Chapter 13
"Oh Maria," Robotnik bemoaned as he paced his bed chambers. The Oracle's warning concerning the bomb had made any thought of sleep impossible. "When will it be over? Everything's going all wrong." He stopped at her painting and touched her face. "My godson was almost killed today… because of me… I don't know what else to do. If I could just tell them the truth but, without proof, they wouldn't listen to me anyway. Even if they did, even if they believed me… unless they're in protective custody, they would just be in worse danger." He sat on the edge of the bed just as his phone rang. The red light on the switch board told him who it was. "Stripes, thank you for returning my call promptly. Due to complications, I am sending another to finish the negotiations for the island. You have done well. Return to the Quarter for a well-earned rest. It may take a few days for this new person to arrive but inform Chief Takai that I will keep sending food. No, Stripes, there is still no word on your sister. I am sorry. Good night." He replaced the receiver. "Okay Maria, one thing is going right… I think."
Sonia lay in her husband's arms, just basking in the glow of their love. "Mmm, I can't believe we're actually married."
"I can't believe we eloped," he quipped. He squeezed her tightly. He tried to imagine his godfather's reaction if, no when he found out. It was bound to happen at some point, it just couldn't be from him in accordance with her wishes.
Sonia giggled. "We will never tell my brothers. They, well that is, Sonic would turn you into filet mignon." She sunk into his embrace.
Bartleby bit his lip. He was dying to say something but knew it would just cause a fight. "One day, they will be able to know. At least your mother and your teacher is on our side. One day Möbius will be at peace and we can love each other openly. One day." He kissed her, sealing his promise. He just hoped he would be able to make do on that promise soon.
Sonia's eyes went to the window, following the path of the silver moon as it began to dip behind the western horizon. "The night is almost over. I need to get back home. Before my brothers wake up." She got out of bed and began to dress until a pair of arms encircled her from around her neck. She felt lips pressing into her hair.
"I don't want you to go," he lamented.
Her hands caressed his arms. "I don't want to go Bartleby. But the Resistance needs me." She turned around and kissed him. Upon parting, she saw him giving her the saddest eyes. "I'll miss you too. I promise though, the time will fly by."
"We won't be able to meet next week though," he said. "Robotnik is sending me on a special assignment."
Sonia frowned. "Special assignment?"
Bartleby nodded. "I can't tell you what though. I've been sworn to secrecy."
Sonia didn't try to pry. If he was ordered not to tell and he told her anyway and was caught… Prying was not a good idea. "So next week is out but we can meet the week after or as soon as you get back. Just send me word through Mindy. To keep up pretenses I will continue to go to Mindy's for 'girl's nights out.'"
He nodded. "I will." He kissed her forehead in his usual love blessing. "Good night, my wife."
Sonia returned his kiss. "Good night, my husband." Quickly, before she could be tempted to stay, she left for home.
Manic sat with a cup of coffee in the early morning hours. He had not slept all night, despite the overwhelming desire to that had nearly won out earlier that night. Sonia had left that night, claiming she needed some spa therapy with Mindy after her near-death experience. Sonic believed it but Manic wasn't so sure.
He had suspicions but what should he do about them? Should he confront Sonia? Should he bring up his suspicions with Sonic? Should he mind his own business? He didn't know.
"The night of the ball… those looks they shared… I think they may be…" He said to himself. "Those new dresses she bought. They're no good for fighting Barfnik. And she'd never take an hour putting on makeup just to watch movies with Mindy. Nothing makes sense."
Then earlier, he remembered the bomb. He remembered digging them out. "He was right on top of her. That huge piece was right on top of him. He was badly hurt. He protected her. He saved her life and could have been killed for it." He stirred his coffee as he sat in the dark kitchen. "But he's with Robotnik. I should say something but… why would he risk his own life if he didn't really love her? He makes her happy. She loves him… if I tell Sonic; he'll never let it go. Sonia would be crushed… She's smart. She's an adult and it's none of my business anyway." Manic sat up straighter, coming to his conclusion. "I'll just wait. As long as I know nothing, I don't need to take sides. I'll let her tell us when she's ready unless I start to feel it's getting too dangerous." He took a drink of his coffee. Suddenly, he heard the door begin to open and he froze, sinking into the dark corner.
Quietly, Sonia entered the safe house through the kitchen. She slipped through the kitchen and to her bedroom. She never even noticed her little brother sitting there. She didn't even bother with her clothes as she fell into her bed, into a deep sleep.
It was a few hours later when a knock on the door woke Sonic up. He wiped the sleep from his eyes as he looked out the front door. An enticing smell from a bag roused his senses. He picked up the bag and took a deep, almost cleansing breath, allowing that delicious scent to awaken his tired brain.
Inside, he placed the bag on the kitchen table. "Hey Manic, what're you doing up?"
Manic shrugged and lied. "Woke up about an hour ago and couldn't get back to sleep." He drank deeply from his cup. "Chili dogs?" He pointed to the bag.
Sonic nodded. "Yup. Some admirer must have left them as a gift." He reached into the bag and pulled out a round object. "Hey look at this. It's a… coconut. And there's a message."
Manic looked as Sonic read. "Speedster Island needs you. Signed QA! Mom!"
AN: The next episode is now set up. Please review!
