01sonamy01, JazzTheHedgehogSingingStar, Novus Umbra, ZehHyperactiveAuthor, Kurdave, enustikehtelkcaJ, Constanza Rose, AutoKnight01, Ksonic, XoxoSonamy4440oxoX, OddSakura, Alyssacookie, SkulY2K, Writer's Freedom, Mike Prower the Fox, CherrletheChicken, bk00, [no name], poka, xEmberChanx, PastaxRocks, SugarhogRose, Matthais123, Avitala:

You all spoil me. Thank you, thank you, thank you SO MUCH! : )

...ooo...xxx...ooo...

Chapter 8: Just Friends

...ooo...xxx...ooo...

"... and then what did he do?"

Cream was sitting on the edge of her seat, the bowl of ice cream in front of her melting away in the summer heat as she eagerly listened to her best friend.

"Well..." Amy continued her story of last night, ignoring her own cone for the time being. "He took me home, saying he needed to think about all of this."

"Sonic said he needed to think?" Cream clarified.

"I know, right? Sonic thinking..." Amy had to smile. "But Cream, he was just so shocked! He said he didn't realize how much he'd been hurting me this whole time until Blaze did the same thing back to him. Isn't that ironic? And then he kept apologizing, saying how very sorry he was that he kept leaving me for all those years... and I forgave him, of course. I mean, he felt really, really bad. He even said that I was 'an amazing girl' for sticking with him. Oh, and then he went on to say that he wasn't going to run away from me anymore or be a jerk. He said we could be 'good friends'... and then he carried me home," she finished with a stifled giggle in memory of his strong arms wrapped protectively around her, and her face brushed against his impossibly soft chest as he held her.

Cream swallowed a spoonful of vanilla ice cream. "Did he kiss you goodnight?"

Amy sighed, but it didn't erase her smile. "I wish. I was hoping that he would, but he just gave me a really cute smile, said maybe he'd take me out sometime, and ran away. I think that he was blushing, too." It was getting harder and harder not to giggle.

"So... do you think he likes you now?"

"That's the thing, Cream. I dunno. I hope that he does but... I'm not sure. I know that he feels bad for me, but... I'm hoping it's not just pity. I still think that he likes Blaze a little, but that doesn't mean I can't change that." Her smile turned darker for a second. "But honestly, Cream, I don't know where our relationship is right now, it's a little vague. I hope that he follows through on his promise not to be a jerk to me anymore."

For a minute Amy let her mind wander as she gathered chocolate ice cream on her tongue. Did she honestly have a chance with Sonic now? Last night he said he'd think about it, but... everything was just so vague at this point. Amy just wasn't sure what to think. On the one hand, she was fantasizing that he'd fall in love with her now, but her more sensible side, a side that had started developing as soon as Sonic had broken her heart, was reminding her that all he felt for her now was pity and guilt.

Would that be all he'd feel for her, though? Amy licked at her cone again. No... if they started to become better and better friends, then Amy was sure that Sonic would end up falling for her. All it would take was a small push, and she'd be in Sonic's arms.

"I think we need to have another talk, me and Sonic," Amy said and looked back at Cream, nodding and licking her ice cream cone, feeling more hopeful then she'd been over the past few days.

...xxx...

Amy Rose.

Yes. That was what was on Sonic's mind on this fine June morning, as the hedgehog lied on his back on top of a secluded roof, his jade green eyes trained to the dull, overcast sky above him. Silvery gray clouds loomed overhead, but the occasional break in them allowed Sonic a peek at the brilliant blue sky that was hiding behind the said clouds. A flock of flickies flew by overhead, and he sighed contentedly.

Amy Rose.

[It was odd to think, that the girl Sonic had taken such great pains to distance himself from... had ended up being the closest to his heart after all.]

It was truly uncanny and unusual, that both of them had gone through such a similar experience. Now, Sonic didn't believe in fate or destiny... but he still found himself thinking it was an awful big coincidence. Though it wasn't like it was exactly the same - Sonic had fallen for Blaze really quick and was dumped just as fast, while Amy's love was more slow and time tested.

Ah, but whatever. Sonic didn't care why it had happened... but he just found himself suddenly enveloped in thoughts of Amy. He'd told her last night that he'd need more time to think about everything and process it, but it turned out all this thinking had gotten him nowhere. He now found himself wishing he woulda talked longer with her.

He was now intrigued with Amy. Curious. Suddenly he wanted to know more about her. Who was this girl who had stalked - okay, followed - him everywhere? What made this girl tick? What fueled her?

The biggest question to Sonic, though, was: why had she kept on loving him over these years when he'd given her so little? That, to him, was the kicker. Sonic couldn't imagine living with a daily heartbreak for years - the past few days had been more than enough for a guy not used to being emotional.

Urgh, Blaze... How she'd rejected him... the odd twinge of a smile played at Sonic's lips as he suddenly realized something. If Blaze was treating him like he treated Amy, and their situations really were that parallel... Sonic extended the metaphor. He also knew... what it was like to be the one without any feelings. And how Blaze had acted to him...that suddenly made perfect sense. If she didn't love him, then of course she would be annoyed by his persistent actions! Just like he was with Amy all the time!

Sonic sat straight upright and his hands came to rest on his knees, but was still dumbfounded. Huh, who would've thought that girls... could actually make sense?

But back to Amy. Blaze... Blaze was in his past, choking on his dust. He wasn't going to dwell on his lost love.

Wow... it was amazing how Amy had just completely turned Sonic on his head with this whole thing. He'd spent his whole night in awe. Of Amy herself, yes, but also... himself. Through her, Sonic had come to understand himself. Amy had illuminated his own behavior for him. In fact, she'd turned him - dare he say it - head over heels.

But... not in that way. He was sure, not in that way. He didn't love Amy... he was pretty sure of that. But still... she'd thrown him for a loop and topsy turvy... just by being there for him and caring for him. It felt good to be loved, Sonic couldn't deny that.

And he felt like she at least deserved a chance now. He was certainly intrigued by the girl. Actually, he wanted to go on a date with her now, to find out more about her.

She deserves a date. She's been wanting one for forever. Haven't I kept her waiting long enough? Besides, I really do want to get to know her better.

Yeah... I know, but... why should I get her hopes up? If I really don't like her, I shouldn't let her think that I do by asking her out. I don't want to break her heart more than I already have.

You don't like her at all? What was that you felt yesterday?

Just guilt and understanding. I was just shocked. And besides, Blaze...

No, Sonic, you can't have Blaze, she's with another guy. And she never loved you. At least Amy will help you forget and provide a distraction...

But I don't want to use Amy like that. I don't want to break her heart more than I already have.

But you'd make her happy you know. And who knows, you might end up liking her after all.

... hm, wouldn' that be ironic?

Look, one date can't hurt. I'll make it perfectly clear to Amy that we're just friends, though... so it's not like I'm just using her to get over Blaze.

And with that decision, Sonic jumped off the rooftop and sped away to go pick up Amy, feeling more light and free than he had in a while.

...xxx...

She wasn't home. Normally something like this wouldn't make Sonic panic, but this time he found himself oddly worried... and disappointed. Was the girl hiding from him now? Hadn't he'd said that he'd talk with her again? Hmph. Oh well, he'd have to keep looking then. The next place he checked was Cream's house.

"Yes, Sonic, what is it?" Vanilla said as she answered the door, smiling at the famous blue hedgehog.

"Uh, is... Amy here?" he asked hopefully.

When Vanilla smiled wider at this, his muzzle warmed.

"No, her and Cream went out to get ice cream and chat earlier." The rabbit paused when she noticed Sonic look down at the ground in disappointment. "Why would you like to know?"

"Ah, it's not like that-" Sonic said and scratched his head. "I just... promised her I'd talk with her an'... yeah. That's it. Anyway, thanks Vanilla. I'll catch you later!"

Sonic then rushed off before he could say any more, leaving Vanilla with a fond, knowing smile.

Ice cream, ice cream... oh crap, I didn't ask which place, did I? Sonic thought, trying to picture in his mind all the ice cream parlors near Cream's house. They probably went to Blizzard.

He made a quick turn, hopped over a building, outran the cars speeding on the highway, and then finally came to the place where the pink hedgehog was hopefully hanging out. His jade eyes scanned the tables quickly, and as soon as he spotted Amy, his heart soared in victory and he raced over to the girl.

"Hey, Amy," Sonic said, and as soon as she looked at him with those sparkling emerald eyes his heart skipped a beat. Oh jeez... the familiar nervousness was already setting in.

"Oh, hi Sonic," the girl said, surprised to see him, though her face was glowing. Did he seek me out? Is he going to...?

Sonic swallowed the lump in his throat. "H-hey, now don't freak out on me, but... I was wondering if ya wanna, ya know..." he trailed off, biting his lip and shifting his weight nervously. Oh, why was this so hard? Asking Blaze was not this hard - don't think about her! "... talk and hang out?"

No way. Amy's eyes got huge, and her mouth formed an 'O' before she said, "A da-"

"As friends," Sonic said quickly. "As friends, cause I really wanted ta talk with ya more and.. to uh, make up for all the ones I've missed?" He gave a sheepish smile, hating how easily he blushed around this girl. Just then he realized he was practically wringing his hands, and forced them back down at his sides. Oh, why was he so nervous? It's just two friends hanging out, Sonic... it's no biggie, really.

For a moment Amy just stared at him. The girl had pictured the moment a million times... and it was finally happening. Oh, Sonic looked so perfect right then, as usual - blushing and squirming. Did that mean that he liked her now? Oh, how this girl could dream...

Amy heard a giggle that wasn't her own, and just then remembered that Cream was with her. Jeez, when Sonic had come up, everything else had faded. Amy shot her best friend a glance, but the rabbit kept beaming, obviously happy for Amy.

The pink hedgehog's eyes widened in giddiness at Cream before glancing back at her crush. "Oh Sonic, I'd love to go on a date with you..."

Sonic let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding. Oh, c'mon, did you really think Amy would reject you? Man, that would've been a bummer. "Weeell, it's not really a date, more like a friend thing, but... Anyway, so... you ready?"

"Wait, you mean now?" Amy froze, and looked down at her outfit. Why had she picked today of all days to go casual?

Sonic shrugged. "Why wait?"

Amy shot Cream another glance in apology, but the rabbit shook her head. "No, it's okay, Amy. I don't mind. Didn't you say you wanted to talk with him?"

It was the girl's turn to blush. "Yeah, I guess I did. Thanks Cream, I'll see you later, okay?" she turned back to Sonic. "Okay, now it is then."

She slid out of the booth and beamed at Sonic, trying to suppress her inner fangirl which was clawing around inside of her, begging her to start squealing and squeezing Sonic. But her brain reminded her that he'd said "as friends," and so she reeled herself in and followed him out of the parlor. The mid-day June sunshine warmed Amy as soon as she stepped outside, and the girl had to smile. She turned to Sonic, but the hedgehog was just looking at her almost dumbly.

"So, where d'ya wanna go?" he asked casually.

"Oh, it doesn't matter to me," Amy said honestly.

"Ah, okay," Sonic started walking down the bustling street, and Amy quickly fell into step beside him. "I just wanted to talk for a bit, but," he surveyed their crowded surroundings. "I don't think this is the best place to do it."

"Yeah, probably not," she giggled again, "So do you have another place in mind?"

"Actually..." Sonic looked up the sky, noticing that most of the clouds that had been up there this morning had cleared, leaving an almost unrestricted view of the baby blue sky. Though some stubborn clouds from a passing front still lingered.

He looked back at Amy and smiled, his mouth just a gentle upturned curve, but it reached his eyes this time. "I do got a place."

Amy had to gasp as Sonic suddenly scooped her into his arms and smiled down at her. "Hang on, okay?"

The girl didn't have time to respond as Sonic took off, so she just clutched tighter to him, thrilled that he was holding her and running off to take her somewhere. Oh, how often had she dreamed of this moment, right here, to be in Sonic's strong arms? Amy looked up to study his cute face, and she couldn't resist grinning and softly nuzzling into him.

Sonic shook his head in wonder and finally completed the last leg of the journey. He came to a gradual halt, knowing that the momentum could be unforgiving to Amy if he'd stopped too quickly. He set the pink hedgehog back on her own two feet, and then his jade eyes feasted on the clearing in the forest he'd brought them to. On the west side, a babbling brook cut through the trees, and on the east, a hill of dark gray rocks bordered the edge of the clearing. He looked back at Amy and saw her eyes gleaming in wonder.

"Wow... this place is pretty," she gushed and then looked at Sonic. "And romantic."

Sonic chuckled. "Yeah, I guess it is. Wanna sit?"

Amy nodded and slipped to her bottom, then smoothed down her dress to shyly cover her legs. Sonic came to rest a few feet from her, leaning back on his hands on top of the green grass. For a moment they sat in silence, listening to the wind, before Sonic spoke.

"You might be wondering why I brought you all the way out here, huh?"

Amy nodded, though she was watching every breath Sonic took in awe. She was fighting to keep her hopes down, but was losing horribly. Amy had to stop and pinch herself, it just now sinking in that Sonic had taken her somewhere romantic... Oh, Sonic! Once again, Amy had to reel her feelings in. She just wanted Sonic to finally return her love for him... but did he? Or did he really just want to be friends?

"Well... last night, I just..." he paused to gather his thoughts, "I kept thinking about you."

Amy blushed, not believing her ears. "Me?"

"Yeah. I kept thinking back, you know, to how I treated you and I realized... you were pretty amazing, what you put up with. I mean, honestly. I know that I could never chase Blaze like that for years."

Both hedgehogs cringed at the cat's name, and Sonic shook his head. "But you... you did. You stuck with me, no matter how I acted. That's pretty impressive, you know. But Amy... there's one thing I still can't figure out, and I wanted to ask you," Sonic said, and turned to look deeply into her glowing eyes. He had to smile when he saw how happy he was making her with this. "Why didn't you just give up on me? I mean, really. I didn't really do much to keep your hope alive, ya know. And... I'm sure that you could've found someone else who liked you..."

Amy shook her head. "I know that I could've given up... but I don't know why I didn't stop chasing you. But my feelings for you never went away; no matter what you did, I still loved you and wanted you... I guess... I guess I just kept telling myself that you were worthwhile to me. And so, I was willing to wait... because to me, you were worth everything."

Sonic had to smile, as his heart was touched by such a simple, almost childish faith. She had really thought that he was worthwhile, after all he'd done? I mean, yeah, I'm a stud, Sonic thought, but she was willing to overlook everything else? She was willing to wait for me no matter what? It was flattering to say the least.

"Even... when I was with Blaze?" He immediately regretted bringing up the topic, as it was still sore to both of them... but he wanted to know. He needed to know.

Amy looked down at her hands. "Well... that hurt," she admitted. "But... it didn't make me stop loving you. Even though I knew I should have, because you liked Blaze and not me. Ms. Vanilla told me to get over you... but she didn't understand... my feelings for you weren't going away. And, Sonic," she leaned forward, "they still haven't."

Ah, why did that make his heart melt again?

She still likes you, Sonic. Yes... she did. And as the blue hedgehog studied her incredibly green eyes, he saw something in them that he'd never seen in Blaze's: Tenderness. Caring. Affection.

Love.

And it's the type of love that doesn't depend on anything you do... she's already proven that much, man. This incredibly sweet girl is hopelessly, unconditionally head over heels in love with you.

He had to turn away. Looking into Amy's love-saturated eyes was making him dizzy.

"Wow... uh, thanks Amy. I'm flattered, really..."

Amy beamed, her own heart melted. "You're welcome, Sonic. I'll always be here if you need anything, okay?"

Yep, sweet was definitely an appropriate adjective for this girl. Was this the real Amy? he wondered. Could it be that the Amy he'd come to think he knew, the aggressive, angry, jealous girl, was not her main personality? And that it only came out when she was around him, because he was being a jerk and she cared so much for him?

Awe. That's what flooded Sonic's heart at that moment, and he turned back to the girl. How had he missed that, this whole time he'd known her? How had he been so freaking oblivious?

"Thanks, Amy... I mean that, really," Sonic said and reached over to put his hand on top of hers, stroking the top of her hand gently.

Amy blushed at his contact, and Sonic again found himself intrigued at the girl. Why was she blushing? He'd always thought that as soon as he would take her out on a date (not that this was one, or anything...), Amy would be all squealy and clingy... but now the girl was just embarrassed. It was odd. Man... he had so much to learn about this girl. And he couldn't wait to find out more.

The cobalt hedgehog suddenly stood up, and for the first time in a few days, had a genuine grin on his muzzle. "Hey, let's get out of this clearing, huh? There's still a lot of daylight left... you wanna do somethin'?"

Amy couldn't believe this. She'd spilled her heart out to Sonic... and he still wanted to spend time with her. She was thrilled. No, thrilled didn't even begin to come close to what she was feeling.

The girl was downright euphoric.

"Of course I'd do something with you, Sonic!" she almost shouted, trying not to launch herself at him. Instead she shakily approached him, ending in a gentle, warm hug. "Thank you so much..." she whispered in his ear.

Sonic accepted the embrace, though he found himself blushing heavily as he wrapped his own arms around Amy. When she let go and looked deeply into his eyes with that tender gaze, Sonic found his heart warming all over again.

"Cool. I'll let you pick, huh?"

"Okay... uh... how about..." Amy paused, her mind going through the options. She wanted Sonic to have fun with her... just in case it would be the only time she'd get to spend with him. "Twinkle Park?" she asked cautiously.

To her relief, Sonic grinned. "You bet," he said, and sped off with one giddy girl in his arms.

Sonic found himself having a blast with Amy on the resulting outing, fun that he'd never had with Blaze because Amy actually laughed and enjoyed his company. Though part of him wished that he was spending time with Blaze herself instead. But he couldn't tell himself that. He couldn't keep pining over the cat. He'd have to move on... and Amy, at least for now... was helping him bridge the gap back to his normal life of independence. Yeah, Sonic was quite sure that him and Amy would remain just friends... though a second date, really, really wouldn't hurt anything.

Would it?

...xxx... A/N ...xxx...

This chapter is overly fluffy, isn't it? Ah, crap... Fluff just comes too easily for me... Oh well. :)

It's also a bit of a filler chapter, I realize that. There's still one big thing that's going to happen in this story, but I needed to build up to that. You'll see... Thanks for reading so far!