STH © SEGA & ARCHIE
Sarah and Sam © Cozy Shadow
Flame, Petunia, and Jeffery © Phantomask
Italicized brands (like food labels, movies, and songs) belong to their rightful owner.
Again, not much to say about these chapters. So, yeah. Prepare for next chapter though. It's not only long. But it's...well, you'll see.
Chapter Eleven:
Sparks
The drive home was silent.
While Shadow's throat hurt like hell, he couldn't get the thought out of his head—the thought of Rouge actually getting raped. It didn't make sense.
Amy explained it quickly and quietly. Sarah had joined the conversation to listen. Sonic had used the column for support but the look of shock of evident on his face. Shadow did his best to keep his emotions or thoughts inside, but he couldn't believe it.
His ex-partner? Raped? Rouge? No.
Amy was pulling some sort of prank.
Rouge would've called him, he was sure of it. The bat mothered Shadow. She cared for him. Shadow was positive they were best friends at one point…but was it really the same Rouge?
No…I don't believe it. I don't care if she didn't see it coming.
He did his best to block the images out of his head. He could only image what happened. And it hurt. The fact that it happened in real life made Shadow despise humanity even more. But to know that it had happened to the one person he'd been somewhat close to…To know that it had happened to the person he cared about more than all of the others…
The ache in his heart from Amy's words that morning was nothing compared to the ache now.
"She put up a fight, Shadow."
Of course she did. She was Rouge.
"He was executed."
By what? Medication? Shadow wanted the pleasure of ripping the man's disgusting heart out.
"She had twins. Although, they have her eyes, I must warn you—they have their father's black fur."
Great. There was always something to remind you. Rouge probably looked at them every day and thought of the creep. And yet, she still loved her children.
Of course she did.
Because she was Rouge.
But she didn't call…
He desperately wanted to sleep—to shut his eyes and think. But he had to keep driving. It was only a few more minutes until home, but still not quick enough, and he was already speeding by a few miles per hour.
"She was too embarrassed that it happened to her. Plus, you couldn't have helped her. None of you could've. She didn't know Vanilla well enough and frankly didn't know where Vanilla was. So she called me."
She called Amy. She called one of the people she hated before she ever called her best friend.
All the years of being tormented and teased by those humans flashed through his head because Rouge was there scaring the tormentors off and protecting the ebony male despite his complaints. She'd been there no matter what.
They had created a friendship over the years, even before Mobius' fall.
And when Rouge had reached her lowest point, she went to Amy Rose. A person she was merely acquainted with rather than him—a person she knew practically inside and out.
While remorse for Amy had swept through his being earlier, he felt a different emotion for Rouge. And he knew it quite well.
Betrayal.
Surprisingly, Amy slept through the night and into the morning.
When the sun rays hit her, she woke up with a start. Oh, no…Feeding!
"Don't bother."
The rose hedgehog stopped and squinted behind her. Shadow was looking out of the window behind the couch. He peeked over at her before staring back outside. "It's already seven. Sonic's taking the day off. We have to get the groceries you forgot last time."
Amy blushed and thumbed the blanket. "Okay. Are you coming?"
"I have nothing else to do today."
His tone was harsh. His words were short and snappy. Amy flinched with each syllable. The Ultimate Life Form was either on his time of the month or he was just in a bad mood. While she humorously blamed it on the former, she knew it was the latter. But what could he be upset about?
Well, Rouge for one matter.
She grabbed clothes and vanished into the bathroom, leaving Shadow to stare majestically out the window.
Rouge was his best friend, if not sister. And not only did she not call him when the accident happened…but I knew about it.
Tugging on her pants, Amy frowned.
It was like when he didn't call Rouge when Sam and Scourge attacked though. He shouldn't be too upset about it. I mean, he did it himself too. He didn't call her. How would Rouge feel if I told her that Shadow was attacked—by Scourge no less?
Knowing her, she'd probably pout that Shadow didn't call her. When really, they both decided against the help of the other in their time of need.
Shadow figured he didn't need help, which was probably true. He could get over a broken bone easily.
But…rape? Pregnancy? Rouge will always have a reminder that what happened actually happened. And if they do come to the wedding, how will Shadow feel upon looking at the children of his longtime friend who failed to tell him the news?
I don't see why Shadow didn't just call Rouge though.
"Hey, yeah, we got attacked by Scourge. I'm in the hospital. Thought you might want to know. Oh? You're a mother now? Raped? Wow."
Amy rolled her eyes. "If only that was how the conversation went. Then Shadow wouldn't be so snippy this morning and Rouge probably won't try and murder me when I tell her."
The female still had to call Rouge. She could already imagine that conversation.
"So, far, I've managed to get the attention of possible murderers, almost die from a dress, publically humiliate Shadow—oh, and I also told them you got raped and had twins. No biggie, right?"
"She's going to kill me," Amy whispered to herself as she combed her quills and accepted the inevitable.
At least, if she called Rouge, it would be better than a text and it wouldn't be in person so the bat couldn't kill her. That was the hopeful plan. She didn't need to Skype Rouge—she didn't exactly want to see the bat's furious face.
Opening the bathroom door, Amy inhaled heavily and then exhaled, "Alright, Amy. You go out there and keep making frenemies out of everyone. Eventually, one will be a super-hot, rich guy."
With that in mind, she was out to seize the day.
And slowly dig her grave.
The truck was cold, so that was a good way to start off a Wednesday morning.
Sonic drove this time as they piled into his pick-up. Sarah was at work. So that left Shadow to sit in the passenger seat and Amy to hog the back seats with her blanket.
"Amy, you got the list?"
"Yeah," she responded to Sonic. Amy flipped it upside down and every which way, still trying to read the cursive. She had crossed out what she had gotten before. "By my calculations, we have to get several squiggly lines and that's about it."
"Don't worry. No one can read Shadow's handwriting. He can yodel, so he can do anything."
Amy paused and stared at the radio. "Shadow the Hedgehog can yodel?"
"No. You know what? I don't know. I made that up," Sonic admitted and then glanced over at the moody male. "Shadow, can you yodel?"
It took him a moment to respond. But slowly, the dark hedgehog came out of his pouting state to stare at Sonic like he was an idiot. "Can I what?"
"I take that as a no. But Shadow just writes in cursive to be even more different and difficult than the rest of us."
Amy raised her eyebrows while looking at word she thought said 'lettuce.' "It's not that it's bad. It's very good cursive. I just don't see why you have to write in cursive."
"Because when I try to write in print, I might as well be a preschooler that Sarah teaches."
"It's that bad?"
Shadow snorted and looked back out the window. "You have no idea."
"Okay, well besides the grocery store, I have to stop off at Sears and look at appliances."
"Why?"
"I'm buying a house."
Amy nearly choked in surprise, "This close to the wedding? Are you nuts?"
"The wedding is three months and a few days away. I already had the house bought. The last family came and went like a teenager's summer romance. They only lived in it for about a month, so I bought it. Frankly, though, I hate the fridge. It's black."
Shadow leisurely glowered at him.
"I have nothing against the color black—it just doesn't match the white oven. You know, everything in the house is beautiful to look at it. It really is," Sonic nodded his head to convince Amy. "It's just the kitchen survived a zombie apocalypse…barely."
"So, you're going to buy a new fridge and oven?"
"Possibly dryer and washer too. The house didn't come with them. I'm going to check the prices and try and determine what Sarah likes. Nearly four years of dating the woman and it all comes down to this."
Amy raised her eyebrow. "You don't think you're taking this a little too seriously?"
"Amy, I don't think you understand the situation," Sonic retorted. "If I choose something Sarah doesn't like, she'll do that thing that women do."
"What thing?"
"You know!" Sonic motioned with his hands and gave her wide eyes in the reflection mirror. "The thing. You pretend to like it. You say it's fine. Really, you hate it. You want to burn it. You want to watch it sink like the Titanic."
Amy pursed her lips in thought. "Yeah, that's kind of true. I had a suitcase from Blaze that I wanted to do that to. I ended up just selling it to buy some food when I lost my job."
"I feel sorry for the suitcase." Sonic drove on as the town came into view, "Any idea where Blaze and Silver are now, though? Sarah agrees fully with having the team at the wedding. Now it's just a matter of getting them all here."
"Somewhere in Europe last time I checked," Amy gazed out the window at the repetitive fields and occasional trees, "France, as of late."
"I went to Europe when I traveled. I didn't stay long—again, I mostly went to South America because their cultures were fascinating to me. Went to China. Never doing that again. Have not gone to Indonesia but it's on my bucket list. Not at the top of the list, but somewhere in between. Below Area 51 though."
Amy cracked a smile. Sonic seemed so chill. She wasn't sure what to think. And then there was Moody Shadow in the corner. She was pretty sure he had fallen asleep or was trying to.
Who knows how much sleep Shadow got last night after he heard about Rouge…
Amy felt a little bad after telling them.
Partially due to the fact that she would have to tell Rouge that she spilled the beans. And Rouge probably wouldn't be in a forgiving mood. The ivory female was already upset with her for not asking for help and now Amy got to call her up and say the cat was out of the bag.
Amy wasn't excited for that. She could hear the profanity now.
But she also felt bad for saying anything because of Sonic and Shadow's faces. Sonic was openly shocked. While Shadow had tried to keep it in, Amy saw right through it. Sonic and Sarah probably did too. And if they didn't, his moodiness now proved to be linked with Rouge's secret. Why else would Shadow be cranky?
Among a million others things Rouge is the best guess. Amy snorted lightly under her breath.
So, while Sonic continued to babble on about his adventures, Amy happily listened.
Shadow, of course, continued to sulk in his little corner.
He was never fond of pushing the cart, but he became the designated driver upon entering the grocery store. Also purse-sitter.
Sighing, Shadow followed the two in front of him as they walked through the hair and beauty aisle.
I don't remember this on my list…
The pile of coupons in Amy's fist was enough for Shadow to keep his opinions to himself and his mouth shut. The last thing he needed was Amy blubbering about whether or not Shadow would kick her out.
No. I'm not going to kick you out. Shut up about it already. Move on with your life—why am I feeling deja vu?
Shadow glanced around warily and felt another presence that was not his, Amy's, or Sonic's. It felt different.
Like in the mall, before he'd completely gone hyper.
Keeping his senses tuned into reality, Shadow moved on but cautiously and on high alert.
Sonic wasn't really paying attention to where he was going—though he probably didn't care anyway. If he ran into anyone, he would just sign their forehead and prance off.
Whistling a tune, he stared at the column in the aisle with the emergency phone and a bunch of maps in a slot next to it, on the other side of the column. His tune went up and he sauntered like a drunken man towards the column with a mischievous glint to his eyes.
Amy grabbed some bottles of shampoo and the rest of the conditioner on sale. Throwing them in the empty cart, she heard Shadow's almost inaudible sigh. She ignored it though. Instead her attention was grabbed by a certain blue hedgehog.
"Don't you dare grab that emergency phone."
Sonic's lazy cat grin immediately turned into a puckered frown. His hand left the emergency phone and he turned to look over his shoulder at Amy with the same frown across his muzzle still. His eyes looked at her as if she took the greatest toy ever away from a child.
"Don't even think about it, Sonic." Amy pointed at him. "You're not a child anymore. You are a serious role model to people."
She grabbed the edge of the cart and dragged the cart and Shadow away from the aisle. She left Sonic in the aisle with his puckered pouting lips.
~.~
Amy didn't know it was possible, but she lost both of them.
Rounding the aisle for canned foods, she looked up and down the shelving for peas and corn. There were tons of options and some on sale. Unfortunately, the ones she wanted were on the top shelf.
Tippy toeing, Amy reached for the peas.
Her fingers grazed the can, and it was out of her reach. She was just too short.
And just like that, another hand skimmed hers and then it was gone—as if it had been a breeze.
Her eyes widened at the unfamiliar scent. But it was one of faint alcohol. A hint of smoke, but not much. Cologne. Male. Shakily, Amy rested on her feet and turned to her right.
The heart beneath her ribcage hammered. The breaths coming from her quickened.
A can of peas was held out to her and the intruder gazed down at her with cold, blue eyes.
"Scourge."
He didn't even bother flashing a smirk like old times. His eyes never grew lust either. His posture never changed.
And for a slight moment, Amy thought she saw his eyes soften a fraction. But then he was back to being his somewhat old self. Just hard and cold like Shadow used to be. Scourge was without the lustful movements though, while it seemed Samwell had gained them.
They stood there for what felt like hours.
Amy was surprised he didn't yell at her to take the damn can already. But both seemed to be frozen.
But in Amy's life, there was always something to break the ice.
And this time, it was the ebony hand that shot out and grabbed the can away. Roughly, Shadow aimed it to the cart. Amy flinched at the rattle of the can bouncing in the cart. Her emerald eyes tore away from Scourge's blue to look at the uninjured can of peas.
I still need five more.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Amy shivered and took the tone from Shadow as a signal to back away. Silently, she went to the cart and avoided eye contact.
"Getting food." His voice had changed. It cracked a little, like he had a sore throat. It was rougher, too. "How's the leg?"
She could feel Shadow's fury several feet away. She only wondered where in the world Sonic was.
"Fine."
"Really?" Scourge raised his eyebrow in a teasing manner, though his face was still calm and vacant of emotions. "I heard you walked with a limp. A little disappointed to see it's not true."
"Leave us alone."
Blue eyes glanced over at the pink hedgehog picking her nails by the cart. He stared back at Shadow upon hearing the low growl. "Sam's been talking about you more than ever now. It seems he's taken a fancy in Amy. I see why. She's quite a looker."
"Whatever quarrel you have with Sonic and me, leave her out of it."
"Oh?" Scourge reached for his cart and leaned against the handle. "I don't see why I should leave her out, though. She is a part of the Sonic Team, isn't she? More a part of it then you ever were at least. And I'm including you."
Shadow's throat still hurt but the low snarls still grew deep within. The fact that Scourge had the audacity to show up wasn't entirely what set him on edge. No. What made Shadow's hair rise was the fact that Scourge and Amy had been stuck in some sort of trance. There was no way he would allow Amy to get involved with Scourge—not while she slept under his roof.
"Leave her alone, Scourge. If I find out that Sam so much as looked at her—"
Scourge folded his arms across his stomach loosely. "What are you gonna do, Shadow? I could very well have a sledgehammer the next time you turn around. And I won't be aiming for your leg."
"Can we just go?" Amy murmured. Her quills covered most of her face and she was preoccupied with her nails.
The green male looked her up and down and then glimpsed at Shadow. "It was nice running into you, Shadow."
"If only I could say the same."
"You might want to watch what you say," Scourge threatened as he stood straight and met Shadow's towering height. "We know just enough to make both your lives a living hell. Then again, yours already is. But Amy's…" The creeping gaze landed on her at the right moment. The pink hedgehog couldn't help but look up, and she cursed herself when she did.
She was caught by those blue eyes again. They weren't scary like Sam's. They were more enticing—like they had a deeper connection, or at least a reason why Scourge wasn't looking at her so hungrily.
"I'm sure there are things she wouldn't want anyone to know. And I'm just as sure it would be easy to figure those things out."
Amy swallowed fearfully and determinedly glared at the interloper. "I don't have secrets, Scourge."
"Everyone has secrets. Even the lovely Amy Rose. And you know what they say," Scourge turned and grabbed the handle of his cart while staring only at her. "Behind the sweetest smiles lie the darkest secrets."
He was gone as quickly as he had showed up—like a phantom.
Shadow stood in his place as both registered his words. The ebony male's quills quivered in annoyance.
Now, Amy had caught the attention of Scourge too. Why did she have to be a magnet for his enemies? He would no doubt have to watch Scourge's movements as well as Sam's. Both weren't taken lightly, and their threats held meaning.
If Amy did have secrets, Scourge would be sure to expose them. But at what initiative?
While the ebony male despised both Scourge and Samwell, he wasn't about to make the first move. He would act in self-defense. And also to keep Amy safe. If she did have any secrets, it would ruin her to see them shown to the world.
But did she? Did the fair flower really have any skeletons in the closet?
Shadow twisted around to her deliberately and watched her with an emotionless stare. "Amy?"
She didn't care to look up and meet his gaze. Her nails fascinated her. Currently thinking if she should paint them yellow, Amy jumped when Shadow was closer to her. Cornered by the shelving, a small advertisement booth for cookies, and Shadow, Amy had no choice but look up at him.
Reluctantly, she did so and set her hands to her side. "Yes?"
"I…" He trailed off, unsure of how to go about it. Secrets and more secrets. That was what was happening. First Rouge's and now he had the opportunity to pry Amy for her own. No. He couldn't bring himself to tear her petals off one by one like that. "I don't care if you have things that are left unshared, but I will warn you that while you stay under my roof, I cannot guarantee your safety—reputation and mentally wise."
Amy chewed her bottom lip and grasped the cart handle. She tilted her head at just the right angle so her bangs fell over her right eye. Together, they were unmoving like she and Scourge had been—staring at one another for the longest time.
"But I will try my best to keep you alive," he softly spoke, a warmth spreading through his body. "You live in my house, so I think I'm obligated in keeping you physically safe from the men I did not intentionally want you to encounter, much less attract. If the rumors are true then they're brutal and will torture anyone in the most inhumane ways possible. They won't wait for the prey to come to them. They'll strike. And if it's you they want—to anger Sonic and I—then they'll have us to answer to. Sonic and I…" he paused as he reluctantly but also committedly spoke, "…will protect you."
Amy's lips curved upwards a little at the corners. "Thank you. I would like that. But…"
She stared down at his hand. He watched her curiously as she trailed off. "But?"
It was nothing romantic. It was merely the ties of friendship beginning between the two as Amy grasped his hand lightly.
He didn't tug away, but his calculating gaze looked at their sudden connection. A warm feeling buzzed through him again, but this time it was like a spark. He didn't know how to describe it, but he knew it felt like the good kind of warmth.
"But I would like to think what the Sonic Team thought upon defeating Eggman, watching their world burn, and letting the horizon lead them to their futures on Earth: if anyone messes with one of us, they mess with all of us. That notion vanished when that team split, but it never truly left them."
Her tone was gentle and it made the spark in their hands intrigue Shadow more. Her eyes were soft pools of emerald green that would've caused even the greatest villains alive to stop and stare. So, naturally the Ultimate Life Form had to gaze upon the beauty that Amy gave the world.
"And it could be ten years or fifty years, but I will always stand by each and every single one of those team members. Until death takes my last breath, I will be there. We're on the side of justice. If no one else stands up to take the blow, count on me."
Shadow didn't know what to think. Or say. Part of him wanted to think that she just being touchy feeling like any girl would be upon him practically saying he would protect her until he couldn't any longer.
But another part of him said that the words Amy Rose spoke were beyond the truth.
Amy might've been low on self-esteem, but it never interfered with her being so selfless compared to him. She would take a bullet for anyone of her friends. And to think that Scourge or Sam might go that far kind of daunted Shadow. He didn't want Amy to do something stupid and try to be the hero. But he couldn't just say that. Her words were meant to be taken and responded with a 'thank you' so where was his thanks?
Well, he couldn't find it.
"While it's like you to be altruistic, Amy," Shadow murmured as he chose his words carefully. He didn't want to repeat the dinner scene. "The team needs its optimism. And we only found it in you. It would be a shame if we were to lose you."
Her smile grew wider. Shadow internally praised himself in saying the correct thing for once.
"Not an option."
They continued to stare at one another for a second longer.
Their hands still touched but were beginning to pull away like a slow dying fire. It made the heat disappear too quickly for Shadow though, and he almost reached back for it. The tingles were there for so long, he got used to them.
Just what were those little sparks zapping through his fingers when their hands met? Something told Shadow that he should've actually watched at least one chick flick in his life.
"Am I interrupting something?"
And just like that, their hands completely pulled a part. The grocery store actually came into their eyesight, but it was full of dull colors compared to before.
"No." Shadow was back to himself, ignoring the odd sensation when his fingertips had traced her palm as they pulled away. "We just caught up with Scourge."
Sonic watched with a knowing look but stopped at the mention of Scourge. His eyes narrowed a little and then he was laidback again. "So you decided to gaze into each other's eyes?"
"Of course not," Amy grabbed random cans of food and placed it in the cart.
Her flush on her cheeks was evident and she moved hurriedly and clumsily down through another aisle to avoid Sonic's teasing grin. When she was gone, Sonic turned his head creepily to Shadow. A Grinch smile plastered itself on Sonic's muzzle.
"You know, when I said meet her halfway, I didn't mean second base."
"Shut up, Sonic."
"I'm just kidding. That's not enough second base. Second base is—"
"I'm leaving you." Shadow walked quickly down the aisle and followed Amy's footsteps. Sonic was on his tail unfortunately.
"C'mon, Shadow! It's time we have the birds and the bees talk!"
Checking out went unfortunately slow.
Amy evaded Shadow and Sonic the best she could but ultimately had to let Sonic set the stuff on the conveyer belt. Not to mention Shadow had to pay so he was in front of the cashier with his wallet in hand.
The pink hedgehog wasn't about to wonder off since Scourge was possibly still out and about. But she didn't want to hang around the two maddening men any longer. And they still had one more store to go to for Sonic.
It wasn't so much as shopping with them or what Sonic said earlier (okay, it sort of had to deal with that) that made Amy antsy to leave. It was what she felt when her hand grazed Shadow's.
I've never felt that…It was weird. Like warm tingles erupting.
She, of course, was female. And being female, she most likely watched at least one chick flick in her life. Being Amy Rose, a college dropout with no boyfriend, and a hopeless romantic, it was safe to say that she had her favorite chick flick memorized.
Sparks. Sparks mean one thing. There's something there. But eventually sparks die, don't they? Unless they become a flame and then a giant fire. Oh, God, I'm just overthinking this.
Shadow and I are not meant to be together. Don't be such a girl, Amy.
Trying to compose her thoughts, the pink flower set grocery bags into the cart.
I was probably dragging my feet and shocked him. That would be likely…if there was any carpet around and if I were in socks. She frowned drastically and tried to push the thought away, but suddenly she had the image of holding hands with Shadow again. Only more romantically then it had actually been.
Not loosely touching. Linked. Our fingers molding perfectly together. The sparks becoming flames and spreading nothing but warmth through us.
Then she was cut off from the world.
Not quite.
Hands went over her eyes and she immediately stopped thinking about girlish things. Her heart raced because last time she checked, Shadow and Sonic were in front of her. She was loading the bags into the cart as the cashier handed them to her.
"Guess," Sonic's voice came out friendly so Amy calmed down.
The pink hedgehog had no clue. There was no way it could be Sonic. He was in front of her, like stated before. But it was something she saw him doing—covering one's eyes.
"Sonic?"
"Nope." It was Blue's voice again. Not giving the person behind her away.
It certainly wasn't Shadow, was it? He was also in front of her. And he didn't seem like the one to be doing this. But maybe he had felt the sparks too? Maybe he had lightened up around her enough to be open? Maybe he was trying to bring her back to reality and out of lala land?
"Shadow?"
A chortle from the hero. "Nope."
Amy mulled it over.
The person was obviously approachable and very good at standing still. She couldn't see a thing as his hands were entirely on her face. At least, she figured it was a he.
"Do I know him?"
"No," a new voice spoke out in a joking manner. "I'm a stranger."
Gasping, Amy turned around just as his hands lifted up. While his voice had continued to deepen, his appearance couldn't fool her.
"Tails! Oh, my God!" She wrapped him up in a hug immediately. Pulling away, Amy got a better look at him. "You've grown so much!"
He was now taller than her by a few centimeters. His eyes were still the pretty light blue they'd always been, and his bangs never changed. His style of fashion had though. While he wore jeans like Sonic and Shadow (and practically anyone else in Sawyer), he adorned a white T-shirt and a brown leather jacket over it—getting rid of his old brand T-shirts that he had worn when the group was together.
The change and separation of the group seemed to benefit some more than others.
"So have you," Tails agreed with a lighthearted laugh. "I heard you moved in with the troublemakers."
"I did. I am."
Shadow pushed the cart and softly directed her out of the checkout aisle after he paid. Amy walked on her own towards the doors, walking beside Tails. Sonic followed, deciding to flank the ebony male.
"And how's that? I apologize for not visiting until now. I'm getting ready for the crops this summer. Lots of lands and lots of schedules for lots of farmers."
"That's fine!" Amy waved him off as they entered the outside world. The sun cascaded down on the four as they made their way through the parking lot. "There's hardly a dull moment, I'll say. Kind of makes me miss New York City and my desk. But I guess it won't ever be calm when we meet up."
"Agreed. Sonic filled me in, by the way. Silver and Blaze are coming to the wedding?"
"I'll talk to them about it. I'm sure they won't refuse." Amy shrugged anyway. "Blaze has been pestering me about my new life here. She wants me to go with Silver and her instead of these guys."
"What?" Sonic pretended to sound offended. "Well, you can tell Blaze that she can't have cake at the wedding then." Shadow snorted in response while Amy giggled.
"Rouge might be coming too?" Tails questioned suddenly. Amy's posture became serious as they got to Sonic's truck. "And Knuckles? And…Derrick and…"
"Dexter."
"Dexter, that's right." The fox seemed to be adjusting better than anyone else. Or at least accepting it and moving on. "They're welcome to stay with me so they don't overcrowd Shadow or have to spend their time in a hotel. Five year olds need some room, I imagine."
Amy cracked a light grin. "Thank you, Tails. That's really kind of you. I'll see what she says."
"Not to ruin the reunion or anything, but Tails is coming to Sears with us," Sonic wrapped his arm around Amy's shoulder while Shadow unloaded the groceries into the pickup, "Whole reason why he's here, really."
"He's not here to meet up with me?" Amy inquired confusedly.
"No, he understands females. He'll hopefully know what Sarah likes."
Sonic left the two and walked around to the driver's side. Shadow finished unloading and started to push the cart towards the others that were gathered up in the parking lot. Tails remained in front of Amy.
"Listen…I don't know if you want Cream's number or—"
"I would love it!" Amy speedily responded but then bit her lip. Her ears went back against her head. "Is she upset?"
"She was hurt. A lot. I think she replaced you with someone else in her high school," Tails noted as he looked towards the busy street of cars. "But I'm not saying you can't make up with her."
Amy frowned a little, "Right. Thank you, Tails."
After giving her the number, Tails went off to find his car. Sonic hopped into the driver's seat and the rest followed.
The blue hero looked back at Amy, who was busy looking at her phone. "You okay?"
Amy glanced up and nodded assuredly. "I'm fine. Let's go."
He put the truck in drive and left the grocery store. It was still early and so many things had happened still. Amy puffed up her bangs and looked at the new contact in her phone that was labeled Cream.
It was just another sign that things never truly were dull and probably wouldn't ever be.
Amy didn't know what she was expecting upon walking into Sears.
It was a boring store—at least to her. And the sooner she convinced Sonic to buy the giant, shiny fridge, the quicker they could go home and the happier she would be.
"I speak female, just buy this one."
Sonic chose to ignore her though. They were on the outside of the aisle, looking at the fridges on the ends. Shadow was more or less leaning up against one and calling it good enough help.
"Sarah doesn't like white fridges. I know that much," Tails pitched in. Amy gave him a glare as the fridge she was leaning against and trying to convince Sonic to get was indeed white, "Gray metal or black."
"She likes black ovens," Sonic opened a fridge and stuck his head inside. "I'm marrying a sadist."
Amy snorted and lifted herself off the fridge. "Just because she likes darker colors doesn't mean she's a sadist."
"Sometimes, though…She wants to watch the world burn," Sonic murmured and then shut the fridge door. "Not this one."
"I'm telling you," Tails stopped in front of the fridge he kept coming back to. "This is the one."
"What? You mean Gold Digger, over there?" Sonic motioned to it. "It's not cheap, bro. I might as well get a cheaper one because you know what they're all gonna do? Keep food cold."
"Yeah, but I think Sarah would like this one."
Sonic put his hands on his hips. "What makes you think you know my fiancee?"
"You made me come along for this reason, remember?" Tails droned and stared at Sonic with a blank face. "It doesn't matter if you like the fridge. This is war. If Sarah doesn't like it, we might as well tie an anvil to our feet and sink into the ocean."
"You guys are like a married couple," Amy groaned out as she tiredly watched them argue. "It's just a fridge."
"Well, you and Shadow stare at each other like a married couple."
The pink hedgehog stared at Sonic confusedly. "What does that even mean?"
"Oh, don't deny the googily eyes going on down in aisle seven."
Shadow growled lowly. "Sonic. You have no clue what happened."
The blue blur was just aching to push his buttons apparently. Sonic hopped over to the ebony male and smirked wickedly. "Exactly. Isn't it safe to assume?"
"No."
"But Amy was blushing."
"Because you live to embarrass each and every single one of us on this goddamn planet." Shadow kept his arms folded across his chest while doing his best to ignore the nuisance. But the punch was coming up quick now with every syllable that beloved hero uttered.
"Then how come you aren't denying it?"
The male stopped and stared at Sonic with emotionless red eyes. Sonic continued, being the idiot he was—and also trying to get Shadow somewhere with Amy.
"Maybe I was wrong. Maybe you do have a crush on little Miss Rose after all." The cobalt flash grinned devilishly as he pestered his housemate.
Shadow's teeth clenched. Tails began hiding his body behind a fridge. Amy's cheeks were beginning to redden again, but her gaze went to Shadow. She watched him in curiosity.
Why wasn't he denying anything? Maybe it was because that would only let Sonic have more fun. Or maybe…
Enough, Amy. Stop thinking like an idiotic fangirl. He's not interested. You're not interested. A thing happening between you two is never going to happen. Ever.
She cleared her mind of the thought and continued to watch the scene unfold, though something told her to stop it before it became another brawl between the two males.
"You just don't know what to do about it."
"I assure you, I don't have a crush."
"I think you do."
"One more word, Sonic, and you're ass is going across this store."
Sonic grinned as his eyes lit up with mischief. "Tell me, Shadow. Did you think about her being something more than just a friend for at least a split second in that grocery store? Or were you two really just being friendly and nothing more?"
Shadow swallowed and tightened his fist. "Nothing romantic ever happened or ever will happen. So you can butt out and stop trying to get us together."
That caught Amy's attention.
"Wait, what?" She took a step towards the two, which Tails shook his head rapidly at. Amy eyed Sonic though. "Sonic, is that true?"
"Of course it's true," Shadow spat. He brushed shoulders with Sonic roughly and walked towards Amy and Tails, to get away from the pest. "Ever since you showed up, he's been trying to get us together."
The rose hedgehog could feel the lump in her throat. She choked on it while wide eyes stared at Sonic. The blue blur cleared his throat.
"I just think Shadow needs someone, that's all."
"And you think I'm the one for him?" Amy motioned between her and Shadow. "You're kidding, right? What makes you the expert on love?"
"I'm marrying the woman I love."
Amy groaned. "That doesn't mean you can go and try to meddle with other people's lives, Sonic!"
"Why are you getting so worked up about this?" Sonic scoffed and put his hand on his hip. "It's not like you and Shadow are actually getting anywhere. Unless something really did happen in the store and Shadow's not man enough to say something."
The red eyes glowed angrily. The hiss came along with the words, "That's it."
Amy watched in horror as Shadow leaped towards Sonic and the two met head on. She moaned in frustration. "Why does this always have to happen?!" She was beginning to wonder how they survived four years together.
"Go on, Shadow, just admit it," Sonic gritted his teeth as he pushed against Shadow.
The darker counterpart growled snappily and gripped Sonic's shirt, tossing him across the aisle like a ragdoll. Sonic smashed into pillows that were in a crate. The metal creaked under his sudden weight.
"Touchy."
"I'm going to enjoy killing you," Shadow snarled as his quills shook. He took a step closer and then Sonic was back on his feet, ready for the attack.
Sonic gave him the best cocky grin the sucker had given in a long time. "I'm going to enjoy it when you admit you like her."
Amy jumped again as the two crashed into each other. She put her hand over her mouth after yelping. Frantic eyes searched for Tails and weren't surprised to see him behind the fridge still. Hurrying over, Amy nestled in beside him.
"Do they do this often?"
"Sometimes. Normally, it's not about a girl though. I mean, Sonic hasn't ever tried to get Shadow with someone. I guess since he's leaving after he gets married, he didn't want Shadow to be entirely alone. Maybe that's the main reason he agreed to let you in without asking Shadow. It wouldn't surprise me if Sonic had this plan cooked up the moment you called." Tails shrugged lightly and then glimpsed down at Amy. "You could be good for him though…"
"No." The word came out of her mouth faster than she anticipated. She hadn't actually meant to say it at all. "I mean...I don't see us together. He's Shadow the Hedgehog. We aren't exactly on good terms right now. And I don't want to date him."
"If I were Sonic, I would respond with something like, 'You don't want to date him yet.' But I'm not," Tails' gaze was soft and Amy had to meet it. "I'm not Sonic. Do whatever you want, Ames. It's just good to see you—and have you back. It definitely beats the alternative."
"Yeah." Amy stared back at the brawling hedgehogs. By now, it seemed more like play fighting. "It does."
Sonic lightly pushed back and Shadow took the hint. They stopped for a breather while Amy and Tails continued to gawk quietly behind the nearest fridge. Shadow's back was to the fridges and Sonic's was to the pillows he had run into. A rack of new pots and pans was placed beside the crate of pillows and loomed over them.
"Just stop it," Shadow hissed in a whisper. His eyes seemed almost to plead for a second. He breathed heavily. "There's no need. Once she gets back on her feet, she'll be gone. Another person out of my life."
"I'm beginning to think you mean that enviously," Sonic wiped the spit from the side of his mouth. He looked at his finger to make sure it wasn't blood.
"What are you talking about?"
"It's not that you don't like her," Sonic wheezed as he clutched his stomach. They were definitely out of shape. "It's that you don't want to get attached. I'm leaving once I get married, and suddenly you assume that means I won't be around anymore. I'll still be here, Shadow. I'm not moving to a different town."
There was a silence in the air.
"You're not?" His ears tilted in curiosity.
Sonic snorted. "Nah. We both like the country better. And I plan on renting some land from the Wilsons."
"That means you're close to the house still," Shadow mused. He turned and narrowed his eyebrows. "You couldn't move to the next town over?"
"Don't count on it."
"Damn it."
"C'mon," Sonic grinned loosely and lightly punched Shadow's shoulder. "You're going to miss me. That's why you don't want to date Amy. Because you'll think she'll get a job and leave you. Newsflash, buddy, she probably wouldn't leave very far if she wanted her own place and if you two were dating."
Amy groaned and marched up to the two boys, despite Tails trying to hold her back. "Sonic! Let's get something straight. We're not going to date. Ever. I'm not even attracted to him."
Shadow snorted in agreement. Sonic watched the two glare at him and couldn't help but let the lazy cat grin slide across his face.
Amy turned her back on him and was about to leave. Shadow was going to follow. But Sonic always kept the beat. "But Shadow's attracted to you."
The black blur came before Amy had any idea what was happening. She was nicked so she shrieked, turning around as Shadow crashed Sonic into the rack of pots and pans. It wiggled tremendously.
"Guys, stop it!" She shouted and rushed towards them. Tails called for her to come back. Workers yelled off in the distance. But Amy continued towards the two that seemed to never stop arguing. It was all because of her, too.
Why am I the one to ruin everything? I came and now Sonic thinks he can get Shadow and I together. Me, me, me. I hate the spotlight sometimes.
With full force, the little female rammed into the both of them with her arms outwards. They got tangled in the mess.
"STOP IT! STOP IT!" Amy found herself between the two fortunately and placed a hand on each chest. Sonic huffed at Shadow, whose chest rumbled unhappily with growls. "Someone's going to get hurt if you don't knock it off!"
"Watch out!"
And then metal came crashing down.
Amy screamed as not only the pots and pans landed on all three, but the giant, heavy rack came tumbling down as well. Sonic grabbed her wrist and brought her to the ground as the rack hit his back. Shadow crumpled to the floor while both did their best to shield the female. Sonic breathed heavily as the last pot hit his head. Shadow groaned as the rack rested on him.
Tails shakily ran up and did his best to lift the rack. Workers were already running towards them. He bent down to check up on his friends.
"Is everyone okay?"
The rose hedgehog appeared to be curled inwards toward the two. Sonic did his best to start standing up but only planked. Shadow met Tails' gaze. "We're fine."
Red eyes glowered over at the shocked hero. "This is your fault."
"Guys, just stop," Amy whined. She set her right hand down to the floor and flinched in pain. Her wrist had taken the landing pretty hard. It was a little crooked but nothing felt broken. Staring at Sonic and then Tails, she licked her lips.
The workers' footsteps rushed towards them.
"What happened?"
"Is everyone okay?"
"There are people under there?"
"Get them out! Call 911!"
Sonic brushed it off as soon as they lifted the rack off the retired heroes a few seconds later. "No need. We're fine."
A sore back that was easily popped back into place was all Sonic had to endure. Shadow had shielded himself well since he was the furthest away from the shelving. He only jumped back in to help stop the rack from crushing the young flower that remained silent.
Shadow brushed shoulders with Amy. She held her wrist but met his eye contact. "I'm fine," she responded as if she read his thoughts, giving him an encouraging grin.
And then suddenly the manager was before them with his hands on his hips and a fuming look on his face. "I want to know what just happened here."
Sonic glanced over at Shadow with a knowing look.
Unfortunately for Amy, it seemed they would be returning home a little later than planned.