I think I'm starting to vibe the Boom! Universe/Mix Universe writing style so just seeing where it goes. Set a little challenge for myself this time to write one quickly and in one sitting, just to see where it went. I think it's time for a bit of a Christmas theme one-shot. Be sure to review if you're enjoying these little stories. x

It was a perfectly warm evening on the beach, the sun slowly setting over the horizon. The water glistened so bright from the sun's rays it was almost blinding, the sky completely littered with different shades of pinks, oranges and blues. The gang all gathered around the front of Sonic's beach shack, laughing in the glow of the Christmas lights that began to glow between the palm trees, different coloured baubles hanging from them sporadically.

Even a few far away friends joined for the festivities, Rouge perched on the table that sat beneath a palm tree, sipping cocktails, even Shadow was seated by her on the long seat snacking on some food. They watched Knuckles throwing Tails and Sticks into the waves, all laughing like kids, even Shadow mustered up a smirk at one point but didn't dare let anyone see. Sonic was lounging on his porch, his sneakers in the sand as he leaned back on his palms, drink beside him as he watched his friends goofing around. Amy walked out his front door from cleaning up his barely used kitchen, Christmas beverage in hand and casually took a seat next to him.

'Well,' she began with a happy sigh, 'here's to another Christmas dinner without anything catching on fire.'

'Y'know, it was a close call there for a minute.' Sonic chuckled as he grabbed his glass and clinked her.

'Sticks wanted to help. Lesson learned, I guess.'

They smiled and laughed, drinking together, seated side by side. Picture perfect. Their giggles made a certain ivory bat's ears twitch, causing her to turn around slightly and watch. A small smile grew across her muzzle, concocting an idea. She turned back to make sure the others were still down by the beach, Shadow not noticing a thing. Or, so she thought... she was just about to slink away when-

'Leave it alone, Bat.' Shadow told her lowly.

'Mind your business, Shads.' She smirked as she slipped away, slowly headed to the side of Sonic's shack.

'I could tell you the same thing.' He said more to himself through an eye roll.

The sensual spy quietly made her way out of sight before fluttering up onto his roof, a bushel of mistletoe in hand. Checking to make sue no one was looking in her direction, she made her way down the front of the roof, right above where to two hedgehogs were sitting and tied the bunch right between them, low enough for them to eventually realise it was there. She smiled to herself before looking up, catching Shadow's unimpressed glance through a cocked brow. She waved her hand at him for him to look away before she was spotted. Through his signature eye roll, he turned back to look out at the sunset.

Just as she was about to make her way back, she overheard Sonic changing the subject below...

'Y'know I- uh, I got you something.' He began bashfully, pulling out a small gift from underneath the porch.

'What? You didn't have to do-'

'Yeah, yeah, I know. I just saw it and... thought of you.'

The bubblegum hedgehog looked at him as he passed her little gift box, delicately wrapped. She couldn't help but wonder as she looked down on it if he'd actually wrapped it himself. She smiled over at him, catching the blush hue that was streaked across his muzzle, before she began to unwrapped it. When she pulled off the lid, she audibly gasped. She lifted the chain carefully, staring at the beautiful piece that hung from the end. She knew it was a fossil that had to be as old as time itself, hints of opal coursed all throughout, glimmering as the sun hit it.

'Sonic...' It was all she could stammer out.

'I thought you'd appreciate it.'

Rouge couldn't help but stare down at them from above, listening to the blue hedgehog stammer on about knowing her love for archeology. She wondered for a second if she even needed to put the mistletoe up. She shrugged to herself before slipping away, down the side of the shack to resume her position with Shadow. She glanced back at them, making sure they hadn't noticed her before letting them have their moment in private. Sonic's whole face was bright red now, Amy couldn't help but think how cute he looked. He didn't have to be embarrassed in front of her. Before her nerves got the best of her she swooped in to thank him.

'I love it. Thank you.' She whispered in his ear after cutting off his rambling by kissing his cheek.

'Oh, that's- it's uh-' He was looking anywhere but her, including up...

He quickly went silent when he noticed a very particular shrub hanging between them, his stomach tightening. Amy cocked a brow at him before following his gaze upward, shocked at how she hadn't noticed it before. Had it always been there? She tried not to let on her nerves, knowing it would probably make him so anxious he'd bolt. So she just let out a little giggle, hoping to ease the tension.

'I wonder how long that's been there?' She chuckled lowly as she looked back down at him.

'Probably Eggman's doing...' He stammered out as he met her eyes, swearing they were closer than before.

'You think so?' She asked, her eyes locked on his.

'N-no idea.' He whispered.

In a split second, a whirlwind of courage overtook his body as he leaned forward and kissed her. Her lips were so soft and gentle that it took everything in him not to stay that way for much longer. She could feel the heat coming off his cheeks, making her smile into his kiss, before having to force herself to pull away. She knew he'd never hear the end of it if any of the others saw. They stayed looking into each others eyes for just a second more before laughing lowly, their gazes dropping to their laps. Amy checked to make sure no one was watching, to which he silently appreciated.

'Merry Christmas, Sonic.' She whispered, placing her hand carefully on top of his.

'Merry Christmas, Ames.'