Well, here it is! DUN DUN DUUUUUUN! The long-awaited update is finally hurr! Just a small forewarning… Knuckles is incredibly OOC in this chapter…so please…no reviews whining about how he's OOC. Thanks. Without further ado…I give you the next update.

Chapter 6: A New Confidant

Tails continued his small journey to the altar admiring the beauty of Angel Island. He smiled thinking of the past, when he and Sonic came here time and time again fighting Eggman or Knuckles for that matter. To him, those were the good days. There were never any worries other than foiling any of Eggman's devious schemes, and there were definitely never any worries about the opposite sex…no worries about being in love with your best friend's significant other…

He shook his head at the thought, "No, I don't love her anymore. I was just someone to toy with, nothing more." He stopped walking for a second and the tears began to well up in his eyes and he took a deep breath, "Whom am I kidding?" Said Tails wiping the tears away with his hand, "I still love her." He leaned against a tree to take a small break. The last thing he wanted was look like some kind wimpy kid in front of Knuckles.

After a few minutes, he resumed his hike to the Altar. While he was en route, he put his bag down for a moment to quench his thirst. He unzipped the bag and reached inside pulling out a bottle of water. He hastily opened the bottle open and took a rather large swig, "Ahhh. I needed that." He licked his lips and closed the bottle. His thoughts of Amy were disturbed by a rustling noise up ahead. 'That's weird,' He thought. He knew that Knuckles was the only one on this island, and he would never leave that Altar unless it was a dire emergency. Tails put his bag aside by a tree and carefully approached the area where he heard the sound. He looked around and found absolutely nothing. 'Hmm…must've been the wind.' He began to walk forward but he stopped realizing that he'd almost forgotten his bag. He turned around and not even a foot in front of him, Knuckles stood there with a cocky smirk on his face.

Tails jumped back a bit, "Aaah! Jeez Knux you scared the hell out of me." He held his chest signaling the heart attack he nearly experienced.

Knuckles chuckled, "Sorry kid. I didn't mean to."

Tails raised a brow, "How'd you know I was here?"

Knuckles grinned, "Well, for one…I take a quick jog along the island to check up on it once in a while, and two…I heard your plane."

Tails nodded and replied in a somewhat monotone voice, "I see." He began walking over to his bag and Knuckles put his arm on Tails' shoulder stopping him, "Hey…where you goin'?"

Tails stopped and never made eye contact with Knuckles. He looked straight ahead and pointed to his bag in the distance, "I'm going to get my bag. Is that okay?"

Knuckles nodded, "Sure, go right ahead." He watched the fox walk over to his bag, pick it up lazily and slowly drag his feet over to where he stood. Something didn't seem right to him…for one, he had never seem Tails act like…he didn't care about anything anymore. Two…Tails was always a talkative person, whether it was about his plane or some new invention he's cooked up, he'd always have something to talk about.

Knuckles put his arm around Tails' shoulders, "Tails…are you okay?"

Tails stood there…his head hung low. He really didn't feel like saying much at the moment, "Not really Knux."

Knuckles frowned slightly, "Hey, we could go to my hut…we can talk there if you'd like."

Tails lightly nodded and motioned for Knuckles to lead the way. Knuckles pulled his arm away and began walking in the direction of his home. Every so often, Knuckles would take a quick glance behind him making sure that Tails was following him. Each and every time he looked, Tails kept his head low, not really paying attention to what was in front of him. Finally after a few minutes, the Altar was in sight.

Knuckles looked behind him again and briefly mentioned that they were near, "Hey, were almost there kid."

Tails stopped walking, but Knuckles didn't notice. He mumbled in a loud enough voice for Knuckles to hear, "Don't…call me kid." His voice dripping with anger and sadness.

Knuckles turned around, "What's wrong?"

Tails looked up, his eyes puffed up from crying throughout the day, "I said…don't call me kid."

Knuckles raised a brow, but decided to leave it alone, "Oh. Sorry Tails. I didn't realize that you didn't like that."

Tails shook his head and replied monotonously, "I don't."

Knuckles had never seen this side if Tails before. It was as if he completely changed since the last time he had seen him. Now he definitely knew that something was up. Nobody can go from happy-go-lucky to angry and depressed with the snap of a finger.

Knuckles motioned for Tails to keep following him, "C'mon. It's just beyond the Altar."

Tails followed him again, still moping the whole way there. Soon enough, they had arrived to Knuckles' home.

They both walked in and Knuckles motioned at the couch, "Just chill here. I'll be right back. Make yourself at home."

Tails sat down and nodded, "Thanks."

Knuckles returned and sat next to Tails. He didn't want to just jump right in and ask what was bothering him, "So…how have you been?"

Tails gave Knuckles an irritated expression, "Well obviously not good. What did you expect me to say, 'Oh I'm fine and dandy?' "

Knuckles clenched one of his fists in anger, "Tails…I'm just asking a simple question. I'm not in the mood for mind games. You're obviously in a bad mood. Tell you what, you spend the night here, and we can talk tomorrow okay?"

Tails nodded, "Okay." He sighed and buried his face into Knuckles' chest crying once again, "I'm so sorry for snapping at you…I-I just don't know where to go, or who to talk to anymore."

Knuckles put his arms around the fox, "It's alright Tails. Look, you're welcome to stay here as long as you like okay?"

Tails nodded and Knuckles continued, "You seem much too upset to talk about whatever happened at the moment. I know it's still early, but you should just lie down in my room have some time to yourself. I don't want to be any kind of burden to your problems right now."

Tails looked up at Knuckles, "What? Knuckles, how would you be a burden to me? If anyone is a thorn in someone else's side, it's me. I know you have to watch the emerald and make sure Angel Island is safe…I really have no business being-"

Knuckles put his finger to Tails' lips, "Nonsense. Don't ever say things like that. I may seem like a grouchy individual…but don't ever think that I don't care. Tails…you, Sonic and myself have been friends for years. I do care. C'mon, follow me." He stood up and held his hand out motioning for Tails to follow. Tails grabbed his hand and followed Knuckles into his room. When they entered Tails walked to the bed and sat on its edge.

Knuckles looked at Tails, "Is there anything that you need at the moment?"

Tails thought about for a second, "Nah. I'm good."

Knuckles nodded, "Okay. If you need anything, please…just help yourself. I won't mind."

Tails nodded in response and Knuckles made his way out of the room. Just before he closed the door Tails spoke, "Hey Knux?"

Knuckles turned around, "Yeah?"

Tails smiled lightly, "Thanks. You know, for letting me stay here and everything. I really appreciate it."

Knuckles waved his hand, "Hey, it's no problem. Just take a load off and relax okay?" Tails nodded and Knuckles closed the door behind him giving Tails some time alone.

Looking around the room, he realized how simple the layout was. The bed was in the center of the room, and the two nightstands beside it. Over to his left in the corner was a dresser and to his right a sliding door leading to an outdoor deck. As he was about to lie down, he remembered that he brought his journal/diary, whatever you want to call it. He reached into his bag and began moving around the various items around. He finally found it and cracked it open. He read that first entry he wrote in there a few weeks ago. He smiled. Even then…he had no problems. He and Amy were hanging out, just like two friends should. He paused… 'friends? Just friends?' He knew how much he wanted more between Amy and himself. Oh how he wanted to just spend a romantic evening with her. First he would take her to a candlelight dinner. Then they would take a walk along the beach with a full moon lighting the waves. He would talk to her about everything that made her smile…. oh that smile…how beautiful she looked when she smiled from ear to ear

Tails closed the journal and held it close to his heart. He smiled and quietly whispered to himself, "Amy…I love you so much. I just…wish you knew how I really felt, and how much you hurt me when you said that kiss meant nothing." He let a few tears roll down his cheek.

After a few minutes of weeping, he pulled a pencil out of his bag and began to write in his journal again…

Dear Journal,

It's been a while since I've written in here…and so much has happened since then. First off…things between Amy and I have changed quite a bit…okay they've changed a lot. The last few days have really made me think about my feelings for her. I KNOW I love her. Everything about her makes me smile. Her eyes, her smile, her laugh…her caring persona.

Though today was probably one of the worst days of my life. It started out great, but turned to crap in a snap of the fingers. I met Amy in Station Square for lunch. We talked a little bit, and…I almost confessed my feelings to her, but I realized what I was doing…I was about to tell my best friend's girlfriend that I loved her. I couldn't do that. How could I go behind Sonic's back like that? It just wasn't right…of course I still did something I shouldn't have done. I kissed her. She sat next to me to comfort me since I wasn't in a good mood. I ended up losing myself in those eyes again. I fell into a trance…I put my hands on her cheeks and told her that she was my everything. I then leaned in closer and that was it, I connected my lips with hers and for a brief moment it was pure bliss…that is until she broke the kiss off and said that she couldn't do that, which I understand, but…it still hurt.

Well, I ended up getting sick from the stress, passed out when I got home and somehow I think I had some kind of out of body experience. It was so weird. The dream I had was so horrible. Then, I ended up back at my home and I could see Sonic and Amy there…but they couldn't see or hear me. They mentioned something about how they thought my lifeless body was missing something. I walk back into my bedroom, and reconnected with my body. When I woke up, both Sonic and Amy were so glad to see me back…from the dead. Apparently I passed on for a short amount of time.

Anyways, Sonic left my house to get me some food. Amy and I talked for a bit. I told her how lucky a guy Sonic is. She appreciated it, but what I was confused about…she told me that she wasn't in love with Sonic. That made absolutely no sense to me. For all the years I knew her, everything was "Sonic this" and "Sonic that". That's all she talked about, but I'm not gonna question her reasoning. If that's how she feels, fine then.

Then the most amazing thing happened…we got into a tickle fight, and the next thing I knew, her face was really close to mine. She kissed me. I was on cloud nine. The moment was so passionate, so deep. I could've died a happy fur right there. All of a sudden, I hear Sonic say, "What the hell!" Oh boy, we were in big trouble. She took Sonic in another room to talk. Of course I was curious and I sneaked into the other room and listened in to their conversation. Most of it was, "I didn't mean to hurt you, blah blah blah, " but one part stuck out. Amy looked Sonic dead in the eye and said that the kiss meant nothing. NOTHING. I've never felt so hurt in my life. Ever. I just wanted to die right there. It would hurt less then knowing that Amy didn't feel the same about me. Anyways, I snuck out of my home and took the Tornado to Angel Island where I have been for the past few hours. Knuckles was kind enough to let me stay here until I figure things out. Well, that's all for now I guess. Good night.

-Tails

He closed the journal and sighed deeply. For a few minutes, he started to think about why things happen the way they do. He always knew that things happen for a reason, but yet…he still couldn't stop thinking about her. A knock on the door startled him.

"Tails? May I come in?"

Tails broke out of his deep thought, "Uh, sure Knux."

The door opened and Knuckles stood there with a concerned look on his face, "Hey. Sonic just called me."

Tails' eyes opened widely, "He did? You didn't tell him that I'm here, did you?"

Knuckles shook his head, "No, I didn't."

Tails exhaled in relief, "Phew, thanks Knux. I-I just can't stomach seeing him yet."

Knuckles frowned slightly, "Oh. Well, I just thought I'd tell you, Him and Amy were in Station Square all day looking for you. He seemed pretty upset that you left the way you did."

Tails sighed and looked away, "Yeah well…I needed to leave. It seemed like the right thing to do."

Knuckles walked over to the bed where Tails was sitting. He took a seat next to him and made eye contact, "You know…you can't avoid the issue forever. Eventually you'll have to face your problems and fears. It's inevitable."

Tails nodded, "I know Knuckles. I-I'm just so confused right now, I don't know what to do."

"I know what you mean Tails. If you don't mind me asking…what happened between you and Sonic?"

Tails sighed, "Well…it's a loooong story."

Knuckles smirked, "I've got all night."

Tails nodded, "Well…let's see where do I begin. So, I dunno if you're aware of this, but for the longest time, I had a big crush on Amy. There was something about her that had my attention…"

A few minutes later…

"…And then I hear her say, 'I only see Tails as a friend. That kiss meant nothing.' Knux, I was cru- 'sniffle' crushed. I just left. I wrote a goodbye note, and left. I didn't know where to go, and I saw Angel Island in the distance and well, here I am."

Knuckles sat there with a blank expression on his face. He couldn't believe how so much can go wrong in one day. "God…Tails, I'm so sorry to hear all that. I just wish there was something I could say to make you feel better."

Tails shook his head, "Naw, it's okay Knux. I don't think there is anything right now that will make me feel better other than Amy barging in here and telling me how much she loves me."

Knuckles put his arm around Tails, "Hey…don't worry bud. I'm sure things will get better. Amy isn't the only girl out there. One day, you'll meet someone that will sweep you off your feet, and you'll forget about her."

Tails gave Knuckles an irritated expression, "Are you serious? Knux, I can't stop thinking about Amy. Every second of my day, my thoughts involve her. Knuckles, have you ever been in love with someone? Huh? Do you even have a clue as to what I'm saying!"

Knuckles glared at Tails and growled, "Ugh, Tails! I'm trying to help you here, not poke fun."

Tails crossed his arms, "Hmph. I know that. I-I'm just sick and tired of the 'you'll be fine' attitude. My problem might mean nothing to you, but they have a lot of influence on my life, okay?" He lay down on the bed and exhaled loudly.

Knuckles turned to face Tails, "Tails…don't say things like that. If you think that I have no idea what you're talking about, then you're dead wrong. I…I didn't want to say anything to you guys before…but I had a thing for Rouge back in the day."

This caught Tails' attention sat up, "You did?"

Knuckles nodded and sighed, "Yeah. After the whole thing with ARK, I started to think about some of those 'moments' I had with her. Like when I saved her from falling into a pit of lava…and I slowly pulled her back up onto the platform. Our hands were still entwined and we had that moment…gazing into each other's eyes, but she broke my trance saying how I just wanted to touch her. I just figured that she was the hard to get type. To make a long story short, I started to fall for her, but…she turned me down. She used a stupid excuse too. 'Oh, that's so sweet Knuckles, but I just don't think it would work out. Besides, the government won't let me be in a relationship. They tell me it would hinder my integrity. I'm sorry.' I was so upset, it was like she didn't even give a damn."

Tails frowned slightly, "I'm sorry to hear that. 'sighs' I shouldn't have doubted you earlier. I guess you're right. I'll find someone else, and eventually I will get over her."

Knuckles shook his head, "Ugh, whom am I kidding? Tails…you still love her don't you?"

He nodded in response, "I don't just love her…I'm IN love with her too. I want to spend the rest of my life with her. She means so much to me. I know Sonic has finally opened up to her and that makes her happy now…but…will she be happy years from now?"

Knuckles raised a brow, "Wait, why are you assuming that Amy and Sonic will be together forever?"

Tails shrugged, "Assuming? No…I'm not assuming. It's a fact."

"A fact?" Knuckles shook his head in confusion, "How is that a fact? You don't have any proof. Tails, they are just dating. That's it. I bet you're worried about Amy's old feelings for Sonic resurfacing and then that would be it for you."

Tails frowned, "Well, I…uh, yeah." Realizing the bluntness of Knuckles statement he furrowed his brow, "Jeez, you didn't have to be so blatantly honest about it."

Knuckles grinned, "Sorry. Sometimes the truth hurts. Look, if you want my honest opinion…tell her how you feel. I'm not telling you to do it this second, but…make it soon before you lose her."

"Lose her? How so? We'd still be friends if she stayed with Sonic."

Knuckles shook his head in disagreement, "That's what you're thinking now. But when she chooses him over you…at first you'll be upset, possibly depressed about it for some time. Eventually you'll think, 'She's with him, and I have to accept that. There's nothing I can do.' Then when you 'think' you've accepted them being together, there will be little things that'll get to you. If you all go out together, you'll see them kiss. You'll see them hold hands, hug each other…if they're going to be the least bit affectionate towards each other, you will end up seeing it happens."

Tails brushed it off, "No way Knux that's-" his comment was cut short by Knuckles holding out his hand quieting the fox.

Knuckles gave that trademark grin, "Wait Tails, there's more. After some time your soul will slowly tear away at itself because every time you see their love and affection towards each other, you'll be wishing that it was you holding her, not Sonic.

Now here's the harsh part of the scenario. In your mind…over and over again, you'll be asking yourself the same, damned, question, 'What would she have said to me if she knew that I loved her?' Because at that point you'll know it's too late to tell her how you feel, but you'll still feel the same towards her. Then…you'll start to hurt again…but this time, more than before. Then the bitterness consumes your soul and you'll make yourself believe that you'll get over her, but when the reality of the situation hits you like a semi-truck, you go back to loving her again…it's a vicious, never-ending cycle.

Once you become accustomed to this 'cycle' you begin to notice that Sonic and Amy are distancing themselves from you…when the fact of the matter is…YOU are the one distancing yourself from them. Eventually, you get to the point where you lose contact with them. You never see her or your best friend again, AND you live with just memories of her and knowing that you could've had a chance of being with her JUST by saying that you were in love with her. So tell me now Tails…do you still think you'd be friends with her?"

Tails sat there like a statue. His facial expression showed incredible fear and despair realizing what Knuckles just said made sense, "S-so are you saying that if I don't tell Amy that I love her…what you just said will happen?"

Knuckles shrugged, "Tails…I'm not saying that will happen for sure…but it's pretty much a rough idea of things to come."

Tails lay back down on the bed and curled up into a fetal position. He wrapped his tails around himself and he began to cry. Not loudly…but softly. A painful cry thinking of how awful his life would be if Amy were completely gone. Knuckles scooted closer to Tails and gently caressed his back in hopes to comfort him.

"Tails…I'm sorry for being so blunt about it. I…I should've been more considerate about your feelings. I know you're still sensitive about Amy. Please forgive me."

Tails nodded, "It- 'sniffle' it's okay Knux. I know you meant no harm."

Knuckles continued to comfort Tails, "Hey. How about I make something to eat, and we could maybe watch some funny movies?"

Tails thought about it for a second, and then nodded lightly, "Sure…I guess a good laugh wouldn't kill me."

Knuckles friendly patted Tails' back, "That's the spirit. You can relax here if you want while I cook. I'll come in here when it's ready, okay?"

He nodded in response, "Okay. Thanks a lot."

After about an hour, Knuckles had prepared a full meal for Tails. He knocked on the bedroom door where the fox temporarily resided, "Hey Tails? Dinner is ready."

Tails had recently awakened from another heartbreaking nightmare. He sniffled lightly from crying, "Um, okay Knux. I'll be out in a sec."

"Okay. You alright in there?"

Tails nodded, "Yeah, I just had a bad dream. I'll be fine."

Shortly thereafter, Tails exited the room. His facial fur seemed matted from crying and his eyes looked puffy. He walked over to where the food was served. Tails stopped walking and he stared at the food as if it were his first meal in a long time.

"Knuckles? You didn't have to make it THIS fancy. Just a chili dog would've been okay."

Knuckles sweatdropped at the comment, "Heh, well…I kind of have a knack for it. There are a lot of things about me that nobody but myself knows. C'mon, have a seat. I made all kinds of goodies."

Tails sat down in an instant and began to drool looking at the scrumptious food that lay before him.

Knuckles noticed his facial expression and chuckled, "Heh, it looks that good, eh?"

With a zombie-like expression he nodded in response, "Uh-huh…"

"I thought so." Knuckles began pointing at each item explaining what it was, "Okay, we'll start things off with a simple salad, and then over here I made some baked chicken with a lemon, oregano sauce. For a side we'll have some baked potatoes with all the trimmings, and for dessert…some ice cream sundaes. Go ahead, dig in."

Without hesitating Tails grabbed some salad, and wolfed it down within a matter of minutes, "Mmmm, that was good!"

Knuckles sat there with a blank stare, holding his fork close to his mouth as if he were about to take a bite of the salad, "Umm…Tails? Perhaps you could eat slower…you know so that you can ACTUALLY taste the food, and so I can stomach mine."

Tails snickered, "Heh, sorry Knux. I haven't eaten all day."

Knuckles waved it off, "It's alright. Just eat up and enjoy."

After some time…

"Wow Knux! That was an amazing meal. I haven't eaten anything that good in my life!"

Knuckles waved, "Oh cut it out. You're just trying to be nice."

Tails shook his head, "No, I'm being serious. It was awesome. I've gotta come over here more often!"

"Hah! You wish!"

Tails pouted, "What? Is my company bothersome? Huh? Is that it!"

Knuckles laughed, "I'm just playin. Relax."

Tails smirked, "I know, I know. So what comedy movies do you have to watch?"

"Hang on, lemme go check my stash." Knuckles walked over the other room where about a hundred movies were ordered neatly on a shelf, "Umm, let's see…I got American Pie 1 2, Austin Powers, Caddyshack, Girls Gone Wild… Uhh…umm, how did that get in there…"

Tails poked his head in the room, "Did you just say Girls Gone Wild?"

Knuckles turned a light shade of pink, "Umm yeah. Moving along, I also have Holy Man, Rush Hour and The Whole Nine Yards."

Tails thought about it for a second, "Hmm…which Girls Gone Wild do you have?"

"Well, I have the one at Mardi Gras, Spring Break…HEY! We're NOT watching that."

Tails snickered and snapped his fingers, "Damn, I thought I had ya."

Knuckles laughed, "You almost did. So what do you want to watch?"

"Hmm…how about Rush Hour. I've never seen that all the way through."

Knuckles nodded, "Okay. That works." He grabbed the movie, popped it in and they sat down.

For almost a solid two hours, Tails laughed head off. Something he hadn't experienced in a while. Knuckles turned the movie off after it finished and he noticed Tails yawning.

"You seem a little tired Tails."

Tails nodded, "Mm-hmm. I could use some sleep. Should I just stay out here?"

"No. You can sleep in my room. I don't mind. Besides, I hardly sleep because of the Emerald. If you need anything, just help yourself."

Tails nodded, "Thanks. Hey Knux?"

"Yeah Tails?"

Tails warmly smiled, "Thanks…for listening to me today and for letting me stay here. I really appreciate it. I know I said that earlier today…but I just need to reiterate how I feel."

"Oh it's no problem. Just remember what I said before. You can avoid the situation forever. You'll have to face it sometime soon. The longer you wait, the more distant she'll be."

"Okay. Thanks again. See you in the morning."

"Yep, sleep well Tails."

He entered the bedroom and lay down taking a deep breath. He started to think about the day's events. 'Here's your damn food...It meant nothing...he's just a friend...remember, the longer you wait, the more distant she'll be…' Sighing he looked out the window and noticed a shooting star, "Starlight, star bright, the first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wished tonight." He thought long and finally decided on his wish. He confidently nodded and lay down in hopes of a peaceful night of slumber.

Well, there you have it. I hope you've all enjoyed what I have so far. I would like to apologize for all those people that were hoping for some kind of fluff. I'm dragging this out slowly for the simple reasoning that some of the events are based on actual life events. So, Tails/Amy fans please wait patiently. Your romance WILL come. And as always, please review! Before I go, I would like to thank Akari for his wonderful insight and reviews. I would also like to thank Snow Blade, Sonic19902 and last but not least CM02 for giving me the inspiration and motivation I needed to get this update finished. I love you all! Peace.