Days went by and things seemed to be back to normal. At least that's what everyone believes. Since Amy's return, her friends have been more lively, her relationship with Shadow is going wonderfully, her bodyguard has become close friends with a certain bat but sadly all happy things must come to a blunt end and the cruel cold reality steps in.
Amy was in her home gym with Riko, practicing at the sandbag. The thoughts that rage back and forth in Amy's mind gave her a headache. Should she or shouldn't? What if she messed up? What if they don't make it?
"Focus." Riko grunted at her. Amy punched the sandbag in a triple combo but her mind wandered off again. Riko huffed and stepped away from the bag.
"You are not focusing. Whatever's on your mind, get it out."
Amy sat on the floor and took a breath. "I'm worried."
"Vague. About?" She threw Amy a bottle of water while she practiced her kicks.
"What if we fuck up? What if we get caught? What if-"
"Whoa whoa calm down. First off, We are not going to fuck up and you know why? Because I don't fuck up. I don't get caught. Amy, you hired me to safety and a hitman. I did my research on the sick bastard who took advantage of you and on your friends. So even IF they catch on and try to stop me I know how to put them down quick and easy."
Amy looked at Riko with all seriousness in her eyes and voice. "You will not kill my friends."
Riko didn't say anything and continued kicking the sandbag.
"Riko!" Amy growled at her. Riko helicopter kicked the sandbag off the chain before looking back at Amy. "I won't use deadly force. But your man has been trying to look into me; of course he's coming up empty handed and he's not happy about that. I can tell he's getting suspicious of me. You need to fix that."
Riko walked over and sat on the sandbag. Amy groaned again; now her worries had something to add to them. "And how am I supposed to do that? If Shadow is suspicious of you then he's not gonna let it go until he has proof you're not a threat."
"Well, you just answered your own question. Give him proof I'm not a threat. But to look on the brighter side of things; Friday is two days away. And I got everything setup. So once again I say calm your nerves. The plan is foolproof. You go to court, testify and that's it. It can't fail. I will come get you when it's time ok? So breathe." She gave Amy a soft sympathetic look.
Amy took another deep breath. "You sure it won't fail?"
"It won't as long as you keep yourself in check. You got this Amy and there's no time to turn back now. You're a strong woman and you've been preparing for this for years."
Amy nods. "You're right.. I came too far for this to get scared now."
"Atta girl. Now finish your training, after that contact Shadow and get him off my ass."
Amy rolled her eyes as she stood. "Wouldn't it make more sense if you convinced him you're not shady and suspicious?"
"I am. I just need you to seal the deal."
Amy punched and kicked the air. "Oook, so do I need to tell him to seal the deal?"
"You're a woman Amy. You hold all power in the palm of your hand when it comes to men. The pussy is a very powerful weapon. That's what my mother used to say. And she's right." Riko left out with that leaving Amy dumbfounded.
Riko freshened up and left the house on foot to Shadow's house. Of course she didn't expect Amy to do anything about Shadow not trusting her completely. Not fully. The least she could do is make herself look innocent enough to get his guard down. From what she read of him, he doesn't. So this will be fun.
Riko gets to Shadow's home and puts on her happy face. She knocks on his door and waits for him to open.
When the door opened she smiled kindly at him while he looked surprised and unhappy."
"Expecting someone else?" she asked
"Well I was definitely not expecting you. What do you want Riko?" he folded his arms as he looked at her.
"I wanna talk. Grab a coffee with me? I'm paying."
Shadow stared at her for a moment, before pushing his door open wider. "How about we talk here instead? I've already been out today and don't feel like going back out."
Riko nods to his offer. "That's fine too. Thank you for agreeing to talk with me."
He grunted and let her in. Leading her to his kitchen, he started his coffee maker. He already had a cup of coffee by his laptop which he closed when he walked by it.
"So what did you want to talk about?" he turned around facing her and leaned against the counter.
"Well.. It's about us. I know you don't like me and Rouge has told me you still don't trust me."
Shadow made a hmph sound. "I have trust issues so you'll have to excuse me."
"She said that too. I just want to smooth things over with you and be friends. Especially since Amy is my best friend and you're dating now, I mean it's not good for the best friend and boyfriend to hate each other right?"
Shadow was silent for a second watching her closely. "True."
"Look, we both have something in common. We both care about Amy. Especially in these serious times. She's going to court in a few days to look her rapist in the eyes for the first time in years. She needs all the support from all of us right now and that means we need to get along."
Riko's words sunk into Shadow's head. Hearing the ding on the coffee machine he poured Riko a cup. She added sugar and milk to it before sipping it carefully and continuing. "I'm not your enemy Shadow. I just have Amy's best interest at heart and want to be friends. Can we do that? At least for Amy?"
Shadow wanted nothing more than to see Amy happy and this shit put in the past. "You've made your point, and I also agree. So for Amy, yeah we can be.. Friends."
Riko smiled brightly. "So we're cool?"
Shadow ran his hand through his quills and sighed. "Yeah I mean I've dealt with Rouge crazy ass for years and you're just like her. Unfortunately. Yes, we are cool."
Riko squealed and sat her cup down, giving Shadow an unexpected and unwanted hug. "Thanks Shadow! I'm so glad we talked this out!"
"Uhh…" Shadow groaned at the hug. Riko let go and laughed. "I can't wait to tell Rouge! See you later ok?"
"Uh yeah." He led her out of the house and she waved goodbye, walking back home with a satisfied smile on her face. Texting Amy telling her that everything was ok for now with Shadow.
When she got a good distance away from Shadow's house she dashed towards Silver's house. Once she arrived she peaked through his windows. The kitchen and living room was empty. She jumped on to a branch of a tree closest to his bedroom window. Carefully crawling to the edge to get a look inside, she saw Sliver. Blaze was there too, laying on his bed in just a towel, while Silver was in his briefs.
'She must be staying the night.' She said to herself. She focused her ears toward them.
"I can't believe it Silver, you're finally gonna be able to put that sick fucker away for good." Blaze smiled at him while rubbing his chest fur.
"Me too, as long everything goes well as I planned then yeah he's going down for good."
Blaze hugged him. "I know how important this means to you. With Amy back and willing to testify he doesn't have anywhere to run now."
Silver sat up making Blaze sit up as well. "It's not about me. No one, especially girls like Amy, shouldn't go through something like that. After seeing her that day.. The state she was in.. the bruises, the blood.. It haunts me to my core. And then I think, 'What if that was Cream or Sally.. Or you."
Blaze eyes widen. "If that was you..If I ever saw you like that..I wouldn't be able to control myself. I would hunt him down to the end of the universe and I would just…"
Blaze touched his shoulder when she saw Silver shaking and couldn't get his words out. She knew how he felt about the situation. After the event, Blaze and Rouge started training hard everyday.
"You're right. Picturing Amy like that is heartbreaking. It could happen to anyone, and it happened to someone close."
Sliver grit his teeth growling. Blaze hugged him from behind and he relaxed slowly.
"Come on, let's get some sleep." Silver turned around and pulled Blaze into his arms while turning off the light.
Riko took her leave and headed further downtown to Knuckles and Rouge house. Doing as before she looked through their window. Knuckles and Rouge were in the middle of sparring each other. Knuckles jabbed quickly at Rouge and she dodged perfectly and retaliated with a roundhouse kick to which he blocked, grabbing her leg and lifting her up to throw her; but she quickly wrapped her other leg around his arm that had her and twisted herself around it so he couldn't bend it. He smiled and tapped out.
"Oh come on Knucky, you could have done something to get me off." Rouge huffed as she let go of Knuckles.
"Yeah I could have but I didn't want to seriously hurt you." he smiled down at her. Rouge pouts.
"You can't always tap out just because you're afraid of hurting me."
"If it's you, I'll always tap." Knuckles smirked, making Rouge giggle as she was picked up and thrown onto the bed. Riko saw enough and left the couple to their passion. Last stop was Sonic's.
Riko didn't have to go far. She knew she wasn't gonna have to stay long since all Sonic did was play videogames, run in his treadmill and fuck Sally. And all Sally did was shop, complain to Sonic about anything that didn't make her happy and of course plans to do the next day and the day.l after that. If clingy was a person it would be Sally. Riko left since they weren't doing anything that interested Riko besides talking about going to get something to eat. She went back to the house and saw Amy was gone. "With Shadow no doubt." she mumbled and went inside. Once getting to her room and checked her computer, she went to bed.
With Amy and Shadow
The couple was at a restaurant chatting quietly. Shadow decided to take Amy to this popular International restaurant with a waiting list so long it goes to hell. But Shadow knows people, who knows people, who knows him and was able to get them the best table by the window view of the whole city. Amy wore a silk white dress that had the back out and slit down the side that didn't show too much. Her hair was curled in a wave that flowed over her shoulder leaving the other bare. She had pearl earrings and a ruby necklace to match her ruby red heels. Make was light; just abit eyeshadow, eye liner and clear lip gloss.
Shadow wore a traditional tuxedo with a red rose. Shadow couldn't stop looking at Amy and her stunning dress. He guesses she had Rouge help her but then again Amy has always looked stunning to him.
When Amy noticed Shadow wasn't talking anymore and was just looking at her, she poked his cheek. Seeing him snap out his trace and giggled.
"What are you thinking so hard about?"
Shadow gently held her hand. "I just can't get over how beautiful you look tonight."
Amy blushed. "Oh stop."
"It's true."
Amy blushed more and smiled at him.
"But you know, it's not the dress, or your body that makes you so beautiful or me attracted to you. It's that smile of yours. When you smile, you light up the whole room. And the way your eyes sparkle when you're so happy. I love that."
"Oh, Shadow.."
"Yes, Rose?"
"I.. I have-"
"What do you mean we're not on the list?!" A sudden shout caught everyone's attention at the front desk.
"Don't you know who we are?! I am Princess Sally Acorn and he's Sonic THE Hedgehog! He's saved the town, the world.. The UNIVERSE loads of times! And you are denying us a table?!" Sally screeched. Sonic shook his head at his girlfriend making a scene like this. He knew they probably weren't going to get in but he wanted to at least try to make his girlfriend happy. Well that clearly didn't work.
"Ma'am please c-calm down. I-I'll speak to my manager at once." The waiter hurried off, fearing for his job now, to find his manager.
"Babe, that wasn't called for; we can go somewhere else." Sonic said, softly rubbing her back to calm her down.
"No, I've been wanting to eat here for months and if I have to use our upper class status to get a table then damn it I will!" Sally wasn't backing down and this wasn't going to end well if management didn't comply with what Sally wanted.
Sonic felt embarrassed but what could he do? He was not about to be on the receiving end of Sally's anger. He looked around the restaurant while Sally was tapping her foot waiting for someone to come back. His eyes landed on Shadow and Amy, who were watching the whole scene.
"Ah fuck.." Sonic whispered but Sally heard him.
"What?"
"Oh n-nothing babe. I didn't say anything."
But it was too late Sally spotted them. If Sally was already pissed well now she's furious. "What are THEY doing here?!"
This was bad.
"How are they able to get a table and not us?!"
This was really bad.
"I don't know Sal, maybe they registered for a spot months ago.."
"Amy hasn't been here that long and they just started dating!"
"Look don't bite my head off Sal I said I don't know."
Sally rolled her eyes. "Whatever Sonic."
The manager came back with the waiter from earlier and bowed his head to them both. "Good evening Mr. Hedgehog and Ms. Acorn, I will be happy to get you seated at the next table that becomes available."
Sally huffed. "There isn't one available now?"
"No ma'am, I'm sorry to say we're completely filled."
Sally scoffed. Amy suddenly appeared next to them. "If it's ok with you both; we don't mind sharing our table."
The manager didn't seem to mind but it was up to Sally and Sonic. Really Sally.
"That's nice of you Ames but we don't want to intrude on your date." Sonic smiled softly at her.
"It's ok really, we just got here. Please join us." Amy offered again.
Sally sighed while flipping her hair. "Well, if you insist. I don't have a problem with it. Plus it beats waiting any longer for a table."
Amy led them to their table while the manager brought two extra chairs for them.
Sonic silently thanked Amy and Shadow to which they both nodded. Sonic seated Sally by the window so she could look out at the city.
"Wow, you two got a really good table. You're so lucky."
Sally says, tapping her nails lightly.
Shadow chose to not engage in Sally's pettiness and pull out his menu. "What would you like to eat, Rose? This place is very well known for their food from all over the world."
Amy shares his menu and ponders over what to order. "Well the grilled cod sounds good but I'm kinda leading towards the meat lovers pasta."
"Why not have both then. If that's what you want."
That made Amy smile and nod.
Sonic and Sally were looking as well. As Sonic was looking for something simple, Sally wanted something impressive.
The waitress, a pink and purple mongoose, came with Amy and Shadow's drink they ordered earlier and would have to get Sally's and Sonic's right after.
"Are we ready to order?" She asked politely with a smile. Sonic started it off.
"Yes, I would like to try your grilled pork chops with your signature sauce and brown rice and broccoli."
Sally chimed in, "And I would like the grilled chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy and asparagus."
The waitress nods and she writes it down and turns to Shadow and Amy.
"My date would like your meat lover's pasta and grilled cod with shrimp and broccoli and I would like the sirloin steak with the lobster tails."
The waitress nods. "Your food will be out shortly and I'll be right back with your drinks." She steps away and leaves the group alone again. But the air was kinda tense. Seemingly from Sally and Shadow.
It was obvious to Shadow that Sally was upset and jealous at the moment but he was trying his best to not let her attitude ruin his date with Amy tonight. He gazed upon her and it was like everything around him disappeared and he was happy again.
The table was too quiet so Amy decided to start a conversation. "That's a lovely dress Sally." Sally's dress was a black strapless cocktail. Her hair was curled and wore diamond earrings and black heels to match."
"Thank you, just something I picked up. And you look lovely too. Where did you get it?"
"Oh Rouge took me to this designer she knows, I think she said he's her cousin, and he just finished it. Knowing her she already had this planned for me." Amy giggled.
"A designer? As in her cousin Ronny?"
"Yeah that's the one! You've met him?"
"Yes of course."
The table fell silent again. Sally started to scroll through her phone and Amy looked out the window. The guys already knew not to say anything to each other. The only talking that came from the table was from the waitress, who returned with their food and drinks. The food looked amazing. Everything was tender and full of flavor. Once everyone started to eat the atmosphere thinned out better.
Amy turned to Shadow and smiled. "Riko told me you're finally friends with her."
Shadow rolled his eyes, making Amy giggle.
"Yeah.. she came by earlier today to talk and we touched base on things."
"I'm glad you're getting along now." She poked his cheek causing him to blush slightly.
The moment was cute, even Sonic cracked a smile.
"She's pretty weird though." Sally chimed in as she ate.
Amy laughed. "Yeah she can be a bit much but you'll learn to love her."
Sally scoffed. "She's more than a bit much but yeah."
"I like her, she's funny." Sonic chuckled.
"You think everything is funny." Sally elbowed him and He laughed.
The group chuckled and continued on with small talk.
"So Amy the big day is coming up; how are you feeling?" asked Sally. The table went silent and Shadow glared at the chipmunk along with her boyfriend. Amy took a sip of her drink. "I'm not sure how you think I'm supposed to feel but numerous things come to mind. Nervous, anxious, scared, but happy I guess. Once it's over I'll get back to you on that."
"Well you have nothing to worry about. The trial will fall in your favor especially since you have wonderful friends in high places."
"Sally, please stop talking." Sonic said sternly, shocking everyone, especially Sally herself. Sonic looked at Amy with sorrow in his eyes.
"I'm sorry about that, Ames. We should go."
Sonic started to stand but Shadow stopped him. "No, actually you two can stay. The bill is taken care of and I know Sally wanted to be here so badly. We'll leave; we've already enjoyed our night. So you guys enjoy the rest of yours."
Shadow and Sonic had a silent conversation through their eyes that ended with them both nodding. Shadow took Amy's hand, pulled her up and they left the other couple for the night.
Sonic took Shadows' seat and sighs deeply. "I don't know what that was earlier, but it better not happen again. Or we are gonna have a problem."
Sally and Sonic had a stare off for a moment. Sally yielded and looked away. "Sorry.."
Back with Shadow and Amy; Shadow decided to bring Amy to his house instead of taking her home.
"Why are we here?" Amy looked at him confused. Shadow took her hand and held it tightly. His blood ruby red eyes looked deeply into her bright jade ones. "Stay the night with me."
It wasn't a question nor a command. More like a request. Amy thought about it. She looked at his giant hand shallowing hers in his grip, then looked at his eyes. His eyes said he wanted to protect her but also he wanted her.
"Tonight, and everyday I want to be by your side. Will you let me?" He spoke boldly but softly. By agreeing she knew what it meant. And when she steps into that house she is his.
She leaned forward to him and whispered in his ear. "I'll stay with you."
Shadow helped Amy out the car and walked her to his door. Once the door was unlocked and he led her inside; the door shut, shoes kicked off, Amy was swept off her feet and carried to his room as they kissed passionately. That night the two hedgehogs let their guards down and enjoyed a night of passionate love making and happiness til the next morning.
AN: Thank you all so much for being so patient and reading my stories. Once again I am sorry for very very VERY long hiatus and even if telling you I'm working a 16 hour job doesn't help they are excuses but i swear to you i will finish this story and others to come so please patient with me and tune in for the next chapter(s) to come! Yours truly EV!