STH © SEGA/Archie
Sarah, Peter, Samwell, Rosemary & the Wilson Family © Cozy Shadow
Flame, Petunia, Jeffery, and Sunny © Phantomask
Italicized brands or names (like food labels, movies, and songs) belong to their rightful owner.
So, I took a break – as you can probably tell by my lack of updating – to figure out where I was at in the story. Right now, I've figured it's time to get things going. I apologize in advance if any of this seems…quicker paced than the rest of the story. But it's time to get things moving on, especially if we're nearing the climax soon. There are really only three new key things that happen in this chapter – so I hope it's not overwhelming.
If my schedule works for writing, then I should upload every weekend now. Either Saturday or Sunday, but this schedule is not a guaranteed thing as anything could pop up last minute…Hence why I'm uploading this on a Monday.
I hope you readers enjoy this new update and had a Happy Thanksgiving!
Chapter Twenty-Three:
In a Blink of an Eye
Amy had never noticed how deep brown eyes could be. So intense and full of expectation – that was how Sarah seemed as she never broke eye contact.
And yet all Amy could do, was stare.
Rosy.
The pink hedgehog opened her mouth to say something but she couldn't. The words weren't there.
Rosy the Rascal.
She easily painted the picture of the crazy female in her head, remembering everything about Rosy. Even the hammer was crystal clear in Amy's memory. Although she hadn't spoken to Rosy much, there was still a connection between them.
A connection that Amy couldn't explain, even if she wanted to, rested between her and Rosy.
But why did Sarah suddenly bring it up? How does she even know about Rosy? Last I remember of Rosy…
Amy mulled it over while biting her lip.
…She was one of the first ones through the portal, I think. She was closer up north where the portal was – so it would make sense. But other than that, I don't recall anything about her when the planet was dying.
She simply…wasn't there. Rosy never seemed to be around to begin with. She was always chasing after –
Green eyes abruptly widened as realization dawned upon her.
"D-Did you see Rosy here?"
"Well, that was the name she signed," Sarah nodded and shrugged as if it was no big deal. As if Rosy the Rascal suddenly popping up wasn't a big deal. Amy had to remind herself that Sarah hadn't heard Scourge's phone call.
And I could be assuming too quickly, but…what if?
"Where?"
"She picked her kid up yesterday after school – pretty late, if you ask me. Last week, she checked the kid out and signed her name as Rosy."
"The school?" Amy's throat suddenly felt dry. The sandwich wasn't welcoming as a sinking feeling came. "A kid?"
Sarah raised an eyebrow at her friend. Amy seemed almost breathless. "Yeah, the secretary said she knew Sonic or something. I was going to ask him, but…she looked like you. It seemed odd that you were the first pink hedgehog I've ever seen and then suddenly another one pops up a little after you arrive."
"Are you accusing me of something?"
"Of course not. But I figured you might know her better than Sonic had."
Amy furrowed her eyebrows at the generalization, "Just because we're pink-furred?"
"The kid looked like Scourge," Sarah said without missing a beat. She didn't care if Amy was a little offended at the platitude – it was a logical guess. "I didn't get a good look at her face – she was a little shy and didn't talk much. She was pink, too. Lighter than you. Had Scourge's eyes though." Sarah glanced up at Amy while picking at her grapes. "I couldn't help but wonder…"
"You didn't bring this up with Sonic?"
"Not yet. Why?"
"Just…because."
Sarah squinted in confusion. "Did she date him or something?"
"Well, no. I mean, Rosy always…" Amy cleared her throat and sighed as her hands clasped together on the table. "Rosy was a lunatic."
"She seemed sane to me."
Amy appeared to glare at the table in concentration. "That's…odd. She was a maniac – always trying to kill Scourge. She carried a hammer like me. I guess you could call her my anti."
"Like Scourge is Sonic's anti."
"Yes."
"So…" Sarah trailed off as she ate a grape. "You think they had a kid?"
"Rosy and Scourge…well, if Rosy ever became sane somehow and found Scourge; I would imagine Scourge might at least sleep with her. Not marry her, though. And when we ran into Scourge, I don't remember seeing a wedding ring."
"You don't have to be married to have a kid."
Amy continued to stare at the table. And he probably wouldn't want to marry her until everything with Samwell was resolved. So, if Scourge is dating Rosy and they did have a child, that's more than enough power for Sam to have against Scourge.
She could remember how soft Scourge's gaze sometimes was in the store. He had held the can towards her without even a look of lust – something that seemed out of place for the hedgehog.
It made sense to Amy now.
"They probably did. Why else would she be here where Scourge is, with a kid that resembles him? Or at least has his eyes," Amy mumbled the last part as she dwelled on the situation.
If her math was right, she now had even more to tell Shadow on the ride home.
Just where the hell was the guy?
"Hm," Sarah hummed and then shrugged again. "I just thought it odd that she showed up. I didn't remember the kid at all. She only looked to be in about first or second grade – which means I would have taught her."
"But you don't remember her?" Amy thought of Scourge having a little daughter. It was a nice scene really – the guy had seemed to change a little. The notion that Scourge had a child in general and had stayed with the mother was surprising altogether.
"Not at all."
Amy paused before whispering, "What was her name?" out of mere curiosity.
"Rosemary."
Softly staring at the table now, Amy smiled gently. "That's a nice name."
"I guess. If you like the weird names like that – seems almost cliché to me."
Amy snorted, "Says the one marrying a man named 'Sonic.' I kind of like the names – they're unique. How many people do you know named Shadow?"
"Well, my cat –"
"That one doesn't count."
Sarah sighed as she rested her chin on her palm. "I guess it's a good name – Rosemary, I mean. It's just peculiar how Scourge and Rosy both ended up out here in the middle of nowhere."
"Shadow thought Scourge was following Sonic. At least, that's what he told me the first day I was here," Amy explained. She knew a deeper reason though – Samwell Turner.
"Well, whatever the case is –"
"Knock, knock," a man's voice interrupted the two.
Amy and Sarah both whipped their heads towards the door.
A male Mobian leaned against the doorway and smiled at them both warmly.
He had soft green eyes and was a tan-furred feline, with dark stripes over his body and a fluffy tail that curled around his legs as he stood. Bright orange hair rose up in spikes at the top of his head.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything," he glanced between the two girls, "but I figured now was as good of time as any to check up on your computer, Sarah."
"Right!" Sarah snapped her fingers as if remembering. "Amy, this is Peter Worthington. He teaches the other preschoolers across the hall. Peter, this is Amy Rose."
Amy stood up, along with Sarah. Her knees felt weak, and she was pretty sure her forehead was starting to sweat.
This is him. It's got to be. It's not some strange coincidence that his last name is Worthington.
Certainly not what I imagined, but don't freak out, Amy. Whatever you do, don't freak out. Just make polite conversation as if you're not even suspicious of him.
She shakily took his hand and shook it, giving him a rather weak grin. "Hello."
"It's an honor to meet you, Miss Rose," Peter purred as he retracted his hand from hers and folded his arms. "Thank you for your service."
She offered him another small smile.
"Computer?" Peter coughed as he looked at Sarah, breaking the sudden silence that almost crept between them. "It was giving you troubles?"
"Yeah. It was showing me some errors with a program," Sarah explained as the two walked over to her desk. "I tried to fiddle with it yesterday, but couldn't figure it out."
"So, you had to come to me," Peter chortled, "Step aside, amateur."
Sarah jeered and crossed her arms as he went over on the other side of the desk and sat in her chair. "I went to school to become a preschool teacher – not a technician."
Amy walked slowly over to them and stood beside Sarah. As their shoulders brushed together, Amy glanced over at the lime green hedgehog.
"He's good with computers?" she asked calmly, folding her arms as if she were interested.
Peter gave her a sideways glimpse, but went back to staring at the computer screen. "I was always good with computers and whatnot."
"He's amazing at it," Sarah confided. "He shouldn't be so modest, honestly. I swear it's a power rather than a skill."
Amy watched the cat closely. He only gave Sarah a tiny smirk as he went to work. The pink hedgehog tilted her head and observed him curiously. Thinking back the phone call, Amy clenched her jaw a little in concentration.
She remembered the cramped position she had to remain in to hear Scourge, catching every word.
"I'm telling you, that Worthington guy is a piece of work. He can hack into anything – machines are his forte."
She swallowed as quietly as she could, but suddenly the entire phone call conversation was coming back to her. The tub, staring at Scourge's jeans and how close he was on the other side of the aisle – his voice was even echoing in her mind.
"I couldn't make everything today, babe, I'm sorry. She'll be fine. It's just school."
Rosemary was at school – and was a she. Amy bit her bottom lip in fear as everything was suddenly lining up a little too nicely.
"I know it's not exactly the safest environment with Worthington there, but we've got to play this cool and not draw attention to ourselves."
"As long as Sam gets what he wants – No, I know he's a lunatic, but listen, as long as he gets what he wants, he won't harm you or our daughter."
Of course.
How had she forgotten about that tiny little detail? She had been so focused on the Worthington part that Amy had neglected to remember Scourge openly stated he had a daughter.
Everything – all of the puzzle pieces – fit together perfectly.
And it wasn't a good sign.
What the hell am I going to tell Shadow now in a way that he'd possibly believe me? Amy contemplated on telling the male at all, but she knew she had to.
There was a reason Scourge and Rosy were here. There was a reason Peter Worthington was here – in the exact same location as Shadow and Sonic.
Amy was simply too terrified to figure out the truth.
If Samwell is a lunatic, he could be up to anything. If he's so much of a madman that he'd actually kill a child, something tells me we need to take action. Scourge said they were watching us.
Spies.
Amy stared at the cat in Sarah's chair. He was completely oblivious to her as she glowered.
Spies that could hack into any computer, any information on us, and tear us apart. Scourge said something about knowing all of our secrets. Skeletons in the closet - maybe even enough information that would have us turn our backs on each other.
Sarah glanced over and raised an eyebrow at the glaring female. That wasn't typical of Amy Rose – especially to nice strangers such as Peter.
It didn't take long for Amy to catch Sarah's look that seemed to question her. Amy only ignored the lime green hedgehog – going back to her thinking.
Fortunately, Sarah did nothing about the situation and shrugged it off.
It left Amy to stand there and watch Peter work. Her head was filled with thoughts that made her almost completely oblivious to reality.
I know Silver and Blaze would hate the fact that I went so far as being a stripper rather than asking for their help. And Rouge – oh, God, she would murder me. But what secrets is everyone else keeping?
The pink hedgehog was becoming more curious, but not as to what Sam's motive would be to doing all of this. Amy was rather curious about the other secrets everyone in their group had, and how badly it could tear them apart.
Whatever Sam's reason for doing this, he's clearly trying to break us down. If what I vaguely remember Scourge saying is true, then Samwell Turner holds our darkest secrets that would ultimately cause another separation in the group – and for good this time.
And the fact that everyone is here months early for the wedding to spend time together – Amy's eyes broadened even greater as she ceased glaring. Oh, no…Something bad is going to happen.
I can feel it.
"Amy," Sarah suddenly whacked her arm.
"Hm, what?" Amy turned to Sarah, thinking the female was going to ask her why she kept glaring at Peter.
Instead, Sarah was staring behind them. Following her gaze, Amy was surprised to see Shadow.
He was angled against the doorframe, completely inaudible as he stared at the carpet. His eyes seemed to be glazed over – as if he were lost in space. It was an odd position for the Ultimate Life Form to be in – one of which that caused Amy to frown.
Whenever his expression turned emotionless, it always made Amy think what could possibly be bothering him. But this time, it was different. She felt it.
"Are you okay, Shadow?"
Instantly, the bolshie hedgehog was snapped out of his trance. He caught Amy's eye contact and seemed to falter before making a coherent sentence.
"Are you ready to go?"
"Yeah…Just give me a second," Amy cautiously spoke as she went to grab her deserted sandwich. She looked back at Sarah and then at Peter, who was in his own world.
She narrowed her eyebrows in thought as she looked at him further.
His hand was merely on the mouse and he was completely still, except for his eyes. Peter kept looking over the screen as if reading, yet no words were actually on the screen. It perplexed Amy, even as the feline seemed to be mumbling words under his breath.
Strange…Maybe it is a power. Amy mulled over the thought. "See ya, Sarah."
"Bye."
"Goodbye, Miss Rose. It was a pleasure meeting you," Peter spoke rather monotonously as he never looked away from the monitor.
Amy took her lunch and ambled towards Shadow.
His red eyes first observed her worried expression and then went to the male sitting at the computer. He glanced back down at Amy when she grabbed his arm and tugged a little.
"Let's go," Amy offered him a smile, but she hoped her eyes told him they needed to talk.
Shadow merely followed her, but not without one last glance at Peter.
~.~
When they were out of the school, Amy spotted Shadow's truck quickly.
It was becoming achingly obvious that something wasn't right with the dark hedgehog. He was normally quiet, that was true, but something bothered Amy about this silence.
It wasn't a normal silence.
She took a glimpse at Shadow again to make sure he was alright. Something seemed off about him for sure, and she wondered if right now was a good time to tell him everything she knew.
"Shadow?"
"Yes, Rose?"
A blush crept up on her cheeks.
He hadn't called her that in a while. It made the butterflies in her stomach reappear and flutter about. "Are you okay?" she repeated her question from earlier as they crossed the small parking lot.
"I'm fine."
He never so much as looked at her.
Amy walked to her side of the truck, but was startled when Shadow opened the door for her before she could reach the handle. She halted for a second before eyeing him with a tender gaze that almost made him fidget in his position.
"Thank you."
Shadow closed the door once she was in.
He let out a breath and walked around the truck, getting in on his side and putting the key into the ignition. They left silently with the radio barely audible.
Amy curled up next to the window and glanced at Shadow periodically. By the time they passed the bank, she felt a sense of unease.
I have to tell him…I have to warn him – anyone that will listen. Shadow will know what to do, but why is he being so silent? It's like…
Green eyes took a glimpse again.
…It's like he's distancing himself from me. Is he? Is it because of the animalistic issue? Amy grimaced as her hands clasped in her lap.
What was she supposed to say?
She felt a little hurt at the idea of Shadow distancing himself from her.
We're friends; we were going to figure this out together. He wasn't going to run away from the problem and never speak to me again – we didn't agree to that. She thought about it stubbornly.
There was no way she was going to let him get away with that. If she needed to play Alpha female, then she would.
Amy thinned her lips. Here goes nothing…
"Shadow?"
"Hm?"
Well, at least he wasn't ignoring her completely. She turned her body to face him, indicating they were about to have a nice, long chat.
"Is everything okay?"
Shadow raised an eyebrow at the female. He was fairly certain they'd already gone over this. "Yes. Why do you insist on repeating yourself?"
"What do you mean?"
"You asked me that when we left."
"Right," Amy folded her ears back. "Well, I was starting a conversation. And…you're quieter than usual. I can't help but feel that you're distancing yourself from me all because of…you know."
"Amy…"
Shadow was confused on where they stood. He tried to convince himself that they were friends – that he and Amy were nothing more and never would be. But the more he tried to convince his head, the more his heart told him it was a lie.
A few seconds passed, and the black hedgehog completely forgot that he had trailed off. Glancing over at Amy, he sighed. "I apologize if it seems like that."
"Shadow, I have to tell you something."
His fur bristled at her sudden statement. Shadow kept his eyes latched onto the road as his shoulders became tense.
What the hell is she going on about? And why am I feeling…anxious?
Shadow mentally frowned at the thought of how the once levelheaded Ultimate Life Form could now so easily crumble at the mere voice of Amy Rose.
From time to time. It's not on a regular basis at least.
He wasn't sure who he was kidding – and he could've sworn he heard Devil Shadow's laughter echo somewhere. Shadow didn't dare look around for the menace in case Amy thought he was losing it, which probably wouldn't be the first time.
Red eyes glanced at the rose hedgehog.
"What is it?" he was reluctant to ask at all. But by the way she was focused solely on him; it made him believe she wasn't going to let him leave the truck without having this conversation.
No doubt it's about the instinct thing. I can't help it – one can't fight instinct. It's ultimately impossible in the end. Shadow chewed the inside of his cheek. She's probably already made a list of solutions in that head of hers, waiting to spring them on me all at once –
"It's about Scourge."
Shadow paused in his thoughts before his eyebrows knit together in confusion. Scourge is the last place I thought she'd be taking this conversation. What could she possibly want to know now?
"Amy, I've told you to stay away from him –"
"I don't think he's as bad as you make him out to be."
To say he was caught off guard yet again would be an understatement. Shadow couldn't believe the nerve Amy had, even after all his warnings.
"What do you mean? What happened?" His eyes narrowed suddenly, as ideas sprung to mind. "You didn't meet up with him somewhere, did you? Talk to him?"
"No…"
"Then what makes you think he's not a bad guy?" Shadow scoffed.
Amy seemed to be the hesitant one now. She almost appeared guilty of something, and it irked Shadow to not know what it was about.
"Well…you remember that day we had to go to town to pick up stuff for Sonic? At the hardware store?"
"Yes."
"And you told me to go find the doorknobs."
Shadow gritted his teeth as his grip tightened on the steering wheel. "Do not tell me this world is that small."
"It's a small world after all," Amy halfheartedly laughed. The weak smile on her muzzle disappeared when she noticed Shadow's irritated glare at the road ahead of them. "I didn't exactly speak to him. But I overheard him talking on the phone. To a woman."
Shadow let out an exasperated sigh. "And this woman is important how?"
"Scourge…well, he…" Amy furrowed her eyebrows as she concentrated, looking at the dashboard now. She tried to recall every little detail of the phone call. "He was looking at different samples of wood for doors when she called. I didn't catch her name, though."
"To the point, Amy."
"He freaked out when she must've said something about being at, "the house," and told her how Sam had the place bugged."
Shadow raised an eyebrow at her, "The house?"
"He said something about a guy named Worthington – and that he could hack into about anything. Apparently, this Worthington guy is good with machines…" Amy trailed off, staring at Shadow's face in hopes of seeing any hints of realization.
She almost thought it was all for not.
"The man in Sarah's classroom when we left – the cat. His name is Peter Worthington," Shadow murmured, as if something dawned upon him. "What are you saying, Amy?"
"Scourge talked about someone else, too. His daughter."
Shadow tried his best to see where Amy was going with everything.
He kept narrowing his eyebrows as he turned onto yet another empty road. "So, because Scourge has a daughter, he's apparently a nice guy? And Peter Worthington – Sarah's coworker whom she's most familiar with at that school – is somehow tied into all of this?"
Amy faced more towards him, tugging at her seatbelt. "He talked about Worthington being at school. That it wasn't the safest environment for their daughter, but Scourge spoke as if it didn't matter as long as Samwell got what he wanted. Scourge sounded...scared and protective for the woman – and his daughter.
"Shadow, I don't think Scourge wants to make our life hell. I think Sam does. Sarah talked to me during lunch – apparently because someone that looked like me came into the school and picked up a little girl that looked similar to her, but had Scourge's eyes. She signed her name Rosy, Shadow. Do you know what this means?"
"Amy, what the hell are you talking about? First Peter and now some woman named Rosy?"
The young flower bit her lip and stared at him. "You don't remember Rosy the Rascal? The anti of me? The crazy one? Sarah said she looked sane, which means Rosy was cured. And I bet, if Rosy was cured and ran into Scourge, the two would have at least dated – I mean, she wasn't atrocious looking the last time I saw her. And if all that's true, then Rosy and Rosemary are the leverage Samwell has against Scourge to keep him for something."
"Rosemary?"
"Their child."
"Right and the point to all of this is what exactly? I'm still trying to find it." Shadow's sarcastic tone made her frown.
She narrowed her eyes at him, giving him a look of disbelief. "You don't get it, do you? Scourge was being watched and still is. If Peter Worthington is the same Worthington that Scourge talked about, and I have no doubt that it is, then that means Peter is watching Rosemary. And probably Sarah."
"You think Sam's put out spies," Shadow fought the urge to roll his eyes. "The guy wouldn't go to extreme lengths like that, Amy. We've had a few run-ins with him but nothing so serious that would make him want to get revenge. Scourge is more prone to do that. We don't know Sam personally."
"Shadow, please. Scourge didn't sound confident when it came to talking about Samwell. He's not the one in charge here, I just know it. Samwell's put out spies on his men, or at least Scourge. Who's to say he doesn't have spies out on us?"
"Like who? Besides Peter, who the hell could be a spy?" Shadow snorted. "Don't think the Wilsons. Once they heard about Samwell Turner, they practically shunned him. Frank couldn't stand what happened to me and wanted to put some sort of security system in after that."
"There's got to be someone," Amy disagreed. "Peter has to be one."
"Peter Worthington is a respectable preschool teacher that works with children. I've had several decent conversations with him during holiday parties, in fact."
"Then maybe he's in the same boat as Scourge. Maybe he's being forced to do this. If he's really that good with machines and can hack into about anything, then Samwell could use him to get information off of us. Credit card info, for example, to show where we've been."
"And what would be the reason that Peter's staying under Sam's command?"
"His life?" Amy suggested. "I don't know. I don't know the guy myself. All I know is that Sam must be in charge and he must have spies out, watching our every move. Maybe that's what Scourge meant when he talked about knowing our secrets in the grocery store. Remember?"
"I remember."
"Peter Worthington is a spy. And there are others. Samwell must've gained followers over the years."
"Amy, we met the guy when we ran into Scourge. What makes you think he's suddenly been planning this for decades?"
She put her hands on her hips as best she could while seated. "I didn't say decades. I don't know how long Samwell has been planning – but with everyone in the group coming together, I think something bad is going to happen."
Shadow stared at the vast road. It seemed to never end, like Amy's theories.
"I'm afraid for Sarah and Rosemary's safety. Sarah is a new friend that I don't want to lose, and Rosemary is just a child. She shouldn't be in fear of dying at the hands of some maniac."
"Now you're saying Sam's the crazy one?" Shadow raised his eyebrow and sighed. "Amy, Scourge's problems are not our issues –"
"It's a child's life at stake, Shadow. I'm not just going to stand by and watch Samwell do something to her. How could you be so cruel?" Amy ended with a harsh whisper as her ears folded back.
She gave her best glower at the stubborn male.
Shadow glanced her way. "I believe my records show just how cruel I can be, Rose. And if you know what's best for you, then you won't interfere. Their problems are not ours. Scourge, if he has any brain left, will know what to do to save his own family. If it's worth that much to him," he scoffed again.
He failed to see Amy's glare, but by God could he feel it. Shadow was rather hesitant to look at her again, and instead kept his eyes on the road. He waited for her to retort, as he could feel it building up.
"You can't tell me what to do!" she hissed.
There it is. He would have smirked, but she was being far too irksome for him to find anything humorous. Gritting his teeth, Shadow kept his mouth shut.
Amy continued to let her anger out. "You do not order me around, Shadow the Hedgehog. We need to stand up and fight before Samwell hurts Rosemary or us!" Her quills frizzled up a little as her hands clenched up into fists.
"You'll only get yourself hurt," he snapped back at her. "Don't be stupid, Amy. Trouble follows you everywhere – you expect to actually help Scourge without getting yourself killed? I forbid you to help them."
"Forbid? Forbid?!" Amy's eyes widened. "I am not some child, Shadow!"
"You sure as hell don't act like an adult. You're not thinking about the consequence, that's for damn sure. You get one scratch on you and I'm going to be the one to blame. Trust me, all of your friends will figure out a way to blame me for your acts."
"That is bullshit!"
Hearing her curse was rather amusing to him. Unfortunately, Amy was still being infuriating at the moment. The thought of her going off and doing something reckless put him on edge. He felt the need to suddenly wrap her in bubble wrap just to be safe.
"Oh, they'd find some reason to place the blame on me. Especially Silver."
"What?" Amy narrowed her eyes. "What has this got to do with Silver?!"
"I'm just saying that if you do something stupid, he'll be the first one to blame me rather than you. To avoid such accusations, I forbid you from doing anything." Shadow growled under his breath, "Even if I have to watch you 24/7."
"But you're not handling the situation!" Amy's voice turned into a pleading tone. "What if Rosemary gets hurt? What if Sarah gets hurt? Samwell will only continue to come after us."
"You have no proof as to why Sam would want to get rid of us in the first place," Shadow retorted. "I'm handling the situation as I should."
"You're not handling squat!" Amy practically screeched. "You're avoiding the situation just like everything else! You can't avoid all of your problems, Shadow!"
Something snapped in him, and he was further confused as to why affections were growing for Amy when she was only pissing him off right now.
"Scourge's problem is not my problem. He needs to protect his own family, like I am protecting mine. I do not avoid my problems," he spoke slowly to make sure every word hit her. Perhaps it would make her shut up for once rather than snap.
But if that had happened, he'd be dreaming.
Amy scowled, "And what about our problem? You said we'd figure it out. I can feel the distance between us, Shadow. You are avoiding me, aren't you?"
He didn't want to say that those were tears forming in her eyes.
Shadow hated it when she cried, especially in front of him. Not only did it make him feel guilty, it made him weaker towards her. The affections grew almost as fast as the confusion.
"Amy –"
"I'm just another problem to you." Amy breathed in heavily, mixing in a sniffle. The tone of realization coming from her made something twinge in his chest.
She was caught off guard when Shadow stared at her so intensely.
It made her shrink down into her seat as he almost glowered at her with a soft expression. How such a look was possible, she didn't know.
"Enough. We'll take about that later."
He whispered the last part, almost as if to reassure her that he wasn't distancing himself from her. Amy was unconvinced.
She turned to look out the window, folding her arms across her stomach.
The pink hedgehog thought about the consequence, as Shadow had called it. If she did interfere, she wasn't sure what would happen. But she knew Samwell Turner would do something drastic sooner or later. And she didn't want to be caught off guard by a creep like him.
If Shadow's not going to help or do something about it, then I'll have to do things myself. I don't care what he says – he's not in charge of me. I'm perfectly capable of finding Rosy. It shouldn't be that hard.
That's a good place to start. I have somewhat of a connection to her. If she truly is sane, it'll be easier to talk to her, too. Scourge would be harder to talk to and get any information out of.
With a plan forming in her head, Amy ignored Shadow's curious looks. She tried to play it cool, as if she wasn't planning something.
But the ebony hedgehog knew better than that.
It was Amy Rose after all.
The obstinate male frowned. She'd jump into the fire to rescue a complete stranger without even thinking about it – even if the whole world was telling her not to.
He observed the road again with a bad feeling that Amy wasn't going to heed his orders right away. They were almost back home, yet the silence between them was becoming nerve-racking already.
I'm going to have to watch her carefully. But I'm not going to sit around and do nothing.
I'll need to tell Sonic about this.
Upon arriving back home, Shadow felt he shouldn't have been too surprised to see Elisa Wilson sitting on his porch.
The human was sitting in his porch chair, chatting away with Blaze and Sunny. The two Mobians seemed to be listening though, rather than talking much.
Shadow sighed and shut the truck door as Amy followed him. She almost stepped on his heels as he walked to the porch. He felt a sense of unease coming from the pink hedgehog behind him, as if she were a little timid still in front of Elisa for some reason.
"Shadow!" the human yelled enthusiastically as he was several feet from the porch. "Why didn't ya introduce the rest of your friends to us?"
"I apologize, Elisa," he got to the first step. "But they showed up after I brought Amy over to meet you."
Elisa waved it off as she leaned forward in the wooden chair. Blaze leaned against the front door's doorframe while Sunny sat on the top step of the porch. She was closest to Amy and Shadow as she smiled warmly at the two.
"Never mind that. I came to ask if Sarah could bake some pies for Uncle Jo's birthday party this Saturday."
Shadow faltered as his brain went blank.
Elisa scrutinized him, smirking as she realized something. The human leaned back in the chair and folded her arms nonchalantly.
"Now, Shadow, ya wouldn't have forgotten about Uncle Jo's birthday party, would ya?"
"Um…" Shadow cleared his throat as Amy shuffled her feet beside him. She seemed interested in the conversation now, somewhat peeking out to look at Elisa, "Right. I'll tell Sarah."
Elisa laughed and shook her head. "I'll forgive ya if ya at least remember to show up with the rest of your friends. We need to introduce them to the rest of the family, don'tcha think?"
"It would be a pleasure to meet your family, Elisa," Blaze purred as she watched in amusement to see the Ultimate Life Form so nice to a human, and not to mention slightly ashamed. "We'll be sure to make it."
"Good!" Elisa stood and then pointed at Shadow and Amy, waving her finger back and forth between the two. "And remember that little lady behind ya, Shadow. Bring her on your arm," she winked.
Amy blushed as Elisa walked past the two. "Well, I better be off. Pa needed some help with the horses."
Shadow, despite feeling embarrassed further, turned and raised an eyebrow. It wasn't like Elisa to make short visits. "Is that really all you came for then?"
The chatterbox stopped and seemed to ponder a bit. She snapped her fingers and pointed at Shadow. "I forgot to tell Tails yesterday when I ran into him, but he was supposed to tell Sonic – but considerin' I forgot, I guess I can tell you instead."
"What?"
"The cabin Sonic wanted for a venue for the wedding is open in May – just like he asked."
"He asked for the family cabin?" Shadow questioned. It wasn't a bad spot. In fact, it was gorgeous in the spring. It was about two hours away, into the mountain range.
Elisa nodded her head, "Yeah. Although, I can't fathom why he wanted to plan a weddin' so quickly. Then again, he and Sarah never were as meticulous over details as me. I've been plannin' my weddin' for months and it still doesn't seem perfect."
"I think in this situation, it would be Sonic who would care more about details," Shadow replied as Amy walked up the porch to stand beside Blaze. "Sarah probably wouldn't mind as much. They're both the type of people to get things done rather than dwell on them."
Elisa shrugged. "I'm enjoyin' all the stress this weddin' plannin' has caused me," her sarcastic response caused Shadow to crack a small grin. "Well, I'm off. See ya on Saturday!"
The four watched as Elisa got into her vehicle and left.
Blaze folded her arms and softly smiled. "She's very nice. I can assume the rest of her family is the same, no?" she turned her gaze to Shadow.
He twisted around to look at the three females. Sunny was still seated on the top step of the porch. Shadow gave a little huff of agreement with the feline. "Quite. It's a bit overwhelming after a few hours."
"I like birthday parties," Sunny pitched in with a happy grin.
"Who is Jo?" Amy questioned Shadow rather hesitantly. She didn't look at him directly, which made him further think she was still upset about their conversation's ending result.
"He's -"
There was a sudden clash from inside the house.
Shadow's ears pointed forward as he bolted towards the door. Blaze already had it open by the time he was standing between her and Amy. Sunny stood behind them as she was the last one to make it through the doorway.
Silver stood at the fireplace and stared at them with wide eyes. "It wasn't my fault."
The ebony hedgehog walked in first and was surprised to see another dog besides Butch in the house. Shia, the mother dog Amy had somewhat met, was out of the basement. She hardly ever came up, especially if Butch was around. She didn't like him anywhere near the puppies.
Speaking of which, Shadow was further startled to see little balls of fur wandering about – especially when one was suddenly scrambling onto his boot. Turning, he peered into the living room where Manic lied on the floor.
The oldest puppy clambered on top of Manic as the green hedgehog innocently smiled at Shadow. "They looked like they needed some fresh air."
The only thing that made Amy stop from hugging all of the puppies was the fact that she was waiting for Shadow to tell Manic to put them back in the basement, in their room. She glanced at the other four adults in the room and saw them with the same expression.
Sunny winced in advance as she feared for her boyfriend a little.
To their shock, Shadow merely patted Shia on the head as he turned towards the kitchen. "Just watch them, especially if you plan to take them outside – they wander."
As soon as Shadow was out of his view, Manic grinned like an idiot up at his four friends.
~.~
Thirty minutes had passed since the puppies were released, and Amy felt a sense of relief. The stress had vanished the moment she sat on the grass and two puppies crawled all over her.
She glanced up at the porch where their mother sat with a watchful eye. The dog looked like Butch, but with a lighter brown coat. Amy recalled her and the puppies when she had first gone down to use the computer in the basement. She had walked into the spare room where the puppies were kept.
They didn't seem that old, but were clearly curious as ever.
Butch was also curious, but he remained at the garage while Shadow worked on his truck. Amy sat on the grass in the front lawn, avoiding spots with snow still. Sunny and Manic were both lying nearby on the grass as well, letting the puppies hop around them. Blaze sat on the porch steps with Silver while Shia warmed up to no one but the feline.
The white hedgehog stood up once Shia had given another growl.
"Alright. I heard you," he gave a light laugh as he looked towards the garage. Butch was poking his head out and staring at the puppies with curiosity. "I'll be right back, Blaze."
Her fingers linked his all of a sudden and he stopped to look back at her. She offered him a warm smile before letting go. Silver continued his short walk on the sidewalk and looked into the garage. Shadow had kept the garage door open as he worked on the truck.
"Problems?"
"Minor," was his response.
Silver looked back at Amy, who was completely oblivious. He walked in the garage and sat at the only stool by a work bench. Shadow was leaned over against his truck with the front hood propped open.
"Listen, Shadow, I want to apologize."
"What for?"
"Look, when Amy moved here, Blaze and I were completely against it. Blaze more so than I. We didn't feel like she should interfere with you guys. I mean, we all went our separate ways. We have our own lives now. Blaze worried that Amy wouldn't fit in because she was living in the past."
"She's not living in the past," Shadow murmured as he stood straight, cleaning off his greasy hands with a rag. "While Amy wasn't exactly invited by me, we weren't going to throw her out."
"We felt that she was intruding."
"And she was, for a short time," Shadow admitted.
"I'm not here to play matchmaker like the rest of these guys," Silver bluntly spoke. "It seems they aren't even trying much to begin with."
"Probably because it's futile."
"Is it?"
Shadow glanced up at the white hedgehog. Silver might not have been pushing them together, but his words seemed to say otherwise. "What are you talking about?"
"I don't think you're right for Amy. Or at least, I'm not convinced yet. Everyone thinks Amy is good for you – and maybe she is. But you're going to have an effect on her just like she's going to have an effect on you. They aren't looking at that part though."
"I'm uncontrollable right now," Shadow mumbled as he looked at Butch. The dog continued to look at the puppies playing on the lawn. Red eyes travelled to Amy, who was still playing with the two puppies that continued to run around her. "I fear I might hurt Amy, which I don't want to happen. I've felt stirrings for her throughout our time together, which sometimes gets the better of me."
Silver, intrigued and confused, sat straighter as he furrowed his eyebrows, "Stirrings? Like emotions?"
The Ultimate Life Form opened his mouth to say something, but nothing coherent came out. His eyes went blank and dazed as his head ran out of things to say. He realized he might have just walked himself into a corner he didn't want to be in – and with Silver of all people.
Gulping, Shadow remained quiet while he turned back to his work.
"Shadow?"
He placed his hands on the truck and leaned against it. "I wish I could understand the jumbled mess my mind has become, but I feel myself getting further lost the longer she's here – the more we interact and talk – the more we get to know one another."
Silver swallowed as he listened to the words. I don't think this is an animalistic thing anymore. Fear developed in the white hedgehog. I think Shadow's actually falling love with Amy. Holy shit.
Shadow went back to the vehicle in front of him, pretending as if Silver wasn't there anymore.
It gave the latter some time to think.
Amber eyes watched the ebony hedgehog carefully. I still don't think he's good for Amy. But look at him – he genuinely looks confused about his feelings for Amy. And if those feelings are growing…His instinct will drive him into further confusion, that's for sure.
Unless…
Silver thought about the woman in question.
Amy Rose was someone he didn't see with Shadow the Hedgehog. People were trying to push them together, but didn't seem to put any action behind their words. It made Silver assume they didn't see the relationship as a serious one. Except for maybe Sonic.
Still. No one's showing any action when they want to play matchmaker.
Silver put his finger to his lips, contemplating on his next choice.
I must be out of my mind if I'm going to be that one to actually make a move. Even when I'm not matchmaking. But, I've got to see if Shadow's any good for Amy. We barely know him for Christ's sake whereas Amy knows him more personally. She's by far closer to him – especially if he's acting like this.
She's made some sort of impression on him.
If Shadow's instincts confuse him further, it'll spell out ruin for his and Amy's friendship. But, if I can get Shadow to see what his feelings are, then we'll all know whether or not Shadow feels something. But that requires getting the instinct thing out of the way – but to do that; we need it on the same side.
Therefore, a date.
Silver mulled it over.
The solutions to Amy and Shadow's problem were simple. They could both go their separate ways and never hear from each other again, or they could date.
It was all spelled out in Sally's book. At least, what I remember of it. Silver hummed out loud and then pursed his lips.
Now, just to get Shadow to agree with this crazy plan. I've never seen him as the type to date. Still, if the entire idea lies around whether or not Shadow and Amy could be in a relationship, then they'd have to at least go on one date.
"Well, I could help you figure out this…tangled mess of emotions. If you'd like," Silver shrugged coolly and stared out at the driveway and lone pine tree among weeds. "I know we aren't particularly on good terms, but I came over to apologize and start over."
"You and Amy must rub off on one another," Shadow grumbled as he closed the hood of his truck. He threw the rag on the hood and stared at the white hedgehog. "You want some kind of therapy session where I tell you all of my emotions or something?"
"No. It's simple and it doesn't even involve me very much," Silver responded. He cleared his throat. "That Elisa woman talked about a birthday party, no?"
"Jo Wilson's birthday is coming up. We're roped into going to it every year," Shadow explained but narrowed his eyebrows. "What does that have to do with how I might be feeling for Amy?" he felt stupid saying the words to Silver – to the person that had dated Amy.
It all felt childish and awkward.
Silver leaned against the workbench, keeping his spot on the stool. "Like I said, it's simple. You just have to ask Amy out on a date. If you're really starting to have affections for her, they'll show on their own. You won't be lost anymore."
He scoffed, and Silver wasn't surprised to hear it. "I'm not doing that. What if I-"
"It would actually help your instincts, Shadow." Silver made sure to never lose eye contact with the obstinate male. "To figure how you feel about Amy, you will have to spend some sentimental time with her. You know that."
"Look, I've been on blind dates before set up by the Wilson's –"
"Then this won't be hard," Silver reassured him as he stood from the stool and clapped Shadow on the shoulder. "Unlike those blind dates, you actually know Amy."
It was surprising to hear Shadow had been on dates, but it gave Silver some reassurance himself. It meant that Shadow would actually know what a date meant and what to do on one. Silver wouldn't have to be there every step of the way to give him pointers.
"I would suggest the birthday party. I think Blaze told me earlier that Elisa said something similar. Though I'm sure Blaze meant to tell me out of humor, I think you should listen to Elisa."
"You don't see Amy and I together. Why are you suddenly pushing this?" Shadow backed away from him cautiously, as none of it made any sense to him.
Silver shrugged, "Because no one else is doing anything. And instead of sitting here and watching, I'm going to figure out this problem. For Amy's sake if anything."
Shadow observed him for quite some time in complete silence, mostly thinking about the car ride with Amy. And another problem that seemed to be rising.
Reluctantly, he sighed. "Fine…but I have a task in return."
Silver raised an eyebrow as Shadow folded his arms across his chest. "I'll go on a date with Amy to amuse you, whether it be the birthday party or not. I doubt anything will happen. But I need your help in return, and Sonic's. I need help in doing something."
"What is it?" the white hedgehog was intrigued now with his ears pointing towards Shadow. He leaned forward in anticipation at the seriousness. It seemed to have nothing to do with Amy. If it had to do with Sonic's help, then it was important.
Shadow glanced at the pink hedgehog sitting on the lawn still. Amy had been wrong when she accused him of avoiding problems. He just didn't want her to get hurt – even if that meant he had to go behind her back.
"I need to find someone by the name of Rosy the Rascal."
He had been working in the tractor shed, losing track of time and getting lost in his thoughts.
Thinks are getting more out of hand than I originally thought.
Red eyes stared at the filters for the combine. He mulled the conversation with Silver over as he worked.
While Silver looks into the Rosy issue with Sonic – who I hope he's told – I get to figure out how to ask a girl out. Not just any girl either.
The thought of asking Amy Rose out made him nervous.
What signs would that send? Especially to someone he knew as a hopeless romantic? Would she think he liked her? Did he like her?
Shadow shook his head, hoping to get rid of the questions, at least.
I swear to God, if anything else happens, I'm going to snap again. Ever since Amy showed up, one thing after another has happened – and none of it's peaceful.
Now I've got more shit to worry about. First, Amy comes out with overhearing Scourge's phone call. And her crazy theories about Samwell Turner. Then Silver somehow convinces me to ask said female out on a date to figure out this mess on what I feel for her.
It's a foreign feeling. That much I know for sure – but it's affection. A want for her. A desire to have her caused by more than just instinct. Amy radiates this feeling that ropes me in. It's something I can't explain.
He grabbed the air filter and went back to the combine – back to more work that never seemed to end. At least he had good, soft rock playing on the radio. That much kept his thoughts from driving him insane in total silence.
Shadow went straight to replacing the filter and failed to hear the side door opening.
A figure walked into the light and shuffled their feet a little.
Amy seemed hesitant to walk over and disturb Shadow. She yawned and rubbed her eyes before trudging over calmly in her pajamas.
"Shadow?"
The ebony hedgehog's ears perked up. He turned around and raised an eyebrow at Amy. "Rose, what are you doing?" he looked her up and down as she yawned again.
"It's almost ten-thirty, Shadow."
"So, go to bed."
Instead, Amy sat on a handy stool near the workbench and toolbox. She seemed wide awake now, causing Shadow to roll his eyes at the combine and away from her. Her added presence meant only more talking and less silence.
"Who's Uncle Jo?" she repeated her question from earlier.
He put his attention back to the combine. "Jo is Frank's brother. He's the one who gave me the cattle, really. While Frank is the agriculture side of the Wilson family, Jo is more of the livestock rancher. Both brothers inherited their parents' farm, which was enough for both to split up and still live off of."
Amy pursed her lips as she leaned an elbow on the workbench. "For a second there, I thought Frank was an only child. What's Jo like?"
"Not much different than Frank. More dramatic, if you ask me. While Frank gets to the point – most of the time – Jo likes to keep one guessing. In other words, if you want help with a problem, Frank will tell you how to solve it while Jo gives you hints and has you solve it on your own."
"Let me guess, you go to Jo more?"
"Both have different opinions. They weren't exactly twins. In fact…" he trailed off.
"In fact what?"
"Well, Jo did have a twin."
Amy frowned as her ears folded back. "What happened?"
"They had a sister, Charlotte," Shadow hesitated. "She died when she was seven."
"How?" the rose hedgehog gulped as she gripped the edge of the stool seat.
Shadow shrugged. His quills were faced towards her as he continued to work on the combine. The large machine towered over the two. "They don't go into detail about it. I only got it out of Elisa once, but they apparently don't talk about Charlotte much. They just celebrate her birthday along with Jo's with just the family."
"Are you a part of that celebration?"
"No."
Amy went silent as she licked her lips.
Shadow sighed and continued, "She drowned. According to Elisa, Charlotte fell into one of the main canals for irrigation. They were unsafe back then – some are still unsafe now. It wasn't too terribly common back then, but it happened more then than it does now."
"Have you heard of it happening in the time you've lived here?" Amy pried.
"Just once. A little boy about the age of four fell in and drowned before his older brother could save him. Family friends of the Wilson's, actually. It happened a year and a half in."
"What happened to the family?"
"They live further up north, but they didn't move away," Shadow shrugged. He could sense Amy's pity. "They're still around."
"That's so…depressing to think about," Amy stated as she clasped her hands. "God, I would hate for that to be my kid," she whispered.
Shadow felt some sort of tug towards her at that point. A tiny voice, eerily sounding like Devil Shadow, scoffed at the thought. "We'd never let our kid drown like that," the annoying voice said within Shadow.
He growled under his breath. Go away. Now is not the time.
Clearing his throat, Shadow agreed with the young flower. He went back to working in silence, but waited for Amy to speak. The rose hedgehog stared softly over at the male. She bit the inside of her cheek while plucking at her nails on one hand.
Glancing up, she exhaled. "I'm sorry for earlier."
Shadow sighed exasperatedly and looked over his shoulder at her. "I'm beginning to think that apologizing is all you really can do."
Amy lightly laughed and bit her bottom lip. "I came out to see if you were coming to bed," she proposed her original reason for finding him.
Shadow gripped the old air filter he had just replaced. "What? You can't sleep without your personal pillow?" he suddenly teased.
Hearing a positive response, she gave him a small smile. "Well, in my defense, you're the cuddler."
"I am not."
"You so are, Ultimate Cuddler."
Shadow scoffed and rolled his eyes, setting the old air filter on the workbench. Now facing Amy, he stopped.
There was a moment – a short moment – where they stared at one another.
Amy sat on the stool and felt comfortable around him once again. It brought back her words with Sarah during lunch, before they got onto the topic of Rosy. The thought of making Shadow a silly little breakfast gift brought butterflies to her stomach for some reason. Perhaps it was the idea of always making breakfast for him.
Always being here. Living here. Cooking breakfast as he comes in from feeding the animals. God, Amy, why do you do this to yourself? She asked herself mentally. The idea of her future containing Shadow excited her and yet terrified her at the same time.
It excites me because I'm falling for him. And it terrifies me because…I'm not sure if I should be falling for him.
The comfortable feeling was so welcoming, yet she felt herself becoming somewhat guilty for falling into it with open arms. After all, there was no guarantee they'd be anything more than friends.
Amy tugged her front quill, deciding to break the silence – no matter how nice it felt.
"Are you almost done working?"
Staring at her with such sincerity and softness, Shadow sighed, "A few more minutes?"
"Okay."
Shadow turned and grabbed the next filter to replace.
She seemed to have waved off the entire truck ride, which made Shadow slightly suspicious of her even more. It wasn't like Amy to keep quiet about such things – things that could be a potential danger to anyone. The ebony male still felt as if he should watch her, but for now, he wasn't going to press the matter about Samwell.
If Amy thought he was going to do nothing about it, then so be it. Shadow preferred that way out – even though it would probably make Amy more furious with him if she found out he was getting involved but not letting her join in.
Shadow hoped she would realize that he was going behind her back to keep her safe.
The girl was enough trouble going to the grocery store – Lord knows what it would be like trying to keep track of her when they were intentionally trying to find Scourge and Rosy for answers. That was the game plan at least – or what Silver had suggested when Shadow told him everything – to find Scourge and Rosy first. Shadow just hoped that Silver had told Sonic because he really didn't want to repeat the crazy theories like Amy had.
The pink hedgehog in question turned a little on the stool, causing it to squeak. His ears twitched to the noise as he glanced in her direction. From the corner of his eye, he caught her yawning.
Perhaps, she should just go to bed now. Shadow mulled it over, wondering if she would actually listen to him. He was about to speak when something dawned on him.
They were alone again. It would be the perfect time to ask her out.
After all, I have to stick to my end of the deal with Silver. That was his excuse, at least. It wasn't because Devil Shadow was whooping in his head. No, nothing like that at all. Not one inch of him was happy about the idea of asking Amy Rose out.
It's just jitters. Totally not excitement.
He swallowed heavily, thinking about how one asked a girl out. Normally, the blind dates just walked up and said hello, or they ran away in fright. How the hell was he supposed to ask Amy Rose of all people out on a date?
There was a little more pressure involved this time around.
Silver was right – this was different than a blind date because he knew Amy. He hadn't known the blind dates. That was the whole point. But he knew Amy, and he knew Amy quite well.
Just, speak calmly. Act calm. Don't give any hints – she might think you like her when we don't know if we like her romantically. Shadow mustered up the courage and the words.
"Speaking of the Wilson's and whatnot…we have a party to go."
"Yeah…" Amy patiently waited on the stool, crossing her legs. She smiled thinly at the memory of Elisa winking at her. "Elisa sure has a way of putting some things, doesn't she?"
It had been more or less a mumble that didn't exactly need a response, but Amy got one. And she almost fell out of her seat when Shadow spoke.
"Yes, well. On account of our problem, I figure it wouldn't hurt to go on a date."
He said it quite quickly, and it almost went through one ear and out the other for Amy. She had to do a double take and look at Shadow's back as if he were a lunatic. Her heart thumped against her chest and her cheeks flushed.
School girl thoughts began to reel out of control as Amy froze. "What?"
"You could say I've been given advice. It might help our situation," he twisted around slightly to motion between them.
"You mean deepen it," Amy almost stuttered, although she didn't plan to say that part out loud. She winced after saying the words with such a fearful tone. Not to mention, it hurt even more when Shadow turned to give her an offended look.
A genuine look of hurt flashed across his face. "What do you mean by that?"
Rubbing the back of her neck, Amy avoided his gaze. "It's just a birthday party, Shadow…We don't actually have to listen to Elisa."
"I'm not listening to Elisa."
"I don't think dating is really the best solution to our problem, Shadow," Amy suddenly spoke, yet she wished she could backtrack everything she said. She closed her eyes, wishing for her mouth to stop talking for once.
Who are you kidding?! She screamed in her head. You were imagining being with him just a few seconds ago! You wouldn't mind going on a date with him! He's right here in front of you, mustering up his courage to ask you out on a date! And you're being a pansy!
"What are you saying? You won't be my date to Jo's birthday party?"
"Again, it's a birthday party, Shadow," Amy gritted her teeth. "People don't typically bring dates to a birthday party. Advice or not."
"Fine, you won't go on a date with me in general? Is it because I'm the Ultimate Life Form?" Shadow slowly cornered her by the table. Amy gripped the workbench. "Because I'm a monster to society still? I'm not exactly your dream guy and this problem we have is nothing more than something we should walk away from?"
Amy gulped as her eyes widened. Wait…wait…is he actually…does he actually feel something for me? Because it sure as hell feels like it.
Timidly and shakily, she faced him. Green eyes never looked so frightened. "That's not it all. It's just…I'm getting comfortable here."
He raised an eyebrow as his body towered over him, "Meaning?"
Amy's head yelled at her to not say another word, but she found herself not listening to her head.
Instead, her heart led the way – and she wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not. But she was almost 75% positive that some sort of emotion swirled in those ruby eyes. An emotion of love mixed with the pain of rejection.
It caused the tether between them to tighten. Amy felt a twist in her chest as she felt somewhat guilty for saying anything to begin with – but Shadow wasn't making anything easier by confusing her.
Does he like me? Or is he just offended?
"If I get attached to this place, I can take a picture of it and eventually get over moving away," Amy softly and leisurely confessed. "But if I get attached to you any further, I'm afraid I won't ever leave."
She felt his body freeze in front of her as he registered her words. Amy bit her bottom lip as she took a glimpse up at him.
"Any further?" he quoted with curiosity – a curious tone that made Amy fear of being rejected herself.
Instead of running away at that point in time, Amy thought about the idea of dating Shadow seriously. Of getting attached to him and this place she called home now. She knew she hadn't been crazy when she felt like her future had Shadow in it.
The puzzle pieces were fitting, and she was ready to accept them. Unless he doesn't feel the same way. Amy continued to doubt in fear.
Instead of responding right away, Amy closed her eyes and leaned her forehead against his chest. "I'm beyond torn right now, Shadow," she admitted with a soft plea. "You overheard Silver and I talking. He doesn't think you're good for me. Everyone else thinks that I'm good for you."
She looked up at him with those loving green eyes. "We're so rocky together that I'm afraid one date would make our friendship crumble. I'm tired of fighting and apologizing only to repeat it all over again. Just because most people think we should be together…doesn't always mean it's for the best. Especially in our case…when it's just an animal instinct problem pushing us every which way."
Amy's gasp faltered as she felt his thumb brush against her cheek.
"I'm tired of hearing what other people think about us. I want to see what we would be like together for myself – not under the predictions of other people."
A sense of relief washed over her at that moment.
Red eyes warmly stared down at her as her cheeks were probably red as a tomato. Shadow hesitantly brought his palm up as she leaned her cheek into it. He was unsure of what to do, but he let the instinct carry on. His movements were choppy and slow as he didn't want to screw anything up.
His head was moving too fast for him to keep up though.
Did…Did I just ask her out or…did I just confess something I'm not entirely sure of yet?
Shadow licked his lips and tilted his head. "So, what does this mean exactly?"
Her watery laugh made his ears twitch towards her. He didn't even notice that her eyes had filled with tears.
Just what the hell is she crying about now? I didn't do anything wrong, did I? Did I miss a step?
"I think it means we're going on a date," she whispered in response.
Her next movement was too fast for Shadow to register at first. Her lips brushed against his cheek. Her arms wrapped around his neck as his hands gripped her hips. She pecked him on the cheek and pulled away in a blink of an eye.
Shadow opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted as the side door opened again.
They pulled away further so they weren't touching at all. The person coming in would have no chance to see them so close. Amy's cheeks flushed, but she squinted to see who was in the dark. Fast-paced footsteps were the only thing she could hear for a few seconds.
"Shadow!" Sarah ran out of the shadows and into the light. Her eyes were alert and wide – and dare Shadow say he thought that he saw tears.
"Shadow, you've got to come quick!" she suddenly hiccupped.
She had been crying.
The Ultimate Life Form froze.
This was different than when he froze upon hearing Amy felt something for him.
Sarah almost never cried.
To see her crying put him in a state that he didn't how to respond to. In their years of knowing each other, Shadow never had to deal with this situation. It was different than dealing with Amy's tears. It was Sarah.
The panic written across her face was enough to reciprocate the same feelings across to him. Fear developed in his chest as he tried to muster a word out. Intense fear – something was wrong.
What the hell is happening? Shadow didn't want to move in case the entire Earth crumbled underneath his feet. He didn't like feeling so goddamn weak, but it was painfully clear that something was terribly wrong.
"Sarah, what's going on?" Amy folded her arms across her stomach as she cautiously approached the distressed female. "What's wrong?"
"It's Sonic – I mean," Sarah sniffed as she closed her eyes and reopened them. She had to clear her thoughts before her words would make any sense. "Shadow, please you've got to do something. I've never seen him like this."
A greater fear rose up. Shadow's eyes were wider than Amy had ever seen them, and yet all the Ultimate Life Form could do was stand there.
"Sarah, what are you talking about? What's wrong with Sonic?" Amy grabbed Sarah's arm gently.
She was shocked at the sudden claws digging into her arm. She bit back the pain as Sarah's arm shook. It was then that Amy noticed Sarah's entire body was trembling. Shadow noticed it, too.
An alarm blared off in his head.
'Something wrong with Sonic,' wasn't a thing he typically heard. There were only a few things that could make Sonic lose his calm. But Shadow couldn't place what would possibly do that and make Sarah cry to the point she looked emotionally drained and yet terrified at the same time.
It would have be something serious – injury or something. Sarah's fine, though. I'm fine. Manic was asleep when I walked out an hour ago. Sonia, Flame – the kids. Maybe something with them – No.
It hit him like a freight train.
No, no, no. Please, no. Not her.
He closed his eyes, praying to God that it wasn't what he thought it was. He prayed that his guess was far from the truth.
Amy was gently pushed away.
She watched with fright as Shadow grasped Sarah's shoulders. The lime green hedgehog was still catching her breath as Shadow grabbed her chin and made her look at him. He opened his mouth to say something, but stopped himself.
The rose hedgehog standing before them didn't want to say Shadow looked scared or tearful. But it was something in between. Finally, he spoke.
"Sarah. Please, tell me it's not Aleena."
...
Okay, so this chapter…Yeah. I hope it wasn't too cringey for ya. Lmao. Because some parts...Eesh, they were a bitch to write. One part in particular had TONS of editing. But, hey, at least Shadow and Amy's relationship is slowly getting somewhere...if only the moment hadn't been ruined... XD
Every chapter is getting harder to write now. A lot of editing. A lot of help from MistyVoid48 (THANK YOU, YOU KIND HUMAN BEING). It might be because a lot of things are happening in the plot right now – a lot of conflicts between characters externally and internally. We'll make it work. Might just be a longer story than the original one, however. :) Thankfully, I haven't really felt pressured with this story – in updating quickly and whatnot. It helps me figure out things that I can do for the story that fixes problems in the future (hopefully).
You readers are so patient and you all (I hope) put up with my procrastinating and my slow updating. I can't thank you all enough for the support – I love you all! Whenever I fall into a rut where I'm emotionally drained (happens more often than not), I know there are always the loyal readers that will sit and wait. And I honestly appreciate you guys so much.
I hope this story is going well for you readers because I honestly cannot tell anymore. I kind of quit following main things of the old version of TCG and just started writing something almost entirely different and new. XD It's a fun little experiment that keeps me going with TCG (since it's been almost four years that I'm stuck on the same story, lol, and it can definitely get tedious at times). I hope you readers are enjoying some of it, at least. :P
Have a great rest of the week. I will try and get something posted this weekend or early next week. I apologize for the long author's notes at the beginning of the chapter and at the end. Remember to spread those positive vibes!
Arrivederci!