Don't Fuss Over Me

A/N: I forgot to save my original document so…hhh I hope y'all enjoy the second chapter.

Sandy's fist met the punching bag with a solid thwack, she reared back quickly jabbing the bag followed by two body shots. Sweat made her shirt stick to her as she continued to pummel the punching bag.

A low whistle caught her attention as she prepared to keep going. "Looks like old habits really do die hard,"

No. She turned. No. Valen stood behind her, acting as if he was supposed to be here. He looked the same as he did all those years ago; tall, lean, his light brown fur well kept in contrast to hers.

"Y'know," Valen started, wrapping his arms around her. "it's good to have you back."

Sandy jerked awake, groaning as her muscles ached. She was in the hospital. She was safe. A knock at the door startled her, heart rate spiking for a moment as she expected Valen to walk through the door.

"Good morning, Miss Cheeks," she relaxed at the familiar gravel of Shadow's voice. He went over to her, checking her IV as he asked, "how are you feeling?"

"I'm, uh," she paused as she really considered his question. "I don't know." She finally replied, twisting the thin cover in her lap.

"Well," Shadow started. "Good news is you'll be discharged by tomorrow and you have a visitor."

Sandy nodded, shifting in bed as Shadow continued, "I know you might not want to hear this from a former boxer, but, take care of yourself more often. Especially since you're trying to get into the top ranks."

"No, no, I appreciate it. Y'know, yer still the talk of the MMA." She said, watching him frown for a moment before it left.

"Let me guess, Shadow "Chaos Incarnate" Robotnik: washed up?" he replied, fiddling with a pen in his lab coat.

"Nah, more like where are you now, considerin' after yer injury, you just. . ." Sandy stopped, figuring that was something he didn't want to talk about.

"I'll let your visitor in," he said, leaving the room.

Sandy sighed, closing her eyes for a moment. At least she'd be discharged tomorrow.

Eli looked at the bouquet of tiger lilies he brought, hoping they'd at least make this conversation with his cousin easier. He looked up as the doctor cleared his throat, jerking a thumb in the direction of Sandy's room. Eli swallowed as he walked by the former boxer, knocking before entering the room.

"Sandy," he called, walking further into the room.

"Eli," she said, voice tight as she frowned. "What were you thinking? Aunt May sent you down here to straighten up and now I have to fight for not only my life but yours too."

The dark brown squirrel bit his lower lip, putting the bouquet on the side table. "I jus'. . .Sandy, I didn't mean to drag you into this. You're the only one I could think of to help with those loan sharks, and," he paused, wiping the tears off his face. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

Sandy watched him for a moment, her nails digging into her palms. She wasn't going back just for Eli, but she wasn't just gonna let him suffer either. Maybe. . .maybe there was some other way to pay Rufus and Hopper back.