QBH: I am rather have to make an apology for not writing anything last month due to unforeseen circumstances.

Amy: Did something happen?

QBH: Well ... my computer which I had been using for about 6-7 years has been showing it's age and the power supply finally died. So I did replace the necessary parts

even though it cost about $100 more or less.

Shadow: It took you quite a while to get that replaced.

QBH: Give a guy a break but I do feel determined to continue this story, so I should mention that you have 4000 views.

Amy: Congrats but you still have a long way to go to finish this one.

QBH: Of course, So I am sure I will continue working on this story though there is a concern i will discuss later. Well anyways, I present you guys this chapter! Enjoy!

Chapter 22:

Normal Night

(7:00 pm)

At one of the many Eggman's many bases, Dr. Robotnik cunningly and enthusiastically is making his latest plan come into play.

"You think Dr. Robotnik has given in his world domination schemes, they should think again. OHOHOHOHOH!" Dr. Robotnik

"I do pray think this time this will succeed. Though why being very silent since your last try?" Orbot

"My last scheme maybe has a few kinks but since I may have launched too many weak plans too fast before. Those pathetic heroes won't even know what would hit them." Dr. Robotnik

"Um … boss. There is a report of the bases' badnik production." Cubot

"Well … how is it going?" Dr. Robotnik

"It is actually doing well and rather it is near capacity." Cubot nervously

"This is the first time everything has gotten according to plan. Hm…" Dr. Robotnik

"Isn't that a good thing, boss?" Orbot

"It would seem that way but I am still precautious just how this plan would work." Dr. Robotnik

"It is odd that you would be this picky, boss." Cubot

"I am still going to push this plan but if you two pin heads would bungle this plan then I am not going too lenient on your databases anymore."

The two robots are petrified and quietly continue Dr. Robotnik's preparations as the Doctor continue to gloat and plan once more his latest scheme.

Meanwhile at Amy's Apartment, Amy finally psyched herself and had the time to think and as well plan out on how she will explain to Shadow on how she reacted.

At first, Amy thought she would find Shadow at the living room pouting but oddly he wasn't there but before she can deduce where he could be this time, an alluring aroma came from the kitchen and she now heads to the dining room. She sees a very elaborate dinner spread and Shadow easily finish the preparations.

"Here … I have made dinner for both of us." Shadow

"It seems too much for just a simple dinner." Amy

"I still insist … ever since I keep making you upset." Shadow

"No. I may have overreacted a little bit though thanks I am looking forward to what you have cooked up this time." Amy

The two then are quietly eating the dinner as Amy is once again amazed on its quality giving Shadow an opportunity and start the conversation with an apology.

"You can't seem to hide your astonishment. I made sure I pull out the best one with your supplies." Shadow

"I hope this didn't take out a huge chunk off my reserves. I am not earning a lot of money." Amy

"I am quite resourceful you know. Still I am sorry for being so blunt with your feelings." Shadow

"No, I should also be sorry for my reaction. It's true I may have not let go of my past all together like you did." Amy

"If you think that I really let go about my past then sadly I am guilty that I don't want to let go. I should owe you an apology." Shadow

"Well if you think a peaceful dinner will cut it, you are mistaken. It seems too much for you to even do this. Would you still consider something else?" Amy

"As expected but what should I do to make up to you?" Shadow

"I really want to know the truth tonight. I mean the way you have been interacting with me is giving me or rather my mind and … my heart is still in pain." Amy said nervously and yet embarrassed.

Shadow at first was undisturbed but he does feel bad and reacted actually softly.

"Don't you worry about that. I will comply with your worries on a certain few conditions, I presume." Shadow

Amy reacted with a sigh knowing how cunning Shadow can be but she nevertheless quietly agreed and continued eating trying not to think about what is going to happen after their dinner.

Meanwhile at Sonic's home, Sonic and Blaze are quietly having dinner as well. Sonic may have been worried but before he can voice it out Blaze started a conversation.

"Are you feeling okay, you seem down? Is there is something the matter?" Blaze

"I am surprised that you know and yes I am just worried." Sonic

"Well, I am supposed to be your girlfriend and I should be concerned like any friend would be." Blaze

"Sorry, I it all happened so fast today … with you and I establishing a relationship, then meeting Amy of all people which is also is involved in this whole mess." Sonic

"You don't have to be so stiff about that, it seems odd that the easy going person like you can be also a bit uptight like me." Blaze admits a bit smugly

"This feels totally awkward." Sonic

"Oh you don't have to be so embarrassed by this revelation. I think it's very cute. You are making quite a scene of yourself." Blaze

"Back to the topic, do you think that things will go well? I mean this relationship isn't going to end well if Amy is like how you know her?" Sonic

"Do you even maintain a good contact with Amy?" Blaze

"Now that I think about it, I may or may not have done that." Sonic

"Well but you do still admit you are friends when you finally told her, right?" Blaze

"True but I should talk to Amy anyway to see how she is doing." Sonic

"That's the spirit. It's nice that you are back to your old self." Blaze

"Well, should you get going to your home dimension afterwards? Your people would be worried that you are gone for too long." Sonic

"No need for that. They will be fine and are capable of handling themselves even when I am on or off duty." Blaze assures him

"That great! So what do you have in mind? I mean is there something you still want to do?" Sonic

"Actually I do but … (blushes) I can't even tell you that just yet." Blaze

"Well … I am not going to ask now but when the time comes you can certainly show me about it." Sonic

Blaze didn't respond as she knew what she wanted to do but it is best to surprise him.

Meanwhile at Vanilla and Cream's home, Vanilla is a bit worried that Cream is handling so much just for her friend's birthday. Vanilla did support her daughter for this but seeing that she became a bit tense and tired. Even Cheese approached Vanilla rather worried and sadly admits that he has never seen Cream work this hard just for her best friend. Vanilla knew as a mother, she still had to take care of her only child.

It seemed odd that Cream was very quiet during dinner and quickly left without saying a single word either but she had to address her worries anyhow. Vanilla and Cheese quietly reached and entered Cream's bedroom. Cream didn't pay much attention to them as she is a bit tense from the burden of hosting and planning the birthday plan.

"Cream, my dear. Are you okay?" Vanilla

"I … am fine, mom. I am kind of busy here." Cream

"It is just that … you seem rather quiet and tired for the past few days. I am worried." Vanilla

"Chao, Chao. (Me too.)" Cheese

"I am sorry. It is just I really wanted to give appreciation to Amy. I really am lucky to her as my best friend." Cheese

"Amy would really be happy you are doing this for her and I am supportive to even help you. Is there a part of the plan not going well?" Vanilla

"I still haven't got any word from Tails and Knuckles. I hope they can handle with the task I told them." Cream

"They are very capable boys, Cream. I am sure they can do it. I am surprise you are organizing this party so well. (Hugs her tightly). I am glad my girl is growing up so fast." Vanilla

Cheese also hugged with the two, Cream smiled and happily accepted the gesture.

"You really think Amy will like the surprise party?" Cream

"Of course, she couldn't even be happier when all of her friends will be there to celebrate with her." Vanilla as she lets go

"Still did you pick your gift for Amy already, mom?" Cream

"I do. I know you want to buy a separate gift for her. Have you even picked one for her?" Vanilla

"Now that you mention it, I nearly forgot about that. Maybe tomorrow I will buy her something good." Cream

"Chao, Chao … (Don't forget about me.)" Cheese

"I know, Cheese. You can tag along to help with choosing our gift." Cream

"Now can you tell me how is it coming along? I never had seen you work so hard before." Vanilla

"Everything is coming along though it is just that Amy's birthday is getting closer and I just can't wait to celebrate it." Cream

"I do so too. Well I am here to help out; is there things we need to go over with about the party?" Vanilla

"Yes. I was about to ask you for help. I am sorry, mom. Maybe I am putting too much on myself." Cream

"It is all right, I am still your mother and I will always look out for you." Vanilla

"Chao, Chao, Chao (Don't forget about me too.) Cheese

"Of course you are part of the family too, Cheese." Vanilla

Cream happily hugged the two and they began making a quiet chat about the plans and preparations for the party.

In Knuckles' place, Knuckles is now checking on his task of getting the necessary things for Amy's party. He didn't expect for Rouge to stick around but since she is going to the birthday anyway, she gladly offered help which leave Knuckles a little on his guard.

"I still can't believe Cream wanted a special birthday cake just for Amy." Knuckles

"Don't be such a grumpy sport and whine about it. You are doing this for both Cream and the lucky birthday girl, Amy." Rouge

"Still … would you be hanging around now at my place more often? I still have lingering concerns about you." Knuckles

"I understand, I know you still don't trust me after what we have gone through and yet I have submitted my feelings and even my body to you. What would still make you feel better and even trust me?" Rouge

"I know I can't make you change your profession or your obsession with jewels but all I ask is that you don't mess with me like you usually do and be honest with me." Knuckles

"Is that all? I really thought it would be more serious than that." Rouge

Rouge then hugged Knuckles tightly and snickered leaving Knuckles again blushing

"You should have said so, I know it will be hard but we can get through with our differences in the long run. So … since I want to spend a peaceful night with you, Can I help out with the party?" Rouge

"I am not stopping you. I admit I do need the help for the party. You got any suggestion what kind of food we can have for Amy's party?" Knuckles

"I do have a few ideas and don't worry, this is still for Amy. I am not going to add anything adult in my suggestions." Rouge

"Does any of it contain alcohol?" Knuckles

"No and you don't still trust me?" Rouge

"No I should but yet I am rather curious of what adult taste you have." Knuckles

"That can be arranged some other time. Right now, I am in the mood to be nice for once." Rouge

"Oh, I can't believe when I see it." Knuckles said trying to act smug

Rouge then let's go and started to have a friendly and simple conversation about party foods for the upcoming celebration.

After some time back at Amy's apartment, it was eerily quiet as Amy and Shadow are cleaning both the kitchen and dinner table. Amy would have easily asked Shadow about the conditions he proposed before finally telling her the truth but even if Shadow complied, she is still not sure how to respond to them. Shadow noticed the silence and asked.

"So you are curious of those conditions, right?" Shadow

Amy silently nodded yet very nervous

Shadow easily gave a grin which pushed Amy nervously as he finally told her his conditions.

QBH: I did mention I wanted to bring up by now.

Shadow: And what would that be?

QBH: The intermission chapters. I could consider dropping them after producing one since they act like fillers.

Amy: That's sad to hear but would you consider making more someday?

QBH: Yes as a separate story of course though since the holiday plots has very little things to explore on.

Shadow: So what about the main story? Will you still be making more of this story?

QBH: Of course and I still would like to thank the people who do read even just one. So that wraps up this chapter, see you guys soon for the next one!

For more news, just follow me on twitter: QuietBoyHood ( HoodQuiet) If anybody read at this point.