*reads all reviews* Well, Kriff. Good news: no one cursed. Bad news: I could have worded things a little better…

Alright let's try this again:

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING: It is not ONE person. I had several people think that it was just them and IT WAS NOT. If it had only been one person, I would have just PMed them or asked them in my comments to please stop. But it was NOT ONE PERSON. So those of you who are thinking 'OH KRIFF THIS IS ALL MY FAULT' stop it right now. Part of this whole thing is my fault. I've been letting it slip and pushing the issue aside when I should have confronted it in the first place and not leave it to rot and build in my mind. I think part of the reason is I'm just having a lot of junk right now and I suppose it is easier to take your anger out on people who you don't know. That wasn't right of me and SINCERELY APOLOGIZE. So as of now, I'm rescinding my 'no update for a week' BUT, I still am asking you to not curse in your reviews

*takes deep breaths* Okay… due to that, comments on reviews will be at the end of the chapter. Let's try and think happy now.

Manic's back!

Manic's POV:

I opened the back doors of the van and took just enough steps forward to fall face down on my bed. Man, I'd forgotten how much of a crush I had on Rouge.

Sonia had asked me more than once why in the world I liked her so much, and to be honest, I didn't know. I had no chance with her. She probably hated me (it was still hard to read her- those mental walls, man). But I still tried to make things up, which was really difficult when she wouldn't even give me the time of day.

I figured that it would be smarter to give up and stop chasing her already, but there was just something about her… every time I thought about her, I got kind of excited and uneasy, and really happy. Like an adrenaline rush.

I couldn't pinpoint what exactly it was that I liked so much, just… her. As a whole. She was awesome and strong and smart and she had the those cute little fangs that you could see when she laughed. I liked her- as in, I liked her, liked her. There wasn't a day that had gone by since the night at her apartment that I hadn't kicked myself for standing her up. I could've, should've done something instead of doing what Sonia said and getting out of town. At least if we had delayed our trip by one night, I could've explained everything to Rouge, and things would be just fine between us. Heck, we might've even started a long-distance relationship. … Actually, scratch that, it doesn't seem like it'd be Rouge's thing.

"Um… Manic?"

I lifted my head; Sonia stood over me with a puzzled expression, but it seemed to click pretty fast what was bothering me.

"It's Rouge, isn't it?" she asked.

I nodded. She rolled her eyes, "Manic, you've been doing this for over a week. She's not going to forgive you anytime soon. You just have to move on and quit making a fool of yourself."

"Not that easy, sis. Need I mention you and Knuxsy?"

"...Touche. But at least I'm not begging on his doorstep every day for him to take me back. And don't call him Knuxsy!"

"It's fun to say. Knuxsy, Knuxsy, Knuxsy, Knux- OW!" Sonia can hit hard, dang it.

"I tried to warn you," Sonia fiddled inside her purse before pulling out a notebook. "I'm going shopping. Need anything?"

"The secret to a girl's heart."

"Sorry, fresh out," she replied dryly, rolling her eyes again.

"Oreos, then."

"That," she smiled and wrote something down on her pad of paper, "I can do. I'll be back by five. Try and find something productive to do that isn't something illegal or having to do with Rouge." She swung her leg over her motorcycle and made sure her purse was securely over her shoulder. "What am I saying? You don't listen to me." Sonia pulled her helmet on and glared in my direction.

I grinned, "Sorry, can't hear you on the account of I don't listen to you."

"Just don't get yourself killed." Sonia turned on her bike, revved the engine, and was off speeding through traffic and probably breaking several laws in the process.

I think I've started to be a bad influence on her. I wasn't sure how I felt about it.

I began to absentmindedly drum my fingers on the edge of the bed, anxious to do something but unsure of what. I wished Sonia had stuck around so I could talk to her. Sometimes she was a really good listener, and sometimes not, but she usually paid attention when she saw that I needed it.

Our hero, the Awesome and Heroic Studmuffin Manic the Hedgehog, weary of chasing after the most beautiful and impossibly unattainable woman in history, reclines on his bed with a sigh. No matter how he attempted to woo her or reconcile with her, she continued to reject his sentiments. Not that he was getting discouraged or anything, what kind of a wimp do you think I- our hero is?

As he puzzled over potential forms of allurement that would most likely fail, our hero felt the crushing weight of lost love, a romance that could've been but the cruel fates denied. Oh, woe was him...

Maybe Sonia's right- I'm overreacting. Or just going crazy.

I sighed. Why couldn't I get her out of my head?

She hadn't even talked to me today; I was going to her apartment to try and talk to her, since she would hang up every time I tried to call, but when I got there, that fake boyfriend of hers was hanging around. And yeah, it was pretty dang obvious that he was faking it. Rouge might be able to guard her secrets, but this guy was an open book.

I didn't like him. He clearly didn't like Rouge at all, at least not enough to be her boyfriend. He was just using Rouge as a tool to make Sonia jealous, which was bad enough on its own, but the worst part was that I could tell that Rouge actually did like him- she wasn't trying to put on a show like Knuckles was. And he's just taking her for granted. Not that it's my business for anything, but I think that's pretty messed up.

I didn't even knock on her door today- I literally had my finger up to ring the buzzer and overheard them arguing from inside. I got out of there pretty fast- besides, all I was there to do was beg her to give me another chance, like that was ever going to happen at this rate.

I got to my feet; I couldn't stand this. I needed to move, to clear my head. I grabbed my Extreme Gear board in the corner, hopped out of the van, and took to the skies.

It felt good to be back in Station Square. Flying over the familiar cityscape was comforting in some ways; I'd missed seeing the streets where I'd grown up. While I drifted above the tall, dirty buildings in my old neighborhood, I would occasionally recognize a member of the Strikers. I flew down a little closer and was a little taken aback when I saw Rick, the douchebag who sold me out all those months ago, sporting Meerkat colors. I flew directly above him and spat, delighted to see that I had landed a direct hit. I was less delighted when he spotted me and pulled out a handgun from his jacket. He shot at me a couple times, but it's a little hard to hit a target that can do loop-the-loops while throwing trash at your head.

I felt tempted to go say hi to my buddies at the pawn shop, but decided against it. Sonia would kill me if she ever found out I was still associating myself with the gang while we were trying to look for Maurice. So, instead I glided over a couple blocks to where I remembered the hot dog vendor usually set up; However, he was nowhere to be seen. In his place was… a corn dog cart.

Sweet.

I bought one with the spare change I had in my vest, one with as much ketchup and mustard and cheese that it could hold. Heaven. Just heaven. Never will I eat another lowly hot dog- corn dogs are the only snack food for me.

While I was eating the dog, for some reason I thought of Rouge. Again. Why was a corn dog reminding me of Rouge?... Why was literally everything reminding me of Rouge? I knew I should be trying harder to stop thinking about her, but… I didn't want to. Thinking about her was kind of nice.

I checked my watch; it had been over two hours since I had almost tried to go to Rouge's place. Knuckles had to have left by now. He had better have left by now. Even if he was faking his relationship with her, it still ticked me off that they were so touchy-feely with each other, all the time, every frikkin' day of my life… But I digress.

Without even needing to think about it, I flew over to Rouge's side of town and landed on the roof of her apartment building. I entered the building through the trapdoor and headed down to Rouge's apartment.

Okay, Manic. Man up. This won't be like the other times she slammed the door in your face and told you to drop dead. Just be cool.

Holding my breath, I rang the buzzer and ducked out of the peep hole view praying that she was home and Knuckles wasn't.

The door opened, and for a brief second, Rouge's face had been hinting at an almost-smile, but the moment she saw me, it twisted itself into a ferocious scowl.

"You again?" she groaned, ready to slam the door in my face for the umpteenth time.

"Yes. Please just lis-" I was cut off by her hurling the door shut. In a moment of panic, I jammed my in the door just in time, wincing as I heard the crunch.

Rouge glowered at me in disbelief. "What are you-? Get your foot out of my door!"

"Not until you hear me out!"

She snarled and began slamming the door repeatedly into my foot. It was agony, but I'd be worth it to get this off my chest.

"Rouge, look-OW!- For the millionth time- OW!- I'm -OW!- sorry! I didn't-OW!-- mean to stand you up! Can you- OW!-- please let me make it up to you?"

She ignored me, or at least I thought she was ignoring me until her fist barreled into my gut, sending me backwards. While I was down, she took the opportunity to shut the door as hard as she could. I heard the click of the multiple deadbolts and sighed. She wasn't going to give me a chance, was she?

Well, too bad!

It took me about three minutes to pick the locks and sneak inside. Rouge was sitting on her couch watching the UFC fights with disinterest, and I'm not really known for my subtlety, so…

"Surprise!" I said, jumping in front of the TV and doing jazz hands. Rouge flinched in shock, her jaw dropped.

"What- How did you get in here?" she demanded.

I held up a bobby pin and grinned. "You should really consider upgrading your security."

"Get out, right now."

"I told, I ain't leaving until you listen to me! Just siddown and hear me out!"

"You think you can order me around in my own house?- or anywhere else, for that matter?"

"I'm not trying to order you to do anything, I'm just sick of you ignoring me when I'm trying to apologize!" I was getting more and more frustrated with every second. "Would it kill you to just talk to me?"

"There's nothing to say," she huffed, crossing her arms and glaring.

"That's not true and you know it. I've already said I'm sorry about a zillion times, and I've already explained why I stood you up in the first place. What else do you want from me?"

Rouge sat down on the couch and looked me straight in the eye, glowering so fiercely I almost shied away. "What do I want from you? I did you a favor, Matthews. More than just a favor- I saved your life. And when you asked me out afterwards, I thought it was kinda sweet. Then I go wait for you for who knows how long, and you never show up." Rouge looked away, her lips pursed and her eyes narrowed. "You made me look like an idiot. And when I tried to find you the next day… you were gone. Disappeared again.

All this talking was actually opening up a few of her mental walls; I had figured she'd be hurt over me standing her up, but I had a feeling it wasn't really about that. Not completely.

"Rouge…" I started slowly, sitting down next to her. "I mean this from the bottom of my heart: I am so, so sorry. And please believe me when I say that I'll do anything for you to forgive me."

She eyed me suspiciously. "Anything?"

"Anything."

She was silent for a moment then began to lean in closer, never breaking eye contact. I felt hot all over, droplets of sweat beading at my forehead. Maybe I shouldn't have said I'd do "anything".

"So that's how you wanna play it, huh?" she said, her voice hardly above a whisper. "Fine then. I'll play your little game. But understand something, Matthews: No one- no one- makes me look a fool and gets away with it. You wanna make this up to me? Then I'd better be seeing some sacrifices."

"S-sacrifices?" I stammered. "What kind of sacrifices?"

"Oh, I dunno," she said casually, examining her nails. "Maybe an organ."

"An organ?" I asked, a little confused. "Like… a musical organ?"

"No," she said. "The other kind."

…

"... the other kind?"

"And I'm talking vitals here. Don't bring me an appendix."

Unbelieveable.

I guess the look on my face must've been pretty hilarious because Rouge's grimace melted into a smirk. "Oh, and one more thing: unless you want me kill you in your sleep, you'll stay away from me until you bring it to me- with proof that you didn't just steal it from the hospital."

I opened my mouth to voice some sort of protest, but Rouge put her fingers to my lips. I felt my cheeks burn. "Shhh…" she crooned. "The 'stay away from me' part starts now. No talking."

Slowly, I got up and began to walk out the door. I had almost made it into the hall when she spoke up again.

"Good luck, Matthews!" she called, the laughter in her voice sharp and obvious. "You'll need it."

XXX

"She wants your what?"

"Please stop talking. I'm still in shock."

I stared up at the ceiling of the van; for once, my mind was completely blank. No racing thoughts. I was numb. I was going to lose an organ. My life was literally over.

"Okay, see, this is why you don't date people like Rouge- they're all psychopaths!" Sonia ranted, practically fuming. "That… that… woman probably wants your organs for one of her trophy case or whatever else demons like her do! I told you she was bad news!"

Okay. I get it. Sonia really, really hates Rouge. Understandable, in a twisted, passive aggressive sort of way- Rouge was dating her ex. Or pretending, at least. But this may be yet another case of her overreacting and taking out her fury on the closest target available- namely Rouge.

Then again, why the heck does Rouge want my organs? That's just… that's just wrong! Maybe this was just her roundabout way of telling me to drop dead. She couldn't possibly be serious.

But with Rouge, you honestly never knew.

"Sonia, back off," I said flatly. "You're exaggerating and you know it."

Her eyebrows raised. "You're seriously defending her?"

"No. I just don't think she's the devil incarnate."

"Yeah, well…" Sonia trailed off, muttering to herself. She got out her sketchbook and began to scribble furiously- probably a picture of Rouge being burned at the stake or something. I sighed, taking out my drumsticks and tapping absentmindedly on my lap.

Rouge said she didn't want me to speak to her or seek her out unless I had an organ for her, probably gift wrapped. There had to be a loophole in this. These sort of things always had loopholes.

XXX

Sonic's POV:

You ever get that feeling that something isn't right? I'm not talking about normal stuff, like when you're the teacher and you walk into a completely silent classroom full of teenagers. Or when you're driving down the road and there's that guy who's begging for money but he has 100 dollar headphones that look brand new.

No, I'm talking about the feeling of being watched when you're alone in the woods. That kind of feeling.

The exact kind.

I was currently leaning against a tree alone with my thoughts- and weren't they wonderfully depressing- when I got that feeling. Again. My eyes flicked open and once again-

-No one was in sight.

I groaned and shut my eyes again. For the past week, I had been trying to get a grip on my emotions but found them a little… scattered. I had meant to go back to the team after my birthday was over, but that day had come and gone and I was still here.

"What's wrong with you? You have to put up an act for your friends, run from your past, and try and keep the past from repeating itself. Don't you just want it all to go away?"

It was getting exhausting. Maybe I should tell everyone about my family. It would make things a whole lot easier… They were bound to be suspecting that something was up at this point.

"Oh yeah, tell them. Then they can think you're some kind of poor wittle orphaned psychopath who wants bloody revenge on Robotnik. Great idea."

Shut up, me.

At this point I think I was starting to go insane from being alone for so long. Ugh. I stood up and stretched out my legs. My watch beeped again, the signal of another attempt from Tails to contact me- the third time today.

He must be worried sick. I hadn't responded in a week- he may even think I'm dead. It was time to stop running.

"You're so pathetic."

I frowned slightly, pausing with my finger hanging over the 'answer' button. I scanned the area around me, but found no one. Man, I was really starting to lose it. I just needed to call Tails, have him pick me up and sign up for a GUN therapy session. Maybe I should start taking those seriously.

Tails probably missed me- I know I was missing him. Just because I'm having… issues, doesn't mean I should push away my friends. It was selfish. I had left Tails alone before, and that had been a horrible mistake. When I got back, I'd apologize and take him to one of those model shops or libraries he like. We could have lunch in the park and then… I could tell him what was going on. Sonia, Manic, my parents… If anyone deserved to know, it was my little brother.

"Him? What's he ever done for you? Relax, he probably doesn't even care that you're gone. Nobody would."

My fingers froze again. I looked up, examining every shadow, every leaf, and every trunk. No one in sight. I could have sworn I heard someone… must have been my thoughts being all depressing again.

"All you ever do is whine. Just shut up for two seconds, will ya?"

My hands dropped to my sides, the watch and call long forgotten. There was someone talking to me. Someone I couldn't see. Someone that wasn't me.

The shadows seemed to grow darker and the temperature dropped as a chilling laughter filled the clearing.

Definitely not me.

XXX

Sonic, Sonic, Sonic… What am I going to do with you?

Give him hugs and chili dogs.

*facepalm* Yeah… he's gonna need those.

Reviews:

Erik-The-Okapi: I'm not sure I understand the request… You want to what?

Hawkfeather: I don't think Shadow needs a magnifying glass… Maybe I'm wrong. That is a high rating! Thanks! And no, I didn't know. But then again, I am the 'Sonia' of my friend trio so… maybe I'm a Psychic! (Yeah, no…)

ultimateCCC: … Who?

Afterburngaming: Yep, poor little Tails. It may or may not get worse for him… I'm one of those people who forgives and forgets. I really do enjoy feedback- good and bad. It's just one of those things that sets me off… Sorry for overreacting.

StarlightSparks: No that makes sense. And I don't think you're a coward for that. Sometimes it's best to flee from the argument, especially when it is about your beliefs. It's one of those things that if the other person isn't respecting your opinion, then you just need to get out before it turns into an all out brawl. But running from everything doesn't get rid of your problems. There's that fine line of both you have to make sure you keep in check.

Guest #1: Well… I don't know how he would seeing as he 1. Doesn't know Sonic has siblings and 2. It's not like Hedgehogs are rare. I mean, Amy is a hedgehog and no one thinks they're related or any thing.

MeowthKitty: Knuckles face… I picture that moment when you realize that you had a paper due in class that day crossed with when someone tells you spoilers for a new movie you were looking forward to seeing.

IcyPinkFlower: Happy Birthday! Aww… thanks. (and I won't get annoyed. Promise.)

Autumn: Sonia's evil side is very scary… as we may or may not see in the future.

Caisha12: *Era reads three times before passing out in shock. Halo rushes over and revives her with smelling salt.* … I have no words. Just… Percy Jackson comparison. Oh quiznak! (I don't think I used that correctly what whatever). VLD is one of my favorite shows and- KRIFF I HATE THE CLIFFHANGER FOR SEASON 2. UGH! I honestly didn't think my headcanons were really far out there or anything, but go ahead and adopt them (which ones are we talking because I just want to know which ones you like).

Random reason: LOL. I am so happy when I prove my brother right so I'm happy for you. That is wonderful. Hope you continue to enjoy.

Luna Hedgefox: Yeah… kinda makes sense. Oh, that was you. Okay, cool. Also… I cannot believe you read 'Living in a Shadow'… *slams head on desk* Oh, that story… I need to burn it with fire and chuck it in the trash compactor. It was a kriffin' soap opera that I came up with my old friend DW who was constantly making changes and… Oh, it was just AWFUL. I mean, I think I did a good job on making the characters but the actual story line… Kriff. You can continue it if you want but… it just gets worse.

HDDNeptuneFTW: Hope you liked the update. Sorry for flipping out. But YAY! NO SWEARING!

Guest #2: ... Okay, I think death is a little extreme but… okay.

msyafinas: Thank Halo for Manic's lines. I honestly couldn't come up with half the stuff she puts in. Detective Shadow… I am really looking forward to that. Always expect the unexpected, my dear. (that was just a really bad use of a quote, but I'm gonna roll with it)

That Speedhunter: I don't even know where to start… I suppose I should start with I am so, so, so, so, so, so, so, sorry you think that. If I could, I'd hug you through the computer screen. It is not just you. I really do enjoy reviews and feedback, even negative feedback! It helps me become a better writer. I just… let me put it this way: every time I hear or read a curse, I just get really depressed. I know that sounds lame and dumb and impossible, but that's just how I feel. I can substitute it in my head, but… I don't know how to even say this and I know it's coming out horribly wrong. Most people don't mind cursing (at least that I'm aware of), I'm one of those rare exceptions. But my actions and words should in no way harm other's opinions of themselves. I understand that some people curse when they get super excited or feel happy. That is how YOU show your excitement in your normal life. Don't you DARE change yourself because of what someone said. The main point of social interactions is to RESPECT other's and their beliefs. I am not asking you to halt your way of speaking, even if I do not agree with it. I am simply asking you to respect my opinion on the matter- even when you don't agree with it. I cannot change people's set ways, beliefs, opinions, etc., without first showing respect and understanding for their ways and vice versa. I completely messed up on how I worded that last Author's Note. I cannot begin to describe how awful I feel about it. If you feel that it is best to stop reviewing and reading, that decision is up to you. I certainly don't want my actions to chase you away. I'm going to get a personal here but You. Matter. Don't you DARE tear yourself down by what others say about you. I'm called weird all the time but those unique qualities made me, well, me. People appreciate it when you give your opinion, whether they accept it or not. I should not threaten people to get my way. That was wrong. I honestly don't know what to say anymore. I'd probably stop leaving reviews and reading my story too. I don't know what you're going through. I know nothing I said or did will be removed from your mind. This is a learning experience for both of us. Respect for others and for yourself is a key to your own personal social life- if you respect others they respect you. I used fear, not respect. I am such a hypocrite. I… I can't even… I forgive you 100 times over. I just hope you can forgive me. You are NOT going to Hell for good intentions.

*BURIES HEAD INTO A PILLOW AND SCREAMS* I am so angry with myself. Excuse me while I go bang my head against a wall for the next hour...