When people hurt you over and over, think of them as sandpaper. They scratch and hurt you, but in the end, you are polished. And they are all used up.

I slammed the trunk closed and placed the last pair of duffel bags on the grass. Looking up, Sally stood leaning against the car, a strand of auburn hair being loosely twiddled with amongst her slim fingers and a genuine, little grin stretched across her muzzle. Her cerulean pools held a dazed look as she stared at the grass at her sandaled feet, lost in thought.

A tiny smile breaks out on my own muzzle.

"Hey, you ok?" I gently ask her, placing a hand on her shoulder as I stood in front of her, breaking her dreamy trance.

Snapping her head up, she drops her strand of hair and in the next few seconds I was precipitously greeted by her soft lips, her tiny hands sandwiching my muzzle as our lips molded in sync. I pulled her closer, embracing her little body as it locked into my arms.

She pulls away, the glazed look returning to dominate her eyes.

"What was that for? Not that I didn't mind it." I question her, a wide grin on my face.

"What kind of silly question is that? It was for everything!" She responds as if it was obvious.

"Everything, huh? So you enjoyed our little trip?"

"No, Sonic. I loathed it with a passion."

"…"

"OF COURSE, I enjoyed it hedgehog!"

"Hahaha, well that's good." I smile, taking her hand as we headed towards her door.

"Really Sonic. I don't know how to repay you. You're just…-sigh-...amazing."

"Who says you have to repay me? Your love is enough. More than enough."

She blushes, her eyes squinting in pleasure as she looked down.

"So…"

We stop at her doorway as she takes out her keys and fiddles with them, looking for the right one to unlock her entrance.

She looks up, waiting for me to continue.

"…You're gonna be ok, right?"

She pauses fiddling with her keys, a look of ponder crossing her face.

"Yeah...," she speaks up after thought, "I'm a thousand times better than before. I mean I could be in a much worse state than right now. I wouldn't even be cracking a smile. But thanks to you, yes, I'm ok." She answers truthfully, smiling lightly.

"You know I'm always here for you, right? If you need anything…feeling lonely…I'm only a call away."

"I know, Sonic. And that is why I love you."

"I love you too."

She unlocks the door and we step inside. I put down her bags and turn to her.

"Do you need me to stay?"

"It's ok. I'll be fine. Plus, your mom must be waiting for you. You didn't tell her, right? Or did you?"

"I did. But I only left her a note. Which is why I don't mind crashing with you if you don't? I'm so dead when I see her."

"Aw, c'mon Sonic, you're a big boy now! You can face her. Go home, baby. She must be worried about you." She comforts me with a hug.

"…Sure?"

"Sonic!"

"Ok! Ok! I'm goin'!"

"Hehe, good boy."

"Bye, Sal. See you later?"

"Definitely."

I lean down to give her one last kiss before I depart to face the music.

xXx

"SONIC THE HEDGEHOG!"

"Heh, heeeey ma... how's it goin'?"

"How's it goin'? HOW'S IT GOIN'?"

"Okay… I know you're mad…"

"MAD!? Oh sweetheart, that's an understatement!"

"Oh boy…"

She slammed down her glazed Vogue magazine on the coffee table, her face reading 'I'd love to be digging your grave at this moment.'

Yeah, pretty mad.

"Sonic? What the hell?!" She inquired, her high pitch voice reflecting her frustration as she walked over to me.

"How can you just disappear for a week with only a note telling me of your whereabouts? No phone call! No text! Just a scribbled note on a 3 inch sticky sheet slapped on the kitchen table! Do you have any idea how difficult it was for me to control myself?"

As she talked, or rather, yelled, I strolled over to the sofa and plopped down on it, shoving my hands in my pockets and legs apart, just bearing all that she had to say, letting her take her anger out. I couldn't blame her.

She followed, stopping in front of me, her eyes slit and her arms crossed in demand for explanations- typical mom pose.

I brought my gaze up to her chilling expression with my own soft puppy dog eyes.

Her rant came to a sudden pause as she caught the look on my face.

Gotta work my magic...

We held a staring contest- my oversized black pupils with a somewhat cute glimmer versus her slanted lids with 'what the fuck' lines stretching out at the corners of them.

My bottom lip puckering out, tucking in the upper one. Her mouth forming a straight, grim line.

Until it broke out into a quivering smile as she battled with herself to keep a serious face.

I won.

"Sonic! Don't you dare give me that look when I'm mad at you! Stop trying to make me laugh!"

"Trying? But you're already laughing, ma." I remind her as I smiled childishly in victory.

She rolled up the magazine she was reading before my spontaneous entrance and gave me a playful yet hard whack on my arm.

"HEY!" I duck from any upcoming hits from the deadly Vogue.

"Serves you right, kid! I'm still mad at you!"

I readjust myself from her attack.

"I know ma, I know."

Softening my tone, I get up from my seat. I tower above her short form and wrap my arms around her in attempts to calm her down.

"I was so scared and worried." She murmured, responding by clutching me back in a motherly fashion.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't you ever do that again!"

"I won't. But you gotta trust me though, mom! I'm not a little kid anymore. It's only a matter of a few months and I'll be off to college. You've raised me well. I'm not ever gonna do something to disappoint you."

She sighs, realizing that I was right.

"I know, hon, I know. I trust you. This is exactly why I didn't come tailing after you."

I smile, happy she understood.

She pulled away, her eyes now beaming with pride as she looked up at me.

"Just yesterday I was running around the house after your little, blue butt to put on your diaper."

"OK MOM! Mother and son bonding ends here!" I wiggle out of her strong grip.

She giggles, ruffling my quills.

"I'm going up to my room."

"Oh, by the way, I'm not letting you off that easy. You better be home by 11 for the next two weeks!"

"MOM! Really? A curfew?"

"Yep, as long as you're living with me, you still have punishments." She smirks.

I groan lightly, stomping up the steps.

"Fine."

It could be worse.

xXx

I flop down on my bed, pulling out my cell.

Sonic: Waddup?

Grabbing my plush basketball, I toss it up and catch it repeatedly, waiting for his reply.

Knucklehead calling…

"Yo!"

"What the fuck?"

"Fuck the what?"

"What?"

"Chicken butt."

"SONIC!"

"Sup?"

"UGGH! No! You can't just disappear for a week and then out of nowhere text me up with this bull shit!"

I silently laugh to myself, amused.

"Well I think I just did!"

"Dude! Where the hell have you been!"

"Vegas baby!"

"Well…actually I knew that..." He murmured to himself, "But, WHY? And why didn't you tell any of us!"

I sigh.

"Personal stuff, man."

"Personal?"

"Yeah Knuckles, as in private."

"I know what it means!"

"That's good, Knucklehead!"

"Quit dickin' around! You didn't even tell your mom though."

"Yeah, it had to do with Sally…"

"Oh… But you could've at least called or texted us. Anything really, to let us know everything was ok!"

"D'aww, were joo worried about me Knuckie?"

"Man, shut up!"

"Heh, anyways. Did I miss anything?"

"Miss anything? Pfft you-"

His speech cut off abruptly.

"Knuckles?"

"Uh, as I was saying…No … You didn't miss anything…"

I pull away my cell from my ear and look at it stupidly as if I were looking at him.

"Okaay. You sure? Nothing happened? Y'all didn't go anywhere or do anything?"

"Uh. Nope."

"You people boring! Its frickin' spring break! Whatever. We can do something now that I'm back."

"Pssht, boring? You have no idea…" He trailed off, "Who else knows you're back? From our gang that is?"

"No one."

"Not even, uh, Amy?"

"No."

"Okay…"

"So we should all meet up somewhere. Hang out."

"Yeah. Let's all meet up at the diner tomorrow. I'll text everyone."

"Ok. Oh! But don't tell anyone I'm back. I wanna surprise 'em just for the heck of it. Think you could pick me up?"

"Sure."

"Alright. See ya."

"Peace."

xXx

Two, short honks from outside signaled his arrival. I glanced at myself in the hall mirror one last time, confirming the outfit that I donned was suitable enough- teal dress shorts, a thin white collar dress shirt, caramel, ankle wedge boots and minor golden accessories to top it off. My hair in a bun, a few loose strands framing my temple.

Good enough. Here goes nothing.

Snatching up my handbag and throwing it over my shoulder, I locked the house door and scurried over to his Hummer. He stood leaning against the passenger door decked out in camouflage shorts and a black, muscle tee, a dog chain flashing against it, that sharp toothy leer of his finding home on his maw.

"Whaddup, slime ball?"

"Now I know that ain't no way to greet your date."

"Hang out. This is a hang out." I nonchalantly correct him.

"Last time I checked, you agreed to a date, missy." Scourge simpered, still blocking the passenger door with his arms and legs crossed.

"Yeah, yeah, now are we going or not?" I positioned my hands on my hips, popping them to one side.

He clicked his tongue, eyes trailing my form in a judging manner while suppressing a grin at my sassiness.

I looked away from his stare fighting a laugh of my own at the situation as I held my position. After a few passing seconds he finally spoke up.

"You look good."

"Thanks. You look…alright."

"Alright, eh?"

"Mhmm." I smirked.

He shook his head, rising up from his stance against the door and opening it for me.

I hopped in as he jogged around to his side.

"So do you wanna eat first or go to the movies?"

"Let's grab a bite to eat first. I skipped breakfast." My stomach produced a dying whale symphony in agreement.

He let out a laugh as I clutched my stomach to stop its concert.

"Skipping the most important meal of the day? Tsk, tsk."

"Sorry dad, I won't do it again."

"Dad?"

Our bickering continued for the rest of the ride.

xXx

"So why isn't Amy coming again?"

"She's on a date with Scourge!"

"What! Why didn't she tell us?!" Rouge released her milkshake's straw that was in her mouth and jerked up with shock on her stool.

Tails and Silver glanced over to our direction for a split second with a confused expression.

"I'm sitting right next to you, jeez!"

"But how do you know that Blaze?" Cream spoke up, equally stunned but as usual, maintaining a soft tone.

"She texted me. She told me to tell you girls as well, and only you two. So keep it low." I pointedly looked at Rouge, emphasizing on her. She waved her hand dismissively.

The three of us sat together on the cushioned, gleaming red stools of the diner, conversing between each other while Tails and Silver sat a few seats down, lost in their own world of technology and science, occasionally looking up due to Rouge's outbursts, along with the rest of diner.

"Since when did those two get close?"

"Dunno. She hasn't said much."

"There's no need for her to be so quiet about it. I actually think it's nice she's finally dating." Rouge remarked.

"I guess she just doesn't want us making a big deal out of it. Like we are now."

"Oh c'mon. It's Amy we're talking about here."

"Maybe. But still. She'll come around on her own sooner or later." I concluded.

"Ugh, where is he? This was his plan anyway." Rouge grumbled, referring to Knuckles while whipping out her cell.

No sooner, the bell above the entrance chimed and in entered the muscular, scarlet echidna. Following in suit was the clashing and infamous long lost blue hedgehog.

The two built figures strode over with their so called swagger, gaining looks from fellow customers. Pumping red hearts replaced the eyes of some girls.

What was this, some runway?

"Well look what the echidna dragged in!" Silver piped up.

"Surprise, surprise." Sonic greeted.

He gave Tails a dap and a heads up to the rest.

The two continued to take the remaining open seats in between Tails and Rouge.

"So Sonic, how was Vegas?" Cream instantly questioned.

"Oh I don't even know where to begin. It was just awesome guys!"

"Yeah, I bet." Rouge muttered.

"But it's good to be back with you all!"

"It's nice to have you back, too." Tails smiled.

After a few more questions, the group divided up again in different conversations, waiting for our orders.

"Hey, where's Amy?" Sonic suddenly noticed.

"Oh yeah, where is she," Knuckles coincided, "I texted her."

"And Shadow?"

"Oh Shadow told me he couldn't make it and Amy's also, um, busy." Rouge responded.

Silver and Sonic both immediately arched an eyebrow.

"No guys, they're not together. They both had their own thing to do." Rouge stated annoyed, reading their minds.

"Oh, I was 'bouta say…" Silver remarked, "Those two gettin' jiggy with it and not tell us? Mmh."

"Silver, I didn't need that image." Tails pinched his nose.

"Hey I'm just sayin'!" He raised his arms in defense. Half the gang grumbled, swinging around in their stool away from him while the other half laughed lightly.

Our little, or rather big hang out continued…

xXx

"Ooh! How about that diner!" I suggested, perking up after thought on deciding where to eat.

"The diner, Amy? That's no place to take out a girl on your first date with her!"

"What the hell are you talking about? Couples go out to the diner on their first date all the time! Plus they have the BEST food. There's no way you can argue with that. All that greasy yumminess…"

"That may be true. But it's so freakin' common and a hotspot for hangouts. It won't be special if I take you there. How about a nice restaurant?"

"Pleeease Scourge? It won't be that bad. We're not even dressed for a nice restaurant! Look at us! We'll stick out like confused ass zebras in a lion herd with these shorts on in a room full of fancy dresses and what not. Just imagining it is making be embarrassed."

"Haha, alright, alright, fine. We'll go to the diner."

"Yay! And don't worry about it being special or not, I'm sure it will be as long as we're having a good time!" I reassure him with an honest grin.

"True."

He reached across and took hold of my hand that rested on my lap, intertwining our fingers. I slightly jumped as his fingers brushed my exposed thigh in the process and at the gesture itself, not seeing it coming, hoping he didn't notice. I felt my cheeks tingle with warmth as the atmosphere started to lean towards a more romantic feel…

It was so foreign and new, I didn't know how to act. I begin to fidget and avoid glimpsing at his face. I peeped through my bangs for a quick look though as much as I tried hard not to and notice a little smile resting on his lips as his eyes remained focused on the road, a relaxed expression coating his face overall. He was so calm and laid-back that I begin to wonder how many times he's been in this situation with girls that he's so used to it. The thought made me clutch my free hand into a fist in reflex out of slight jealousy.

Jealous already, huh Amy?

Well I mean… how can you not be when you think about a person's past relationships? I'm sure he's had many of them, and that's just another bothering factor.

Hey, everyone's had a past. You can't expect him not to. And that was the PAST. He's with you now, in this moment. So live it and quit worrying about what he's done.

I shut out Wise Amy as I went back to reading him and the situation I was seated in, still a bit uneasy and on edge. Gosh, I was 18 and such a noob to these things that it made me feel pathetic. I mean a 14 year old was probably more experienced in the romance aisle than me.

I caught him peek over to me out the corner of his eyes, his grin growing by an inch. Why? Was I making it that obvious?

Jeez Amy, relax! It's not like he's molesting you!

My nervousness amplified under his topaz scans. The sweat glands in my palms begin to pump faster. I pulled my hand out of his.

"Sorry…" I mumbled, wiping my hand on my shorts.

"It's okay." He softly spoke.

Should I grab his hand again? Or keep it to myself? Would that give him the indication that I'm pushing him away? WHY IS THIS TRIFLING THING SO HARD FOR ME. FUCK.

"…You've never been on a date, have you?" He broke me out of my struggle.

I bit my lip, debating what to answer.

"U-uh…-sigh-…No."

He fully looked over to me, softening his gaze.

"So I'm your very first, huh?"

"Yeah… Pathetic right? 18 and this is my very first date?" I sheepishly slouched a little into the seat.

He sighed, shaking his head in dismay.

Way to go girl.

"Amy… please tell me you're joking if that's what you're thinking…"

His words took me by surprise.

"…"

"You seriously think I'm judging you and think you're lame that this is your first date?"

"Um.. yes…"

"Now that insults me!"

"What?"

"Oh c'mon Amy! I don't know what you've heard about me, but I'm not that mean or judgmental! I especially wouldn't be when it comes to you!"

"Well I mean… considering you've been with so many girls and that they were probably so experienced as well, I can't help but think I'm wasting your time… I mean honestly I don't know how to act when it comes to… romance… so sitting next to a guy who's so suave is really intimidating…." I spoke my mind.

"I don't care if you know what you're doing or not Amy, just the mere fact that you're with me is making happy! And you know what? It's because you're so new to this and cautious that it makes me want to be with you that much more… it's really cute seeing you so naive and innocent, wondering if you're doing the right thing. Really. And you're right, all the girls I've been with are so 'skilled' that they can get arrogant and cocky. And that gets really annoying. So just be yourself, babe."

I gawked at him, listening to his speech, my worries flying out the open window.

"That's really sweet, Scourge… I'm flattered and glad you think that." I smile at him with warm cheeks.

He brushed a thumb across my cheek before seizing my hand again and this time I willingly gripped his with fresh emotions coasting to the surface.

The diner shortly came into sight and like a gentleman, he jogged over to my side and opened the door for me.

Walking up to the entrance I claimed his hand again and we strolled in, close side-by-side with beams exposing our relationship stretched on our muzzles. In each passing second, I grew more and more comfortable being next to him, releasing a small sigh of relief that the uneasiness on my side was finally out of my system.

Holding the door open for me, I walked in thanking him and was welcomed by the home coming aroma of fried goods and sweet shakes mingled together. I came out of my trance when Scourge was next to me again, his arm wrapping around my waist.

I passed a smile up to him and we walked over to an empty secluded booth in the farthest corner of the joint.

"So my lady, assuming you know the menu like the back of your hand, what would you like?"

I giggled, all of a sudden feeling so girlish. I shook myself out of it.

"Hmm, I guess I'll go with the classic spaghetti and meatballs. What about you?"

"A T-bone steak sounds good right about now."

He held up two fingers to a waiter, beckoning we were ready to take our orders. The bear walked over, took our order and we were soon left alone again.

"So tell me Scourge… were your other dates as boring as this?"

"Boring? You think this is boring? Am I boring you?"

"Actually I feel it's the other way around. I feel I'm boring you. It's okay, you don't have to lie."

"Chaos Amy, just shut up! You really underestimate yourself! Listen, with you, it's as if I can be myself! And I've probably told you this before, but I'm saying it again because it's so true. You're not like all my other dates who expect so much from me and want me to act all proper."

He reached his hand across the table and placed it over mine.

"This relationship is honestly one of the best I've had with a girl. You're so easy going and never worried about being a girl. I like that. So just quit judging yourself so much and relax! Where's the Amy that loves to insult me!"

"Haha, she's still here slime ball."

"Phew! Thought I lost her there."

"Hehehe!"

xXx

My ears perked up at the break out of a laugh I could recognize whilst unconscious and underwater from somewhere off deeper on the other side of the diner and I looked up instantly from my cell.

I scanned the restaurant for her form in hopes of finding her but soon went back to staring at my cell in no luck.

A few seconds later, there it was again, louder than before. This time I swung around in my stool and leaned over to Rouge next to me.

"Where did you say Amy was again?"

"Umm… I didn't say she was anywhere."

"Well, do you know where she is?"

"Sorry Blue, no idea."

"Alright well… Imma head to the bathroom."

"No need to tell me- I'm not gonna be coming in there to wipe you when you're done or somethin'." She casually remarked while applying some gloss looking into her compact mirror.

"Chaos, Rouge…" I rolled my eyes, stalking off. Her snicker faded in the distance.

I skimmed the diner once more on my way. Just as I was about to look away the very pink hedgehog on my mind seemed to have popped out of my thoughts and physically appeared sitting in the booth to the right only a few steps away from me.

Across from her sat no other than Scourge the Hedgehog as they merrily laughed at a passing joke.

Uh…what? Should I go over to her? Are they on a date or something?

The latter thought pricked at my mind.

Before I could argue with myself any further on whether or not to go up to her, my feet did the thinking and begin leading me to them.

No use in suddenly turning around in mid-step and looking like a weirdo not knowing where to go in a diner.

She looked up from his holding stare and her metal fork immediately dropped from her hand, clanging against the plate as her pupils expanded, the jade color displaying shock once locking with mine.

"Amy! Hey there…"

I stood at the edge of her table as she gawked up at me. I peeked over to Scourge, his brows suddenly pinched together at a point, his lips parting.

Instantly regretting my decision of disturbing them, I rubbed the back of my neck anxiously when no reply came out of her mouth as she continued to look up at me.

"Y-you…," She finally spoke up, "What are you doing here…?"

"I…uh… just got back yesterday, heh… Surprise?"

"O-oh well.. umm… Sorry Sonic… I'm sort of in the middle of something…" She glanced over to Scourge who was glaring at me intensely. I passed him an annoyed look, irritated by his little glare there…

Her sentence surprised me.

Well I mean I know I was interrupting something but she could've at least said hi…? That's not the type of response I was expecting…

I masked my confusion.

"Oh, uh, right, sorry about that…"

"I-I'll talk to you later though." She assured me.

"Okay…cool… Bye Amy."

"Bye."

I quickly escaped the scenario to prevent anymore awkwardness, bowing my head low and just walking fast back to the group, completely ignoring my real intentions in order to avoid walking past them again coming back from the bathroom.

Just what the hell was that?

Blaze was quick to notice my mien upon getting back to them that I didn't bother concealing.

"What's wrong Sonic?"

The rest of the gang looked up to me and caught on to my demeanor.

"You look so confused. Could you not tell the difference between the toilet paper and seat cover sheets?" Silver joked.

Knuckled snickered but I was too out of it to bother to retaliate.

"No… I uh…. Just saw Amy… on what I'm guessing is a date with Scourge."

Tails begin to choke on his chocolate milkshake.

"What?" Knuckles yelled.

"Amy and Scourge? Since when?" Silver spoke up.

The girls were quiet and pretended to be distracted or doing something. Their façade though didn't go unnoticed by me.

"You girls knew about this, didn't y'all?"

"Yeah. So what?" Rouge was quick to answer.

"So why didn't you just tell us?"

"It's not important. Plus we didn't know she was here. We just knew she was on a date. No big deal."

"No big deal? She's with SCOURGE."

"AND?"

"What do you mean 'AND', have you not seen the guy!?"

"What's it to you Sonic! What do you care about who she dates or not!" Rouge defended.

"Because she's my best friend! I care about her!"

"HA HA HA HA! Best friend, huh? What a joke! Someone give this guy an award."

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean, Rouge?"

I was immediately taken back by her comment, anger boiling in my blood at her sarcasm.

"Best friends don't-, "Blaze's hand suddenly slapped over her mouth, hindering her from speaking any further. She pulled her off her seat and dragged her away, Knuckles following after.

The hell?

"What the fuck is going on?" I asked the remaining group. They stayed quiet, looking away.

"C'mon guys, what the hell is Rouge talking about?"

"Nothing, Sonic. Just sit down. Her milkshake was probably spiked and she's going on about something stupid." Tails suggested.

I didn't believe a word he said but claimed my seat, bewildered by her sudden outburst and being hauled away by Blaze.

xXx

I watched the scenario play out perfectly from my seat.

After walking away from his interruption and awkward reappearance before me after Chaos knows how long, thinking it would be all sweet and dandy and I'd jump into his arms and planting kisses on his face, a little show down that I didn't fail to witness went down between him and Rouge.

What did he think? That he could just show up in front of me with that smug grin glued to his face in the middle of my first date and I'd fall to his feet in rejoice of his return? Sure I was shocked to see the blue figure saunter towards me with hands in his pockets out of nowhere, but did he honestly expect a cheerful reaction?

No, no! You can't just disappear with no contact whatsoever and then come back with people being ecstatic about it. Of course I was upset! He shows up with that strut of his, the conceited look in his eyes, no guilt, no remorse in leaving like that!

Sorry Sonic the Hedgehog, but you have sincerely underrated my loyalty…

I surveyed as he threw his hands in there, exasperation varied with perplexity strewn across his face, Rouge holding a look of fury, her brows creased together and the usual cool, aquamarine pupils dilated with flames.

They quarreled back and forth, close to causing a scene. Scourge noticed my gaze somewhere else and trailed after, straightaway spotting the two. His eyebrows raised in amusement, a short laugh escaping his lips.

I tried to make out what was going on, what made Rouge so angry, though I had an idea of Sonic's side of the argument.

Without warning, Blaze's hand instantly flew up to Rouge's mouth in mid-sentence as her eyes widened. She began to pull her away outside and Knuckles followed in assistance.

"Damn… what do you think's goin' on? That's your group, right?" Scourge inquired.

"Yeah…it is. I don't know Scourge. But let's get out of here." I stood up and rapidly grabbed my bag without his agreement. He followed without complaining, probably just as eager to get away from my crazy gang.

I don't wish to be in his big-headed presence any longer.

Strolling past the remaining four, I waved at Cream who winked at me. Tails watched my partner and me in confusion whereas Silver wore a look of amusement that grew into a sincere smile in support. I smiled back.

And Sonic… he sat with his arms leaning against the counter behind him, boring a venomous expression whilst scowling at the lime hedgehog next to me.

Scourge noticed as well, getting the feel of the negative aura radiating from him. Immediately he swung his arm around my waist, pressing me against him and turned away smirking with content.

Why is Sonic behaving like this? What's with the looks? The argument with Rouge? Certainly it can't be because he's jealous. Is he still upset that I decided to be friends with Scourge, even though we already discussed this? What's his problem?

I looked away from the group as well and we made our exit, continuing with our date.

xXx

"So did you have a good time tonight?"

"Honestly slime ball, I had a great time tonight."

"Well Pinky, that's good to know! Do you still refuse to call it a date, though?"

"No… I don't." I grin up at him earnestly, my tone of voice softening to match it with the tranquil night.

Crickets chirped around us as the spring warmth hung in the air, raising goose bumps on my skin from stepping out of his cool Hummer. We stood on my porch, our little… date coming to an end, the farewell awaiting us.

"I'm glad." He responds, replying in a corresponding gentle manner.

We lingered there for a few minutes as I shuffled on my feet, kneading my toe on the wooden boards of my porch as he shoved his hands in his pockets, looking out to the street.

"So… I'll see you later?" He spoke up.

"Sure." I promise him.

"Well then Pinky… Sweet dreams."

He leaned down, placing his fingers on my chin and lifting it, almost heading for my lips but quickly changing route and brushed to the side, planting a tender kiss on my cheek.

He pulled back and winked at me.

I slightly blushed, looking down.

"Thanks… Goodnight, Scourge."

He nodded with a smile and walked off. I unlocked my door and stood there, watching him drive off into the night.

xXx

I lay wide awake on my bed, the events of the afternoon replaying in my head. I bit my lips suppressing a smile at the mushy parts; slit my eyes in contemplation at the confusing ones.

A small vibration broke me out of my movie and I looked to the side to see my cell lit up.

1 New Text Message

Sonic: …Amy

What an interesting salutation.

Amy: Hey there…Sonic. What's up?

Sonic: …Can I come over?

I glanced at time in the corner of my cell.

It's 2 AM. What could be so important at this hour? Oh well, I'm wide awake anyway.

Amy: Sure, I've opened the back door. Just come in and lock it when you get here.

Sonic: K. See ya.

At five minutes max, I heard the back door open and the sound of someone trudging up the steps. Sonic appeared in a hoodie and gray sweats, quietly stepped in, smiling softly upon seeing me lying awake in bed in my own pair of pajamas for his arrival. I smiled back in greeting. He took off his shoes and strolled over taking a seat next to me. I shifted over to give him room to lie down.

We laid there in silence for the first twenty minutes, taking in each others company, staring up at my glow-in-the-dark cosmic stickers' bedazzled ceiling since when I was 4. The room was dark since I turned out the lamp for a chiller and relaxed atmosphere, the only illumination casting in from my bedroom window provided by the glowing beam of the full moon.

"24." He broke the silence.

"Are you sure? I counted 26."

"Positive."

"Did you include the crescent moon?"

"No. Did you?"

"No."

"What about the biggest star?"

"Yeah."

"Me too."

Silence.

"Sonic…Why did you suddenly disappear?" I whispered, breaking the intermission.

I heard him sigh next to me.

"I can't really… tell you…" He replied in a hushed tone.

My brows immediately narrowed together but I refused to look at him.

"What do you mean?"

"I… it's not really for me to say…"

"You went to Vegas, right?"

"Yea…"

"What did you do there?"

He let out a soft chuckle.

"What happens in Vegas…"

I didn't find it funny. What was he keeping from me?

"Sonic, why are you being so vague about this? Is everything ok?" I finally rotated my heard to look at him.

"Yeah Amy, everything's fine, don't worry!"

"Then why won't you tell me?"

"Amy… can we not talk about this?…"

I didn't respond but continued to look at him. His gaze remained focused on the cosmic stickers, not once glancing over to me.

"…You know you can trust me, right Sonic?"

"I know." He whispered.

I waited, but he remained silent.

"Sonic… I was worried. Really worried. Why didn't you ever contact me at least? If not anyone else? You know you could've. That I'm here for you… right?"

"Yeah, I know Amy, I know. It's just…-sigh-…I just needed… a break…"

"A break? From what?"

"…"

"Sonic- A break from what?" I repeated a bit louder.

"Amy…" He responded, but didn't go any further.

I let out a huge sigh of my own, roughly brushing back my bangs in frustration. He glanced over to me but quickly looked away.

Why is he acting like this? So cryptic all of a sudden. I hate it!

I decided to change the topic… for now.

"Back at the diner… what happened between you and Rouge?"

"I'm pretty confused about that myself. I don't understand why Rouge was acting like that."

"Like what?"

"All… defensive and… catty. It was weird. She's never acted like that towards me. And then that whole thing with Blaze stopping her from saying something…?"

"Well… what did you say?"

"I only made a remark about Scourge…"

I looked over to him again, a little anger rising in me in defense.

"Sonic I thought we talked about this."

"I know, I know, you told me to give him a chance. But I'm sorry Amy, I just don't like that snot, ok?"

I slit my eyes at him, heated, though he didn't see.

He didn't even give him a chance! Not one!

I remained quiet, biting my tongue before I said something that would ruin the moment.

"Are you… dating him?" He spoke up.

"Yes."

I think I caught him slightly flinch.

"Problem?" I questioned with a hint of coldness in my tone.

"No… do whatever you want." He mumbled the last part to himself which I picked up.

Good.

We resumed to the silence for another ten minutes until I realized something.

"Sonic… do you ever get that feeling you're forgetting something but can't remember what? Or just the feeling in general?"

"Yeah… Why?"

"Just wondering… have you had that feeling lately?"

"Mmm…" He thought for a moment, "No..."

And so it was confirmed.

I slowly looked over to him for the third time, this time in fear and read his expression. Laid-back, casual, relaxed…

He couldn't have…

I looked away again, completely turning my head in the opposite direction as my breathing picked up and I clutched at my blanket the tightest I could, fighting back the threatened tears.

"Sonic…" I mumbled.

I felt his gaze turn to me.

"You should… go. I'm… tired."

He nodded his head and got up.

After putting on his shoes he stood in the doorway.

"Goodnight Ames."

The click of the door cued the tears that flowed out in streams freely, one after the other. They hit the pillow with a soft thud heard in the dead silence of my sorrow, creating dark spots of grief against the white shade, representing my torment. My breath quivered as I fought to keep back the hitches, the sound of my own crying afflicting me even more. The ache throbbed furiously at the back of my throat I and could no longer bear, so I broke. I cried. For the night he wasn't there to catch me. For the lack of trust. The lack of chance. For me.

He forgot my birthday.

Sonic… who are you anymore?

Was figuring out the point of views confusing? 'Cause this time I didn't put the person's POV title before starting it. Let me know if it was confusing and if I should put the titles or not!

Oh and I might be a little late but it's still the beginning of the new year so HAPPY NEW YEAR! And I hope y'all had great holidays!

Please review! (Don't worry silent audience, I don't bite. ;P)

Sorry for overlooked mistakes, if any.

Much love and thanks. :)

xx

-RM