Love: It's what wrecks a friendship

A/N: Thanks again, it was really something. As promised, here is more….but just quickly before hand.
A quick brief description of Tails, Knuckles and Sonic and how they act in the 'Archie comics' . Since I know some of you are unsure, and to let you know what I am really kinda working with.

Archie Sonic - Popular with the ladies, Archie Sonic works in an underground resistance against Dr. Robotnik, who is trying to take over the world by turning everyone into robots! The personality difference here is Sonic's many love affairs with Sally Acorn, which adds even more to the Sonamy Controversy. Though Sally and Sonic rarely see the same, which leads to a number of problems.
Archie Sonic is quite flirtatious.
Archie Tails: Don't let his docile appearance deceive you. This cute two-tailed fox is an absolute mecha-maniac with skills rivaling those of Dr. Eggman. Humble about his abilities, he always does his best to help out Sonic, who sees him as something of a cute kid brother, he's first real best friend. Hates thunderstorms.
Archie Knuckles: an egotistical dread locked Echidna from Angel island, and appointed guardian of the Master Emerald. Sonic may be a drifter, but Knuckles' home is firmly fixed in the mountains. Wild, tough, stubborn, and inflexible, Knuckles sees himself as Sonic's rival, perhaps because of his own dreams of a free lifestyle. He's also known as a treasure hunter and quite gullible. A great friend, one you really don't want to lose!

Chapter three.

The couch was soft and worn in, just the way he liked it, giving off a cozy, placid feeling; one that invited all and showed off his aura of 'coolness.' He was leaning into the side of the couch, back resting comfortable in the grove, a foot hanging off one edge the other bent up by the knee. His hands were wrapped around a white mug, the words 'Life's a ball, roll with it' printed in black ink, steam rising into his face; pure ecstasy. He brought the fine rim up and gulped slowly a mouthful of steaming hot cocoa, closing his eyes as the warm taste hit him, his body tingling as warmth spread to the very tip of his quills.

This was something he has done when he was younger, his mother would bring out a cup of cocoa after towel drying him from the rain, after a tiff with a friend, a bad dream or just as a comforter. He loved it, even now; it brought a beautiful feeling to his stomach, his heart. He took another sip, this time letting the liquid stay longer in his mouth burning his tongue nearly. His head swung back a little body sinking fully into the couch "Heaven…" he mumbled, this was exactly what he needed after the last few hours.

"Sonic" it was a feminine voice, almost a whine, he knew that voice it was distinctive, juvenile, girly-girl. "Son-ic" it was Amy.

Just ignore her; just don't answer and she won't know you're here. Just stay quite, just lay back, she'll go away… "Sonic Hedgehog! I know you're there, so don't bother trying to hide!" she growled out furiously, honestly…men! "Sides, you never were very good at hiding" she trailed of giggling.

He opened one eye, just enough so he could make out the door, if he ignored it… Just a little bit longer, she'd give up. "Sonic! Fine, if you don't come out now, I'll just wait. Right here!" He took another long, large gulp of the cocoa, finishing it off. "Stubborn female" he muttered quietly, licking the last of the cocoa from around his lips.

He gingerly got up, no point of rushing around now, "Ames…what do you want!" He fumbled over to the sink where he ran it under water.

"Oh so now you speak!" she scoffed, her voice was slightly muffled by the door but there was no doubt in noticing the venom "I was just letting you know dinner is ready, and the new girl called…I think Violet, is going to be there and Sally reckons we should all welcome her." She paused thinking lightly "Though, really if you want my opinion she didn't want her I mean you…"

The rest was lost to Sonic as he slammed the mug onto the bench, he knew he should've taken a detour on that run, knew he should've slept in, but no stubborn hedgehog! He rubbed his temples, dinner with Sal and the Freedom Fighters was never missed, it was fun, a lot of the times very stressed, but it was the company of others he enjoyed. But with Sally and Vi? That was just calling for another World War...

"Sonic! Did you hear my joke! I said "But Sally can be a bit 'nutty' sometimes…you get it Acorn, nuts…" Her laughter filled the air and Sonic could just imagine her bent over double, he smiled despite his foul mood, the innocence of another younger child…despite the lameness of a joke he smirked.

"Alright Ames" the door swung open to reveal, like Sonic had suspected, a bent over Amy. "Let's go then, shall we me' lady? I think dinner awaits us" He held out his arm which was gripped tightly by the near squealing Amy. Sure, this dinner may be hell, but he was damn hungry.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

He wondered briefly where his appetite had gone as he faced his food, head leaning on his palm, fork playing around with the various foods. His eyes headed upwards as a gruff sound or remark came yet again from Sally, who had taken the liberty of sitting across from him. His ears flattened again as her fork stabbed ferociously into the potatoes, words like 'Stupid, dangerous, self centered…' rolling off her tongue on every stab.

He looked around, it was just Sally, Amy and he…Amy was on another table, alone with the Doc, talking about something stupid by the looks of it. It was now he wished for Amy's company more than anything…Sally was getting to him. He sighed aloud, getting a series of remarks from Sally again, ignoring her, he wondered where Violet and Knuckles had gotten to. The door swung open and a cold burst of air hit him, he swung his head around, hoping it to be Violet and Knuckles, he was somewhat disappointed when it was only Bunnie, but he liked Bunnie.

"Hey Suga' hog, Sally" Sally's mood somewhat lifted for she managed a "Hi" and a small smile before she sent a scowl down in Sonics direction.

Bunnie stifled a laugh, it was known for these two to have differences, which is probably why they loved each other so. They defiantly were two of a kind, maybe they'd be more one day. "I've missed something haven't I?" She watched Sonic make for a reply, but Sally beat him.

"It's more of someone that you missed because a certain person-"a glare that sent a grown man running was shot in Sonic's direction, who stiffly ignored it "stupidly brought her back!"

Sonic fired his round of ammo "Sorry Princess, I was just doing the duty all Freedom Fighters agreed to… remember, or have you been sitting on your throne for too long!"

"How dare you Sonic! You know I've done everything I can for this group, our little résistance to hell! I'm not the one endangering us all by bringing back another unknown person!"

"Endangering! Endangering!" he scoffed, anger leaving him shortly as he crossed his arms cockily "Knuckle head is more dangerous than anyone of us, yet we still welcome him! It took you forever to trust him, but you still do now! So why can't you trust Violet!"

Bunnie interjected, Sally's temper was often seen, but when it really flared…well Bunnie had lost a few plates from it, and Sonic…Sonic's temper was usually seen around Robotnik, and even then it was quite light, when in full throttle…you'd run like hell "Violet? Is she the new one?"

Sonic cast an eye to Sally daring her to speak, "Yea, she's the new one, nifty girl, shy, out going, funny, caring, mixture of everything really."

Bunnie looked over to Sally; she couldn't believe that Sal would get worked up over this "And..."

He scratched his left ear sheepishly "Well, she's an…echidna, a real echidna, as real and visible as Knuckles, but not as hot headed as him"

She stared at Sonic , much like Knuckles had done so "Another Echidna, have you told Knuckles? He'll be thrilled suga' hog!" though her reply much more enthusiastic, and it didn't go well with Sally.

"Bunnie! BUNNIE! We don't even know if she's an echidna for all we know she could be a robot of some sort, and android, a hologram…"

"She's pretty real Sally! She has a vice of a grip, last time I checked my hand didn't go right through her when I tried to push her off me!" Sonic was now standing, both hands on the table, quills bristling and tail unusually straight and upright.

Sally was mimicking the exact pose "So! Sonic that doesn't mean she's not exactly harmful…"

The rest of the conversation was lost as Tails entered, his light uneven whistling coming to a halt as he spotted the screaming match, amongst them, somewhat to the side, was Bunnie. He walked up to her, avoiding contact with Sally and Sonic's eyes; Sonic had once told him that you NEVER make eye contact with an angry animal, and if you do keep it and don't blink! "Bunnie?"

Bunnie looked down, shock on her face; how could two people argue so much, and so loud? "Hey there, a bit noisy isn't it" Tails nodded, glancing over to the two "A tad, they're arguing over Violet aren't they?"

Shocked, for probably the most times in her life, Bunnie nodded "So you've met the infamous Violet?"

He shook his head, his ears twitching on every ear-piercing "Son-ic" or "SALLY!"
"No, but Sonic was in my hut for a long time, telling me all about her, depressed that Sally didn't agree with him and yelled at him, happy that Knuckles liked her and had gotten fairly along with her, and she seems really nice, I know Sonic only sees the good, but he's always had a good judgment of people…" he trialed of, remembering Antoine "His upset that Sally-gal doesn't trust him, what's Violet like?" she listened as Tails recapped basically everything Sonic had said. "She sounds intriguing, that's for sure, but I agree with Sonic, I think she's as real as Knuckles" They both glanced back at Sonic and Tails, each with their own perspective's of the ongoing argument.

"Fine Sally, I give up! Until you can see the good in her, or at least try and see what I can, I say we don't mention this again, agreed?"

She spoke through clenched teeth "Smartest thing you've said Sonic, agreed"

Feeling that the worst was over, Tails and Bunnie joined Sally and Sonic, each trying to avoid and undo the tension. In futile efforts, they gave up all eating except Sonic who was finding it extremely hard to push off all insults to Sally, knowing that opening his mouth for food would only lead to some regretful words, besides anger and nerves always had a way of pushing off any hunger. He noticed Amy join the table, a hot drink in her hand "I miss anything?" and Sonic couldn't fight back the urge to laugh.
- - - - -

In was some time later, through a tense and moody table, (Amy had been informed of Violet from Bunnie, while Sonic and Sally glared at each other the whole time) that the door opened yet again, bringing alone two strangers.

"Knuckles!" Tails cry rang throughout the room, and all heads turned to the door. Sonic gingerly got up, avoiding looks of pure hatred from Sally, he stiffly greeted Knuckles, asking where Violet was. "Here" she replied in a voice that simply enticed you "Sorry we forgot the time, its freezing out there any chance of a warm drink?"

Sonic nodded, holding out a welcoming hand, which Violet gratefully accepted "Yea, just down the front there, but I want you to meet a few others first." He turned himself round, dragging Violet with him. "You've met Knucklehead" Knuckles glared towards Sonic as he took a seat near Bunnie "And Sally…" he trailed of, feeling the hurt coming from Violet "So here's the rest of the gang.

Tails shyly got up "Pleasure Violet" He was astounded, she was so pretty, and looked so nice; sounded so nice…He was amazed at how Sally could dislike her. Violet looked down at the young fox she was sure was only 10, yet seemed so much more "Tails right?" when she received a nod she continued "Sonic told me about you, you're the mecha-whiz here, best inventor right? And his little brother?" Sonic and Tails both blushed, Tails feeling instant like "Yup, that's me I suppose" She nodded, and looked above him to Amy; she spotted the bubble-gum coloring, and the gazed look that was settled on Sonic "A-Amy?"

The young girl shook her quills "Yea, that's me." She glared slightly at the girl who could be a threat to her Sonic. Violet smiled softly at the innocence and love she had, and the protective stance of Sonic "You're very attractive Amy, you got a lucky fella?" she was in hopes of turning this girls attitude differently of her, she turned to look at Sonic to see if he was following her, he was…and blushing severely.

Amy too blushed, but the glare was gone "Same to you, I love your eyes! I think I have a lucky fella…" she glared at Sonic "just I don't think he notices me" Violet thought the urge to laugh at this twelve year olds persistence "I'm sure he will, you're a beauty hun" she looked at the person next to her, she spotted the robotic limbs and felt her heart cry out for her "Bunnie…"

The accented bunny smiled. "So they tell me, how ya doin' gal?"
Violet liked her right away, and glanced at Sonic who was smiling proudly, "I'm doing pretty well, that's some accent you've got there" Bunnie laughed, standing up to shake Violets hand "I've been told that as well, pleasure Vi, glad you're joining us"

Before Violet could accept, a fork slammed down and Sally shot up "She's not joining us, not now, not ever, not till I know more! So if you could all stop loving her for just a little second, I could make some progress and then you can all go back to be lovey-dovey buddies!" It was unusually silent for the Freedom Fighters, and perhaps if any one had bothered to look at Sonic, instead of having there eyes fixed on Sally, they would've noticed the curled fist and the barring of teeth. Sally continued on, refusing to stop "You don't even know her, please some one tell me just exactly how she got here, and why she didn't come sooner! She could endanger us all and you don't even realize! How can you act like this to-"

"Sally stop! Just stop! How dare you, look at yourself, listen to what you're saying, can't you!" his fist were in such a tight ball he was sure he could feel his nails breaking past the glove and into his skin, "Give the poor girl a chance, you never harassed Knuckles about how he got here, you just accepted that he did, that there was no one else of his kind, and now…now that there actually may be another, you turn her away like that" his hands shook, his eyes glaring daggers "Sally I don't understand…"

"It's simple Sonic, I don't trust anyone if there past isn't known to me! If they don't know anything, or simply refuse to tell you. You can't trust them at all! " She had pushed the line slightly, but they all knew Sonic would take it badly, negatively.

"So you're saying you don't trust me, Sal?" his eyes were close, his hands still in fist, his voice calm and cold.

Sally rolled her eyes, anger blocking her sense of right, wrong and rational thoughts. "I didn't say that I said I didn't trust her" she arched her hand slightly towards Violet.

Sonic ignored her, his eyes opening fully as he spoke "No Sally, you said that you didn't trust anyone whose past was unknown, or if they refuse to tell ya." He calmly unfolded his fist, slight tear marks in a few places "Which means Sally, you don't trust me"

She stumbled on her words for a minute before saying "No Sonic, I didn't mean it like that , you're a hero, a saver, the only person I know who hates bullies, Robotnik, 'bad-guys' the most is you. It's different!"

He shook his head, a sad smile on his face "No Sal, it's not. It don't matter how ya say it, it's all the same. You don't trust those of whose past you don't know of. You don't know mine, I refuse to tell…you don't trust me. Simple"

""Sonic…" she was angry at everything, but mainly because of her stupidity.

"No Sal, if you can trust me even though you don't know my past, then you can trust Vi, right?" her answer if wrong would prove more than what Sally would like. "I..I…I can't" she whispered, all anger deflating.

He nodded "Then you don't trust me." And he turned sharply, his quills hanging lower than usual, a sad way of walking. He had been dejected in a type of way; gaining someone's trust was hard, and to know of all the missions you had done, she didn't trust you at all. It hurt, it hurt like hell.

He was gone and out of sight before Violet spoke "Sally... Sally" her voice quavering from the urge to cry "Sally, you can hate…hate me…but…but don't take it out on Sonic, he's- " she struggled, holding back a sob "he's done nothing to you, nothing!" Tears flew down her face and she turned and fled out from the room. Everyone had gone quite, no one daring to look at each other, it wasn't until Sally spoke that others finally made some sort of eye contact with each other. " There will be a meeting tomorrow, in here at noon sharp. Everyone needs to be here…" she looked over to the empty spots of Sonic , Antoine and Rotar " Spread the word please" and she too disappeared.

The last four looked at each other, before each slowly got up "That was …different" Knuckles spoke , eyes staring at nothing " Yea…it was kinda…"Tails was of two minds, go off and forget , or find Sonic and stay there with him, he knew Sonic got touchy of his past. Bunnie moved silently to the door "If any one bumps into Vi or Suga' hog, tell them about the meeting, otherwise leave them be, they need some time to sort things out…" It was on this note that the Freedom Fighters would never be the same, too many fights, discussions, arguments and hatred would break them…

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Sonic did not run to his hut, jog, sprint or break the sound barrier; he simply walked, as one does to collect his thoughts. He loved Sally, she was a special gal, and he simply loved her, but for years he'd been wondering if it was the love of a sister or close friend, or love of a fellow …soul mate. Then Violet came along and he felt attraction for her instantly, then so did Knuckles. Maybe it was a friend thing, but if it was more…

He shook his head, it felt numb, his heart had been torn and ripped and past around, to that of the higher bidder…problem was they were all equal. Violet seemed exactly like him; fun, playful, adventurous, sweet and nice. But she was mysterious and isolated, wary and cautious. Sally was a leader, a seductress, fun, kind-hearted and witty. Yet she held the qualities of overpowering, narrow mind ness and the ever growing fear; all of which Sonic loathed.

He suddenly stopped and screamed, since when had life become so difficult in a mere two seconds? He fell gently to the ground, stretched on his back, looking heavenward at the Milky-way, it was peaceful and calming, just what he wanted right now.

- - - - - - -

Violet had run out, stumbling over various things from the tears that blocked her vision. She fell with a thud, crying her heart out. Didn't they understand, didn't they know how hard it was for her! She was lost, alone and no one was here for her, all her friends, family, her home her damn life was gone, and she had no idea! She wanted safety, sought safety and not knowing of this world and its ways, found the wrong kind. But she listened and learned, discovered what was happening and sought Sonic. And she felt welcomed and accepted once she saw that gem of a smile.
But Sally…

She sniffed, wiping the tears from her face with her hands. Her dirty hands rubbed on her jacket, she just wanted to have a home, to a friend, for at least just one person to understand. Maybe Sonic did, what was that about his past…? An animal like scream filled the air, faintly away and she wondered if she had heard it…but not, it came from around the huts, it was someone. Sonic her mind stated, and quickly she ran in the direction of the hedgehog who she had taken a great liking too.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

She spotted him lying calmly on his back, looking almost asleep, bu the ever flicking ears and contented sighs told her different. She slowed her running and came to a walk, breathing heavily from the sudden flight. She stood, looking at him from two meters away, it was like looking at animal in the wild. Closer and it may run, further and it may attack. Louder and it gets scared, quieter and it stays. She followed his gaze upwards to the scattered, soft fairy floss like Milk-way, her hand moving to the spot over her heart. It was so beautiful, so breathtaking; she understood why he would want to be here.

She was so captivated by the sight that Sonic's words were almost lost to her "I see I'm not the only one who does pointless things" "It's beautiful" she breathed huskily, the wind blowing her hair gently around her face.

He turned around, smiling at the look she had "It is, it's best view is right here…" he trailed off, wondering if she would accept his unofficial invitation. She did. Her shoes stepped graceful on the grass, her actions quick and nimble, finding a seat besides him, "It just makes you forget everything" she was now staring at him getting captured by his eyes.

Sonic brought her down forcefully with his free arm, bringing her flat on her back in the same position as he "The views better here" was his only explanation. She nodded, slightly dumbfounded but agreeing in every sense, if you stared long enough you felt surrounded by the sky. It washed away her fears and worries, leaving her numbed "I'm sorry about before"

"Don't be, Sally's just being an idiot" he stopped himself, letting the pure lust of where he was take control of his mind "She's a wonderful girl that one, and she's stressed, in to deep but she's gotta keep moving, you know? " she nodded allowing him to talk "I love Sally, she's amazing and beautiful, but I'm having doubts…I think I may have seen a bit of the real Sally and I didn't like it "

She nodded again "I can see she's liked, so I know she must be kind." She turned on her side now completely facing him "But she hurt you tonight didn't she?"

He ignored the question and mimicked her position their faces a foot apart "You must be missing home right now." She sighed, he was stubborn and she wasn't getting anywhere with him now, he was blocking the hurt…and he done that for all his life? "Yes, I'm missing a home. But missing home? How can I miss it when I can't remember it?" She left it there, she talked it riddles by nature.

Accepting this he moved on "You spent a while with Knuckles" She smiled lightly
"He's ok, once you ignore his hot headed, flaring, gullible, emotionless mask. We talked about how much we missed home, and how his home is up in Angel Island. We talked about that mainly. Then I asked about you lot and what he thought"

He rolled back onto his back, not curious but inquiring "What's his thought?" Drizzles of rain started, running funny lines down their faces.

Still looking at him she replied "Like yours, he said along the same thing. Said Sally would take the longest to get warmed to. Said you were impatient, loud, noisy, annoying, a real flirt…" she saw a slight blush and a small cocky grin "a hater of all evil, but a friend you can't live without .Always there." She brushed strands of hair from her face as the rain poured harder, the sky's growing darker, a murky mixture of colours.

He scoffed "Big old lug, never knew he swayed that way" A playful punch to his right arm, and he returned it back to her, his soaked cloths clinging to her jacket. "Sonic! Imagined if he had heard that!" He sat up stretching and rubbing his arm slightly in mock pain "I think he would've been proud of your punch" She joined him and smiled casually, hey we Echidnas are strong!"

He turned to her, his playful self coming out, somehow just talking with Vi made him feel so much better "Wanna kiss it better?" She blushed and moved closer "Sonic-"

"SONIC!" Tails namesakes whirled at abnormal speeds for things that would be most likely drenched. "Sonic! There you are! I got some ne-ews!" He called from beyond the hill. Sonic sighed as those similar blue eyes appeared, a grin paltered on his face. "Tails?"

"Yea Sonic!" he came to a halt, smiling at Violet "Hey Vi, ah well…Sonic…well…"

He grinned, standing and fixing his quills that were molding together easily from the forceful rain "You came all the way out here, just to stammer? You're right, defiantly the most important news I've heard today!" Tails grinned swiping Sonics hand that ruffled his head, "NA-AH! I got some real big ol' news for ya Sonic!" He swished his Tails around, rain spinning off them skimming through the air.

"I see and just what is this big ol' news?" He smiled playfully, helping Violet up at the same time as her shoes kept slipping in the wet grass
"Well…When you kinda left…" he saw Sonics smile fade slightly "Sally said that here was gonna be a big important meeting tomorrow and that any one who's any one had to be there"

Sonic stood in a playful pose, "Any one who's any one?" Tails foot scuffed the ground, "Well, she said we all had to be there…"

"Sounds more like her, Vi you up for it?" he addressed the girl who was having trouble with the zip on the jacket "Ah…will she mined"

"I'm assuming so " he replied grinning. She shook her head, "Alright fine, but I don't get blamed!"
A clap of thunder blocked Sonic's reply and Tails unnoticeably flinched. "I..I guess we go home now?" he struggled to keep his voice even, but it went un noticed.

"Bye Tails, Sonic" Vi called

Sonic whizzed around ,watching her run off "Hey! Wait! Where are you gonna stay?" But she merely giggled and replied "I got friends" and Sonic knew Knuckles would be playing host that night. "C'mon little fella lets call it a night."

Fine! Kill me! Tell me that was a lousy chapter and that this update was too long! I'm sorry, I really did try! Updating is hard, school, soccer and music and crap. But as for my writng, fine tell me it was crap!

Tails isn't always frightened of Thunder, in Archie I don't think he was but in SaTam I think he was. Urgh, I KNOW that he is in one of them. Sides it makes for some cute Sonic/Tails scene's you know? Not in a romance way but more friendship brotherly love way.