A/N: :Is sad: This story was supposed to be finished on Christmas Day...
Oh well, what's past is past, and I hope you all enjoy the following chapter.

On the bank of a large lake, concealed from above by the large expanse of jungle foliage that surrounded it, two figures were standing, one large and purple, the other a chesty, white creature who was leaning on what seemed to be a couple of tree branches.
The white creature seemed to be yelling at the other, impatient, while the receiver of this verbal abuse didn't bat an eyelid.
At any other time, one might respect such self control in a creature. However, this was no ordinary creature, this was Big the Cat. And much to the anguish of the curvy bat standing beside him, the calmness that could otherwise be seen as a sign of self control was in fact due to his clueless mind.

"Big, this rod is too big for me! I. Can't. Use. It!"

As Big just once again looked at the rod, confused, Rouge sighed in exasperation.

"But it works for me..." Big said for the umpteenth time that day.

Finally, Rouge decided she'd had enough.
"Big! Look at me! Look at the size of my body compared to yours! You're huge! This fishing rod is way too big! Why can't you get it through your thick skull?"
Rouge seethed in anger, not noticing Big's ears droop or his face fall.
"I just can't do this, Big! You're so stupid!"
Rouge, using the branches as crutches, walked away shaking her head.
She failed to notice Big, dejected and forlorn, fall into sitting by the lake. His feet dangled over the river bank, toes skimming the surface of the calm water.
Froggy hopped over to sit by him.

"Miss Rouge... Doesn't like me anymore, does she Froggy?"
The amphibian croaked in sympathy.

When Rouge reached the cabin, she flopped onto the bed and screamed into the pillow.
She was so horrible! Here was this wonderful guy trying to help her and all she did was argue and whine.
Why did she have to be so mean? It was all Big's fault! Why couldn't he be a womanizer like all the rest? She knew how to deal with them! But this level of compassion, it was beyond her! How could he be so stupidly nice?

Idiot.

Big looked at his fishing rod forlornly.
"Too big for her... Like me..."
Big squeezed the pole in determination.
"If she wants a small fishing rod, she'll get one! Though I don't think she'll ever get a small Big."

Rouge thought about her large friend.
That warm glow she felt around him, it was obviously nothing to do with the heavy belt she was wearing, so what was it? Surely it couldn't be because she was... developing feelings for this guy! There was simply no way!
'I mean, look at him! He's certainly no Prince Charming!'

No. It was nothing to do with any feelings she had for the large guy. He definitely wasn't the one for her.

A while later, when Rouge had all but fallen asleep, a rustling in the bushes roused her, and she looked up to see Big enter the small clearing in which the cabin was situated.

"Miss Rouge, are you asleep?"

Yawning, she rose.
"No, why?"

"I have something for you. I made a smaller fishing rod so you would like me again."

"Like you again?" She smiled, shaking her head. "I'm sorry if you got the impression I didn't like you, Big. I was being a witch." She rose from the bed and accepted the pole from Big. "Forgive me?"

"Of course I do. I know that spending Christmas without your friends is very sad... I hope you feel better soon."

Rouge smiled.
"Thank you, Big. For everything you've done for me. But I'm afraid I have no way of repaying you."

"That's okay. I wouldn't want my buddy to be sad..."

"Thanks, Big. Did you really make this fishing rod just for me?"

"Yes, I wanted you to be happy again..."

"But Big, this must have taken you all day!" She looked at her feet. "I'm not worth all your trouble..."

"Yes you are. You're my friend."

Rouge felt a tear reaching her eye and blinked it away quickly. Rouge the Bat did not cry!
She smiled up at the cat that had been so kind to her.
He gave without any thought of reward, and was always so nice. Many could learn from someone like him.

"Miss Rouge, I'm tired. Should we do the lesson in the morning?"

"That's fine. I'll see you in the morning, Big."

Rouge left Big to get some shuteye, wandering towards the lakeside.
She was still using the crutches, which created a crunching sound as they came into contact with the light layer of frost; it hadn't snowed yet, but the humidity of the jungle combined with the winter chill had frozen the floor slightly.

When she reached the lake, she sat on the bank, fingering the handmade rod softly. She looked up at the sky in which she used to glide with ease.
The clear winter sky was a very deep blue, and it shone with the light of hundreds of stars that seemed to wink at as though they knew something she didn't.
The clear water cast a reflection of the large white moon, and as Rouge gently dipped the tip of her boot into the water, a few ripples made their way out.

Rouge lay back onto the healthy grass, and started to dream.

A/N: There we have it!
The next chapter... about a week, maybe?
Once again, a big 'thank you' to everyone who's put up with the huge delay and has supported this story!
Yep, I'm looking at you, Jake-X, Polly The Hedgehog and Dark Huntress!
By the way, Dark Huntress, thanks for the reviews you've given, and you're welcome, of course. I always try to give a shout out to my supporters! And yes, Polly The Hedgehog is famous. Actually, she isn't. But she should be! =D
Merry Christmas, everyone!
xX