Amy remained quiet while joining the line up to the ice cream stand. Blaze contemplatingly gazed at her friend while Cream hummed about how excited her was for a cold treat.

"Amy, did something happen? " the Cat asked. Amy snapped out of her daydreaming state and turned to her purple friend whose yellow eyes didn't stop looking. "You're not yourself. You haven't spoken since you returned."

"Oh? I haven't?" The pink Hedgehog's cheeks reddened as she thought of what occured a few moments ago. Well, it's not like I could just tell anyone that I kissed Shadow on the cheek. Oh, what was I thinking? He was only trying to be friendly.

Her unintended reaction made Blaze raise her eyebrows. She thought How suspicious. Could it have been a run in with a boy? Hmm...perhaps I shouldn't pry. I should change the subject.

Blaze looked around and said, "Well, at any rate, I'll just be glad when we get out of this line up. It's been a while."

"Uh, right." Amy thought, Blaze knows something's up with me. I guess I'm easy to read.

She glanced back and noticed Shadow stepping out of the book store that she left. The female Hedgehog turned away to avoid eye-contact and stood as stiff as a board. Sweat beaded down her forehead. Her palms were also sweaty as she clenched them. Their line began to move.

Cream skipped along the way while Blaze smoothly followed. Amy tried to stay in front of other people in hopes of blending in with everyone.

He must not see me. I wouldn't live it down.

In the meantime, Shadow, who was also a light shade of red stood at the bookstore entrance. He thought That was her. I'm sure of it.

He went around the corner. Amy turned once more before she was handed an ice cream cone. Her emerald eyes couldn't detect anything. He's gone. I guess I was worried over nothing. What a relief...

Cream said, while she and her Chao Cheese enjoyed their desserts, "By the way, Amy, Mother said I could spend the night at your place tonight. It'll be so much fun!"

"Right! We should make some cupcakes and maybe even put together a scrapebook."

"Yeah!"

Cheese chaoed in delight.

Amy smiled at Blaze. "You can come too. It will be even more fun with you around."

"Perhaps. I suppose being one night away from my kingdom wouldn't hurt, Amy."

The other two girls cheered. The three hurried down the road to where Amy's place stood. A soft breeze rushed over her head just as Amy headed into the door. Her emerald eyes peeked back, but there was nothing.

She stared for a moment until Cream called, "Come on, Amy! I'll get the mixing bowls. Is everything okay?"

Amy forced a smile and replied, "Oh sure. Just thinking. It might get cold tonight so if you want you can borrow my sweater.

The Rabbit tilted her head, and she exchanged looks with her Chao who shrugged. They remained silent. Amy entered the kitchen with her hands behind her back and tied on her peach and white apron.

She said, "Now these cupcakes won't bake themselves. Let's get that batter ready."

Cream still seemed concerned while Amy rapidly filled the bowls with ingredients. She paid little heed to the spilling and the quantity of ingredients that were poured. The counter was being covered with her clumsy stiring. In all the while, Blaze observed this from a corner. She held her arms while frowning. Saying nothing, her golden eyes took in the scene.

Perhaps I should say something. This getting to be much, Blaze thought.

"Amy," the Cat Princess spoke. Amy didn't notice as she scooped out the batter. Blaze picked up on the distracted state of her friend and moved closer. She pushed away the bowl and continued, "I think we should talk."

"About what?" Amy's face reddened as she began to once again sweat.

Cream said, "Miss Amy, you don't seem like yourself. Did someone say something to you in that bookshop? You were quiet ever since you went there."

Cheese chaoed in agreement.

Amy responded, "Oh, it wasn't like that. No one was being mean to me."

"But something has made you uneasy," Blaze commented. "I didn't want to say something, but this has gone on long enough. It almost reminds me of..."

"Of what? Oh look at the time, I need to go to the store and get some more ingredients--"

"I was going to say this reminds me of how you behaved when you used to like Sonic, but this is something different."

"Ah, I don't really know what you are talking about. Can't we talk about something else like the movie we will watch tonight?" Nevousness ran through the pink girl's system as she backed into the wall, waving her hands in denial.

"You seem bothered."

"Uh well," Amy looked at the ground. Ah! This is a complete mess. Still, I can't keep lying to Blaze or Cream. They're my friends. But I still can't wrap my head around mentioning Shadow. "You see, I've been bumping into this guy. He's a little rough around the edges, but slowly he has been opening up to me. I don't know why that is. And, I can't put my finger on it, but he's nothing like Sonic. In fact, he's the polar opposite. While also strong, he's dark and mysterious and can be a little moody. But putting that aside, he is also thoughtful and has moments of being kind...they were things that surprised me. And I lo..."

She paused. Cream and Blazed exchanged looks while she stood still with wide eyes and an open mouth. I love him. She held her cheek. I'm in love with Shadow.

She looked at her friends and said, "I'll be back in a few seconds."

Blaze nodded while Cream cuddled with Cheese like a teddy bear. The pink girl rushed to the entrance and burst the door open, allowing the cold air to roll through. She threw on her coat and the scarf she was given. Immediately, she dialed a number on her phone and waited for an answer.

She said, "Shadow? I need to speak with you. It's really important. I have something to tell you."

"About what?" he replied. His words echoed which was odd for a phone to do. Amy paused for a moment until she whirled and looked at the roof. Shadow sat, holding his phone. His ruby eyes didn't break their focus. "I'm listening."

Tears gathered in the pink Hedgehog's eyes, and she closed them. Where do I begin? What will he say? No, I can't hold this in any longer. It has to be now! "I--I'm in..." Why is this so hard to say? I never had a hard time telling anyone how I felt. Why is this so different? She took a deep breath and yelled, "I love you!"

In that moment, she covered her mouth. I did it. I told him. And now I made a complete fool of myself. He's not going to like this. I can't imagine him being that thrilled about me kissing him either. Why do I do this to myself all the time?

Shadow leapt from his seat and approached the blushing girl. He smiled and brushed away her pink bangs. He pulled down her trembling hand from her mouth and responded, "Are you telling me the truth?"

The female Hedgehog nodded. "Yes..."

"Then I accept." Before she said anything, he kissed her.

She sank into his hands as she returned his kiss. Her knees weakened as her arms wrapped around him.

He loves me? He loves me. And I love him. To be honest, this is nothing like what I felt before. I feel complete. He takes my breath away. I want to be like this...always. Thank you, Shadow, for never giving up on me and being there for me when I needed you the most.

The End