And here I am again! :)

Chapter 5 is finished, and ready to be read. I'm sorry it lasted that long, outside circumstances hindered my work. ^_^°

I hope it worthed waiting, and you'll enjoy the chapter.

So read, enjoy, and most importantly: review! ;)

Sonic the Hedgehog characters belong to SEGA and Archie Comics

NICKI the Lynx belongs to me and my friend, ReeceTails

-o-o-

Chapter 5: Too Easy for a First Date(?)

Princess Sonia Acorn was preparing in her room. Her excitement was undeniable, but it was no wonder. That night was the big night. It was the first opportunity for her to meet Skye Prower really privately. No official cases, no social programs, just the two of them. She was literally counting the minutes since the moment they discussed their date. Of course, she already had some similar private meetings with noble boys, but those all were organised by her grandfather. This was the very first time for her to date someone by her own decision. In addition, the future partner was interesting for her this time. At her earlier dates, she always knew what to expect, and her calculations were always right. This time though, the boy was surely keeping some surprises. So there were reasons for her being excited. She believed she was ready for the night, but choosing her wear was already a hard thing to do. She looked for the right clothes in her wardrobe for hours. It was hard to find the perfect one, which is not too showy neither too moderated. Her mother also tried to help her.
"And what are your plans for tonight?" Sally asked.
"We're going to Uncle Chucks's Dinner." answered the princess, while she was getting dressed.
"Great idea! They're keeping dancing nigh tonight, aren't they?"
"Yes. And also it's the only place we could be by ourselves without being interrupted."
"That's a good point too."
The princess stepped out of her wardrobe. She had a short-sleeved purple blouse with matching skirt that reached the middle of her tigh, and a pair of high heels sandals.
"What do you think of this? " she asked shyly.
"You look great, dear. I'm sure he'll like it too."
Sonia smiled for a bit, then looked back at her mother with serious face.
"Honestly, mom. You and dad don't have any objections about this, do you?"
"Why would we have? We're happy you two are getting along so well. Skye is a perfect gentleman. He's much more well-mannered than a lot of other boys in his age."
"Okay. I justed wanted to make sure."
NICKI appeared in the room abruptly.
"Skye Prower is here. He's waiting for you in the hall."
"Thanks, NICKI. Please, tell him that I'll be there in a second."
After she disappeared, the princess once again turned to her mother.
"Do you have any good advices before I go?"
"Just be yourself, and have a good time." said Sally with warm smile.

Skye Prower was waiting nervously in the huge hall of the Acorn Castle. As that night neared, he was more and more anxious about it. He wasn't the type who made a big deal about what to wear, but this time he did serious efforts in this issue. In final, he opted for the combination of a ligh-blue shirt with dark-blue jeans and black shoes. Since they would possibly dance at the place they were about to go, he choose a wear that would let him move easily.
Of course, the question of what to wear was a minor one. For Skye, this was the first time to have a real date with a girl. Of course, he worked together with other girls at excavations, but this was a way different situation. If anything would go wrong, or he would make something stupid, it might make it impossible for him to have a close relationship with the princess. He wanted to avoid this possibility. He asked his parents for advise but they only came with the usual reply: be himself. Good joke, he thought. Sometimes even he wasn't sure about his own personality. So just to make things absolutely sure, he asked his sister too for advise and fortunately, at least she could tell something useful. She told him to moderately picture his purposes right at the beginning, so they could avoid any possible misconceptions later. This was a good idea indeed, but he still wasn't relly sure in his intentions. It seemed like Melody knew something however, so taking her advise, he arrived with a small boquet. Since he didn't know what her favourite flowers were, but at least he was certain in her favourite color, he brought purple gladioluses. He just could hope she would like them.
Not long ago, NICKI offered him to have a seat until Sonia would arrive, but he simply couldn't sit still. So he was walking around the hall instead, looking at the different paintings, sculptures, and the big fountain placed in the middle of the room. There was dead silence in there, until a creaking noise broke it. Skye turned to the way of the sound, and saw the late king Maximillian Acorn as he was heading his way in his wheel-chair. The boy knew he was looking ahead of an unpleasant conversation, but did his best to be polite.
"Good evening, Your Majesty!" he greeted him officially.
"Mr. Prower." he returned the greeting in the same monotone voice he used at their first meet. "May I ask what are you doing here?"
"I'm waiting for the princess, sir." came the nervous reply.
"You mean Sonia? What business you have with my grandchild?"
Cold shivers were running through Skye by the nearly looming voice of the old man. He wished he could find out a good covering story, but the bouquet of flowers would surely make it hard to deny the truth.
"Well, sir... I would like to... take her... on a date." he told with lower and lower voice.
Hearing the answer, the late king's face didn't change at all, but his originally killing eyes couldn't be any tougher though. He went past the boy, to the fountain. They stood back-to-back when he spoke up again.
"Mr. Prower. If I'm correct, you plan to create a military group. I hope you don't intend to follow your grandfather's track."
Skye didn't reply, just turned around and looked at the old man with questioning eyes. After a bit of silence, Maximillian went on.
"Amadeus was a big hero in his young age, and we all respected him for his feats. He was a real soldier and leader. It was a deep shock, when he basely betrayed the Kingdom. I'm sure you understand why I'm not relaxed by your project. And I'm not happy at all by the thought of you trying to get near my grandchild."
Skye could easily find ways to reply elaborately to those words. However, it wouldn't be fortunate to forget who he was facing at that moment. So he gulped back down what he really wanted to say, and replied soberly.
"Dear Sir. Similarly to you, I also have my personal opinion about my grandfather's past actions. My intention is protecting my homeworld and not turning against it. And as for the princess, I don't have any doubtful thoughts in mind about her, I can assure you about that."
"I believe you. But still, I'll be keeping my eyes on you closely. Don't expect me to watch your doings without stepping up against them, if needed."
The two men looked at each other for long. Their relationship surely didn't have any good in store for them. This wasn't a good start of the night, thought Skye. The tense moment was interrupted by knocking sounds of steps.

Sonia arrived to the hall in a hurry. She heard the voices of two men speaking in the distance. Judging the temper of the voices, it couldn't be a light conversation. Stepping into the room, she saw her grandfather and Skye looking at each other face-to-face. She wasn't happy to see this sight. The tension between them could be felt clearly. She decided to light up the situation somehow.
"I'm sorry for making you wait." she said after jumping between them with light smile on her face. Then she stepped to her grandfather, and placed a peck on his face. "Thank you for giving company to Skye until I arrived. I'll take over from now on."
Maximillian didn't say a word, only nodded and left them silently. After that, she turned back to her date with apologizing eyes.
"I'm really sorry for this. I hope he didn't say anything rude to you."
"Don't worry. Real gentleman don't do such things." he answered bitterly, then shooked himself up and continued with a smile. "You're really beautiful by the way. I hope you accept these from me." he handed the flowers to her with lightly shaking hands.
"Oh, thank you very much!" she took the bouquet happily and took a deep smell at them. "This is really kind of you, but it wouldn't be necessary at all. NICKI will ask someone to put them into a vase. Shall we go?"
"Of course."
The young ones started into the night. They didn't have an idea about Maximillian was watching them from the other end of the hall.

Chuck's Dinner was really alive that night. It was almost full of guests. Most of them was having their dinner or a drink, while others were dancing lively on the dancefloor. Skye and Sonia were sitting at a table and they nearly finished their meal. They were chatting lightly during it.
"And this is how I found that telescope I gave to you as a gift." the boy finished his story.
"It's amazing how many beatuiful place you've been to. You had a really adventurous life in Downunda" she said in awe.
"As I see your life is also very lively, princess. During the ball, I was amazed by your patience for talking with so many of guests. I could never bear that so easily."
"Communication is very important in my post. I've been learning it since my childhood."
"Did your studies include how to bear the drooling beaus?" joked Skye, making the girl chuckling lightly.
"It's all about practicing. My grandfather frequently organise, how to say, private meetings with noble boys. So I had to get used to them."
"It couldn't be easy." he said, then grinned at the girl playfully. "I would likely bet you've never had a really lively dance with them." he stood up from the table and gave his hand to the princess.
"Only because they couldn't keep up with me." she replied with similar grin and accepted the boy's hand.
"I gladly accept the challenge."
The youngs headed to the way of the dancefloor, while laughing merrily.

The mood was becoming more and more lively as more and more dancers joined in. Skye and Sonia were dancing enthusiastically to the vivid music performed by the band. The princess was surprised by some movements performed by Skye. Sometimes he spinned her around so much she couldn't even know for a moment where she was. But what really amazed her was his stamina. While she was getting tired already, he seemingly was tireless. But after seeing him foot-racing against her brother at her birthday party, she shouldn't be surprised that much however. She began to feel more and more exhausted, and didn't know how long she could keep up. It seemed like the band's schedule was going for her sake.
"Okay boys and girls! Let's cool down a bit with some slower tunes." said the singer, and the band began to play a slow music.
Most of the dancers picked up the new rhythm, while others left the dancefloor. Skye didn't know instantly what to do. He really wanted to continue dancing, since he really enjoyed it. But he was afraid it would be too direct, after seeing how close some of the pairs were moving to each other. He turned to his partner who looked back at him questioningly. There was no sign of hesitation in her eyes, she obviously wanted to go on. He didn't made her wait anymore. He slowly put his right arm around the girl's slim waist, and picked her right hand into his left one. Meanwhile the princess put her free hand on the boy's shoulder-blade. By this they were hugging each other really closely, and that made Skye slightly stiffed. He tried to get a hold on himself, and slowly began to move with the young lady in his arms. He did his best to get used to the situation, while his senses were literally burning by the girl's nice scent and soft touch. He took in her every strain. She was so beautiful and so perfect. He would have to be a poet or artist to conceive his feelings.
"What are you thinking about so intensely?" Sonia asked with soft voice.
Skye just realized how much he fell into his dream world, and that made him blush.
"I just thought how amazing it is to dance with you here right now."
"I guess you're feeling lucky." she said playfully.
"I would say unworthy instead."
"What are you talking about? You're much more worthy than most of the guys grandpa appreciates."
"Thanks, you're really kind." he said blushing more deeply. "Are you sure you wouldn't have any problems for spending the night with me?"
"You don't have to worry that much about my grandfather. He always says out what he thinks, but never has hostility."
"I'm not worrying about myself. I would kust feel bad, if you would have any trouble because of me."
The princess just rolled her eyes.
"If you don't mind, I can decide of what would mean too much of a risk for me by myself. Besides..." she moved even closer to him before continuing. "I'm not afraid of risking when it is worth the effort."
Skye couldn't say a word. He was totally lost in his dancing partner's shiny blue eyes and soft smile. They were moving so closely to each other it was physically impossible. He felt his heart trhobbing in his throat. There were no need of words. He exactly knew soft feelings were in the background. Or at least he was sure in it enough, but he didn't have a doubt about the girl in his arms having the same feelings. This was unusual for him. It seemed like nothing else in the world were around them. This moment was only theirs. He felt their faces were getting closer and closer to each other. Until the very moment when a clumsy guest poured her drink on Sonia.
"Oh, I'm so sorry! Are you all right? I didn't do it on purpose, I swear!" apologized the girl.
"Don't worry about it. Things like this happen." answered the princess tactfully, though she seemingly was sorry for her dress. "I'm going to the toilet and try getting rid of this splash. Would you get a drink until then? I'm exhausted." she said to Skye.
The boy watched as his date disappeared in the crowd, then headed to the bar.

Skye was standing at the bar, waiting to be served. He was a bit glad that little fiasco interrupted them. He would had surely done something thoughtlessness, if it didn't happen. He didn't want to ruin the night by doing something awkward or disrespect. A nice cold drink would cool him down for sure. After getting his order, he headed to find a seat, but three young boys stood in his way abruptly.
"You're Skye Prower, aren't you?" asked one of them, who was definitely groggy.
"Do we know each other?" Skye asked back calmly.
"We heard you want to organise an army here. I think you shouldn't stir up this peaceful world with a nonsense thing like this." said the boy with threatening voice.
"Listen guys, I don't have time for this. I'm trying to spend an enjoyable night here. So, if you excuse me." he wanted to leave them without any more words, but they didn't let him go.
"Take our advice and give up this plan of yours instantly, pal."
Skye began to be cross with those guys, because of the style they talked to him with. He was just about to retort strongly, when a familiar voice cut in.
"Gentleman, your attitude isn't approppriate at all!" said Jacques D'Coolette to the boys strictly. "If you have any complains, you could submit it to the Council at the right time. Now please, leave my friend alone."
The members of the group were evidently surprised.
"I know this guy. He's a council member. We better not cheek with him." whispered the other boy to their leader.
"What's going on here?" cut in Sonia who just arrived back.
"The princess?!" they amazed in unison.
"Okay guys, let's get out of here. We'll be in trouble at that rate." said the leader of the group, and they left the place in a hurry.
"What was this about?" asked the girl.
"Let's say those boys tried to make voice for their complains in an unproper way." answered Jacques.
"Thanks for helping me out. I just began to reach the point when I couldn't bear them anymore." said Skye thankfully, while he gave one of the drinks to his date.
"No problem. But unfortunately, some other people have the same opinion about your plans. So try to be deliberate. I suggest this to you as your friend. And now, if you excuse me." before he left the pair he shooted one last glance at them.
Skye felt his jealousy clearly. This nice evening almost turned into a nightmare in one blow. Abruptly he felt someone was touching his arm. He looked to his side and saw Sonia as she looked back at him with worrying eyes.
"Are you all right?" she asked.
The warmth that glowed from her eased his feelings instantly.
"Of course, everything's fine. Come on, let's have a seat."
As they headed to find a seat, the princess kept her hand on the boy's arm.

Later, the pair were walking at Julayla Memorial Garden. The weather was nice and the starry sky was clear. It was getting cold however. Sonia began to feel this and she already regretted she took a single sleeveless vest with her. She hugged herself and massaged her arms to try warming herself up a bit. Then she felt as Skye placed his jacket on her shoulders. She looked at him, and he smiled back at her.
"It's quite cold tonight. I thought you might feel chilly."
"You're right. But won't you catch a cold like that?" she asked worriedly.
"Don't worry, I can bear cold. Downunda was hot in daytime, but surprisingly chilling in nighttime. So I got used to it."
The girl was touched by his attention. Skye was a real gentleman. He was much more mature than any of the boys she'd ever met. And he was even younger than them. As they kept walking, she looked at the boy who was walking beside her, while looking at the distance. She began to realize how much he didn't resemble to his father, Tails. Skye had very different and peculiar features. As if he felt her eyes on him, he looked back at her. Their eyes met, which made the girl blush and she turned her head away. His sky-blue eyes were enticing. They reflected tenderness and definiteness at the same time. From the corner of her eye she saw his bare arm. She simply couldn't bear the thought of him walking around like that in this cold. Without thinking on it at all, she wreathed her slim arms around his muscular one and huddled up against him closely. She felt his muscles streching for a moment, but he didn't resisted. So they were just walking along closely to each other, in peaceful silence, enjoying each others nearness. Finally they reached their destination.
"The Lake of Rings. It's much more beautiful than how I remembered it." Skye said.
"Do you remember how many times we came here with the others when we were kids?" the princess asked sentimentally.
"Yeah. It was really long ago. We've grown up since then."
"At least most of us for sure." said said with a laugh. "Sometimes I miss the ease of childhood. You always want to grow up as a kid, and when it comes true you would likely going back to your younger years." while saying that, she somehow hugged the boy's arm more tightly.
"I think every ages have their own beauty. And there's no need to give up your childhood permanently anyway." he looked at the girl before he continued quietly. "Besides, I'm really having a good time in the present. Why would I want to pass that?"
They looked into each others eyes for long. Sonia felt they're looking forward a special relationship. They understood each other so well. She'd never had such a good time with any of the boys she met before. She realized their faces were closing to each other. As they neared more and more, they both closed their eyes, and prepared for whatever was coming up. Then finally... A melody sounded, interrupting the moment abruptly. They looked at each other perplexedly for a moment. Only a really short distance was left between them.
"It's your communicator, I guess." said Skye finally.
The princess stepped back and got out the sounding device from her pocket to receive the call.
"Yes? ... Yeah, why? ... I'm fully aware of that, you know!" she seemingly was more and more frustrated as she talked. "All right, I'm going home soon. Bye." she put away the device angrily.
She then turned back to Skye and looked at him apologetically.
"I'm sorry. NICKI just reminded me about an important meeting I'll have to participate at tomorrow. I didn't forget about it, but she thinks I should go back home for now."
"Well, I programmed her to manage your schedule after all. That means she does her job as she supposed to." he said honestly, but he was disappointed for sure. Then he offered his hand to her, and said playfully. "Would you allow me to escort you home, M'Lady?"
Sonia chuckled softly, and took the boy's hand.
"It would be my pleaseure, dear sir. You're a real gentleman."
The pair walked away from the lake hand in hand, laughing lightly.

A short time later the two youngs arrived to the entrance of the Acorn Castle. They stopped in front of the door and turned to each other, while still holding hands. Skye wanted to use the rest of his time to admire Sonia's warm smile and shining eyes.
"Thank you for the night, Skye. I had a wonderful time." said the princess finally.
The boy came back to reality. He did his best to keep his balance up.
"Yeah, I also enjoyed myself very much." he said while scratching the back of his head. "I would be really happy, if we could repeat it someday later."
"Absolutely. I would like to spend more time with you." she replied softly, while stepped closer to him.
They were lost in each others eyes once again. This time, they both knew what would come next. As the distance between their faces lessened, they closed their eyes and were totally ready for it. And finally...
*COUGH* someone with a well known voice cleared her throat.
Skye and Sonia both stepped back abruptly by the sudden sound, and looked at the owner of it, who came from nowhere.
"I'm sorry for interrupting. I'm glad you're back, Sonia. You should go to sleep immediately. You'll need all your energy for the meeting tomorrow." told NICKI officially.
"Once again, thank you for reminding me, NICKI." replied the princess a bit angrily. "I'm coming in a moment."
"All right." replied the lynx, who continued standing in her place.
Sonia looked at her for a few moments.
"Would you please, leave us alone until then?" she finally asked irritably.
"Oh, of course." replied NICKI monotously, then disappeared.
"Somehow today she's more bustling than usually."
"She's just doing her job. I guess that meeting is going to be very important." reacted Skye, who was also frustrated inside by the interruption of their moment.
"Well, it's not that big of a deal. She's carrying this too far for some reason."
"Don't worry about it. But I think you would better get in, before she begins missing you again."
They both laughed a bit.
"Maybe you're right." she said smilingly, then looked into the boy's eyes. "I think this is good night then."
"Yeah. Good night to you too." answered Skye, who was really sorry for the night had already ended.
As like she didn't want to risk being interrupted again, Sonia stepped to him quickly and in an instant she pushed her lips onto his. Skye was taken aback by the sudden move of her, but he returned the small kiss. It lasted only a few seconds, but he felt every one of those seconds would remain in his memories forever. After the kiss ended, the princess didn't say a word, but went to the door and entered the castle with wide grin on her face. There were no needs for words anyway. Whatever problems tried to ruin this evening, the ending of it was absolutely perfect. Skye's grin was ridiculously huge, as he started his way back to his home. He knew he got to know someone really special, though he never really looked for anyone in particular. This reminded him for the excavations, where he never looked for anything in particular, but always found something precious. He was about to experience this pleasure in a way different segment of his life.

Sonia was heading to her room. There was no way to make her smile disappear from her face. She would more likely took her way to her room jiggling through the hallway. Her heart was so full of happiness. She never thought before she would ever meet a guy so special as Skye. He gave so much more alone than all the other boys together she'd ever met. And she'd never had such a great time before. Though there were some unpleasant situations, those only let them getting more closer to each other. She could hardly wait to tell all the story to her mother. It was a shame she wouldn't have time for it that night. To her surprise, she saw her grandfather coming to her way, despite the late hour.
"Grandpa! What are you doing here this late?" she asked wonderingly.
"I could ask you the same thing, dear girl. Don't you think it's quite late now?" replied Maximillian with stern look.
"Oh, come on! You know well where I was and with who."
"That's my real problem. Sonia, I don't think it's acceptable from you to meet this Prower boy."
The girl began to get angry for him talking about Skye this scornfully. Of course, she kept herself cool all the way.
"Listen, grandfather. I don't really know what is your problem with Skye, but he's a great man. You really don't have reason to worry about him."
"My problem about him is that he reminds me of her grandfather way too much. Believe me, this boy will cause trouble."
Sonia thinked for a moment. This made it clear for her why she thought Skye didn't resemble to his father. She'd never known Amadeus Prower personally, but saw pictures of him and knew all the stories about him of course. However, everything her grandfather thought about the boy were nonsense.
"Maybe you're right about the similarity of their outside features. But you're mistaken in everything else. Skye is an honest, right-thinking, and very polite boy." she said strictly, then continued with softer tone. "I like him, and I really want getting to know him better. So please, don't keep me from this."
The girl's honesty softened the old man's heart a bit.
"You are a grown-up woman, Sonia. I couldn't tell you what you should or shouldn't do anymore. However, I'll have a close eye on that boy. And if I see the smallest glimpse of him planning something wrong, I'll make him sit up immediately!" he finished his sentence theatrically.
The girl smiled by that.
"I guess I'll have to accept that. Thanks, grandpa." she stepped to the late king, and placed a peck on his cheek. "I'm going to bed now. I'll have a lot of work tomorrow. Good night."
"Sleep well, my dear."
As Sonia left him to continue her way to her room, Maximilliam's face once again became sullen. He made up his mind of stepping up against the Prower boy as soon as he'll have opportunity for it, and he'll made his grandchild's mind change about him. He knew it was only a matter of time. All he had to do was being aware.

-o-o-

So that was Chapter 5.

Though I had a hard time with my English (somehow right words hardly cam to my mind), I think the result is quite cute. ^_^
Please, share your opinion with me, I would be more than happy to read them. :)

I promise I'll try being quicker with the next chapter.