Alyssacookie, Jacklethekitsune, Amyfan111, ultimateccc, SnuggleRose, Ashley, SoNiCrOxMaIsOx, StarblissSong, SherryHedgehog, Ember113, :), HaosBlossom, Stendylover, Mike Prower the Fox, Moonstone the Wolf:

I fully enjoyed all of your fangirl/fanboy moments. ^_^ I worked really hard on that Silvaze chapter, and I'm glad you all enjoyed it.

I am completely overwhelmed at all the reviews I am getting. Thanks, I know it's cliche, but this story really wouldn't be as good as it is now if it wasn't for all of your input and support so far. Seriously. You have no idea how much I look forward to coming home from school and reading all of your reviews.

I almost feel bad now, because you guys gave me totally amazing reviews, and I made you wait forever. Heh. Sorry, I've kinda been working on my other projects lately.

So now...we have come to the week off. These next few chapters are going to be light, fluffy, funny, friendly....so if you're looking for some more action, it won't be any time soon. Think of these as like a collection of short one-shot type of scenes. There will be more romance, of course, but there will also be some friendly, hanging out type stuff. Some of them are random, some are connected, some may seem a little out of order. I mean, I could just end the story soon, but honestly, I don't want it to end yet. I'm having way too much fun writing this.

Jacklethekitsune: You know how I said I was making something for you? Well, here it is. :) Since you've been awesome enough to not only read and review all my old (and bad) stories, but you're also working on a request for me (and I LOVE it so far! You other readers should check it out), I'm giving you this. I know you're a big Crails fan, so here ya go. This chapter is dedicated to YOU.

Anyway, enough of my babbling. Enjoy.

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Chapter 21: Not Yet

...............................

"Momma, momma, momma!" Cream yelled as she burst into her cottage. "Guess what?"

"What is it dear?" Vanilla asked and looked up from the dishes.

"I have a boyfriend now."

The plate that Vanilla had been wiping dry slipped out of her hands but luckily only landed back in the sink and in one piece. She looked at her daughter fondly.

Oh I knew this day would come soon. My little girl is growing up so fast! Having older friends will do that. But I think it's time I had "the talk" with her.

"Cream, come with me to the living room," her mother said and wiped her hands dry.

The young rabbit frowned a little, but obediently followed Vanilla. Did she do something wrong? Why did her mother look so upset? The two rabbits took seats next to each other on the couch, and Cream fidgeted. She wasn't used to being in trouble.

"So who's the boy?" Vanilla asked, even though she knew full well. Cream had been talking a lot about him recently.

"Tails," Cream admitted a little nervously, but was relieved when Vanilla smiled her approval.

"Cream, I want to tell you how proud of you I am of you for making such a good decision. Tails is such a nice boy, and I feel comfortable with you being with him. You two are free to go on dates and I know you'll have fun, but you must be home by 8 o'clock.

"And there's one more thing sweetie. Now that you're getting older, and getting more interested in boys... I know that Tails will probably not do this, but for the future, Cream...don't let any boy pressure you into doing what you're not comfortable with."

Just then the doorbell rang, and Vanilla was reminded that she was expecting someone. She got up from the couch and answered the door. And there was Vector, flanked by his two colleagues, and looking as handsome as ever with the blush on his cheeks.

"Well, it took some hard work and brain power by me and the boys, but we found it for you, Ma'am," Vector told her.

"Oh, detective Vector, thank you for taking this job on such a short notice," Vanilla said and took the package from him. This rabbit would take any excuse to give the Chaotix a job.

She pulled out her purse, but Vector merely held up a hand. "No, this is complementary of the agency, ma'am," Vector said, and Vanilla had to smile. There was a sound of a chameleon sighing and a bee giggling.

Vanilla was about to kiss him, but she remembered that Cream was right there. She was waiting for Cream to grow up could deal with having a step-dad a little better. But maybe now that she was dating someone herself, she would understand. The rabbit leaned forward and gave the crocodile a gentle peck on the cheek before shutting the door and heading back to the living room.

"Momma, are you and Mr. Vector going to get married?" Cream asked when she returned.

Vanilla blushed. "No dearie, of course not," the older rabbit said. Not yet, she added silently to herself and then continued talking with her daughter about the birds and the bees.

...................LATER........................

"Hi Tails."

He turned around. "Oh, hi Cream." Her smile was a nice relief from his computer monitor.

This is your girlfriend, Tails. His eyes drifted over her cute face and traced her lovely, flowing ears. She was just so pretty.

"Whatcha doin'?" Cream asked as she walked up next to him and looked over his shoulder. Tails closed down the program quickly, not really wanting to bore Cream with the details.

"You know, I was just about to go get my X-Tornado from where Sonic left it. Would you like to come with me?"

"Oh, I'd love to, that sounds like fun," Cream gushed.

"Great," Tails said and started shutting down his computer. "I'll be able to track it down since I know what frequency the X-Tornado's communication system is wired to."

Cream smiled at his cleverness. "So how far is it from here?"

Tails grabbed his wrist comm and pressed a few buttons. "It's not too far. It shouldn't take too long to get there."

"Were you thinking of flying there?"

Tails nodded. "Yeah, that sounds good. Let me just grab the gas can and we can leave," Tails said and went to retrieve it. With gas can in hand, he was back facing Cream.

"I could help you carry it," she offered, realizing he would be held down a little by the weight.

"Nah, I'd rather you held my hand, instead," he winked at her.

Cream blushed as she did just that and the fox and rabbit floated into the sky. It was another beautiful day, hovering around 70 degrees, with fluffy clouds decorating the sky. Flocks of Flickies flew by the couple as they hovered above the treetops, sneaking glances at each other, but quickly looking away when the other looked.

Cream was hoping that Tails would kiss her. She'd often imagined what that felt like, to have a boy's face so close and to feel his lips on hers. Cream had asked Amy, but the hedgehog had trouble describing something for once. "You just have to do it," Amy had said apologetically. "But it's so wonderful Cream, you'll love it."

The girl licked her lips and wondered if that was how Tails' lips tasted. Glancing back at him yet not quite fast enough to meet those wonderful blue eyes of his, Cream knew he'd be too shy to do it. Tails had always been a little shy around girls, for whatever reason.

Of course, her momma had told her that she shouldn't rush anything as she was young, and Cream knew that. She would have plenty of time to be kissed. Hopefully by Tails. But if she'd kiss him just this once, Cream would treasure that memory for a long time.

The fox looked at her, and Cream didn't glance away this time. Suddenly, he realized what she wanted him to do. But goodness, just the thought of that made his stomach twist into knots. Although he wouldn't mind it, he was nervous. What if he missed? That would be just his luck, wouldn't it?

With her eyes never leaving his and with Tails too immobilized to break the stare, Cream suddenly clutched his hand and they both stopped in midair. Cream then floated over so she was now right in front of him, her ears flapping to keep her aloof, and she glided in closer. Tails was completely frozen now, and had to really concentrate to keep his tails twirling. Unfortunately, that concentration on his tails made him forget that he was holding something, and the gas can once again slipped from his fingers and plummeted down to the earth. Good thing I placed it in a tough container.

But that thought passed quickly as Tails became lost in Cream's chocolaty brown eyes. With his hand now unrestricted, he reached to grab hers and pulled the rabbit closer, so their faces were only a few inches apart. And ohmygoshhewasgettinghisfirstkiss.

Her small, delicate lips pressed lightly on his, and then pulled away. Tails opened his eyes, just now realizing he'd closed them. Her giggle reached his ears slower than it should have, as for both of them, it'd seemed like the moment had lasted longer than it really had.

"Thanks, Tails," she said.

"N-no problem," he stuttered and tried to find somewhere to look besides Cream, who was now licking her lips and deciding that Tails' tasted much better.

Tails released her hand and brought his wrist up to glance at it. Oh, right. The X-Tornado. They'd come out here to retrieve it. Looking at his wrist comm now, though, Tails noticed they were farther away from it than his workshop. He must have gone the wrong way. Ah, that so figured with how absentminded he'd been acting recently.

"Cream, I need to grab the gas can," he told her.

"Did you drop it again?" she asked.

Tails nodded sheepishly and then let himself drift below the treetops to the ground. Good, it was still in one piece and completely full.

"Oh Tails, look," Cream suddenly said, her voice sounding distressed.

He glanced at her. Cream bent over to pick something up, and when she turned, she was cradling a blue flicky in her hands. The bird squawked a little painfully, and that's when Tails noticed that it's wing was bent in an odd shape.

"It's hurt, Tails," Cream said and felt her eyes prick with tears. She really hated to see anyone hurt.

Tails walked over to her and frowned at the injured Flicky. "Don't worry, Cream," he assured her, not wanting her to cry. "I'll be able to reset his wing once we get back to the workshop."

Now that they had sort of a mission, the two wasted no more time in gathering the gas can and making their way to the X-Tornado. Tails started gushing to Cream about all the features of his plane, and the rabbit tried to listen politely but she kept focusing on the bird in her hand. It looked to be in a lot of pain, and Cream just hoped Tails would get back to his workshop soon. It must be so awful to not be able to fly, she thought.

Once they finally did get back, Tails was able to set the bird's wing back into a normal position. Cream watched him bite his lip in concentration, entranced by how focused he looked. She'd noticed the same thing as he was stitching up Amy's cut a while ago.

"Tails, will he be able to fly now?" Cream asked as she cradled the injured flicky in her hands.

He shook his head. "Not yet, Cream. Not yet. But with us two taking care of it, he'll be back in the air in no time at all."

The couple shared a smile.

.............................LATER, WITH EVERYONE TOGETHER.........................

"Alright Knux, you and me, let's go," Sonic said and in a flash had gone to the table and was resting his elbow on it, grinning and holding out his hand invitingly.

Knuckles raised an eyebrow. "Seriously, Sonic?"

"Yep. Now get over here before I win by default."

The echidna huffed and sat down across from Sonic. He didn't turn down a chance to prove his skills. The others gathered around as well.

"As if you have a chance to win," Knuckles said as he gripped Sonic's hand.

"This'll be over real quick," Sonic taunted. He knew it'd have to be; the only way he could beat Knuckles was with his quick reflexes.

"Knuckles, you have no chance," Amy said.

"It's Sonic that has no chance," Rouge said.

The two guys focused harder at those comments. The stakes had just gotten higher now that their girls were involved.

"I'll do a countdown," Tails offered. "1, 2, 3!"

Knuckles' hand was on the table in an instant.

"Sonic, you went too early!" Knuckles protested.

"It's not my fault you have slow reflexes," the hedgehog said and shrugged.

"Again, and this time you are waiting for the countdown to end," Knuckles insisted.

"I don't wait for nothing, pal. You lost fair and square."

"Again, Sonic."

"Oh, you want more of this, huh?"

They gripped hands, and Sonic felt Knuckles tense up way before Tails even started. Crap, he'd just lost his advantage.

"1, 2, 3!"

Sonic closed his eyes and put every ounce of strength he had into his hand to fight against Knuckles' brawn, but still felt his hand slowly being lowered to the table.

"C'mon Sonic," Amy encouraged, and then there was no way he could lose now.

Sonic used his left hand to pull out one of his Chaos Emeralds and gripped it, letting its energy power him. He grinned as his hand was slowly being lifted from the table. Knuckles bit his lip and dug in, wondering where this sudden surge had come from. Sonic was not this strong.

"Cheater!" Rouge suddenly shrieked and yanked Sonic's hand above the table, revealing his trick, while Knuckles slammed his other hand down. Sonic smiled a little sheepishly, but his ears drooped shamefully.

"Hmph. And I still beat you," Knuckles said. "But you're still disqualified."

Sonic got up from the table, a little ashamed, until Amy hugged him and ruffled his quills. "It's okay, Sonic, you're still better than him."

Knuckles was about to get up when Silver suddenly slipped into Sonic's seat.

"Ah, some more competition, eh?" the echidna said and cracked his knuckles.

"I wouldn't take him lightly," Blaze advised.

Knuckles sized up the hedgehog. He was even weaker than Sonic was, surely, yet he had a sly smile on his face, like he had some secret weapon. Whatever. The echidna rested his elbow on the table and narrowed his eyes as Silver gripped his hand.

"Uh, Knuckie?" Rouge said.

"Not now, Rouge," Knuckles said, but when he turned to glance at her, he noticed everyone was smiling. What was their problem?

"C'mon Knuckles," Silver said, wanting to get started before he realized.

Knuckles turned back to the match, but as soon as Tails said "3", he realized he had a problem. Silver had paralyzed his arm.

Everyone started giggling at Knuckles' bewildered expression. He bit his lip and fought desperately against Silver's control over his own arm. They seemed locked in a stalemate, both guys grunting under the effort, when it became apparent that Silver was going to win. With the crowd now chanting his name, Silver continued to lessen the distance between the table and Knuckles namesakes, finally resulting in a victory.

"Jeez, you're tougher than I thought," Knuckles said as he flexed his hand.

"Hey, you held on pretty well, considering you were fighting both my strength and psychokinesis," Silver acknowledged as he got up.

Blaze smiled proudly at Silver and gave him a gentle peck on the cheek. The two were still getting used to being "together."

"You're not finished yet, slugger," Rouge said and quickly took Silver's seat.

Knuckles paused from flexing his hand and his eyes got big. "I don't fight girls..."

"Oh don't give me that, you do to," Rouge insisted. "You're not scared I'm going to beat you, are you?

"I just don't want you to get hurt," he admitted.

"Aw, how sweet," Amy cooed.

"Looks like Knux is going soft," Sonic continued.

Knuckles frowned. Why had they all ganged up against him? "Alright! But I'm going easy on you."

"Don't even."

The bat and the echidna linked hands on the table. "1, 2, 3!"

It looked to be over in less than a second when Knuckles suddenly yelped in pain from Rouge kicking him squarely in the shin. Rouge took advantage of his surprise and forced his hand down. The rest of them all started cracking up and Knuckles exploded in anger.

"You're all cheaters!" he growled. "You and the Chaos Emerald, you and those dang powers, you with that kick -"

"Oh Knuckie you are adorable when you're angry," Rouge said and cut out his grumbling with a kiss.

"Wow, Knux, you lost to your own girlfriend. Pa-thetic," Sonic said, but turned pale when everyone glanced at him.

"You and Amy. Now," Knuckles commanded.

Sonic frowned but Amy was gung ho, as she had nothing to lose. She batted her eyelashes at Sonic as she sat down.

"C'mon, Sonic, you'll probably beat me anyway."

This was true. And it'd be a chance to redeem himself. Sonic took the seat across from Amy and clasped her hand.

"You just want to hold my hand," Sonic teased her.

"My money's on Amy," Knuckles said. "Sonic has no upper body strength, but Amy does."

"Amy," Rouge agreed.

"You guys are crazy," Silver said.

"Hey, Sonic's strong, he carries me around," Amy said.

"Yeah, and that's a workout," Knuckles muttered.

Amy was up in an instant with her hammer drawn. "What did you say?" she shrieked. "ARE YOU SAYING I'M FAT?"

"No, Amy, I meant it sarcastically!" Knuckles protested and held up a hand, his eyes widening a little.

Sonic had to stick his fingers in his mouth to keep from laughing. "Amy, just, c'mon," he said, straining against laughter. His girlfriend sat back down after glaring at Knuckles. "Hey Tails, do your countdown thing, will ya?" Sonic glanced over at his friend and his eyes widened. "Tails?"

The now bright red fox turned from Cream's kiss. "Huh?"

"Oh, right up my ally lil bro," Sonic laughed.

Amy sighed. "Your kids are going to be so adorable."

Tails and Cream blushed even harder, and Sonic laughed but froze upon Amy's next words.

"But not as cute as me and Sonic's kids," Amy clarified and gripped the hand of her now blushing boyfriend. "Don'tcha think, Sonic?"

Sonic raised his eyes to meet hers. "Only if they look like you, Amy."

Amy gasped, squealed, and then dove across the table to tackle Sonic, sending them both crashing to the floor. "OH SONIC!" she squealed and squeezed the life out of him, kicking her legs back and forth in pure joy. "I can't believe you said that! Ohmygosh! Does that mean you'll finally marry me?"

"N-not...yet," Sonic somehow managed to say, despite the fact that Amy had a death grip on him.

Of course, the "yet" had pictures and names of little baby hedgehogs flying through Amy's head, and left the others to just shake their heads and have no more wonder about who was the stronger of the two.

"And that's a 10 count," Tails said. "Amy, you better let him go or you'll ruin Sonic's chance of ever having kids."

Amy released him, but Sonic remained on the ground, his hand on his chest and breathing heavily.

"Jeez...you haven't...done that...in...awhile..." he panted.

Amy then realized what she'd just done. "Sorry, Sonic...I just got excited when you said that," she said bashfully.

Sonic glanced up at her, and then used his feet to spring himself back upright before enveloping Amy in a much gentler embrace than she'd just given him, to let her know he forgave her. "Not yet," he whispered.

..............

All I can say is this story has a mind of it's own. :) I know this chapter was kind of....random. But this is the kind of stuff that's going to happen on their week off.

Hope you all picked up on the repeated use of the title of this chapter.

Sorry if you don't like Vectnilla. :) I did almost throw up, though, when I wrote that Vector was handsome. :P

And the arm wrestling was just a random idea I had. I figured Knuckles would totally own if the others didn't find a way to cheat, and of course they would. And he'd get mad. And Rouge would comfort him. This story has a mind of it's own, I swear it!

And one more thing: How about some audience participation? What couple do you guys want to see more of? Leave your opinions (and ideas) in your reviews. (I have a feeling it's gonna be a close call between SonAmy and Silvaze) I feel like I've been neglecting Knouge, but I'm completely out of ideas for that couple. :P