Thanks for the reviews. Here's chapter two, and hope you enjoy. Side note, I hope to have this story completed by Christmas.

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Sega/Sonic Team except those created by the author.

One December Night

Chapter II

He wanted to leave; run out and escape her pain-racked cries, knowing he couldn't do anything about them. Another part of him wanted to yell, rant, and rave about how enough wasn't being done to help her. But he wouldn't abandon her nor would he become a lunatic, so, instead, he decided to check out mentally; put his thoughts on another time. A time when they were younger; he only being fifteen and her twelve.

He would never have imagined he'd be in this position back then. He was young, independent, wild, and reckless. Carefree was the way to be and he was stubborn about it to boot. He lived life by his rules, his way, not allowing the opinions or views of others to shape what he knew was right or believed was so, anyway. To put it bluntly, he thought any relationship, besides friendship, was too binding and threatened his freedom. His lifestyle didn't have room for romance nor was it even desired. In fact, he got a kick out of being untouchable in the love affair department, running off before any possible prospect could even wave hello. This didn't mean he didn't have plenty of female friends, but that was just it; they were friends. So, when Amy began showing interest in him romantically, he saw it as one of the greatest annoyances he had to put up with.

He enjoyed her as a friend, but seriously never wanted to go beyond that. Since she was a friend, he tried being nice about it by ignoring her advances, but she was more persistent than that, so, much more drastic measures were advised. He avoided her by running away, not answering her calls, and missing a few meetings with her hoping she'd lose interest, but she still pursued his heart; literally chasing him. So he began to act downright rude, hoping she would dislike him if he behaved like a jerk but even through her heartbreaks she still held out faith for him. To be honest, this was what had caught him off guard, capturing his attention. She didn't like him for just his hero and charm routine. It scared him because he had never been loved outside of those things. He had always been accepted because of his quick feet, wits, and heroic deeds; loved for what he did and not for who he was. He had doubted anyone really cared what he thought or felt outside of being a hero and so wore the carefree, confident attitude to appease some hidden part of him that wanted acceptance, though he would have denied he did anything just to gain approval.

Tails had finally stepped in at the time and told him he shouldn't treat Amy so badly. He had taken the message well, being he had already decided to lighten up on the 'Amy subject' on his own. However, being curious, he wanted to know what it was Amy took so much interest in him for and just him. Not trying to be vain, but was it his good looks? Well, he had tested it out once by changing his look to something a little less appealing and presented himself to Amy. She had laughed at him but wasn't appalled or repulsed. In fact, quite the opposite happened. She hugged/tackled him and asked if he were interested in an assortment of other looks she knew for him to try out. Well, if it hadn't been because of his looks, it must have been something else; maybe a combination of fame and fortune. She liked him because he was popular.

Seeing as he owned close to nothing at the time but his gloves, socks, and shoes, it couldn't have been for the fortune. However, fame was a little harder to test out. Being a freelance hero that could run at the speed of sound drew attention and lots of it. Nonetheless, there were a few times back then when his heroics were either unwanted or seen as deviancy in the public eye. His world-renowned name would quickly turn into a curse word overnight and he might as well have called himself mud to gain any respect.

A smile came to Sonic's face as the next thought entered his mind. His number one fan, which had become more appreciated, wasn't among those against him. Even his friends, though close and trusting of him most of the time, had backed off then, except his closest friends; Tails and Amy. After that, he was hooked, lined, and sinker. Amy loved him for him which, in a way, frightened him but attracted him at the same time. He didn't know what to do or how to act. He never had anyone sit down and explain this to him with him being alone most of his life and his closest confidante being an eight-year-old at the time. To even think about going to someone and talking about his feelings still made him cringe. There had been Knuckles, who sometimes had sound advice, but he wouldn't have even gone to the echidna to talk about how much he liked to watch the sunrise, let alone discuss how he felt about Amy.

So, he did the only thing he knew to do back then which he could now see was flirting; get close but back away when it was getting too close. He would still run from her, but at a speed she could still keep up with and chase. He would give her small gifts now and then such as a freshly picked flower or well-placed compliment but would take off on lengthy expeditions sometimes lasting months without so much as a postcard sent back. He loved to see her expressions of happiness when they spent time together, but always concealed his own because it always felt awkward. Occasionally, he went through times where he would actually try to impress her, usually when he was getting them out of a jam. He would pour on the charm, pose a little more dramatically or be especially gentle when carrying her to safety. However, after a few years, they had matured, fought more battles, enjoyed even more victories, and worked through failures together. It wasn't too long before everyone around them could tell that not only did Amy love Sonic, but the fleet-footed hedgehog shared mutual feelings.

As Sonic continued reminiscing without knowing it, Amy was thinking along similar lines. The pain was so unbearable her mind was screaming for release and it did so by tapping into Sonic's thoughts. Neither of them knew why or even how they could do this; maybe too many years spent in the company of mystical gemstones; but sometimes, in urgent times, they could share memories. It wasn't exactly like hearing the thoughts of the other but more or less feeling their heart. It happened most often if they were praying or thinking about the other at the same time. Anyway, the pain was duller as she zoned out, so to speak, and though she was still pushing and laboring, it didn't feel as overwhelming and undoable now. They remembered Knuckles' words together.

"So, when are you going to tell her?" the echidna asked Sonic in front of not only Amy but the whole crew, Rouge and Shadow included. At the time, they'd all just defeated one of the most troubling enemies they'd ever had in their whole careers as heroes or anti-hero and thief, as the case may be. Sonic hadn't been too sure what Knuckles was up to, but he didn't like it. His nerves were already shot thanks to their latest battle and if this was going where he thought it was, he didn't need it. During some rare downtime, he and the guardian talked and, somehow, the conversation turned onto the subject of Amy and himself. If he wasn't mistaken, it seemed Knuckles had intentionally directed it that way. Sonic disclosed to the echidna that he did really care very much about Amy, but quickly put an end to the so-called friendly chat. Now, as if just picking up where they'd left off, Knuckles had the audacity to ask in front of everyone.

"What are you talking about?" Sonic replied coolly, daring Knuckles to just continue by glaring dangerously. The echidna dared.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about. In fact, I think everyone here knows what I'm referring to," he responded, pulling in everyone's attention. Skittish about the topic in general, but still trying to remain in control, Sonic tried to joke his way out of the subject.

"Uh, I don't think so, knucklehead. They look just as confused as you sound. Let's just celebrate our victory, huh?"

A few of the others gave a casual laugh while Knuckles stood firm. He seemed to know he was treading on thin ice and one misplaced word or ill-timed tone would have sent the blue hedgehog dashing away. But it also seemed the echidna was tired of watching Sonic pussyfooting around his love for Amy. Not that he particularly cared about Sonic and Amy's relationship, but the situation was apparently becoming painfully old for the guardian. So Knuckles, evidently, decided either the guy loved her or not. What better way to prove it than supposedly exposing this strange love affair for once.

"Amy, Sonic. When are you going to make up your mind about Amy?"

Shocked and slightly embarrassed Knuckles had actually gone there, Sonic glanced nervously to his left and right at everyone who was staring at him. Then his eyes rested on Amy herself, who was now fixated on him, expectantly. His eyes quickly traveled to his worn soapbox shoes. He knew he loved Amy and he couldn't even think about living without her but saying so in front of everyone really bothered him. The reason why wasn't obvious to him or anyone else except Amy. She knew Sonic wasn't a romantic or especially bold with his feelings because he didn't know how to be. He wasn't loved by parents unconditionally and certainly not by the world that only appreciated his speed and special abilities, not necessarily for just being himself which she had the pleasure of seeing once she took her own blinders off. Plus, due to his free-spirited travels and adventures, he probably had never experienced a steady relationship in his life.

He didn't know he was supposed to look up into her eyes and say he cared about her, nor was he sure if he should come near her for that matter. Amy knew he was shy in this area if not downright afraid, so, somehow, she knew she would have to do the loving first, even if deep down she was scared too. What if this was a mistake and he really wasn't interested in her at all? But, as he continued to look down at the ground and fidget with his hands, she knew that thought couldn't be further from the truth. She needed to act quickly though because Sonic was now fidgeting his feet and that only meant one thing; he was getting ready to run. If he did, there would be no stopping him. She carefully, but swiftly, made her way over to him, feeling everyone's eyes following her which was really starting to rub the pink hedgehog the wrong way. She reached out and grabbed Sonic's twitching hand and, in turn, he looked up with a tint of redness barely visible on his cheeks, but Amy saw. She smiled before whispering:

"Run."

At first, he was confused, but she winked at him and gripped his hand tighter urging him to go to the right where there was an open stretch. It was then he knew she was making a way out for him. Without worrying what the others thought, Sonic took off with Amy, nearly mowing Knuckles over in the process. As the couple left the crowd of confused faces, the two smiled; first to themselves before Sonic turned his attention to his passenger. His smile made Amy blush as she took in the fact of how handsome he looked right now. In a matter of seconds, he stopped, scooped up Amy in his arms, and continued on his way. This was the first time he had ever carried her without there being life-threatening circumstances that called for it. Amy was pleasantly shocked when he suddenly kissed her forehead gently, causing her to blush even more fiercely than before.

"Thanks, Ames," he winked. She could barely contain the squeals of joy that were bubbling up to her throat. She quickly returned the kiss on his cheek close to his mouth, causing Sonic not only to blush but nearly stumble. She giggled. He never said 'I love you' but she knew in time, those three words would be directed towards her from his lips, but for now she enjoyed his warmth and gratitude.

"You're welcome, Sonikku," she sighed, snuggling into his chest and relaxing in the cool breeze running through her quills.

Sonic had run quite some time with Amy in his arms that evening, right until she fell asleep, to which he returned her home. He remembered how giddy and excited he was over just spending time alone with her, watching her enjoy the scenery and the rush of going so fast; the same as he did. Amy remembered waking up the next morning tucked comfortably in her bed with a smile on her face and a love song in her heart. They would have to thank Knuckles for his rude question, well, at least give him credit for bringing them closer. But the two's memories of past experiences were broken as Amy let out another cry of pain, causing Sonic to jump.

"Again, Amy. Push," Dr. Collins instructed. Amy, who had temporarily numbed the pain of her surroundings by daydreaming was now thrust back into full agony. Honestly, she felt like she was going to die or come close to it and the last thing she felt like doing was pushing. She'd been pushing for nearly a half-hour now and was still no closer to the pain going away. Her mind was becoming desperate once again, wanting release and no one knew this more than Sonic, whose hand was beginning to turn purple from her firm grip.

"Okay, Amy, breath and push," Dr. Collins voiced again.

"I'm breathing and pushing! Why don't you do this for a while?!" Amy raged in a hoarse voice. George didn't react to her anger, however, and just encouraged her some more. Amy felt bad for snapping at him but then again she felt bad altogether. This hurt so much and she just wanted it to stop. For an instant, she wished she wasn't here having this baby and that she could call the whole thing off.

"Make it stop," she breathed to know one in particular, but Sonic thought the command was directed towards him and could feel guilt and regret come into his mind. He too wished this wasn't happening. This was the most physical pain he'd ever seen her in before and he was completely powerless to help; utterly useless in his mind. He felt guilty because he had done this to her. All this pain she had to endure because of one night of passion. Sure, they weren't complaining that evening or even when they found out she was pregnant. How naive. In fact, they were excited, a little scared, but joyful nonetheless, but pregnancy had been no walk in the park and now . . . If he had to hear her scream in agony one more time he would probably scream right along with her. It felt like a cruel irony that to bring new life into the world started with love and ended with pain. He looked at her dull green eyes and gave the best reassuring look he could muster. He couldn't help out much, but to heck, if he wouldn't offer what he had.

"I can't make it stop, but I'm not going anywhere. You can do this, Amy, don't give up. I know you can do it."

Amy grimaced against the currents of suffering surging through her nerves but managed to take in the tone of her husband's voice since she really couldn't concentrate on his words. In a more relaxed mood, she would have interpreted his inflection as encouragement and responded appropriately, but this was not that mood and instead, she translated a message of indifference. How could he be so calm? Didn't he understand, didn't he care? This was torturous and terrifying beyond anything she had ever known. The feelings of fear and pain swirled together with her own moans, cries, and screams, and was becoming like a heavy cloud that fogged up her mind and heart to the point where she didn't care. She just didn't care about her behavior, words, or who she hurt. Sonic's previous remarks had turned from comforting words to the floodwaters that breached the dam of emotional strain and despair for Amy.

"I hate you! Get out!" she shouted. Sonic blinked, not even knowing how to react. He was stunned.

"But what . . . what did I . . ." he stuttered still trying to grasp whether he was the object of her anger or not.

"No, leave me alone! If it wasn't for you . . . I wouldn't . . . be here!" she yelled pulling her hand away from his and gasping in pain as another wave of suffering rushed through her.

"Amy, I'm . . . I'm . . . sorry," he muttered, recoiling a bit, just like a child receiving a stern reprimand.

"No, you're not! Get Out! Get out!" she snapped, closing her eyes tightly as her face turned red.

"Ames . . ."

"Go!"

Sonic stood up hesitantly, dumbfounded and hurt. He remembered what everyone had told him about her being testy, angry, and scared at this time. He knew she was in extreme pain and that what she was saying wasn't to be taken to heart, but it still cut right through him and he could feel himself jump inwardly every time she screamed to get away. In fact, he jumped about three feet into the air when Vanilla placed a hand on his shoulder to prevent him from backing up into the nightstand. He turned to the rabbit and she could see his eyes glaze over before he averted them and made a quick retreat out the door. For the second time that evening, Vanilla felt for the young hedgehog, but she also knew Amy hadn't meant what she said and still needed his support.

However, if she knew Sonic well, which she did, she knew he would take the instruction of 'go away' quite literally. Upon hearing his feet hit the floor of the foyer, she knew she needed to act quickly if she was going to stop him. A calm voice wouldn't work though and neither would a compassionate or caring tone. For some reason, she couldn't shake this idea and decided to listen to it and used a rather authoritative voice, one she didn't even know she had.

"Sonic the Hedgehog!" she exclaimed just as said hedgehog had his hand on the brass knob of the front door, "Leaving isn't the answer. Amy needs you; she doesn't need you to run off. If you go, you know you'll regret it."

He had his back to her and so she didn't know what kind of effect her words were having on him. Vanilla watched, carefully moving up to him as he slowly released the door handle. With his back still to her, Sonic lifted a hand to his face and sighed miserably.

"I know, I know," he whispered, barely audible and totally eclipsed in thought. 'I hate you' still rang out in his mind and clung to his soul with a vengeance. He had heard those words plenty of times, spoken usually by his enemies. It never had an effect on him, but now, hearing it from the one he loved and admired, cherished and held so dear, was devastating. It was not even the words themselves, but the raw emotion she put into it that shook him up so badly. He just didn't know how to react; what to do. He would gladly take the pain for her, but he couldn't. However, he couldn't let his emotions get out of control, right? He was supposed to be strong for her, for both of them, right? So why did he feel so weak, so out of control?

"I can't help her," he stated remorsefully as a tear finally escaped its emotional prison and ran freely down his cheek.

"You're not in control, Sonic," Vanilla responded causing Sonic to turn slightly to her, "Neither is Amy. This is nature, dear. God's design. You can't make it go away any more than she can. But you have to stay, you have to keep going; hang in there just as she has to."

"But, she doesn't want me near her," he replied softly.

"Then stand next to the door, but don't leave, Sonic," she coaxed, taking him by the shoulders and guiding him back up to the bedroom. She stopped with him just outside the door before turning him around to face her.

"Wait here, I'll get you a chair," she smiled. But just as she was about to go and retrieve a seat from the dining room, Amy began yelling out louder than she ever had before.

"Sonic! Come back!"

As if the previous words of 'I hate you' were never spoken, the blue hedgehog was back in the room next to Amy in the twinkling of an eye. Though the situation was strenuous, Vanilla couldn't help but find humor in Amy's fickleness and Sonic's hasty forgiveness. Though he was still a little shaken up by her earlier comments, the father to be still managed to smile reassuringly at his wife. But after a second, Sonic noticed a different atmosphere about the room he had missed in his rush to reach Amy's side. She was slightly slumped over with her eyes closed and a more peaceful expression graced her features though it still had the marks of exhaustion and pain traced on it. Most of all, she was no longer breathing heavily or screaming. So, where was that screaming coming from? Then it registered; it was a baby's cry which seriously overloaded his already nerve-wracked mind. Sonic turned down to see Dr. Collins holding a screaming, purplish bundle covered in fluids and blood and still attached by its umbilical cord. He didn't have enough time to count its fingers and toes or even to ask if it was a boy or a girl as his eyes proceeded to roll back with his body doing the same.

"Catch him, catch him!" George called out to Vanilla as she made her way over to the past out hedgehog, catching him before his head made contact with the wooden bed stand.