Consider the first two sections as "flashbacks" (hence why they're written in third person and past tense); the actual chapter, technically, doesn't begin until the chapter title appears.
Also, I really should've done this disclaimer from the get-go:
Sonic the Hedgehog and all related characters and themes © SEGA, Sonic Team
The lavender cat frowned, her brow furrowed in reluctance. "Please understand. I do not mean to offend you, Amy," she began, glancing away briefly before turning to face her again, uncertainty present in her voice. "but you do act rather ... possessive of him. I can sort of understand why he would make such an effort to elude you."
Amy raised a brow at the reserved feline as her beige cheeks flushed indignantly at her comment. Before she could properly tell open her mouth, however, Cream cast the pink hedgehog a knowing look, shaking her head slowly. "No, Amy. Remember? You promised you wouldn't mad."
The pink hedgehog scoffed, folding her arms across her chest in defiance. "How can you expect me not to?" She pointed accusingly at Blaze. "She called me possessive! I mean, possessive? I mean, jeez, she's making me sound like a lunatic or—
"Your actions can be rather manic around him," Blaze murmured, taking a small sip of her tea.
"Blaze, please!" Cream exclaimed exasperatedly, turning to the fuming girl quickly. "Amy, we're not saying that Sonic doesn't like you, but..." The rabbit's hazel eyes averted from the hedgehog momentarily, focusing on the ground before looking back toward her. "but ... maybe ... maybe you should try a different way to get his attention?"
A brief silence overcame the trio. Amy bowed her head in contemplation as her hands rested tensely on her thighs. Blaze and Cream watched the silent girl intently before she finally raised her gaze to meet theirs, a thoughtful expression plastered upon her face.
"How so?" Amy questioned as she flicked the straw to her lemonade. "What do you suggest?"
The two girls exchanged hesitant looks.
"Well..." the fiery cat begun, scratching behind her ear diffidently. "Have you considered moving on?"
"What?" the pink hedgehog shouted incredulously, jumping to her feet and slamming her hands down on the table in exaggeration. "Move on? You're saying that I should give up on Sonic?"
Cream immediately grasped her hand, urging her sit down. "Please, Amy! There's no need to get angry!"
Blaze was unfazed by the girl's rage, simply looking at her. "That is not what I am implying. Just think about it: you spend most of your time and energy pursuing Sonic. Instead of focusing your energy on him, why don't you exert that effort on yourself? Try to experience your life without your constant attention on Sonic." A sheepish blush then colored the feline's white cheeks upon her final statement, as she looked away from the standing hedgehog. "At least that is what I propose..."
Cream grinned at the princess' comment, gesturing for Amy to sit down again. "That's a great idea, Blaze!" She turned to the now seated hedgehog beside her, fists clenched in excitement. "So, Amy, what do you think?"
Cupping her chin in thought, Amy frowned slightly as she turned to Blaze. "So, I'm not really moving on, am I. Just focusing more ... on myself?"
Blaze nodded.
"I see..."
Just watch me! I'll make that Sonic respect me! And by that time it'll be too late!
The young rabbit cast her friend an apprehensive look upon her idle behavior, worried about her response. "Amy...?"
Quietly, she took another drink of her beverage. "Sonic isn't the type of guy to be held down by something as heavy as love. Its no use ... trying to force him to admit feelings he may not even have..." Another pause as she took another sip. "Plus, I mean ... even if he did have any feelings for me, he would've given me some hint by now..."
Cream continued to gaze upon Amy intently, leaning forward in her chair. "What are you saying, Amy?" Blaze merely reclined back in her seat, smiling contently.
Amy cast the rabbit an ebullient, confident smile. "Blaze is right – I can't deny that care a lot for Sonic ... yet, I can't continue to live my life revolved around him. I have to ... move away from that mentality..."
"Amy..." Cream whispered softly, her expression hopeful.
The pink hedgehog winked. "I'm not giving up on Sonic, no way! But I can't continue to let him run my life anymore. From this point on, I'm gonna be more independent!"
A seemingly melancholic aura surrounded Amy Rose as she slowly walked down the crowded streets of Station Square. The pink hedgehog sighed as she stuffed her hands in her jean pockets, her wooden sandals trotting loudly against the concrete.
I haven't chased Sonic in over three days ... it's hard not to approach him when he's near...
She sighed again.
I know that he considers me as his friend ... but I know I probably annoy him with my advances. Acting the way I am – I mean, the way I was isn't going to help. I can't be so attached to him...
Exhaling another sigh, the girl's dull eyes studied the sidewalk's rough pavement as she continued her sluggish stroll. She vaguely acknowledged the crowds of chattered excitement around her, and the upbeat, joyful music of Twinkle Park blaring in her ears.
She smiled as she began to reminisce the events the landmark brought upon; namely, when her and her bird companion were being stalked by that notorious ZERO robot throughout the city. That annoying mecha had messed up her and Sonic's date to Twinkle Park! Thanks to that bag of bolts, she had to spend that whole afternoon evading it within the amusement park ... only to end up kidnapped. ... Again.
Come to think of it ... that whole adventure was rather memorable. It was her first real journey without totally relying on Sonic. She found her own way back to the Egg Carrier, defeated ZERO with her own strength, and rescued a whole family of birds all by herself! Her smile widened considerably upon that last memory.
She would never forget how proud she felt that day. Sure, saving a few birds was a small feat compared to a defeating a colossal water god and saving the world, but it was still her mission that she completed. She'd brave some danger too! Eluding and fighting that ZERO 'bot was no easy task! Not to mention traveling through all of those scary places ... like that Hot Shelter place on the Egg Carrier!
Besides...
That promise. How could I forget? I promised myself that I would become more independent two years ago after that battle. If I could show Sonic that I didn't always need him, then he would respect me more. And then I would win his heart for sure!
... I haven't really been living up to that promise.
That's gonna change, though. I will become more independent. I'll show that Sonic that he-
With a sudden thud, Amy fell back onto the sidewalk on her bottom. Gingerly caressing her backside, she shot a daunting glare at the sheepish young male who dared to interrupt her train of thought, and then to idle soccer ball beside him.
Soccer ball?
"Hey, watch where you're kicking that stupid ball!" she snapped, pointing accusingly at the black and white ball. "Who goes around kicking a ball on a busy street anyway?"
The boy's clumsy grin quickly faded into a frown upon her outburst. "Tch. Don't blame me for you bein' such a klutz." He rolled his eyes disdainfully. "Starin' dead at the ground while walkin' ... that's jus' dumb."
Amy scoffed, standing up by herself as she eyed her opponent warily. He was a male hedgehog colored a dark bluish-black with orange highlights. While his quills were very wild and tousled, they were styled in a rather awkward yet hip style, with three large bangs shrouding his energetic orange eyes. He donned a black short-sleeved shirt with the collars flared, navy blue slacks, and black sneakers. His black gloves were cut at the tips, armbands looked worn, and ... his ears were pierced too?
She continued to gaze at him. He sort of looks like—
"Hey, I admit, I am rather easy on the eyes," he smirked suggestively. "You're not too bad lookin' yourself."
The pink hedgehog's cheeks instantly flushed as she looked away embarrassedly, placing her hands on her hips in defiance. "Don't get a big head. You just look like someone I know."
A little too much...
"Uh-huh. Sure, you totally weren't checkin' me out just then." He smiled cheekily as he got to his feet, ignoring the angry protests from the irate female. "I don't think I've introduced myself." He extended a hand to her. "Name's Kano."
Amy cast him a skeptical look before reluctantly shaking his hand. "My name is Amy Rose. You can just call me Amy, though."
The soccer ball kicking dude, Kano, chuckled as he withdrew his hand back to his side. "Amy Rose, eh? That's a pretty name." He eyed her up and down, smirking. "Then again, it kinda makes sense since you're all pink like a pink rose ... or somethin'."
Amy didn't seem to catch the compliment. "What's that supposed to mean? Is there something wrong with me being pink?"
"Where'd you get that idea?" the black-clad hedgehog laughed, holding his hands up in mock defense. "All I said was that you had a pretty name."
"Sonic never said I had a pretty name..."
Kano raised a brow, confused. "Who said what now?"
A deep blush engulfed the pink female's face again as she clasped her hands to her mouth in sheer surprise. I didn't mean to say that aloud!
Amy huffed, looking crossly away from him again with a pouty expression. "Nothing."
That response only elicited laughter from the male hedgehog.
Clenching her fists at her sides in an attempt not to whip out her hammer (and cause a scene), she eyed Kano again.
Something ... wasn't right here.
Yeah, this guy seemed totally arrogant and he had a huge ego. But, he had called her cute ... well, "not bad lookin'" – same difference. And as annoying as this Kano was right now, she couldn't help but ... find him somewhat amusing. Interesting, even. What was up with that? Guys like him usually would have had a taste full of her hammer by now just for acting so cockily! But this guy...
She actually wanted to ... kind of, sort of get to know him better.
As a friend, of course. ... Right?
Nevertheless...
Amy Rose interested in a guy ... that's not Sonic the Hedgehog?
"Yo. Mobius to Amy," Kano stated, waving his hand in front of the pensive female. "Were you even listenin'?"
"Ah..." Amy muttered, blinking at the male hedgehog. She giggled awkwardly. "Ehehehe ... no."
The boy snickered at her response, idly beginning to bob his soccer ball with his foot. "I was sayin' that we should go to Twinkle Park together. I mean, I do owe you for knockin' you down and..." He took out two cyan-colored tickets from his pocket and waved them about playfully. "I have an extra ticket~"
Amy's eyes widened considerably, astonished at Kano's blatant offer. Did he really just ask — just like that? We just met! She cast him a cynical look as she pursed her lips, folding her arms across her chest. "Why the sudden date?"
He grinned, shrugging nonchalantly. "You looked like you were in a bad mood." He winked at her, a cheerful smile tugging at his lips. "'Sides, maybe we'll become friends by the end of our little adventure."
The pink hedgehog rolled her eyes, tempted to laugh at his advances. Is this guy for real? We just met and he already wants to take me out on a date? ... Well, he didn't call it a date, but still. Sonic never offered to take me anywhere...
"C'mon, Amy," Kano laughed, nudging her in jest. "It'll be fun!"
No, no, no! I can't think about Sonic! This isn't about Sonic; this is about me! Besides, what's the worst that can happen? This could be fun!
With that final thought, Amy gave her new friend a genial smile, gesturing for him to go on.
"Alright, alright," she grinned. "Lead the way."
3. Not Yet
"I still can't believe you made all 50 goals," I giggled happily, showering my Greek salad in vinaigrette. "Seriously, that was amazing!"
Kano shrugged as he popped a chili-covered fry into his mouth. "Really? I thought that challenge was way too easy."
Yes, we were out on a small lunch date. It wasn't for any particular reason ... so don't get any ideas! We're just friends! However, spending these last two weeks with him has been quite enjoyable.
Ever since we went to Twinkle Park together, we've begun hanging out daily. Turns out Kano was a fun guy to hang around. He still had that ego of his, of course, but I could overlook it for the amount of fun we had that day. I never thought that I would go through the Mirror Room again without freaking out ...
It wasn't long before I told the whole gang about him. I even introduced him to Shadow!
... Well, I didn't tell Sonic ... but I doubt that he would care anyway. Even if he did, I doubt that he would stand still long enough to listen to me explain, the jerk!
Come to think of it, I haven't talked to Sonic much lately.
Heh heh. Imagine that.
Me, Amy Rose, willingly not speaking to Sonic the Hedgehog, my crush for like ... ever. Really, I can't believe it myself. Though, honestly, I couldn't care less right now.
Sure, while Kano isn't as outgoing and active as Sonic (I don't think anyone is as active as Sonic), he does have some qualities that Sonic doesn't. For instance, unlike Sonic, Kano listens to me out more than a couple of seconds, minutes, hours! He compliments me on my looks and has even bought me a few things. I was currently wearing the sapphire necklace he had gotten last week for me. What I appreciate the most from him is that he doesn't act as though he's forced to spend time with me ... nor do I have to coerce him to even do so. Whenever I would ask Sonic to do anything with me, he would always make up some lame excuse to deny my request...
... Ugh ...
"So, Kano," I begun, taking a quick swig from my cola. Thoughts stay away from Sonic! "I've already told you what I like to do. What about you?"
He blinked, looking somewhat surprised at my question, but chuckled anyway. "Me?" I nodded. "Well, I'm a real fanatic of soccer. Been playin' the sport since I was a kid, y'know. My goal is to make the national team."
I giggled, shaking my head lightly. "That must explain that soccer ball you had back at Twinkle Park."
He chuckled again, waving his hand about carelessly. "I guess."
We laughed together for a moment before Kano began quizzing me with elementary (albeit, random) questions like, "What was my favorite thing to do on a rainy day?" Alternatively, I asked a few random questions of my own, like "What would you do if I dyed your quills hot pink while you were sleeping?" He simply laughed at that question. Really, the whole conversation was just downright silly – but it was fun! However, I couldn't help but notice how intimately he was looking at me. His intense orange gaze hardly wavered from mine; it was sort of unnerving, but pleasant at the same time. I barely registered that he had gingerly took my hands in his.
"Amy..."
I raised my brow at his solemn tone, casting him a worried glance. "What is it, Kano?"
Kano sighed, still looking dead at me. "Amy, y'know, it's been two weeks since we first started talkin'."
I dumbly nodded, blushing at his gesture. W-Why was he acting like this? Why was he being so ... passionate, suddenly? I mean, we've hugged and held hands before, but ... never like this.
"Well, I've been thinkin'," Kano murmured as he gently caressed my hand, kissing it softly. I had to have been as red as Knuckles right now. "I don't like just bein' your 'friend' anymore, Ames."
My eyes widened in shock as my mouth hung slightly agape in astonishment. Did he – what was he ... oh my...
Kano...
"I want you to be my girl, Ames," he stated simply, giving me an endearing, almost mischievous smile. "Just say, 'yes'." He released one hand from mine, nudging my shoulder playfully. "You know you want to."
You know you want to...
My body ... my body felt numb. I was shaking ... I think. I wanted to respond, I really did, but no words would come out of my mouth. I bit my bottom lip in an attempt to keep myself from crying; the large, warm tears wavering in the corner of my eyes were becoming increasingly hard to hold back. Bowing my head bashfully, I shook my head slowly, finally allowing a few tears to fall beyond their threshold.
"Kano, I... I don't know what to say..."
He laughed at my reply before gently placing a single finger under my chin, so my tearful gaze could meet his again. "Amy...~"
Tears freely falling down my face, I couldn't stop the wide, loving smile that slowly crept onto my face.
Sonic.
This is the exact moment I've been waiting for. Ever since I've met him, I've wanted Sonic to ask me to be his girl. How long have I wished, how long have I tried ... just to get my hero to profess his love for me. And now...
What would Sonic think about - no, no, no! What am I thinking? Sonic doesn't have anything to do with this. I can love whoever I want!
We're just friends.
... Just friends...
"What do you want? Can't you tell we're in the middle of somethin'?"
The irritation in Kano's voice brought me away from my thoughts. He withdrew his remaining hand from mine, and slumped back into his seat, drumming his fingers impatiently on the table. Casting him a perplexed look, I turned to face the subject of his annoyance: the otter waiter who was serving us.
"My apologies, sir," the otter apologized, bowing graciously. "I was just wondering if you knew what happened to Mr. Hedgehog."
My brow furrowed in confusion. Mr. Hedgehog?
Kano sported a similar look of uncertainty. "Mr. Hedgehog? Who the hell is that?"
A brief expression of disbelief crossed the otter's face before faltering back into a neutral look. "Uh... Mr. Hedgehog, sir. The blue hedgehog who was seated in the booth next to yours. The kitchen has just completed his large plate of chili dogs, but he seems to have left without receiving his food..." he added with a grimace, "or paying his bill."
Chili dogs?
Blue hedgehog?
The booth right next to ours?
... Sonic?
Rolling his eyes, Kano scowled, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "Look man, we don't know who you're talkin' about. Why would we care about what some other guy was doin' anyway?" He shrugged, turning to me. "Right, Ames?"
There's no way Sonic was here! Absolutely impossible!
It was totally, completely, unbelievable that Sonic would be here, of all places, at the same time I was! With Kano!
...
Ugh, who am I kidding? Of course, he was here. Sonic is the only one who would order large plate of chili dogs. Not to mention that blue hedgehogs weren't exactly common in Station Square ... or anywhere else, for that matter.
"Uh, Ames? Amy?" Kano whistled to get my attention. "Hello...?"
"Ah!" I yelped, looking frantically between my impending boyfriend and the otter before giggling sheepishly. "Ah ... right, right! No, I'm sorry, we haven't seen the guy you're talking about."
Frowning peculiarly, our waiter exhaled a deep sigh, mumbling something under his breath before thanking us and retreating back to the restaurant's kitchen.
I could feel Kano's expectant glare bore into me as I looked down at my plate, my feet shuffling nervously under the table.
This was so bad...
Just how long was Sonic here, anyway? He had to have heard what Kano and I were talking about ... what Kano had said to me...
What I was about to say...
Wait a minute ... why would Sonic care about what we were talking about, anyway? Why should I care if he cared?
I haven't talked to him in two weeks, so why should I start caring what he thinks about what I'm doing now? Hmph!
... Well, he has stopped by my apartment a few times to check on me...
But ... but he just thought I was sick or something because I wasn't chasing him or asking him to marry me anymore!
... Still. While I don't want to my life to just be about him, I can't keep him in the dark forever. I mean ... we are still –
"Amy!" Kano exclaimed, pounding a fist onto the table. He shook his head with a smirk, snickering at my startled response. "Damn, you really are spacey today, aren't ya? I mean, you were jus–
"We need to go now."
Kano paused mid-laugh, shooting me a bewildered look. "Eh? What's up? What's wrong?"
I shook my head dismissively, already moving to get out of my seat. "Nothing," I muttered. "Let's just get out of here."
He laughed bemusedly, reaching over to grab my wrist before I could properly stand up. "Whoa, whoa! What's the sudden rush? You got somewhere you gotta be or–
"No," I stated, louder than I replied before. "It's just..." I looked down at the floor before back to him, attempting to look straight into his eyes. ... Attempting. "I just really want to go right now. Please?"
Kano continued to look at me for a moment longer before smirking again, rising from his seat. His hand gently slid down from my wrist to my hand, interlacing his fingers with mine as he effortlessly pulled me to my feet. "Whatever you say, boss," he winked as I cast him a soft grin, discarding some money for the bill and tip with his free hand. "Let's get outta here."
I do want to be independent, I really do.
I don't want my life to exclusively be about Sonic, but I can't...
Kano...
I want to be with Kano, but I can't dismiss my feelings for...
What am I saying?
Yes, I can.
I can't continue to evade Sonic, though. I... I have to talk to him.
I have to tell him.
Even if he doesn't want to listen.
Even if he doesn't care.
I'm going to speak my mind. My words are gong to get through to him one way or another.
The Amy Rose he once knew is no more.
You won't define me anymore, Sonic the Hedgehog.
Gotta admit… this chapter was a bit tricky to write. I haven't written from Amy's perspective in quite a while, so that kind of made things… meh. This chapter shares the same basis as the previous story, but I particularly wanted to delve more into Amy's own ambitions and her own promise to herself.
Also, Kano has returned. Surprise, surprise.