Softness.

Though his heart was beating a million times a second, softness was all he could feel. Her lips felt like arriving home after a tiring trip and lying down on a large bed, spreading yourself on it as you felt the sheets below you gracing your skin, taking away the pain on your body and allowing you to finally relax. They felt as if you had arrived home and could finally let your guard down and become carefree and comfortable, without having to worry about fighting or defending yourself. It felt like finally coming back to something you never had and did not know you missed, but that you certainly did not want to let go of ever again. This probably was the closest feeling to walking on clouds, if walking on them did not pale in comparison.

Lost in the feeling, the fox accidentally let his eyes open slightly, just enough to see the pink hedgehog closing her eyes, and feel a soft hold on his lower lip. As if lightning had struck him, he jumped away and separated himself from her as he covered his mouth in complete shock for what he had done. The girl also jumped, surprised at his sudden action, and stared at him with wide eyes.

The guy had a horrified expression on his face. What had he just done? What could possibly have posessed him to go and commit this? His friendship with her had only recently improved and he had managed to ruin it, and that because he knew Amy liked Sonic and sought to help her get close to him, but he went and disrespected her feelings by interfering with his own. How could he even face them anymore? The fox gritted his teeth as he stared at the girl's face. What he loved looking at before now hurt him so much to even just gaze at. Not being able to bear it anymore, he turned away hastly to run away.

"No, Tails, don't go!" Amy stood up quickly and held his arm as he tried to run away. He yanked it from her hand and dashed away. The pink girl went after him, his speed just not being comparable to someone used to chasing the fastest alive. Tails grabbed some piles of equipment which were on the way and made them fall over as he tried to block her way, but Amy jumped over them skillfully, her eyes set on the fox in front of her. The path was coming to an end, and as he was about to reach the wall, the girl jumped on him and they both fell. Tails turned around as soon as he managed to free himself and back away from her until his back was against the wall. Amy crawled her way to him and stopped, staring at his face.

Tails hung his head low, slightly tilted to the side, his eyes closed shut; he would not dare looking back at her. Whether it would be a slap to the face or even a punch, the consequences of his misbehavior were soon to reach him, and it felt as if his heart was going to come out of his mouth. Nothing would compare to what he had done, so he did deserve it. His body shook as he waited anxiously for that hit for what felt like minutes, but it never came. He began breathing harshly, as the shaking became a lot stronger. It felt as if a knot had formed in his throat and it caused him an immense amount of pain. He let out a muffled groan as he tried to talk but could not, and tears began streaming from his eyes. He cried profusely, sobbing as he held his head with his hand. It took several minutes before he managed to calm down, and his workshop had become silent. Maybe the girl had just gotten sick of his crying and left him while he did not notice? He could not blame her, she had more than enough reason to do so.

A gentle pressure on his shoulder woke him from his distraction as he instantly opened his eyes, raising his head. Amy was still in front of him, not smilling like she usually would be, but frowning as she stared at Tails intently. Some tears rolled down his cheeks as he looked at her, that pain from before coming back to his chest. Her eyes could probably burn holes on him; he wanted to speak but could not, and the words failed to come out of his mouth properly. Between sobs, the fox tried his best to apologize to her.

"A-Amy! ... I'm... I'm sorry... I..." The fox said as he went and wiped his tears away with the back of his hands. His voice was shaky, filled with sadness and regret. It seemed every word became more and more difficult to speak than the previous one before it. He became silent for a second before swallowing and managing to talk again. "I don't... I don't know what got into me and I-"

"Tails." Amy's voice was soft, but her tone and facial expression made it clear how serious she was. She did not look angry, but that piercing gaze was still staring deep into his eyes. Noticing his shaking, the girl approached him softly and wiped away some of his tears with her thumb, earning an ever so slight jump from the fox. The hedgehog opened her mouth to speak and then closed it again without saying a word. She looked away from him as she thought of what she was going to say. A few seconds later she resumed, staring at him intently.

"Tails, what do you think of me? Tell me the truth, and don't hide anything."

His eyes widened briefly at the question before he again turned away from her gaze. It had never softened, rather she waited for answers expectantly. He must have been redder than Knuckles at this point; he sure was glad his fur hid most of it. The fox calmed down slowly as he gave it thought on what he had just been asked.

Was there still even any use to trying to keep it to himself? Had he not gone and done it, passionately kissing the girl who wanted to be his best friend's girlfriend? Turning back was not possible, and though he was no longer crying, his heart still felt like a wreck. If it were possible to go back in time, he would do everything different... or would he? The thoughts of both liking the girl who was not meant to be with him and wanting her to be with the one she was meant to be fought inside of him, and quickly things began getting unstable. After what felt like an eternity, he finally broke his silence.

"Will you hear me to the end and only speak when I am done?" Tails questioned, his gaze set deeply on her eyes. Amy nodded twice quickly, making only small movements with her head. He closed his eyes and stood quiet for a moment before he opened them again.

"I have known Sonic for a long time now, and I have always admired him for his bravery and speed. He always looked so cool when he went around saving the world, I knew I wanted to go around adventuring with him. Then, you joined us. I watched as you started chasing him around; you seemed to really like him. I couldn't blame you, he is pretty cool after all."

"All that running would always end up with him here in my workshop, somewhere he thought it was... 'safe' for him to be around. He would complain a lot, and I would hear a lot of what he had to say to try and cheer him up. He never really annoyed me, he is my friend after all, and I enjoyed his company. With time, hearing his venting became funny. I could not understand why he was so mad at just a few hugs, and I thought that maybe deep down he actually did feel the same way. I did tease him sometimes even, but he simply wouldn't have it. When he heard you had moved near my house, he stopped coming to this place so much, and I was left alone for most of the time again. I focused on my projects taking advantage of the extra silence, but it bugged me how he simply had quit stopping by. After I told him, he would sneak in sometimes. At least every once in a while I had some company."

Tails paused as he looked to the ceiling. "I was never really that interested in following those chasings, and maybe I should have stayed that way, so I just observed from afar and hoped no one got hurt. One had to admire your willpower though, running after him on heels after a date did not go quite as planned and not only managing to nearly catch them, but also keep your looks on point. That afternoon though, curiosity got the best out of me, and I flew as fast as I could to follow you both to see how it would end like. Just as you were about to touch him, he disappeared in a flash."

"I had seen you angry, stomping the ground or clenching your hand into a fist whenever he went away like this, but never really saw your expression when it happened. You would then turn, smile and mention how you would still try it again next time. Your dedication was really... admirable."

"That day I stopped flying, and landed in front of you. As the dust settled, I saw you breathing hard with your head low, your hair and dress barely looking messy despite all that running. When you raised it, you were smiling like you used to, with the sunset lighting you up with a golden outline. You looked so strong... and beautiful too. I was distracted for a second before I managed to reply your smile, until you turned your head and the sunlight made the tears in your eyes shine. You seemed so vulnerable, defeated, even. I could not help but come close and hug you, something I am not sure I had ever done much before. We headed to your house, but ended up in my workshop instead. You did not want to be alone, and there was no way I would be leaving you alone."

The fox paused and took a deep breath. Amy waited patiently, looking to him as he resumed talking.

"I had never been so mad at Sonic before." Tails said as he involuntarily clenched his fist. "You were always so dedicated to him, and he would keep running away from you, giving no definite answer about anything. And there you were crying, sobbing for what he had done. I couldn't understand why he behaved this way, and as much as I asked I could never really get him to say it. As I tried to make you feel better, I came up with this plan to help you, and I was surprised you still accepted it. I wanted to make you happy, and if it did make you happy, then I would be too. Or so I thought."

Lowering his head, the yellow fox closed his eyes. His expression changed to a happy one as a smile graced his lips. "For weeks you came to my shop everyday to report how things were progressing, and every time you came in you would look happier and happier. Things did seem to be improving between you and him, and I was glad, especially as I saw your mood. Soon, you started coming in the workshop more and more excited, jumping on me and hugging me, and I would hug you back. Often I would get distracted of my work as we would go on talking to each other for hours. That was every day, for hours in a day, for weeks, and I really enjoyed the time we would spend together." Tails was smiling ear to ear as he talked to Amy, with his eyes closed and head slightly tilted to the side. The pink hedgehog, however, remained serious as she listened to everything he said. Her eyes widened as the fox resumed talking.

"You know how much we have been through, and how hard you have worked to get to this point with him, and what results you have gotten so far. You have told me a lot, but honestly, are you really satisfied with just this? Yes, he is not running away as much anymore and stays closer to you for a longer while than he did before, but is that really enough?"

Tails' body shook as he spoke to her, tears flowing freely from his eyes again as he questioned the girl. The possibility of hurting her with his questions clashed with the burning feeling inside of his heart which wished for her happiness. He shoved away those thoughts. It was already too late to go back, he could not miss his opportunity. It was either now, or never.

"Amy... for a while now I have had the opportunity of spending time with you, and while for the most of it, I heard everything you have said, I have begun zoning out. Yes, I care deeply about your success, but the way he simply ignores you, I can't stand it! Your hair, your face, your eyes, the way you dress so carefully for him. My heart starts jumping inside my chest just being near you, and he is apathetic to it!" Tails practically shouted as he said those words; Amy stared at him wide eyed, her mouth gaping open. Calming down slightly, he continued.

"It is not just the way you look, though you have one of the most beautiful smiles I have ever seen. The way you talk, the way you laugh and the way you make me laugh... your hugs. Why does Sonic hate them that much? I don't think I would do away with even just one of them you have given me! It is almost as if the description he gives me of you is talking about an entirely different person, and while you are a little different when we are with him, I can confidently say I have seen your brightest, most carefree smiles. I would also not do away with any of those, and if possible I want to see many more. You are a joy to be around, I love your company. My happiest days have been the ones you were here, and I want them to go on forever."

Tails panted as he spoke fast, barely breathing in between his sentences, if he did not say it all under almost one breath. He breathed in deeply as he gulped down and reached for the girl's hands and held them, staring at her eyes intently.

"Amy Rose. I love you."

--

Appreciation.

Had she ever felt it like she did just now? Running around, training to become faster for his sake, anything to become prettier and more interesting for him. Nothing really made a difference, and the little difference she had achieved had been by toning down her behavior and becoming someone else. Her true self was rejected.

At the same time, why did she keep trying? At first it was for him, but gradually there was pain growing in her heart. Being dedicated she kept going, but whenever things did not go well, she would end up at the smart fox's workshop. His advices cheered her up, and having someone fighting with her to help her achieve her dream filled her with joy. Soon she found herself jumping on and hugging him tightly as she thanked him for his tips; the fox would always smile and hug her back, never rejecting her. They started spending more and more time together, and before she knew it, those meetings had become something she really appreciated. Or maybe even needed. Sharing what happened of good or bad and getting cheered up by him was like recharging her battery to go and brave another day. And not just with what was related to Sonic.

What was she really looking forward to the most?

Every afternoon she would come, and in the days she somehow could not, it was like something was missing. Every afternoon she would come to meet him, and the first thing she would see would be one welcoming smile, and wide open arms to receive her. She could not help but to smile from ear to ear, and then jump to hug him and proceed to tell about her day. The fox was always a patient listener, paying attention and commenting on everything he felt like he could help on. He had even learned to bake a little bit, so her visits always included some small tea and cookie session, even if sometimes the workshop also smelled like airplane fuel and oil. Nevertheless, she treasured each of those days, not willing to do away with any of them.

Tea, cookies, hugs, and now even kisses. The girl recalled the events she had lived just a few minutes ago. It was not like Tails to lose control, but he was instead very decisive with what he wanted. That tender pressure on her lips screamed his feelings, and she sworn she could have felt his heartbeat through them. The pink girl stared wide-eyed as a sensation of peace and resolution had begun flowing to her. As her heart sped up, the girl gradually decided to let her eyes close.

Did she hate it?

Her experience was cut short as, out of a sudden, the fox jumped away from her. Why was he going away from her? Something instantly made her get up and grab his arm in protest as he tried to run away, and then run after the fox until she made sure he was caught. She was so upset she could barely speak, and for a few seconds only managed to look at him.

She liked Sonic: why was a kiss from the guy's best friend bothering her so much? Would she not just have to reject him and move on with her pursuit?

The moment their lips met came back to her mind. Tails was kissing her passionately, and her eyes closed in response. When it felt like he was going to part, she held to his lower lip instinctively.

"No, Tails, don't run!"

The pink hedgehog had been staring at the yellow fox wide-eyed and with her mouth open. The days they spent talking together and bonding with each other returned to her, every smile and every laugh, every cookie and tea that they had had, and every jump hug she had given him and the warm response she would always get. And now, her own words, pleading for him to continue the kiss. The girl lowered her head as she gasped for air. Her heart was beating fast, and her face was completely red. Her chest burned with her realization, and as much as it was hard to talk, she could no longer keep her thoughts to herself. She raised her head, and let go of his hands, reaching for his face.

"Tails..." Amy spoke softly as she gazed deeply into his eyes. She looked dreamy, and her face was beet red. "You know, when I like something, I really mean it. But, I'm not really fast..."

Hearing her words made his heart sink a little as he braced himself for what could possibly come next. Well, he had gone out of his way and kissed the girl out of the blue, so he had to be able to take no for an answer. He gulped down slightly before she continued.

"It took me a while, Tails, but I have realized something really important which I completely overlooked before... or perhaps not completely but, still..."

Amy looked away from him and went quiet for what felt like the longest three seconds of Tails' life. The girl then turned to him again and smiled from ear to ear.

"All this time, you did everything to help me achieve my dream, regardless of your own feelings. The time we spent together, you were always so caring of me, listening and talking to me, but most importantly, returning to me what I did to you. You were the one who cared for me the most, not anyone else. Those were the days I had been the happiest and, though it took me a while to piece it together, I finally have, and I think it is time for me to show it."

Amy leaned in and closed the gap between her and his lips. She pressed them against his tenderly before she would let go slightly to caress his lower lip, inviting the fox to deepen their embrace. Tails closed his eyes, as his heart rate increased to a level similar to that of Amy's. He started replying to her advances and play with her lips too, until he felt her go away slightly and lick his lower lip. He quickly gave her entrance as he also sought for her tongue, embracing it with his as they expressed their feelings. He reached for her face with his left hand and brought her closer, increasing the reach their tongues had on each other's mouth, something Amy thoroughly enjoyed. They went for a few minutes before they reluctantly parted for air.

Amy had barely recovered her breath before she once again smiled from ear to ear. "Am I even allowed to be this happy?"

Their faces were mere inches apart. Tails took a few more breaths before he managed to reply. "You deserve all the happiness, Amy..."

Amy once again planted a quick kiss on his lips. "I love you, Tails."

"I love you too, Amy."

Hello again! First, I would like to apologize for the long wait for the second and final half of this story. I have been working so much lately I just could not sit down to write, and since I use my phone, everything just becomes a lot slower. Either way, I hope your reading was enjoyable. Thank you so much for the kind reviews! There is such a shortage of stories for this pairing with an actual plot, I just hope I was able to make a difference into that.

Until we meet again! Merry Christmas!

Secret Firefox