At The Speed Of Love

Sunset was falling on the Great Forest, coloring the land in hues of oranges and blues-hues of light and hope... That was what the one lone chipmunk sitting on the crest of a tall hill—her hill, interpreted it as. This was her spot to be free from stress and pain, chosen specifically for its view, with the numerous trees opening up like a window into the endless sky of the plains. Dusting off a lone stump, she gazed out once more with a new feeling, that she was as free as that open sky.

Unfortunately, the spell was broken by an all too familiar voice. "So this is where you went, Sal."

Sally turned around to confront the intruder on her privacy with a searing glare, then sighed heavily in defeat. She was too exhausted to fight. "Sonic, why are you here?"

The blue hedgehog shrugged, and pointed out towards the sunset. "Nice view! Normally, I don't intrude on good vibes, but Rosie said you'd be here." She grimaced, and felt the betrayal sink in, but knew that their old caretaker always had good intentions for her actions.

Surprisingly, Sonic found a spot next to her stump and sat down beside her, taking in the oncoming breeze. "Y'know, I've been thinking..."

"Wonders never cease.", the chipmunk replied sarcastically as she cradled her head in her hands.

Her partner cheekily grinned, and gave her a knowing look. "...And I knew you'd say that!" He laughed to himself and joined in. The both of them continued to look outward toward the setting sun.

Sally found herself sidling up to the hedgehog, now far more relaxed. "Well, I won't halt this wonderful progress you're making. I could get used to this..." Try as she might to resist, there was a reason they kept finding comfort in each other, through fire and ice. "Sonic. Have you thought of what you're going to do once it's all over? When we've liberated our hometown?"

He chuckled at this and got up, stretching his arms and legs, "Well..." Sonic sped off the hill, launching through the trees into a spinball, coming to a stop at the edge of the plains. Turning to Sally, he pointed towards the sun and cried, "There's a whole world out there for us to explore! Let's go out there and find some adventure!"

She couldn't help but laugh—Sonic always had a penchant for the dramatic. With all the adventure they've been through when not directly going after Robotnik—finding lost civilizations, unearthing powerful artifacts, traveling through time and back—it just seemed right for him to say those things.

He came back just as quickly with a surprisingly soft expression and said, "It just wouldn't feel right if I weren't doing those things with you, and the rest of the gang too."

"Even Antoine...?", Sally replied, gauging his response.

Sonic laughed out loud at this proposition! Wiping tears out of his eyes, he replied "Oh man, if there's one guy who needs to get out more, it's him! By the way..." Sally leaned in closer, eager to hear more. "Y'know that him and Bunnie have been eyeing each other lately? I was helping them repair that hole in his wall from the other night, and they just straight up ignored me the whole time! He was doting over her banged up legs from our previous mission, and would not stop giving her "herbal remedies" and all sort of nerdy, hoity toity advice! I nearly lost it right there!"

Brushing the wind-blown hair from her eyes, she looked at the hedgehog longingly. "...But you didn't want to ruin the moment. You know, deep down, you really do care about everyone around you! Admit it!"

Sonic halted for a moment, staring down the auburn-haired chipmunk, and shot back "Well, you never stop, Sal! I swear one of these days you're gonna keel over from running around helping everyone else!"

Sally got up from her perch, and at long last, wrapped her hands around his shoulders. "At least I know you'll be there to catch me when I fall, Sonic." The two embraced and kissed, as the sun hit the horizon, shining a beam of light on the two lovebirds.

"Not as good as that power stone charged kiss, Sal."

"Don't ruin the moment, oh fast one..."

–

Author's Note:

This was a difficult one to write. It was originally supposed to be an epilogue to my first fanfic, Sonic Echoes, but I eventually decided this story should stand on it's own as a dedicated Sonic/Sally piece. As always, please leave some feedback, and let me know if you want more intimate pieces like this one!

Thumbnail Credits- Tracy Yardley