to unravel you relationship with sex, family, love and work. I read some questions, you answer them, and then check the key to analyze what you had said. Want to give it a try?" invited Tails with a big smile.
"This should be entertaining…" smirked Rouge as she sank in her chair.
"Are you coming, Amy?" shouted Tails and Amy came back in a fast step with a bowl of popcorn.
"Here! Sorry for being late…" Her eyes then noticed the only available place around the table. Sure that Sonic was sitting on the sofa all day long… Its reasonable why Knuckles wouldn't be next to him. Tails and Rouge by his sides and Cream next to Tails and the empty spot. So that left a pink hedgehog sitting next to a blue one. Everyone was looking at her and waited for to take a sit. Amy admitted defeat and sat on the sofa almost at the end of it and a gap was visible between the two love birds.
"The first one to read is In the Depths:
Every adventure hides in itself some dose of danger – exactly danger is the thing that makes adventures so exciting and attractive. People would pay just to feel the same thrill without physical harm. It's exactly this part of our nature that makes the existence of roller coasters and parachute jumping. In each one of us is kept an impulse to take risks. Intoxication of danger can be so powerful that you may put your life on the line just to face a mystery or to explore a new, unknown world. We all have watched horror films – the unsuspecting hero is about to enter a corridor, sunk in pitch dark, and we get the urge to shout 'Don't go there! Are you crazy?' But what would you do if you were in his shoes?
The next scene will take us in that dark world where the border between the average thrill and real fear is gone.
1. You are in an old , abandoned building, in which no one has dared to enter for years, and end up next to a staircase, leading underground. Slowly you go down as you count the steps. One… Two… Three… How many steps are there till the end of the staircase?" paused Tails and looked at his guests.
"I don't really care how much steps there are… I'll say about five to ten…" Knuckles gave his answer.
"I think that they might be twenty or more… Since it leads underground." Suggested Amy. Rouge thought for a second before answering.
"Does it count if I'm flying? Because when I do, I don't notice how many steps I make."
"Just give a number."
"Ten to the most…"
"You Sonic?"
"If I skip some steps… Ten."
"Remember your answers. Next we have…"
"Wait a sec!" interrupted Knuckles. "How come the story teller and owner of the book don't share their answers?!"
"Because Cream has already made them all and knows the answers. So do I!"
"Great…"
"As I was saying…
2. It is pitch dark in the underground room. Just then you hear a sound from someone else. A weak cry? Indefinite groans? Or a voice that speaks to you?"
"I'm getting scared already…" whined Amy. "I can hear the indefinite groans…"
"Well, you did have some bad memories with Eggman in dark sellers…" tried to joke Tails. Amy gave a weak smile but lowered her ears.
"I bet I would hear someone talking to me…" shared Rouge.
"Me too…" agreed Knuckles
"Me three…" joined Sonic.
"So I'm the only scaredy cat here."
"You're just out of shape, hun. While the guys here have continued fighting Eggman, I've been on missions as a secret agent or hunting for jewelry."
"If it will make you feel better, Amy, I'll tell you what I said on this question!" assured her Cream. "I said I heard a cry. And it's not that bad!"
"Yeah…"
"Next we have…
"Who did you react when you heard the sound, given off by the other person? Did you try to find the source of the voice? Did instinct make you run up the stairs, without looking back? Or were you paralyzed with fear, frozen in your tracks?"
"Look for the source…" said Knuckles, Sonic and Rouge at the same time. Amy sank lower in her place.
"Amy?" asked Tails
"Paralyzed with fear…"
"Don't worry Amy! I'm sure Sonic will be there for you!" smiled Tails. Amy looked up and blinked a few times. He would be there if he knows she's in danger. But only if he knows!
"He would?" Her gaze went up to meet his, as if searching for an answer. He just smiled weakly at her, secretly telling her that no matter what, he would be there. Even if he gets rejected at the end of the day, he would still love her and protect her if she's in danger.
"And for the last question,
4. You hear someone call your name and see someone's figure on the dim light at the top of the staircase. Who's the one, going down the stairs?" Amy's eyes widened. Did Tails provoke her to think that Sonic would be the one at the top of the stairs?!
"Perhaps a friend of mine…" suggested Rouge. "Or maybe Knuckles would come to my rescue?"
"As if… I say that no one is at the top!"
"I say Tails," said Sonic. Tails grew a big smile on his face and his eyes began to sparkle.
"You really mean that, Sonic!!! I gave you as an answer on this one! So this means that we really are best friends!!!"
"If you say so…" shrugged Sonic. It was easy for Tails since he knew the answers. He looked at Amy, knowing that she hasn't given an answer yet. Was she going to pick him up? Did she still believe that he would be there for her?
"I'm not quite sure…" she began hesitantly. "True that Sonic might be the one, but… I think there might be someone else…"
"Someone else?!" Tails looked at her bewildered. Who else could she have in mind?! If she picks up Shadow as an opportunity, it might leave Sonic broken! Tails kept his fingers crossed, hoping for a better answer. Why did he pick such a troublesome scene?!
"Perhaps Mally… She would always be there for me… And I know that she's ready to fight in my name…" shared Amy as a small giggle escaped her lips. "She was ready to fight Sonic in front of the mall a few days ago!"
"Oh…" Tails let out a sigh in relief. Good choice! "Now for the analysis:
Abandoned buildings and underground rooms are hidden, but a bright symbol of hidden memories and old soul scars. We all have lived through something we don't want o remember or think of it as long forgotten. But you can't erase from your memories the information and experiences we have hoped to forget. They remain longer than we wish for. Your reactions in this situation show how you manage with painful memories from the past.
1. The number of steps till the end of the staircase shows the influence of your heartache on you.
People who said that there are a few steps feel the negative effect of the past weakly. But those who described a longer stair case, leading deep underground, carry as deep wounds in their souls.
2. The sounds you hear in the dark reveal the way you have managed with troubles in the past.
Those who have said they have heard weak cries have been comforted by others in distress and have recovered thanks to the help. The people who have taken care of you with their kindness have helped you become what you are today. Your tears have not been in vain.
People that heard only indefinite sounds have been through hardships alone. The groans in the dark are a sign of your concealed pain. Perhaps it's time to open the doors and to let the sun tickle you with its beams. Things won't look so gloomy in the light of the day.
Those of you who heard a voice that speaks to them carry the scars of the past like Medal of Honor and reject the thought of them as wounds. As they say 'What doesn't kill us, only makes us stronger' and you have probably taken that phrase as yours. But be careful in that aspect to not become too cold towards other people's feelings.
3. The reaction to the sounds, coming from somewhere in the dark, show how you handle the painful moment of your own past.
If you have gone towards the source of the sound, you probably have the same direct treatment in life. Facing your problems, you are fated to solve them.
Those of you who have ran away up the stairs, without facing the source of the sounds, have big experience in ignoring problems with the hope that they will just disappear. This method may work sometimes, but don't be surprised when misfortune remains longer than expected. Sometimes one must face his fears.
If you have frozen in your steps with fear, this may be a sign that you have unsolved conflicts in your past that go on haunting you and are in your way to carry on with your life."
Sonic looked at Amy and her troubled expression. Was she still suffering from that day? Didn't she seem ok with it just last week? Wasn't she the one that assured him not to worry about it? Maybe it does haunt her…
"I have to say that so far I agree with everything that has to do with me!" smiled Rouge.
"I won't comment on this one…" snapped Knuckles.
"The last one is my favorite! Listen:
4. The one who shows up the staircase, calling your name, is someone you can count on in hard times. You believe that he will be with you and will help you heal you heartaches."
Amy's eyes looked shyly at Sonic. He was the only one who can save her from the past, but she just didn't know how he would be able to. Her gaze met up with his as he turned his attention to her. He was thinking the same things. Amy knew all too well why Mally would always stick up to her. This test was perhaps the most painful one yet. Not only did it uncover unhealed wounds, but it even brought some stain.
"Can we do another type? This one gives off a gloomy atmosphere…" complained Rouge.
"Ok, ok… I think I have something. Just let me find it…" While Tails was looking up for the test he wanted, Sonic was looking at Amy. If this all keeps up, she would ease up and he'll have his chance to comfort her! Things would be back to normal and they would have higher chances! But… Somehow relying on her unhappiness didn't seem quite right… "Here it is! The title is Primitive:
When you see a tiger or a leopard in a zoo, you get the feeling it seems tamed, as if it has lost part of its wilderness. Even enormous creatures like the elephant or wild bears look smaller and submissive when they are locked in a cage. Maybe that's the reason behind the prospering safari parks. The impression from wild animals is bigger when we see them in their natural environment and the thrill is stronger when the only separation between you a hungry lion is a mere thin glass of the car.
You are on safari. You follow the way in the open. Not too far from you, you see a lion and a lioness feeding, while hungrily tearing and swallowing pieces of raw meat. What thoughts flash through your mind as you watch this scene of primitive ferocity?"
"I won't care a bit!" roared Knuckles as he crossed his arms. What was he here for again?!
"I wouldn't mind to have a beast tearing flesh right in front of my eyes…" smirked Rouge as she threw Knuckles a playful wink. She received a glare…
"It might be interesting to watch," shared Sonic, now feeling annoyed.
"I would be scared to see something like that!" Amy sank in her place. Was she such a coward before?!
"And now for the analyzes:
The safari lets you watch dangerous, wild animals from a safe distance, and the feeding of the lions represents a scene filled with uncontrollable natural impulses. Your reaction towards this scene shows how you (would) perceive your first porn movie. How was your reaction?" at this point Tails looked up from his book and looked at everyone's reactions. Amy looked disturbed, Sonic – baffled, Rouge – satisfied, Knuckles – indifferent. "Was it 'Wow! Look at them! Hey, even I'm beginning to get hungry!' No need for comment, right?"
Amy glared at Sonic as he could only sweat drop. This was so not true! But Tails just had to read something like that… He could watch helplessly as his love interest looked away from him in disappointment.
"Or perhaps 'I don't want to watch this – it's disgusting!' No one said it would look good.
'I'm scared.' It's normal to be scared, but you're safe while you're on this side of the glass.
'Oh, leave the poor creatures alone!' You really are decent, but are you really sure you don't want to watch just a little bit more?" Finishing this Tails looked once again at his audience. Sonic had a hand on his head and was looking at the ground. Now Amy really thinks of him as a freak! Amy had her back towards him and seemed disappointed. Knuckles and Rouge had normal expressions. Rouge – as flirty as ever, Knuckles – as indifferent as ever.
"When we ask about something not the type of bad memories, we didn't say we wanted something like that!" snapped Sonic.
"Ok, ok! I'll look for something better! How about… And They Lived (Not so) Happily Ever After?"
"Sounds like a fairytale…" shared Amy and everyone nodded.
"Here it goes:
Fairytales have a happy ending. Or so it should be. But how would you react if the inspected outcome slips away?
Imagine you are Cinderella, standing aside and watch how the charming prince offers your lost slipper to the repulsive ad ugly leg of your stepsister. Then you see her expression with ardour and ecstasy as her foot slowly slides in the slipper – in fits perfectly! How would you react at this unpleasant surprise? Explain in details your feelings and what you would do."
"I would want to see how the prince would react when he sees my ugly stepsister…" laughed Rouge. "Then I will come in picture and make things right!"
"I would ignore it as always!" grunted Knuckles.
"I think I would protest and fight for my lost slipper… Though staying back for a while and wait for the right moment would be better… I don't know. I can't tell how I would react…" stated Amy. Everyone just gulped at that comment. Of course everyone knows what happened the day before… And there was no way they couldn't have noticed the holes in the ground and workshop!
"I would try and fix things…" Not that anyone was surprised by the answer Sonic gave, but more like wondered why Amy was so stubborn!
"And now let's see what we have said…
In the story the glass slipper is something that Cinderella thought will be forever hers. When you put yourself in her shoes, you took her feelings. The way you reacted to the unpleasant surprise shows how you would react towards a rival in love, who's trying to steal your beloved person. We all love to think that our halves belong to us and there are many ways to show this with actions. What did you do to get back what was yours?
'I will make the prince give me a chance and try the slipper.' Don't be afraid to let your partner look around before accepting the fact that you are the only one for him. That's an amazing self-confidence. But what will you do when the prince decides that there are lots of feet in the kingdom that he hasn't tried out?
'I will take it as bad luck and carry on with my life.' Patience is a sign of wisdom but sometimes you have to fight for what is yours.
'I will snatch the glass slipper and hit my ugly stepsister on her head!' You may be pleased to show your natural protest, but the prince may not like to see his future wife in a wild girl-fight."
Amy was thinking on the answers she has given. Fight for what is hers? Since when is Sonic hers and hers only?!
'He may not like to see his future bride in a wild girl-fight… Maybe I did overdo it yesterday… Bride?!' a blush formed on her cheeks as she looked away to hide it. Being Sonic's future one and only sounded so…
"I like this one, but it's getting rather boring…" complained Rouge.
"Okay, okay, just one last! Stolen Strawberries:
Everyone likes pleasant personalities and most of us try to be good. But then why are so little people out there that are good all the time? No matter how hard you try, there will always be such awful days and moments of weakness when one feels better if he isn't controlling himself and acts bad. Whether it will be by fast driving on the highway, cheating on a test or 'saving' a box of pencils from your office – we all have done bad things with which we are not proud and we don't have an excuse. The key to becoming a real good person is in taking the bad points in your character and in confessing that you're not perfect. We all can give in to temptation. But in the next script… you may be caught.
1. As you're walking down a village's road, you end up at a field with tasty looking strawberries. You mouth starts to water and there's no one around. Only one fence is keeping you away from a free meal. What does the fence look like and how high is it?"
"I'll just punch my way through it…" said Knuckles.
"I'll fly over it, no matter how high it is!" admitted Rouge.
"There's no wall I can't jump over…" shrugged Sonic.
"Well… I say that it's as high as me…" thought Amy.
"Good!
2. You sneak in and start picking them. How many would you eat?"
"Not even one…" Knuckles looked away.
"Only the best looking. And since they all were said to be good!" smirked Rouge.
"As much as I can… Perhaps more than ten…" thought Sonic.
"Maybe just one or two… It's still stealing…" shared Amy.
"Okay!
3. Suddenly the furious owner comes back and starts shouting. What do you say in your defense?"
"I'll beat the hell out of him…" roared Knuckles.
"I would invite him to have some if he wants..." winked Rouge.
"I can't be caught since I can run away!" claimed Sonic.
"Beg for forgiveness?" wondered Amy.
"So far so good!
4. After all that was said, what is the taste of the strawberries? And when you look back how do you feel after the stealing of the strawberries in now behind your back?"
"Won't care…" shrugged Knuckles.
"It was enjoyable…" sighed Rouge.
"I'll come back for more…" stated Sonic.
"It was worth it and I had a good time!" smiled Amy.
"You all gave different answers! I can't believe it! Now for the answers:
Strawberries – tempting and red – they are a usual example for sexual attraction and desire. The way you developed the scenario help us understand you relation to a forbidden romantic relationship and stolen love.
1. The height of the imaginary wall is a measure to your level of self-control and your skills at resisting sexual temptation. The higher the fence, the strong is your resistance. People that have imagined a a garden with a thick wall have a good self-control. With those of you who said that there is a thin tread, about knee high, tied on rods, the risk of getting burned by the flames of love is more than high above average…"
Sonic slapped his head as Amy was glaring at him with hands crossed. It was a burning sight back at the mountains…
"2. The number of stolen strawberries is the number of people you can think of at any moment that you're in love with and desire. If you say you'll stop after eating just one, it is most probable that you are true to love. Those of you who had reached a two-digit number must think seriously over this and put some breaks. No one can keep this paste for ever…"
Amy was tapping her fingers on her arms as her glare did not leave Sonic. The poor guy was shouting in his mind for Tails to shut up already! If only he could sink below ground… This was making things way too much complicated…
"3. The apology to the owner show the way you would defend yourself when caught in cheating. What was your apology?
'I'm sorry. I promise it will never happen again.' Sometimes a confession that you would never do it again is the best way to get away from the mess you've fallen into.
'They looked so good I couldn't hold myself back.' Actually you did stop – on someone else's strawberries. But honesty is the best politic. If you keep it up, you may become president!
'Hey, the strawberries were awesome! Can I take some more?' Hosts have guns, spouses have layers. Good thing you have time to think thing over…"
"Run away because you can't get caught… Where does that sound familiar…" wondered Amy as she looked away from Sonic. If a glare could kill in the most brutal way, Tails was going to be long dead. He could feel the anger Sonic was building up for him. He just hoped that this will work out… Even though he had thought it over countless times!
"4. T-the way you described your experience and the taste of the strawberries gives us the idea of how you felt after you look back to a past affair.
'Actually they weren't as tasty as they looked. The whole thing was a waste of time.' Yes, that's true for most affairs. Put the event in the 'Gained Experience' chart and don't look back.
'The strawberries were not that special, but as a whole the event was fun.' Technically you are in the most risky group for reiteration violator…"
"Come back for more?..." Amy was speechless. Sonic didn't know what to do now: shout that it's not true, burn the book, run away from this mess or… He had to fix this, but he was in no good position to! And Amy was not in the right mood too…
"I'll get myself something to drink!" said Rouge as she flew to the kitchen. Things were getting hot in here…
"I'll help you!" ran after her Knuckles.
"I'll show you where they are!" followed Cream.
"I'll get another game for us to play…" sweat dropped Tails and disappeared in an instant. Amy and Sonic were the only ones left in the living room. Pressure was rising by the second. Sonic felt his mouth dry and couldn't say a word. This tension was killing him. He looked at Amy and her disappointed stare into empty space.
"A-amy I…"
"I have to make a phone call." She got up from the sofa and walked outside the workshop with her purse in hand. This was getting bad… Real bad…
Outside Amy took out her cell phone and dialed a number. She didn't know what to think, nor what to do… Let alone how to feel! Sure she was in love with him but… She had too much information for one day. First Tails and his point of view plus some facts, the things she saw, the things Sonic said and did the day before, and last but not least – what the book said. It said true things for her… So does that mean they were true for Sonic? On the other end of the phone someone picked it up and Amy could relax now… She could let it all out…
"Amy? What's wrong? Why are you calling?" asked Mally.
Sonic was sitting on the couch and thinking hard. If things go on like this, he'll lose her. And he's been waiting for someone like her! But now she's slipping away… If only… He got up with determination and headed to the door. He had things to say and he was going to say them! It was a high risk, but he had to give it a shot! As he walked out of the workshop he saw her… Walking back and forward while waiting for someone to pick up. Even though he could see only her back, he could tell that she was worried or nervous. Or maybe both. He took a deep breath and made his first step when…
"I don't know Mally… It didn't work… It's hopeless…"
"What do you mean?! Didn't you find the courage to say 'sorry'?!"
"Me?! Why me?! He's the one at fault!"
"Oh, really now…"
"I don't get it… Why is he always so cocky?!"
"Amy… Everyone must have some self-pride… If not, they will be like zombies… And you, as a head manager of Grand Hotel Shelby and future candidate for head manager of Grand Hotel Melious, should have the most pride of us all!"
"I just want to go home, Mally… I just want to forget everything so that I could return back to normal for work…"
"You've always been a workaholic… Now… Why don't you go back to the party and say 'I love you' to your guy…"
"No, I won't… It's over… I'll head home in less than an hour…"
"Fine… I'll just finish the preparations for the first flight…"
"Bye, Mally…"
"Bye, bye, sweetheart! You'll regret it one day!" joked Mally and hung up. Amy let out a sigh and bit her finger.
"I won't regret it…" Hearing the whole conversation, Sonic lowered his head in defeat and went back inside. It was better to leave things like that, then to have her reject him in person. Amy was staring into empty space and thinking about everything.
'Go back home? And then what…
'You just want him to say 'sorry' and to get more attention!' Maybe I do…
'As far as my records are always correct – there was only one time when he has kissed someone willingly…' Could it be true? Could it be that he isn't like what I saw?
'The person that you have chosen to wear the yellow shirt is someone you like and makes you happy…' Sonic does make me happy. Even by just being around…
'You mean his attitude? You can't change it. That's what makes him Sonic! And you loved him despite such issues.' I did… And I still do… I do love him!' Amy turned around and stared at the workshop. 'Is it too late?
'The reason why I'm upset is because all this time I've been seeing a two-timing womanizer!' I was wrong…
'I don't want to see him ever again!' I lied…
'They can have him! See? I'm not selfish…' but I want him…
'I thought we said everything that needed to be said…' We never did… I should have given him a chance to apologize…
'Is it true that you're giving Sonic a hard time?' I am! I am… I regret it…
'Didn't you find the courage to say 'sorry'?' I never thought I was the one at fault… I forgive him! But… will he forgive me?'
"Hey, Sonic! I got this new game for us all to play!" Sonic lifter his empty stare to meet Tails' eyes.
"This better be different from the last one…"
"What do you mean? Since it's something new, it's got to be different that the old one…"
"Then forget what I just said…" Amy walked back inside and when Tails saw her, a big smile formed on his face.
"You're just in time, Amy! We're going to have a new game!" Amy smiled and nodded. But then she saw him… Her eyes widened in shock. A sharp pain went through her chest when she looked in his eyes. Sonic didn't seem lively as he did just a while ago. He seemed depressed like he had just lost something precious to him. His eyes were gloomy and empty… What happened to him?!
'Is it my fault?' thought Amy as she placed a hand on her aching chest. Such a sight was killing her inside…
"So what do you have in mind Tails?" asked Knuckles.
"I'm glad you asked!" smirked the lab fox. "We have to take one ball out of a jar and open it to see what it reads. Of course we'll be sorted by pairs since we're six in total. All you have to do is do what the little piece of paper reads."
"Sounds simple enough…" thought Knuckles. "So where are those balls?"
"Cream?" called out Tails. Out of the kitchen came Cream with a spherical jar and tiny colored balls. Sonic eyed them as he noticed that there were six balls and each one of them had a single color – one was blue, one pink (figures), a yellow, beige, red and white one.
"Here they are, Tails."
"Thank you, my lovely assistant!" joked Tails and went up to Sonic. "You're first!" This was so obvious! Sonic could tell that the reason behind the colored balls was because Tails could tell who loves what color. Sonic inserted his hand in the jar and picked up the yellow ball. Tails just shook his head with a smile and went up to Amy. She took out the red one.
'Boy, are they predictable!' laughed Tails in his mind. When all balls were given out, Tails turned to face everyone.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen, we are going to decide the pairs. And here's how well do it." Tails took a deep breath and grabbed Cream's hand. "I'm with Cream!!!"
"Then I'll take Knuckie here…" winked Rouge as he hugged Knuckles' head. Sonic and Amy looked at each other dumbstruck. Just like the positions at the table. Sonic let out a heavy sigh and waited for Tails to say something. Amy blinked a few times while staring at the ball in her hand. What could be written inside? When she squeezed it a little, it opened wide and a small rolled up note was reviled. She unfolded it and she gasped at what she read, her eyes widened it shock by the sight of it and a blush appeared on her face by the thought of it.
"You've got to be kidding me…" she whispered. Sonic noticed her reaction and he quickly opened and read his.
"Accept?!" he was a bit confused. As Amy heard what Sonic's note said, her blush deepened.
"No way…" Sonic moved closer to her and looked at hers.
"Kiss?!" Tails gulped hard. This didn't sound right… "What kind of sick joke is this?!" he shouted.
"B-b-but you chose the balls by yourselves… A-and the pairing…"
"This isn't some kind of a game, Tails!" Now Sonic was furious. Amy took a few steps back as this was scaring her.
"Look who's talking!" interfered Knuckles. "You're always taking things lightly and think that everything is a game!!!"
"Suppose I've found something to be serious about!!!"
"Sonic, calm down!" begged Tails.
"Just because you can't do things right, doesn't mean you have to reject other people trying to help!!!"
"I never asked for help!!!" Amy was looking at Sonic and Knuckles fight. She felt like the reason behind all of this. As she looked at Tails, Cream, Rouge… even Knuckles… It looked like they really wanted for Sonic and her to make up… And all she was doing was play hard to get…
"Fine! Then I'll never bother to help you with anything!"
"This suits me just fine!" And it was over… Knuckles turned his back to Sonic and so did he. Everyone looked away disappointed. All of this for nothing… Their plans, their hopes, their good intentions… Everything fell down crashing… Amy was looking at Sonic and his broken pride. She didn't want him to suffer like this… It was all her fault…
'Sonic… Please don't be so sad…' she begged him and ran to him.
'Now what…' though Tails. 'Everything backfired…' He looked up to see how bad the situation was with Sonic and-… He saw that Amy was holding him by the shoulders, pressing her body against his, and was looking deep into his eyes with a small blush on her face. Sonic was staring at her bewildered and couldn't move a muscle. 'What just happened?!' Amy came back to reality as her eyes shot opened and a redder blush formed. She placed a hand over her lips and stepped back a few steps.
"I… er… Have to go!" And she ran out the door.
"What just happened?!" asked Tails, this time aloud. Everyone turned their attention to the running away Amy and wondered the same thing. Why did she run away from the workshop?! Well one of them did see what happened, but was at the way back. Sonic was still frozen and needed some time to comprehend the situation. For once everything happened too unexpected and fast for him. Realization hit him as he broke his empty stare from the Amy that was slowly becoming smaller in the distance. His eyes raced through the sight in front of him and recalled everything that just happened. She really did-…
"Sonic? Are you ok?" wondered again Tails as he raised an eyebrow. As he said that, Sonic ran out the door and tried to catch up to Amy before she gets too far to find. "Can anyone tell me what happened?!" Tails was getting impatient and turned around to face everyone. Rouge shrugged while Knuckles looked away not caring a bit. So that left Cream, who had a big smile on her face and sparkling eyes. "Cream?"
"It worked!!! She kissed him!!!" she squeaked and could hardly contain her excitement. The other three's jaws nearly hit the ground and all rushed to look through the window.
Amy was running as fast as she could to hide under the shelter of the forest. Her breathing was faster, her mind was racing, and her hearth was about to explode.
'Why did I do it?! And why did I have to run after that?! Please don't follow me… Please…' she begged in her mind. All she needed is to sleep this through and think it over. She was getting too much emotionally exhausted for one day. If anything else happens…
"Amy!" Sonic called out as he reached his hand out for her. Amy squeezed her eyes shut as she felt his hand grab her by the arm and turn her around to stop. She pressed her arms in front of her for protection and hid part of her blushing face in her palms. What now??? "Are you ok? What just happened?!"
"Nothing…" she whispered as she still couldn't bare look at him. He was holding her firmly by the arms and didn't have any intention of letting her go just yet!
"It didn't seem like nothing…"
"I'm sorry…" Her hands lowered a little, but were still holding her chest, as if trying to prevent her heart from flying out. Her blush was visible now, but wasn't clear whether it was from embarrassment or high pressure. Her eyes opened a little, but avoided meeting his. "I'm sorry for not listening to you and your side of the story… I also gave you a hard time both today and yesterday… I'm sorry…"
"I should be the one to apologize, Amy. Not you. I should've been smarter than that and I should have resisted. And not just the day before… I'm really sorry, Amy… I didn't want you to see anything like that. It won't happen ever again…"
"Sonic…" Amy looked up to meet his pleading eyes. They seemed so pure as he said that.
"And about a while back…" he began and Amy panicked.
"I-I'm sorry about that too!" Sonic blinked as he nearly shouted. "I don't know what came over me and I just had this urge to do it because I didn't want to see you so sad and broken and thought that it would make things better and I just-…" Sonic smiled warmly at her and felt relieved. So there was still hope for them! Since he was never the type of guy to plan things carefully, he decided to act like he thought best at the situation. "I don't know what I was thinking… Actually I do know but-" he pulled her fast towards him and kissed her. If he wanted to make some drastic progress, now was the perfect time! Amy gasped and her eyes widened in shock as she realized what was happening. He kissed her… He kissed her!!! She could feel her feet melt and her whole body heat up. Emotional exhaustion got the best of her as her legs gave in to her weight and she began to slide down. Sonic didn't want to end it like that so he wrapped his hands around her and deepened the kiss. Amy's eyes closed and let herself give in to her feelings and enjoy it to the fullest. She wrapped her hands around him and returned the sweet kiss with all her remaining strength.
"I can't believe it…" gasped Knuckles. "That bastard really did it!"
"After all this time, they are finally together!" admitted Rouge.
"After about more than ten years!" said Tails with a smile.
"I'm so happy for them!" cheered Cream.
"Which reminds me…" began Rouge after some thought. "Hey, Knuckie. What does your note say?"
"I haven't checked it…" He took out the ball and opened it. "It says 'Agree'…"
"oh, really…" smirked Rouge as she showed him her note. "Mine says 'Ask'. Which means that you'll have to agree to anything I ask!"
"It seems so…" said Knuckles, obviously not getting Rouge's plans.
"Then can I have your Master Emerald?" she winked.
"WHAT?!" he shouted. Rouge laughed and flew out of the workshop and towards the location of the emerald she wanted. Though she did decide to make a small stop somewhere before having some fun herself…
Sonic broke the kiss and smiled warmly at his love interest. Amy seemed unhappy that it all ended and he could see her plead for more in her dreamy eyes. As he loosened his grip a little, he traced a hand over her cheeks with a small chuckle.
"So I guess this makes you my girl now…" Amy blushed by that comment and looked away a little embarrassed. A small smile proved that she was happy about it. Then they saw Rouge fly pass them and wave.
"Don't forget to write you two!"
"Come back here you good for nothing else but stealing BAT!!!" shouted Knuckles as he was running after her full speed. As he was close enough to the love couple, he glared at them and roared, "About time you two!!!" and continued his chase after Rouge. Amy and Sonic laughed a little at the never changing sight of their friends. Amy hugged her beloved hero tighter and snuggled in his neck. Sonic smiled warmly at her and held her just as tight.
"I promise I won't make you regret this second chance you gave me. I will make it up to you and make you happy…" he whispered. Though he knew this wasn't his second chance… But hey! Who cares?! What mattered the most was the time they could share now. A time to prove how strong their love can be!
"Don't you just love happy endings?" sighed Tails as he gazed at his best friend's happiness.
"I don't think it's a happy ending, Tails…" corrected him Cream. "More like a happy beginning for something new!"
"Yeah… Hey! What's your note?"
"Yours first!"
"Mine is 'Ask'. Only one 'Kiss' and two 'Ask' notes."
"Then ask me something!" smiled Cream. Tails thought for a moment as he looked around himself. This place needed some cleaning.
"Will you help me clean this place up?"
"Nope!" smiled Cream and showed him a note that read 'Deny'. With that Cream tip-toed out of the workshop and towards home. Tails let out a sigh and looked in the ground again.
"Cream left all the work for me… Sonic said he might move out… Will I be left here alone?!" he sat down on the ground and began sulking. And what a great job he did!
Sonic and Amy were walking in the forest. Amy said she needed to go back home and Sonic agreed to see her off. As they were walking silently, the blue hedgehog looked at his love interest and felt uneasy.
"Um… Amy?"
"Yeah?"
"About the thing I said that happen after I save a girl…"
"You said something like that?" Amy faked not knowing with sarcasm. "I don't remember anything of that sort nor anything that happened at the spa hotel. I suppose you don't want me to remember those things?" she threw him a playful stare. Sonic's spirits rose up and he picked her up in his arms and span her around.
"You're such a treasure…" he smiled and nuzzled in her face. Amy returned both the embrace and nuzzle with a giggle. "So I suppose now we can look forward!"
"Yeah…" Amy sighed as he placed her on the ground again. She loved being in his arms!
"I've got to say that you're one good kisser…" Sonic smirked and looked Amy in the eyes.
"And you were able to tell that from just one kiss? I'm impressed!"
"Three of them."
"Oh, yeah… Right!... Wait a minute…" Amy thought for a second. The first was when she kissed him in the workshop, the second outside of it and it was a real one… But... "What third?!"
"Just a few minutes ago in front of the workshop."
"Then… The second?" Amy was getting impatient while Sonic was obviously teasing her.
"You took one away a while ago at the party."
"…then… When was the first?" A small sweat drop rolled down her face. When did it happen?!
"When you were asleep in the forest a few days ago!"
"Huh?!" She then remembered what Tails told her! Sonic has kissed only one girl willingly!
"I told you back then that Sleeping Beauty can awake only through a kiss!" he smirked as he nuzzled her nose.
'So back then-!' Amy shouted in her mind. 'He really did kiss me! That sensation left on my lips was not my imagination! But then did he…'
"Surprised?"
"You… you didn't happen to say something back then to me, did you?" Amy blushed deeper. Did he really say he loved her?! Sonic seemed a little confused by her question.
"You couldn't have heard anything… You were asleep!"
"Then you did!" Her eyes were filled with hope and waited for his answer. Sonic could tell that she must have heard him all too well back then. He smirked playfully at her and winked.
"Maybe I did, or maybe I didn't. You'll never know until I tell you…"
"Oh… Why not now?!"
"Because…" He came close to her and planted another kiss on her lips. "It's too early to say it just yet."
"Then when will it be the right moment!" Amy was way too impatient. She could hardly understand what he was trying to say.
"When I decide!" he chuckled and looked ahead of him. Amy did the same and saw that the hotel was close. Even the entrance was visible!
"I guess I'll see you tomorrow then…" she looked at him with a week smile. Sonic smiled and went forward to give her a goodbye kiss, but stopped in midway.
'No… Twice is enough for one day… As soon as she gets comfortable with it…'
"Yeah… See you tomorrow…" he said. Amy nodded and turned around to leave. Sonic took a few steps backwards without breaking his stare from her. He did it! He jumped in the air and swung his fist with full force to celebrate his victory.
Amy was a few steps away from the road when hesitation got the best of her. She looked back at Sonic and his slow walking away and thought for a second.
'Why not!' And with that she ran towards him as if she had wings, wrapped her hands around her surprised boyfriend and kissed him with all the passion she had in store for him. He gladly returned both the kiss and hug and sank in a world of happiness.
"Didn't you head for the hotel?" he asked as he broke the kiss.
"I did… But I began to miss you already!" she smiled innocently.
"Then we can spend some more time now, right?" Amy just nodded and snuggled in his neck again. Was there anyone happier than them?