I'm so sorry for the later than usual update! School has been super busy these past few weeks! I will try to get the last two chaps up within good time!

All characters belong to Sega/Archie except my OCs.

Chapter 28

A soft rapping on Sonic's window awoke him from his deep slumber. A frown appeared on his lips as his brain acknowledge the sunlight pouring through his eyelids. With a groan, he turned onto his other side; his back now faced the window. The tapping on his window didn't stop. Instead, it got louder. The sound of Amy's voice was an addition to the irritating noise. "Sonic," she exclaimed. "Wake up!"

A deep sigh left Sonic's lips. He reluctantly opened his eyes and rolled out of bed. He stumbled towards the window. Through his narrowed eyes, he could see Amy's pretty face. Her pink curls were hanging down over her shoulders, framing her round cheeks. She slid inside after he'd opened the window for her. Sonic raised a lazy eyebrow as he examined her attire. Instead of her usual long sleeved shirt and jeans, she was dressed in a white, peach and lavender off the shoulders floral blouse, a pair of light wash shorts, and white converses. Her slender arms and petite yet thick legs were exposed to the world – scars and all. Sonic couldn't fight the smirk on his face as his eyes appreciated the view. "Damn, mami," he said. He grabbed her hips and pulled her against him. "Where are you going looking like a snack?"

Amy rolled her eyes. She ignored the soft blush covering her cheeks. "Don't start. It took me half an hour to convince myself I looked okay."

"You don't look okay, babe. You look beautiful."

Her blush darkened as he caught her lips with his. She melted into his sweet kisses. Her arms looped around his neck while his encircled her waist. Their lips danced together for a brief moment before Amy pulled away. "Don't distract me. You have to get dressed."

Sonic groaned. "But it's early."

Amy glanced at the digital clock on his nightstand. "It's six o' clock at night!"

"On a Sunday. Besides, you said you didn't want to leave until seven."

"I know, but you agreed to wake up early enough to take a shower before we left." She fiddled with the curls at the nape of his neck. Her green eyes went to the scars on his chest and side. "Are you sure you'll be alright with all the walking around? I don't want you to be in pain."

"I'm fine," Sonic assured her. "They barely hurt anymore. They've healed nicely over the past few weeks, don't you think?"

"Yeah, but I'm just concerned."

"I know, and I promise I'll be careful. If I feel any pain, I'll take a break, alright?"

Amy nodded.

He pecked a kiss at her lips. The kiss lingered between the two of them for another brief moment.

"Alright," Amy said as she pulled away with a smile. She pushed her finger into his chest. "You get dressed. You can come get me when you're ready to go."

"Will do." Sonic kissed Amy one last time before he let her go.

The curly haired girl climbed out of his window, descended the black metal steps to her own window, and slid back into her room. After closing her window, she wandered downstairs. Her fathers were in the kitchen. Benny was at the stove cooking while Marc was sitting at the table sketching a picture. Both of them looked to her as she bounced into the kitchen. "Hello," she sang with a smile.

"Look at you, all dressed up to watch fireworks with your boyfriend," Benny said. "You look beautiful, sweetheart."

She pecked a kiss at his cheek. "I am definitely not dressed up, but I'll take the compliment." She moved to Marc to kiss his cheek.

"Are you excited," he asked her. He watched her sit down across from him. "You guys haven't watched the fireworks in a few years now."

"I know! It's going to be so weird; especially since Max and I are together now."

"Why do you say that?"

She shrugged. "Because I'm so used to paying more attention to him and the stupid fights he'd initiate than actually watching the fireworks." She leaned her head in her hand. A soft smile began to bloom on her lips. "It'll be nice though, watching the fireworks in peace."

Her fathers chuckled at her. "I don't know. Sonic might still annoy you just for the hell of it," Benny said.

Amy groaned. "Don't remind me." She twirled one of her curls with her finger. "Tails and Cream are going to meet us there. Hopefully, Sonic will let Tails' good influence affect him, and he'll be nice to me."

"Anyone else you know that's going?"

"Sonia and her boyfriend, Elias; Manic and Marisol, and Rob and this girl he likes from his school. He finally grew some balls and asked her on a few dates."

Marc smiled. "That's cute. Are you all gonna hang out together?"

Amy shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not. I know Tails and Sonia will hang out with us, but the others will probably do their own thing."

"I'm assuming Sonic is gonna drive you guys up there."

Amy nodded. "We were gonna stop and get dinner before we headed up there."

Benny raised an eyebrow. "Anywhere fancy?"

Amy shrugged. "Nah. Knowing Sonic, we'll end up at TGI Friday's or Chili's."

"What time should we expect you home?" Marc asked.

"Eleven at the latest. I don't think we'll be out too long. Sonic's pain meds have been taking a lot out of him. Whenever he's not at work or school, he's asleep."

"Just be careful," Marc said.

"I will," Amy promised.

A soft knock rang on the door. She rushed to answer it. Amy smiled at the sight of her older brother. "Hi," she exclaimed as she gave him a tight hug.

Rob chuckled. "Hey Amy. How are you?"

"Good. How are you?"

"Good."

Amy peeked behind Rob to see Mari-An standing there with her hands clasped together. She was dressed in a simple red sun dress and sandals. Her red hair fell over her shoulders, and no glasses hide her wide blue eyes. Amy offered a smile at her. "Hi," she said.

Mari-An smiled. She took a small step forward. "Hi Amy. It's nice to see you again. Rob's been telling me so much about you."

"Yeah, he's been telling me a lot about you too." She wiggled her eyebrows at her brother.

Rob's cheeks turned a soft pink. He glanced down at Mari-An's sweet smile. "Alright, well I just wanted to say hi before we all started hitting the road. I feel like we haven't talked since we've both been so busy."

"I know! I'm sorry. Over the summer, we definitely should hang out more."

Rob smiled. "We definitely should."

"Oh I meant to tell you that you can come see me off to prom in a few weeks." She grimaced. "Benny and Marc are planning to take a lot of pictures."

"You don't seem too excited about that."

She rubbed her bare arms. "I'm still getting used to…this." She wrapped her arms around herself. "Looking at pictures are going to be hard."

Rob nudged her arm. "Don't worry. You'll look beautiful."

"Thanks Rob."

The three looked over to the empty neighboring stoop. Loud voices could be heard from inside the house. Amy recognized the two brothers' voices yelling profanities at each other. The string of insults only lasted a moment before a chorus of loud thumps and sporadic shouts.

Rob and Mari-An exchanged an expression with creased brows.

Amy rolled her eyes at the noise. "Well, that lasted three seconds."

"What did," Mari-An asked.

"Manic and Sonic being nice to each other."

"They're fighting," Rob asked with wide eyes. "Like fist-fighting?"

"Yeah." Amy shrugged. "They do it all the time."

Rob and Mari-An flinched from the sound of a loud thud. Spanish insults echoed from both the boys. "Uh," Mari-An said. "Are you sure this is normal?"

"Yeah. I promise they're not trying to kill each other."

They watched as the front door swung open. Marisol dragged a still yelling Manic out the door. Sonic's voice could be heard through the open door. "Keep talking shit you little asshole and I'll knock you the fuck out," Manic yelled into the doorway.

"Stop," Marisol said. "Calm down, papi."

"Listen to your girlfriend, esé! You fucking pussy!" Sonic yelled from inside the house.

Manic shook out from Marisol's grasp and ran into the house. An exasperated sigh left her lips as a loud thud sounded through their ears. She shook her head before looking over to Amy, Rob and Mari-An. The dark haired girl offered them a smile. "Hey guys," she said. "Uh, Amy, can I have some help here?"

Amy nodded. She shut her front door behind her. Mari-An and Rob followed behind her to the house next door. They followed the thuds and profanities to the living room. Sonic and Manic were on the floor with their arms wrapped around each other's necks; their free arm was bashing their fists into the other's head and shoulders. With a sigh, Amy and Marisol approached the boys. "Alright, alright, stop," Amy said as she tried to stop Sonic from punching his brother.

"Cris, let him go," Marisol said as she tugged at her own boyfriend's arms.

The brothers reluctantly let each other go. Sonic managed to kick his brother a few times as Amy dragged him away. "How do you run up on someone and still get your ass beat," he asked.

"You barely touched me, hermanito. That headlock didn't do shit," Manic yelled back.

Amy put her hand over Sonic's mouth before he could say anything else. "What are you two fighting about now," she asked. "I thought you guys made up."

"Ask your boyfriend. He's the one starting shit."

Amy reluctantly moved her hand from Sonic's mouth. "I told you not to touch my shit." He shrugged his shoulders. "And I was bored," he admitted. "I haven't punched anyone in a while." He looked to his brother. "Besides, it's all in good fun, right?"

Manic narrowed his eyes. "You better stay over Amy's house tonight."

"Or else what? What are you gonna do?"

"I'm gonna knock your arrogant ass out." He got to his feet. "You little shit."

Sonic's grin widened. "I love you too, big bro."

Manic rolled his eyes. He turned his gaze to Rob and Mari-An. "Hey guys. Sorry about all this. My little brother doesn't know how to mind his own goddamn business."

Sonic raised an eyebrow. "Are you really talking about someone minding their own business? Says the one who's always in mine."

"Shut up before I fuck you up for a third time in one day."

Sonic stuck his tongue out at his brother.

A smile tugged at Manic's lips as he shook his head. "Such a little shit," he whispered to himself. He wrapped his arm around Marisol and brought her close to him. "Are you guys ready to go?"

Rob was still staring at them with wide eyes. "Uh, yeah. We're ready when you guys are." He looked to Amy. "I'll see you later, Amy. Text me the date for prom and I'll be there to see you off."

Amy smiled at him. "Okay. Bye guys." She watched the older teens walk out the door. As soon the door clicked shut behind them, she slapped Sonic in the back of the head.

"Ow," he exclaimed. He put a hand to the spot she'd hit. "What the hell was that for?"

"What is wrong with you? Weren't you and Manic getting along just fine yesterday?"

"I told that fucker not to drink the rest of my chocolate milk."

Amy rolled her eyes. "You two were literally fighting over chocolate milk?"

"It was my chocolate milk. You were with me when I brought it."

Amy shook her head. "You're an idiot."

He grinned. "But you love me." He got to his feet. His arms wound around her waist, and he pecked a soft kiss at her lips.

Amy smiled up at him. "Unfortunately."

Sonic raised an eyebrow. "Unfortunately?"

"Yeah. You are a pain in my ass."

"Oh really?"

"Did I stutter?"

"Do you wanna fight, little mama? We can take this outside if you want. You can meet me in the street and we can mix."

Amy giggled. She pecked another kiss at his lips. Her lips gently molded his for a few moments before she pulled away. "We should get going if we want to get food. You know the restaurants fill up fast during Memorial Day Weekend."

"Alright. Just let me get my sneakers on."

"I have to grab my purse, so you can meet me outside when you're ready."

Sonic pressed a kiss on her forehead before letting her go.

Amy took a brief trip back into her house to grab her small Coach purse. She kissed her fathers goodbye before heading back outside. Sonic was sitting on the front steps. He'd added his favorite black snapback and black Nike's to his plain black tee and jeans. He was twirling his keys around his index finger. Amy pushed the brim of his hat down on his head.

"Bring your ass here, mami, so I can fuck you up," Sonic said as he got up from his spot.

Amy giggled. She jogged to his car. She tried to open the passenger door, but it was still locked. Her laughter stifled as Sonic wrapped his arms around her. He pressed his lips to her neck and nipped playfully kisses there. "Get off of me," she said. She tried to elbow him.

His grip tightened around her. He pressed a loud kiss to her cheek. Then he reluctantly let her go. "We're gonna fight when we get home."

Amy rolled her eyes. "Mhmm, whatever."

Sonic unlocked the doors to his Jeep. The two of them hopped into the car. For most of the ride, they listened to the music on Sonic's phone. Amy had snatched it the minute he set it down. She plugged in the AUX cord and fiddled with the songs in his music library.

After about fifteen minutes, Sonic parked the car in the parking lot of a Chili's restaurant. He and Amy walked hand in hand into the establishment. Neither of them talked much over dinner. Sonic was still tired from being rudely awakened, and Amy was a bit weary herself from the energy it took her to feel comfortable in her attire for the day. Both of them were content simply existing in each other's presence.

The couple retreated back to the car shortly after they were finished eating. Sonic drove the short five minutes to the Navy Pier parking lot. The brightly lit pier reflected off onto Lake Michigan; glittering against the dark waters like stars in the sky. Crowds flooded the pier, shuffling around to find a good spot to stand with their friends. Sonic threw his arm over Amy's shoulders and pulled her close to him. Amy fiddled with his fingers as they walked to the glowing Centennial Wheel. Her green eyes glanced at the people who passed them. She noticed some tourists gawked at her scars. Others gave her pitiful stares. A select few offered her charitable smiles. The dark clouds in her mind began to push up against her consciousness. Before they could get a thought into her head, Sonic pulled her closer against him and pecked a soft kiss at her temple. "Are you alright," he whispered into her baby hairs.

"Yeah," Amy said. She wrapped her arms around his torso. "I'm fine."

The two teens turned their heads at the sound of Sonic's name. Standing a few feet away near the railing were Tails and Cream. Tails had his hands cupped around his mouth. He yelled out Sonic's name again. Sonic smiled. He kept his arm around Amy as they approached their friends. He and Tails exchanged a handshake while the girls gave each other soft hugs. "What's up, esé?" Sonic asked his friend.

"Nothing much. How are you feeling?"

Sonic shrugged. "I'm alright. I'll still be sore for a couple more days."

Amy nudged him. "Or more since you wanna pick fights with your brother."

Tails chuckled. "What were you two fighting over now?"

"I told the fucker not to touch my shit."

The other three teens shook their heads at him.

"There you guys are," Sonia yelled. The pink haired girl approached them with Elias in tow. She nearly tackled Amy into a hug. "Hi!"

Amy giggled. "Hi."

Sonic raised an eyebrow at his sister. "What are you so happy about?"

Sonia kept her arms around Amy's shoulders. "None of your business."

Tails looked to Elias. "Do you have something to do with this?"

Elias held up his hands. "She was in a good mood before I picked her up."

Sonia sighed. "Can a girl just be happy without having to explain herself?" She smiled. "Can we all just be happy school is almost over, summer's just about here, and Sonic is still ugly?"

Her brother flipped her off.

Sonia giggled. "So, any of you getting on the Centennial Wheel?"

Cream grimaced. "Extreme heights are not my thing – especially over water."

Amy nodded. "Same here."

Tails wound his arm around Cream's waist. "Come on, babe; I'll make sure nothing happens to you." He began pushing her towards the brightly lit Ferris Wheel.

Sonic grinned down at Amy. "I can't promise you I won't throw you into the water."

Amy rolled her eyes. "Which is exactly why I'm not getting on with you."

Sonic grabbed onto her hand. He tugged her in the direction their friends were going. "Come on, mami. It'll be fun."

"But I'm afraid of heights," Amy whined.

"Don't worry. I won't let you fall."

"Mhmm that's what you say right now. What happens when we get on there and temptation to knock me off the ride coerces you?"

Sonic kissed her head. "I won't knock you off. I promise."

Amy held up her pinky finger. "Pinky promise?"

He wrapped his finger around her. "Pinky promise." He pecked a soft kiss at her lips.

The couple waited in line for a long while before they finally got onto the ride. Butterflies filled Amy's stomach as Sonic helped her into the metal carriage. She leaned against him as the wheel slowly spun them up and down from the sky. Sonic frowned when she put her hands over her eyes. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer. He waited until they stopped at the very top of the sky to whisper in Amy's ear. "Mira," he said. "Mira las estrellas." He gently eased Amy's hands away from her face.

Her green eyes went up to the dark night sky. Golden stars twinkled amidst the darkness. "Wow," she said.

"Es hermoso, ¿no?"

Amy smiled. "Yeah. It's very beautiful."

"Como tú."

She blushed. She pecked a soft kiss at his lips. Their sweet dance wasn't able to last for long. A large crack of the fireworks broke the two of them apart. In the sky across from them, beautiful bouquets of red and white sparkles were covering the sky. The light illuminated on the two teen's faces. Both of them smiled from the sight. Amy lay her head on Sonic's shoulder. Together, at the top of the Ferris Wheel, they watched the fireworks decorate the black sky.

Shortly after the fireworks show, the two teens headed home. They temporarily parted for Sonic to change his clothes. Amy left her window open for him. She changed into her own pair of pajamas before climbing under her covers. Within a few minutes, Sonic's strong arms wrapped around her. He pulled her against his chest and pressed his lips to her neck. Amy smiled under his gentle kisses to her sensitive skin. Her eyes fluttered shut as she succumbed to the weariness of the dark clouds in her mind. She fell into a peaceful sleep with Sonic following not too long after her.

In the morning, the two were rudely awaken by Benny busting into her bedroom. "Hey baby girl," he exclaimed. His eyebrow rose when he noticed Sonic lying next to her. "And Sonic."

Amy let out a small groan. "What's wrong, daddy," she asked. She glanced at her small digital clock. "It's only nine o' clock. Why are you up so early?"

Benny clasped his hands together. "Come downstairs; you have a visitor." He turned his eyes to Sonic. "And you come downstairs too. You can help me cook."

Sonic groaned. "Where's your husband? Why can't he help you?"

"He is helping. But I need an extra hand to help me prepare some food for the big dinner we're having later." Benny paused. "I'll give you twenty bucks."

Sonic sat up. "Hmm, now we're talking."

Amy shook her head at the two. "Who's downstairs?"

"Come on down and see."

Amy exchanged a worried glance with Sonic. Her boyfriend only shrugged his shoulders. Both of them reluctantly got out of bed and followed Benny down the stairs. Amy raised an eyebrow at the sight of her biological father sitting in the living room conversing with Marc. "What are you doing here," she asked the moment she entered the room.

Sterling turned his dark eyes to her. He stood up from his seat. "Hi Amy," he said.

"Who's this," Sonic asked. He crossed his arms against his chest.

Sterling smiled at him. "I'm Sterling Montgomery; Amy's biological father. You must be the boyfriend she told me about. It's nice to meet you."

Amy rolled her eyes. "What are you doing here," she repeated.

Sterling's smile fell. "I just wanted to talk to you. Is that alright?"

Amy shrugged her shoulders. "Sure. I guess."

"Well, we'll leave you two alone," Benny said. He grabbed onto Sonic's shoulder and pushed him towards the kitchen. He ignored the teen's protests. "We'll just be in here if you need us."

Marc offered Amy a smile before following after his spouse and his daughter's boyfriend.

Amy looked to her biological father.

"We should talk outside."

Amy nodded. "Sure." She led him out to the front porch. She grabbed one of her father's jackets on the way out. The early morning air was chilly. The concrete was cold against her bare feet. She curled into her father's larger jacket as she sat down on the front stoops. Sterling sat down beside her. "So," she said without looking at him. "What did you want to talk about?"

Sterling rung his hands together. "I didn't like how we left things the last time we talked. I didn't want your last memory of me to revolve around you telling me what happened and then leaving. I didn't want my last memory of you to be the image of you crying and pouring your experiences out to me. I thought maybe we could leave things on a better note than that."

Amy rose her eyes to look at him.

"There's a lot of things I want to apologize for, but I want to start with not talking like this to begin with – just the two of us. I should've taken into consideration the situation. I was nervous about meeting you, and I know you were probably just as nervous; neither of us knew what to expect. But that doesn't excuse the ambush I put you through. My daughter is sweet, but she can be a bit much at times. She's still in that stage where she pokes at everything and everyone. I'm sorry I brought you in and talked to you as if you weren't my estranged daughter – as if you were just a new person I was getting acquainted with. You deserved much better than that." He was silent for a long moment. He averted his eyes. "There aren't enough apologies in the world to make up for what happened to you, Amy. I'm sorry I didn't fight for you when you were a baby. There isn't an excuse for this; it doesn't matter that I was young and stupid. I should've thought about you and what you were going to need. I shouldn't have abandoned you the way I did. Looking back, I just knew I wasn't going to be an active figure in your life. Giselle had a husband and another child of her own. I thought I was never going to be able to see you or get to know you in the first place. Still, I should've tried to be there for you when you were going through such a traumatic childhood. After you left, I looked at Melanie and I…I couldn't imagine the things I'd do to someone who hurt her the same way someone hurt you. I was mad at myself for not being able to feel the same anger when I put you in the same image in my head. It shouldn't matter that I didn't know you; at the end of the day, you're my flesh and blood. I should've been there for you. I should've fought for you. I should've protected you."

A lone tear fell from Amy's eyes. A couple more followed directly after.

Sterling looked to her. "I'm genuinely sorry you didn't have loving parents growing up. I'm sorry about the horror Giselle put you through. I'm sorry there was hardly anyone there to protect you. I can't imagine the weight the little boy must've held on his shoulders being the only person who could try to prevent the abuse from happening. But I am grateful you found parents who do love you. Benny and Marc are great men, Amy, and they care so much about you despite the odds of the situation. They're better fathers than I could've ever been to you, and I thank God every day you were blessed with their support. I wish you didn't have to go through Hell to find them, but I'm thankful nonetheless that you have them."

He grasped her small hand in his. "And I am so proud of you for working through this and not letting your past overcome you. I may not know you well, but I can tell you are a strong, smart, and beautiful young woman. I will pray every single day for your growth and the greatest blessings life can give you. You deserve only the best life has to give." He squeezed her hand. "I know this will probably be the last time we ever talk, but I want you to know I'll never forget about you. I'll continue to pray for you and the good things in your life. I'm so sorry I gave you up, but I am so proud to see the woman you're growing into. You're going to do great things, Audrey, and I couldn't be happier for you."

Audrey smiled between her tears. "Thank you," she whispered.

Sterling helped her to her feet. He pulled her into a tight hug. The embrace lasted for a long moment before Sterling let go of her. He offered her one last kind smile. Then he walked away from her.

Amy watched him go with a small smile and warm tears falling from her face. Her brows creased together as she heard yelling from the inside of her house.

"What the hell are you two doing," Marc yelled. "That is not how you sauté chicken! Sonic, didn't your mother teach you how to cook?"

"Hey, I'm just following orders," Sonic replied. Amy could hear the shrug in his voice.

"Relax; it'll taste good – you'll see," Benny promised.

"Yeah after you burn the house down!" Marc replied.

Amy giggled at the men. She turned to the front door. With a smile, she entered into the chaos she happily called home.

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