Okay, last chap. I know it's short, sorry. I just figure there isn't much else I can put in here. For this story anyway. Mwahahahaha! *cough* *hack* *wheeze* Uncharacteristic evil laughter, killing throat... Enjoy.

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A few weeks later, Rouge went to court to testify against her father for the child abuse charge, and as a witness to his confessions. He was sentenced to life in jail, no chance of parole. Knuckles had of course gone with her.

After they left the courthouse, Rouge laughed. "You know," she said. "After all my years of thieving, I never thought I would willingly go to a courthouse. And the fact that I helped put someone else in jail, well that's even more ironic."

"Ironic, sure. But not impossible. People can change, Rouge, and you did a great job there." Knuckles pulled her close as they walked aimlessly down the street.

She smiled. "You were a big help in making me change. If I hadn't met you, there's no telling where I'd be now."

"You're a smart girl Rouge, you would have gotten it right sooner or later."

"You think?"

"Of course. Now why don't we go home and have some family time?"

She laughed again and snuggled against him. "Sounds good to me."

They were silent for a few moments as they walked in the direction of the island, Knuckles still holding Rouge in his arms. Finally, the echidna spoke up.

"Rouge?"

"Hm?" She didn't even look up at him, not wanting to move her head from the warmth of his shoulder.

"I was wondering… Why didn't you tell me about the cigarette burn before?"

"Oh." She was quiet for a few seconds before continuing. "Well, I've never told anyone about it. Mom and I were the only ones who knew. I didn't want anyone to know, that's why I always wear such long gloves. It's not something I'd like to draw attention to. As for why I didn't tell you, I guess I just didn't think it was all that important."

"Well, it's important to me. I want to know everything about you Rouge, no secrets. I care about you a lot, and I don't want anything to happen to you because I didn't know enough about you to prevent it."

She stopped and looked him in the eyes. "Knuckles." She wasn't sure what else to say. "Why do you care about me so much?" She didn't mean it offensively. She really didn't understand. "You're so sweet, and loving, and I don't understand what I did to deserve someone so amazing."

He laughed. "You know, I keep wondering the exact same thing." He placed a hand gently on her cheek. " I love you Rouge. I don't know why or how it happened, but somewhere along the way, I fell madly, head-over-heels in love with you. Everything about you makes me happy, and I just want to keep you safe. We care about each other unconditionally, and we make each other happy. Why should we question something so perfect?"

Rouge almost cried. She'd always felt like nothing ever went right in her life, and now she had the perfect guy, who cared about her truly and deeply. It was like the universe had finally decide to give her break after kicking her around for so long. She did the only thing she could think of: She leaped at Knuckles and pulled him into a deep kiss. The people walking past them in the street stared or grinned, but the two lovers didn't care.

They broke apart a few moments later. Rouge kept her arms wrapped around Knuckles' neck while he had his hands at her hips. "You're amazing." She said, their foreheads touching. "Absolutely, intoxicatingly amazing."

"Gee, thanks." It was all Knuckles could manage. He was blushing bright red.

Rouge laughed and rubbed his nose with hers. "Let's go home Knucklehead."

"Whatever you want, cutey."

And with that they walked off toward Angel Island together, hand-in-hand.

End.

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Yay, fluffiness! Did you like? Should I write a third story in this series?

Slick:YES! DO EEEEEEEEEET!

Shove it you! Anywho let me know with a review. I really feel like I should write a third. But only if you guys want me to. If I did it would probably focus on Knuckles' newfound need to protect Rouge.

Slick: Aw man, that means he'll kick the crap out of me again.

Yes, yes it does. Anyway, review so I know. I'm gonna go to bed now. Then I should probably finally work on my old Sonamy fic. I love those two, but Knuckles and Rouge seem to ispire me more.-------- OMG mom says I don't have to go to bed yet! I can write more! Squeeeeeeee! *Dashes off*

Slick:..... Tell her to write more so I can be evil again. *Blink* Do eeeeeet. *walks away*