A week flew after that day. Amy walked with Blaze, saying, "We should get some ice cream. It's boiling out here!"

Blaze commented, "It's really mild out here. I suppose that my fire powers prevents me from noticing the heat."

Cream who was also with them said, "Yeah! Ice cream!" Her chao Cheese seemed to agree with that idea and buzzed around them and hugged Amy, chaoing in excitement.

Blaze said, "Well, if we must, I believe I saw a place past that way."

Amy replied, "All right, lead the way."

As the three hurried to a stand, Amy paused. Nearby was a book store. She pulled out a couple books from her bag. It was the last day to return them. She turned to her friends and said, "I'll be right back. I have to take care of these. Don't wait up for me."

She ran into the store and bumped into someone. As soon as she stood back up, she brushed her skirt and said, "Oh, sorry about that..." She paused when she saw who stood before her. Shadow looked at her. While maintaining a neutral face, it was easy to see how relaxed his wine-red eyes were. Even the corners of his mouth were not tense.

Amy fiddled with her hair and said, "I really need to watch where I'm going." Shadow made a quick smirk but tried to hide it when he noticed it. Amy didn't see it and said, "Boy, what a hot day it is. I'll glad when these books are gone."

"What are they?"

"Well, I got them because the summary looked really good, but the writing was really dull and the characters were terrible. I couldn't finish it."

He peeked over at what she held and said, "I could have told you that."

"I didn't know that you liked books."

He turned red and answered, "I'm only here to find some history books."

The pink Hedgehog thought History books? Why the sudden interest? Oh wait. He must be trying to find out how much has changed in the fifty years he was asleep. Hmm? I wonder how I could help.

She pointed over his head and said, "Over there. That shelf mentions about world history."

Shadow turned and leapt to the books and pulled out a few. When he returned, he said, "These might do the trick."

He began to smile but this time, Amy noticed it. Shadow, hoping to go unseen, turned to face the line in front of them. Amy smiled and held her books close as she looked at him.

I still wonder if he wanted to tell me anything. It seemed like he had something he wanted to say last week. Maybe he wanted to make sure I was okay, but didn't know how to say it? It could be. He must have a hard time talking to other people.

She said, "Oh by the way, I really like that flower you gave me."

It was hard for her to see, but the comment made her friend blush.

"Don't mention it."

"The red is so beautiful. It's my favorite colour too."

"It is?"

"Yeah."

He turned, not thinking of how well she could see his red cheeks, and said, "So they are your favorite?"

"Uh huh." His comment made her tilt her head while she still smiled. "I've always loved roses. Kinda funny seeing how that's my last name. But did you know that there's many meanings behind different colours of roses?"

She paused and held her head when Shadow turned to hide how much redder he became. He replied, "No. I only spotted one and heard that you liked flowers."

Amy thought Ugh, stupid! Why'd I say that? Of course he wouldn't know that.

"Did you like it?" he asked. "The flower?"

"Yes, it was really nice. I'm really glad you were there."

"You were?"

"Uh huh, it was a bad day until you came."

Shadow glanced at her from the corner of his eye every now and then as they reached the check out. By the time, Amy gave back the books, she looked at Shadow and said, "Well, I'd better go. Blaze and Creamy will probably wonder what has happened to me."

Before Shadow said anything, she reached over and kissed his cheek. After that, she ran as fast as her legs would carry her. Shadow in the meantime, stood like a statue until he touched his cheek.

Did she just...?