IMPORTANT: The following chapter is predominantly made up of flashbacks - there are 11 of the freaking things! - but they finally give some answers as to what has been going on, so, yay! They are in chronological order, and I hope that the timeline is relatively easy to follow, however, the flashbacks, which have already appeared in this story, also fit in along the way. So:

'At Knothole School, Fiona makes fun of Mina, and Sonic finds out that she likes him' - this takes place between Flashback I and Flashback II

'Sonic sits with Sally, at lunch, on his first day' - this takes place between Flashback IV and Flashback V

'Sonic and Sally kiss' - this takes place between Flashback VIII and Flashback IX

Hope that clears a few things up! ^_^ Also, this chapter incorporates some elements of the Archie Sonic Comic, issue 172 - Truth of the Heart! Yep. That one.

Cookies and party poppers and hugs and everything under the sun to: FireWitch25, The High School Hero, Oceanic Coral, PoeticLover1996, Emeraldalex123, SonAmy Otaku, Steve993, SonadowStories, shadamy1fan, TrueSonicBlue22, Mimi Good, ToxicWolf1132, AndroidKittens, I.B, Misa Momments, Eli Swafford, a-mvrie, Flaming sonic, Guest and Guest! Thank you so much, you guys! Again, Signed-In reviews have been replied to, via PM, and Guest reviews will be replied to, on here - because the "Replies" section is getting far too long, and I am absolutely loving that! Can we make it even longer? ;D

Guest Replies!

ToxicWolf1132 - The inception noise got me x'D That would be one twist that no one would see coming! It would be an awesome alternate ending! :D Ah, no problem! I don't update for months, so we're balanced ;D I definitely consider it a compliment - thank you! And I hope you enjoy the chapter! ^.^

I.B - Heh heh...a few months again!...yay xD Ahh, I'm really glad that people are liking the Shadally turn! It's definitely an interesting turn for my writing, as I have never paired them together before! Thank the amazing PoeticLover1996 and jazzybizzle for the encouragement and inspiration! :D And check out their stuff! It's incredible! Yes, Tails was my absolute favourite in that last chapter xD He's such a little match maker! Perhaps I'll have to do some match making for him ;) Thank you! At the time of reading your review, I was like, "yeah, I'm pretty good, everything's cool, yeah" and now in the last two weeks it's been BAM, everything's different and new and I'm trying to get used to it xD I'm adapting, though, and Fanfiction is helping me through it! So expect some things to be released...in a few months time though, 'cause tradition XD How are you doing? I hope you're well! :D

Eli Swafford - Thank you so much! :D Ah, it may seem like I'll never update, but I will, I promise! ^.^ So don't give up on it, please, haha! ;D Thank you! I hope you like this one too!

a-mvrie - Ahhh, thank you very much! I'm very glad that you're hooked - read it in a whole day? Wow, thank you! - and want to find out what happens next! :D I love it when people hate the cliffhangers, but I'm not cruel, I swear! XD This chapter will finally give people some answers, and I hope that everything kind of falls into place! :D

Guest - Haha, aw, I'm sorry! I'm so mean with cliffhangers, I don't think I've ever really ended a chapter in STIL, without a cliffhanger! xD But I have finally brought some answers! There are answers surrounding everyone: Amy, Sonic, Fiona, Tails and Sally! Answers galore! :D Thank you, and I really hope you enjoy the next chapter! :3

Guest - The chapter is finally here! :D And it's roughly 16,430 words to compensate for my delay! Yep! Word told me so itself! :D

Previously, in So, this is love?

I caught a glimpse of blue quills and darted forward, hoping to find Sonic and get the hell out of here.

I did find Sonic.

And someone else.

Pressed up against the wall. Her hands on his hips. Gazing, at each other. I must have gasped.

Because they were now looking at me.

Sonic brushed her away, and Fiona smirked, wiping at her eyes, before she melted away into the shadows, while we were distracted.

Chapter 26 - Pure Poison

(...Amy's P.O.V...)

"Amy..."

He reached out for my hand, but I snapped it back and breathed in. Wounded, Sonic confined himself to standing still and looking broken. I suddenly couldn't breathe, and pressed a shaky, yet firm, hand upon my chest. Fiona was gone; shrouded in shadows, she'd snuck out of a door. Good riddance, my jealousy snapped. I reeled in my anger, feeling conflicted and hurt.

"Please," Sonic's stillness had passed, and he began to pace, agitated, "Please listen to me–!"

"I'm tired of listening! I'm tired of hearing excuses, and explanations, that mean nothing the moment we walk away from each other!" My voice cracked, and I realized that I'd been trying to keep it hushed.

He must have taken that as a slight hint, as he stepped forward, edging closer, "I know. I don't enjoy doing this, Amy. It hurts me too–!"

"Doing what?! I don't even know what this is!" I'd meant to describe his secrecy, but instead, my hand gestured to our forms, and this was now about us, "I don't know a single thing, I'm very aware of that! You say you'll explain, and instead I find–!"

"You find nothing! Nothing is going on!"

"It's not fair, Sonic. You're just leading me on. Do I mean nothing to you, anymore? You can't even just let it go? Is your ego that inflated?"

"You know it's not, and you know that I'd never dream of doing that to you–!"

"Your actions suggest otherwise!"

"What actions, Amy? What actions? In the moment you saw us, what suggested that I was getting off with her?!"

I winced at his vulgarity, "The intimate proximity, perhaps?"

"We were once friends; there's history between us, and she was upset–!"

"Upset?! My God, you have no shame, do you?!"

He was suddenly clawing at his quills, in frustration, "She takes things and twists them! Innocent things! Innocent intentions!"

And then I opened my eyes. Truly opened them, looking past my blinding jealous and sense of betrayal, looking forward and seeing Sonic. Suddenly seeing his torment, his pain, his anguish. His sense of betrayal. I was not the one hurting here – Sonic's pain had been rooted before he'd even kissed me, before he'd even laid eyes on me.

I approached, a mixture of nerves and confidence. His back was arched, slumped against the wall for support, at a loss for words. A broken shell of his joyous features. It was cruel to see him without a smile. My throat swelled, "Come here," I whispered, softly.

He waded towards me, stuck, with his face hanging low. I couldn't tell if he was crying; his embarrassment hid it from me, so I assumed that he might've been. Unable to wait, I closed the gap between us and wound my arms around his neck, guiding his head to my shoulder. He buried his face in the warmth and I felt him release a pained shudder.

My hands moved in comforting circles across his shoulder blades, with my chin perched upon his own, right shoulder. The napes of our necks were touching, and I couldn't decide if we were cold or warm.

"I'm sorry..." I heard him mumble into my top.

Riskily, I moved my hand up and stroked the back of his neck, "Don't be,"

We remained like that for some time. Holding onto each other, keeping the other upright. Everything felt so right, standing there, in that moment – this library was our haven, where time had stopped, and the problems seemed distant. We could focus solely on each other, and that was all we needed.

He pulled back, clearing his throat and hastily wiping away any emotional evidence. Renewed, he looked more like the Sonic that I was accustomed to. He mulled over his words, looking troubled, "...I...I didn't mean to go off the handle, like that. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry,"

"It's fine, I promise. It's better that you let your emotions out, instead of having them build up and explode," I suddenly hated the tone of my voice, as if I were talking down to him, and worried that it came across as pretentious, "S-sorry, I just meant, well, you can talk to me. About anything. If you want to, that is,"

"I know. And I appreciate it, Amy, I really do. You're always there for me..." Sonic stared down at his shoes, heaving out a sigh, before saying, "Listen. We really do need to talk. I want to come clean. About everything. Do you...can we do it now?"

I responded by walking away from him, turning my back against one of the walls, and sat on the ground. He approached, gingerly, and sat next to me, as I got comfortable. I looked at him and said, "I've got all night,"

(...Sonic's POV...)

I

(XX/XX/XXXX)

-Hello, Hello-

It didn't take much to draw my attention away from the lesson at hand. I wasn't incredibly enraptured by History class - although, it was one of my better subjects, and there were moments where it captured my interest – and my patience was wavering. That particular classroom had a habit of holding unbearable heat, and I didn't do well in stuffy lessons. My face was cupped in my hands, as I breathed in stale air.

And yet, one row in front of me and two seats to the right, was something cooler and far more interesting. Auburn hair was shaken about her shoulders, as she brushed it away from her face. I admired her slender body, as she lifted her arms up to ruffle and mess with her locks. Her head was angled, and blue eyes flickered in my direction: I quickly pretended to look out of the window, with haste.

Phew, I thought, breathing out a little sigh, before allowing my eyes to return. Heat rushed to my cheeks, when our gazes met, as her eyes hadn't left my face. Oh crap crap crap. Should I acknowledge her or pretend to be day-dreaming or make notes or...?

She smiled. Innocently. Dangerously. I'd barely spoken to her; I didn't really know her, all too well, and hadn't decided whether that smile was good or bad. It was a mixture of warmth and pride. Her eyes sparkled, and I hoped that the smile was good. I winked back, immediately cursing myself, and knew that I had abandoned all attempts to be cool. Dammit.

Fiona Fox adjusted the lemon bow in her hair, wearing a decidedly-cocky smirk on her lips (it wasn't all too dissimilar to my own). She turned back to the front and I felt intrigued. Knowing second to nothing about her, weirdly, made it more exciting. How had I not known about her, until now? I didn't think she was new. Was she new? She must have been. It was impossible not to notice her...

The bell rang, and I leapt out of my seat. The people next to me wore bemused expressions, but shook it off and calmly packed their books into their bags. I dumped the textbook inside my own bag, a little unruly, and swung it onto my shoulder, already planning the route to my next class. With a slight wave to someone I vaguely knew, my feet carried me towards the door, until there was a pat on my shoulder.

I turned and stepped out of the way, for people to pass, as my eyes widened at piercing, blue eyes. Fiona didn't say anything, instead waiting for me to speak, so I played along, "U-uh...h-hey, Fiona?"

"Sonic. Hi," She purred, already making pleasurable shivers crawl up my spine, "How are you?"

"Me? I'm good, thanks! W-what about you?" Since when had I developed a stutter?

"All the better for seeing you," Fiona's voice was low, and my heart rate shot up, when I realized that she was flirting with me. She knew exactly what she was doing, and I didn't mind becoming entangled in her seduction, if I was the focus of her affections. My self-control had turned to mush.

"R-really?" My crush on her was as clear as glass.

"But of course. I can always count on you, to brighten up my day,"

Thankfully, my confidence decided to make a come-back, "Well, it's what I'm here for!"

She laughed at that, and put a hand on my arm. Electricity shuddered to life, "Good to know. Listen, I was wondering...perhaps, you would like to hang out, sometime? It's a shame that we haven't gotten to know each other – I wouldn't want to miss out on anything,"

Was she kidding me, right now? "Me neither!"

"Great," The word rolled off her tongue, with desirable ease, "I'll see you at lunch, handsome,"

I blinked and then she'd moved away, clacking as she went, with ruby-red heels strapped across smooth skin. She pulled the door open, allowing me to check her out, as she sashayed past. She walked with a poise that told guys to look at her. And I obliged. Happily.

II

(XX/XX/XXXX)

-That Vixen-

It took 8 months for my brain to register suspicion. Whatever spell had been cast upon me, it was powerful. More powerful than anything that I could compete with. A poison had taken hold of my heart and only now had I wondered if something was up.

Wrapped up in a dreamy state of bliss, I had nearly fainted when Fiona kissed me. Eventually taking the hint, I asked her out, and reveled in calling this beautiful creature my girlfriend. Adoration cleared from my eyes, and I began to know her, on a personal level. She was always rather chaste with deeper discussion, preferring to silence my questions with kisses, but I convinced myself that she was opening up to me, little by little.

Fiona was always shrouded in mystery – I didn't pretend to claim that I knew everything about her. We both knew that I knew nothing – I knew what she chose to tell me. Her mystery and aloofness was something that I loved – it was attractive – but I was increasingly doubtful that it could work, in a long term relationship.

Then she started to disappear.

Not for long – she would be back, in a few classes time – but I never really knew where she went. I didn't quite notice at first, but jealous guys would ask me, out of spite, where she was. I would have to admit that I had no idea.

After a while, I tried to ask her. At first, she'd satisfy me with excuses, but eventually brushed off my concerns and told me not to worry. But I did worry. And so, feeling out of my depth, I turned to my older sister with my worries.

Sonia made her opinion quite clear: she did not like Fiona. I'd introduced the fox to my siblings, with mixed results. Manic, as always, supported me and only joked that she was "way out of your league, bro, how'd ya do it?" Sonia was not so easily impressed – the two of them clashed, badly, what with Fiona's confidence. Sonia tried to deter me, saying that she was worried, for her little brother. I didn't listen.

When I told her about Fiona's absences, she pursed her lips, "You have no idea? None at all, about what she's up to? Look at me, Sonic...do you trust her? Completely? When she's not with you?"

I felt duty-bound to defend her, but in all honesty, no, I didn't. Not really. I didn't know enough about her, even after 8 months, to utterly trust her. I wanted to, I really did, but I just couldn't.

"Look, I don't know, okay – but what can I do? Break up with her?" I glared at Sonia's silence, not considering that to be an option, "Sonia? Help me out here,"

She stared at me, pitifully, for a moment, before a sigh tumbled out, "Alright. But this is because I care about you, Sonic, okay? Not her,"

"Noted," But I felt torn. Sonia's dislike made me feel nervous – guilty, even.

"...try to get a hint of what's going on with her, from other people – although, it'd be better if you could get her to tell you, outright. And be subtle, okay? It won't work if you go crashing in there like Manic and announcing your plans to everyone,"

"Sis, I think I know not to copy Manic when it comes to delicate matters,"

I mused upon Sonia's plan through most of my unoccupied time. Lunchtime was an uncomfortable amount of quiet. I didn't have a set group of friends, at that point, in Knothole. I wasn't unpopular; I just didn't really settle in, anywhere. Without Fiona, I often found myself alone at a table, silently eating whatever was on the canteen menu.

One particularly ordinary day, in which the main attraction was meat pie and shifty-looking potatoes, I frowned at a huddle of misfits who lurked by the windows. They didn't really stand out, but with many empty seats in the room, it was strange.

I locked eyes with one of them; a fox, with a horribly-greased grey comb-over, and a snobbish expression. His arms were folded, and he raised an eyebrow. I swallowed down my food and felt all of their gazes fall to me.

There was only one girl. A fierce chipmunk, with cropped reddish hair that made me think of Sonia. This girl's hair was longer - and Sonia looked a darn sight nicer. Flanking the girl's sides were two males. A large walrus, with a disturbing metallic eye-cover, and curving tusks that made my spines bristle. Then, a coyote with a patch over his eye, and pretentious blond hair that I couldn't help but poke fun at.

Wondering if I should look away, before they came over and started something, I caught a familiar face in the corner of my eye: a figure clad in black combat trousers and a crop top. Auburn hair. Piercing blue eyes. Fiona.

I shoved my food tray away and prepared to leap up – but was stopped when she stormed past me, towards the suspicious group. Bereft, I was silenced. My gaze was stuck, watching as she angrily laid into them, throwing furious gestures, here and there.

They shifted, uncomfortably. But the girl was glaring daggers at Fiona. The fox was curling his lip, slyly noticing me. I frowned. How did she know them? What was she so angry about?

She'd stopped talking now. Her arms folded across her chest, as the girl responded, grudgingly. Fiona snapped something back, before storming off, without a second glance. If she'd looked back, she would have seen four shiver-inducing glares, directed at her.

I softened back into my seat, shocked. Too many questions swam around, but one was answered as a deep southern accent traveled nearby:

"...mah guess is they're not too happy with that vixen throwin' her weight 'round. Damn right. 'Wouldn't catch me pissin' off the Suppression Squad."

III

(XX/XX/XXXX)

-Wanted-

"Sooooooooonic! Bro! Get me a soda, would ya?"

"Manic! No! Get it yourself!" I yelled my reply in the direction of the stairs, knowing that he would hear. His bedroom was directly above the living room, where I was lounging on the couch. Mum hated that we shouted conversations around the house. Sonia wasn't a big fan of it, either, "And turn that freaking music down! It's too loud! And it SUCKS!"

"Don't you dare start talkin' trash about Underground! They're WAY awesome-er than you!"

"Awesome-er is not a word!"

"It is now! Get me a soda, as an apology!"

"You're such a–"

"Language!"

Deciding that the argument would take more energy than getting his drink, I heaved myself up and slumped into the kitchen. The fridge loomed from the corner of the room, with photos strewn about, across the door, held up by magnets. There was Sonia's sixth birthday party (she hated that photo); Manic with his first set of drums; me on my first day at school. There was one with all four of us, too – I couldn't remember where it had been taken, though.

I sighed, wistfully, and yanked the door open. Grabbing the first can that I could find – he wanted a soda, he didn't say which one – and shutting the fridge, I sauntered into the hallway, climbing the first couple of stairs, when the doorbell went.

Pausing, I stared at the oak front door. I considered getting Manic to answer it – he WAS older than me, after all. But he would be even more reluctant than me, and I was closer...

The latch slipped off and I pulled it open, blankly. My eyes fell onto a police uniform, with black and white clothing, and my breath hitched.

"Hello, there. Is an adult about, at all?"

I stuttered, lightly, but the police officer mercifully ignored it and listened, "U-uh, no. My older brother is upstairs, though...i-is something wrong?"

"No, no. Not at all, it's alright – I'm going door to door. I'm asking about a robbery that happened, last night. We've got a photo, from CCTV, of when the crime took place, with the culprits. I was wondering if you'd be able to have a look, and possibly recognize them...?"

"Oh! Yeah, sure, lemme have a look–" I relaxed, instantly, and took the photo from his outstretched hand. It was grainy, and unclear, but visible enough. In some darkened alley, by some back doors, there were four hunched figures in the middle. They're hands were full, possibly carrying their loot, and the longer I stared, the more familiar they became.

I particularly focused on a grey, greasy comb-over – next to cropped, bright red hair. (The Suppression Squad...?)

Stoic, I kept my face blank. I couldn't be certain, but I was increasing with grim confidence: it was them. The fox, the chipmunk, the walrus, the coyote. They were distinctive, when you knew what you were looking for. Could they really have performed this robbery? I had to say something, but I had to be certain...

"Where was this?" I asked, still staring at the photograph.

"Along the main parade, a few streets away. We're eager to catch them, obviously, but particularly because they attacked the shop owner, as they got away,"

"Is the owner okay?!"

"Yes, yes. He's...stable. But he is in hospital – these aren't quite just petty criminals. Do you see anything, at all?"

I was drawn to something else, in the picture. The main street was visible, at the end of the alley, and there were several unaware civilians, in the far background. One, in particular, was close to the alley, almost as if they were coming out of it...with a bright, lemon bow, in their hair.

I-It...i-i-it couldn't–!

"No, I don't think so, I'm afraid. Nothing springs to mind. Sorry that I can't be any help," I went to hand it back to him, hurriedly, but he shook his head.

"It's fine. You can keep that. Show your family. They might recognize something. If they do, please give us a call. Thank you for your time, Sir. Have a nice day!"

I shut the door, as the officer walked back along the street. The printed image was shaking, in my hand, and I gripped it with indecision. Had I really just done that? Lied to the police? I should have said something–!

But I didn't have any proof. I didn't know that it was her and, if it really was Fiona, well, then...

The thoughts whirled around in my mind, like a swarm of angry wasps, but were vaguely drowned out, as I creaked up the stairs. Manic's music was quieter, but it still boomed. His door was open, and I stomped in, as he sat in the corner, reading some rock band magazine.

"Here," I tossed the soda can to him, briskly. He perked up and caught it, just, a little shocked by my brevity, "There's your stupid drink,"

"Hey, wait, wha–?"

Silently, the photo crumpled in my palm, as I stormed out and into my own room. I slammed the door.

IV

(XX/XX/XXXX)

-Run For The Hills-

She was still beautiful. It hurt to admit it, but she was. I knew that I would never look at her, in the same way, ever again – but a part of me wanted to believe whatever she told me. Her stance was defensive, as if she expected me to yell, as soon as I saw her. I didn't – I tried to meet her gaze, but had to look away, because her eyes were so cold. What I'd taken as mystery and aloofness...it was actually merciless ambition.

Fiona crossed one arm and held her phone up, in the other, "I got your message. Or messages, I should say. You overloaded my inbox. Now, what's this about, Sonic?"

I kept my head low, gently swinging back and forth, on the plastic swing. She didn't say anything else, and clearly wasn't going to, so I listened to the silence. The local playground was always deserted at this time, and had lost visitors when it fell into disrepair. I'd arranged to meet Fiona here, because it was quiet, and there was no one to disturb us, and no one would see her break my heart.

Blinking, I refused to look anywhere but her shoes. Those ridiculous, gorgeous, ruby heels, which screamed Fiona's name, and the day she wore anything that wasn't six-feet off the ground, that would be the day when she was no longer Fiona Fox.

"Sonic," Her tone was impatient. She didn't move from her spot, as if she were rooted. That was alright by me – if she came closer, I didn't know what I'd do, "Quit staring at me. What's the matter with you?"

"...why, Fi?"

"Why what, Sonic? I haven't got time for this: if you've got something to say, then say it,"

I looked up, words caught in my throat, "I don't get it. I really don't – I keep thinking, did I miss something? Was it obvious, and I just didn't see it? If I'd spotted it, sooner, could I have helped you?"

"I don't know what the hell you're–"

"Fiona, they caught you on camera!" The swing flew backwards, as I leapt to my feet, "You. And the Suppression Squad. All of you, as you robbed that store! God, Fi, how did they put you up to this? Why didn't you tell–?!"

"Why didn't I tell you? Oh please, Sonic, even you're not that dense. And just to make it perfectly clear – you should give hell to whoever gave you this information, because they're wrong–"

"Don't. Don't do this. Don't lie to me,"

"I'm not lying. If you'd have waited one second, then I would have said that they were wrong, because the Suppression Squad didn't put me up to it. I put them up to it," Fiona straightened her back. I stuttered my surprise, before gawping at her, but she interrupted, "I hired them, and persuaded them to help me. Is this really a surprise to you? What, you're thinking that I can't be capable of this? Seriously? You should do your research, handsome, before you date someone – I'm not just dabbling in a bit of theft. I always run a tight ship, in my criminal activities,"

I couldn't take it in. Refused to believe that this could really be the truth. Because it couldn't be. She couldn't be like that! How could she be like that?! "W-why?!"

"Why does anyone do anything? Money and excitement," She flipped her hair over her shoulder and breathed out a sigh, "If you're going to stupidly ask, again, why I didn't tell you – I didn't tell you, because you didn't need to know. This has nothing to do with you. That is not your purpose,"

"M-my purpose?! What the fuck is my purpose, Fiona?!"

"You make it sound far worse than it is. Look, okay, before I met you, I was thinking about finding someone to be a decoy boyfriend. The Police were sniffing on my trail, and if I could throw them off by having as many people back me up as possible, well...you get the idea. It was just fate that I met you, afterwards. Yes, I was going to tell you what I really wanted, but you're not my type, Sonic, and that's the problem. You're too good, too wholesome, and if you were too good just as a boyfriend, then, well...I certainly couldn't tell you about my hobbies, now, could I?"

I turned from her, my hands raking through my quills. I'd been so ready to believe any lie that she told me, even if deep, deep down, I knew what she was really like. But she wouldn't even do that for me, "Y-you...y-you've..." I couldn't make it rest in my mind.

She sauntered towards me, so I tensed up and took a step back. Fiona raised her eyebrows, almost looking bemused, more than anything else, and sat down on the swing next to mine. After watching her cross her legs, I gingerly sat again, staring off in another direction. Fiona sighed, bored, "Look, Sonic, it wasn't anything personal,"

"I cared about you–!"

"I know, and I am sorry–" She really didn't sound it, but I didn't feel angry with her - I felt awful, as if a hole had been ripped through me, and then I felt guilty, like, somehow, I did something wrong, "–but you just need to move on. Hate to break it to you, but life is one big disappointment after another. People are gonna hurt you. You've gotta protect yourself; toughen up, and make sure they don't land a hit,"

And this was the girl that I'd fallen in love with.

Now, I felt angry, "Move on, Fi?! Just how am I meant to do that? I can't just forget about you, because every time I see you, I'll be reminded of all this and–"

"Well there's your answer. We don't see each other. Move on, literally, Sonic, and leave town. That stuck-up sister of yours will be able to help – she's finishing university, isn't she? And your brother is about to go to college. Neither of them are particularly attached here. Tell your Mum that a fresh start would be good for you all. Then, you'll be able to ignore all of this, start somewhere new. Don't look like that – haven't you always been banging on about how you hate this place? You've always wanted to move. So do it,"

"You've committed a crime, made me your accomplice, and I'm the one who's forced to leave?! How does that work?!"

"Because unless you turn me in, and throw me in jail, then you'll always think of me," Fiona smirked, though it wasn't entirely cruel, and we both knew that she'd won, "Didn't think so. Moving is the only option that I can see. Chin up, Sonic – I don't usually just let people go, like that," She was up, and walking. I stared at her shoes, glad that we were on soft grass that muffled sound, because I wouldn't have been able to face hearing the clack of those heels, as she moved away from me.

How could she just get away with all this, without any qualms or consequences? And I was the lucky one? "Oh, yeah, I'm SO lucky!"

"You are," She said in all seriousness, and left. I dug my phone out, shell shocked, and found Sonia's name on my contact list.

Back then, I was sure that I'd never see her again, and a messed-up part of me was sad.

V

(XX/XX/XXXX)

-Blue and Orange-

Apparently, my speed defied the Biological anatomy of Erinaceus albiventris (aka. hedgehog), but that didn't mean that I was able to avoid said class. Glumly, I yanked a textbook out of my locker and let it tumble into my hungry bag. I tried to ignore the lack of familiar faces and wondered who I'd be plonked next to, in this class.

At least I hadn't spent all of lunch alone, perched on some wall, outside. I liked Sally. She seemed nice – quiet, but nice – and I secretly wished that she was in more of my classes. But, I understood that she probably didn't want the new guy hovering around and cramping her style. If she approached me, I'd happily hang out with her – but in the meantime, I needed to fend for myself in this maze of corridors.

This was my first Biology lesson, here, and finding the classroom would be my first challenge. Swiftly, I dodged between the onslaught of other students, but took a wrong turn (somewhere) and stumbled into a corridor in the Maths block. It was empty – save for the huddle of people at the very far end.

My grip tightened on my bag strap. I'd learnt, the hard way, that suspicious huddles should be left alone, but were often up to no good. I saw someone pull their arm back and thrust it into the crowd. A punch. That was all the evidence I needed to make me go over there.

"Hey," I greeted, lowly. Two of the guys grunted and slunk backwards. I peered between them and frowned at the fox pressed up against the wall. He was shivering. It wasn't cold, "...what's goin' on here?"

The big wolf, who I presumed to be the leader, shoved me back and held my shoulder against the opposite wall, "Beat it, Blue Boy. You ain't seen nothin',"

My lips pressed together, as I glanced past him, and eyed up the fox. It was the kid from the canteen – the one who smiled at me, friendly – and he repressed any cries out. His fur looked disheveled, and his bag was tipped on the floor. Briefly, baby-blue eyes met my gaze, but he quickly looked away.

Roughly, the wolf shook me and brought my focus back. I punched him, in the nose. Hard.

He staggered back, giving me ample time to grab both the kid and his bag, in the less than a second, before tearing off round the corner in a single blink. I hated running from fights, but I didn't have much of a chance, in such a small area, without risking this kid, too.

We reached a quiet area, outside, close to the field – far, FAR away from them – where I was able to stop and let go. The kid blinked, still registering what had just happened. I swiped my hand across my forehead as the sun glared down at us. He shook his head, adamantly, "W-what...how did y-you...I mean, you're...not possible–!"

"Actually, the name's Sonic. Sonic the hedgehog," I bore a grin, but it shifted, "You gonna explain what was goin' on there, kid?"

His head hung low, shamefully, "...they're not exactly fond of me,"

"How come?"

"You haven't noticed?" With his chin raised, his eyes cried out in hurt and anguish, "The tails? I'm a freak...!"

I hadn't not noticed, but I hadn't really seen them, either. Beneath his hips, on his back, where a mobian fox would have had one, singular tail – this fox had two, moving up and down, alternatively, as he spoke. They drooped, when he mentioned them, pitifully.

I glanced at them, sporting a frown, before shrugging, "...so what? You've got two tails. It's cool. I've got super speed – these things make us awesome,"

"No," He managed to make me feel guilty, even whilst looking intimidated, "Not awesome when people make fun of you, and beat you up because of it. I can't stand them!"

"The kids or the tails? 'Cause there's only one right answer, there – you should be proud of what makes you different. Ever seen a blue hedgehog before?" I grinned at the shake of his head, "See? I get stared at, too. It's because everyone's different,"

"I know, and I know it's good to be different...but how do I stop them from bullying me for the next few years?! I just want to fit in, just until I can leave!" He sank to the floor, in despair, leaning against the wall, repetitively sniffing.

I wavered. I was already late to my class, in line for a serious lecture, and 5 minutes late was better than 10 - both Mum and Sonia had told me that I needed to stay in line, to not cause trouble. But the fox blew his nose, into a tissue, and I sunk down beside him. He clearly needed someone.

"Do they do this a lot, then?" I grit my teeth at his silence, and knew that the next time I saw them, I wouldn't be able to restrain myself, "Why? What is wrong with them?!"

"It's not what's wrong with them: it's what's wrong with me!" He hugged his knees to his chest and squeezed his eyes shut, "They're right. I'm a freaky nerd, with no friends. I just hang around people and get in the way. It's hardly a surprise that I get bullied,"

Somehow, I had the feeling that trying to tell him that there was nothing wrong with him, would only make things worse. Staring at him for a moment, I asked "What's your name, kid?"

He swallowed, before answering, "Miles Prower," I caught him grimace.

"What? You don't like it?"

"No. Most people call me Tails," He lifted his head up, and I smiled. The name suited him, despite his obvious namesakes. How could he not like them? Tails turned his head, lips slightly ajar, and met my gaze. My smile increased into a beam, and for a moment, he smiled back. Then he caught himself and jumped, looking away as if he'd done something wrong.

We remained silent, as he clearly didn't feel like talking, and I wasn't out to interrogate him. My left leg was bent, with my arm slung across the knee, and after a while, I couldn't help but tap my foot. Tails glanced over, curiously. I stopped.

"Sorry. Force of habit. Super speed comes with its downsides," I chuckled, sheepishly, and then opened up, when he still looked confused, "Meaning: I'm the most restless person that you'll ever meet,"

He snickered, even though it caught in his throat. Tails stared at my sneaker, despite the fact that I was making a conscious effort to keep it still, "Shouldn't you be in a class?"

"What are you, my teacher?" I nudged his elbow, to show that I was joking, "Nah. I'm good here," He looked at me, doubtfully, and I relented, "Okay, yeah, I should be in Biology, but no one has to know that. Shouldn't you be in a class, too?"

"Free period. You'll get in trouble!"

"Yeah. I know,"

"Then why aren't you at your class?"

"You think I'd just carry on walkin', after what I saw? You're upset – I'm not gonna go off and think about trees, instead!"

It still sounded weak, but he laughed, again, "Biology isn't just trees,"

"So, you're a science guy, huh?" I leant back and folded my arms, interested.

"Well..." He shrugged, sheepishly, "Sorta. Mechanics is my thing, really. I like inventing things. But science is probably my next best. Physics, Chemistry and Biology,"

"Sounds cool. You should tell me about it, sometime. I'd like to see some of your inventions. I can't promise I'll be able to understand it all, but I'll try,"

"Y-you don't have to," Tails hurriedly scrambled to his feet. I leisurely stood up, but was frowning, "It's okay. Thanks for sitting with me, Sonic, but you don't have to force yourself to hang out with me. I'll be alright," He started walking away, shoving his arms into the straps of his backpack.

"Tails,"

My hand rested on my hip, with one leg outstretched. The fox halted in his escape and slowly turned, gulping, as his hands gripped on the bag straps. I raised one eyebrow and smirked, lightly. He listened.

"Look, whatever you might say about yourself...I certainly don't believe it. By your logic, I'm a friendless loser too. No, listen, because if you say that I'm not, then you're not one, either. What I say is that we just haven't met the right people yet, at the right time. You've gotta stop thinking that you're somehow lesser than everyone else, because you're not, Tails, you're really not. You're just as good as any of these people!"

He didn't say anything, and had instead taken to staring at me, as if his whole world had been tipped upside down. I would have chuckled at him, fondly, if it hadn't been such a serious moment for us both.

I stepped forward, close to him, "You can't let them win. Sure, it'll wear down on you, sometimes, but you've just gotta fight twice as hard, next time. And you won't be doing at alone anymore, because I'll be there for you. I promise: I'll have your back, if you have mine,"

"Thank you, Sonic. I-I..." Tails shook his head in bewilderment, but was smiling and shining, "I d-don't know what to say,"

"You don't have to say anything. Tell ya what, instead, you can show me the way to Biology. Might as well get my detention now, rather than later,"

"You won't get one, don't worry," He started off towards a set of doors, gesturing at me to follow, "We'll say you got lost, and bumped into me, and I showed you the way. They'll let you off – you won't get into trouble,"

I grinned, "Thanks, pal. What would I do without cha? I'll have to keep you around,"

And his beam of a smile cemented our friendship.

VI

(XX/XX/XXXX)

-Go Team!-

The dull bzzzzzzzzzt of the scoreboard echoed around the room. I landed back on my feet, grinning, as a cheer swept across the crowd. My arms went up, in recognition to the audience, despite my heavy breathing. Sweat clung to my forehead and I removed it with a sly wipe of my hand. I sauntered backwards, watching as the basketball bounced in one spot – it continued to move, from the momentum of my slam-dunk.

I spied Tails, in the stand, and gave him a wave. He'd promised to come and support me, as soon as he'd found out that I'd been roped into playing for the team. One usual team member was down – terrible round of flu, or something – and in a last moment desperation, Coach had asked me to make up the numbers. I'd agreed, after some begging and eventual threats of detention. Thanks, Coach.

"Not bad," Someone muttered, behind me, and I whirled around. A red echidna – a hard nut – regarded me with a nod, and a brief flicker of a smirk. I met his tough, amethyst gaze.

"Not bad?!" I mimicked, laughing, incredulously, "Dude, I just got your team 3 points, within the first minute. You can thank me when we beat this other school's ass!"

"We'll see, Blue. Don't get ahead of yourself–" He paused, as our school's cheerleading team yelled out the letters of my name. I watched them, admiring, and winked in their direction. Several of them swooned, and I saw one shake her head, bemused. My eyes widened: Sally. She was on the team? "–I'm guessin' you're Sonic?"

"Heh. They seem to think that I'm 'not bad'," Our conversation was interrupted, as the ball was thrown in my direction, and I sped to catch it. We needed a strong throw, so I passed it back to the echidna. He aimed, took his shot – it sailed through the air and fell into the hoop with a satisfying thud. The crowd screamed, "...not bad yourself, Red. What do they call you, then?"

"Knuckles," He grunted, shaking my hand with tremendous force. I quickly formed a grin and patted his shoulder, "Now, try not to get too distracted by the girls,"

I pointed to myself, a little surprised, "Who, me?"

"You seem like that type,"

"Geez, thanks! I bet that's how you get all the ladies," He grinned, as I laughed, "Any idea where the other team's cheerleaders are? I get that it's hard to cheer, when your ass is gettin' beaten into the ground, but come on. You've gotta try,"

"No clue. Maybe they're–"

I flinched, when I heard the bash of the Gym doors opening, and everyone turned. The opposing team of cheerleaders streamed out, performing handsprings in time to music, that had started out of nowhere. Eventual cartwheels had them standing in a line, on the other side of the match, facing our cheerleaders. I glanced at them, pitifully: our girls were open mouthed and fuming.

The other team certainly knew how to make an entrance. Their routine looked like it had been crafted for years; everything was synchronized, down to the simple kick in their black and red uniforms. I was slightly in awe - I had moves, but nowhere near this skill - and our yellow and blue pompoms remained still.

In a domino effect, the girls backflipped and vaulted into the pose of a pyramid: three on the bottom, two in the middle and one standing at the top. The crowd screamed, and the game seemed to have been paused. I strained my neck and gawped at the girl, who held one hand at her hip and the other in the air, and was right at the very height of the structure.

"A bit overboard, to say the least," Knuckles grumbled to himself; he saw my wide-eyed stare and groaned, "Of course, YOU'D like it. C'mon now - got your eye on that one, then? Eh, I mean, you haven't got bad taste: she's a bit full of herself, though, isn't she? What am I saying, you're perfect for each other. I hope you'll be very happy with the hot fox,"

I didn't respond. The game might've restarted, I wasn't really sure - Knuckles didn't say anything else to me, after that. Shell-shocked, my stare was fixed on the cheerleader, who leapt down from the pyramid and ruffled her auburn hair. After a quick swig from a water bottle, she finally noticed me and smirked - she smirked?! - with glossy lips.

Still smirking, Fiona Fox blew a kiss at me, and my blood ran cold.

VII

(XX/XX/XXXX)

-Count on Me-

"Sonic!"

I whirled round and grinned at a breathless Sally, who pressed her hands against her thighs, as she bent down, catching her breath, "Sal! Didn't know you were so eager to see me!"

"Answer your freaking phone! I've been calling you!" She thrusted her phone into my hands, as if to prove it. I winced and offered an apology, handing it back to her, "Yeah. I was urgently trying to get hold of you! It's important!"

"Must be, if you decided to do cross-country, across the school," I snorted at her angry breath of air, "Lighten up, Sal. I'm just messin' with ya. Come on, spit it out. I ain't got all day!"

"Shut up for a moment, would you? Be serious–!" And I lessened the teasing. Sally wasn't bossy without good reason. She seemed to be chewing her words over, "...it's Fiona,"

I stiffened. She noticed, "What about her?"

"She's..."

"Sally. I can take it. What's she up to, now?"

The girl swallowed, thickly, and whilst I appreciated her attempt of stalling, I raised an eyebrow. Ruffling her hair and sucking in her breath, Sally tried to blurt it out, speedily, "She's been bad mouthing you. To Tails. Saying horrible things. He's really upset,"

Of course she had, I expected nothing less, "How bad is it?"

"He...he doesn't want to speak to you,"

"Dammit," I sucked in my bottom lip and frowned. Up until now, I'd tried to be nonchalant about Fiona's sudden presence, because there was really nothing that I could do about it, until the other school's team left. But burying my head in the sand wasn't working, and my past was still haunting me, and it was affecting the now. I refused to let her turn Tails against me. He was my best friend, my brother.

"Sonic, listen, I really think that you oughta do something," Sally leaned forward, resting a hand on my arm, but hunched slightly, as if she weren't entirely confident. I stared at her and waited, "You have to do something. She won't stop until you do. I don't know why she's doing this, and I know that you still care for–"

"I don't have feelings for her," I glowered and snatched my arm away. Screw these emotions, making me feel this way.

She receded, looking hurt, and I instantly felt guilty. Sally straightened her waistcoat, covering her upset by raising her head and clearing her throat, "Whatever you feel, Sonic, you need to ignore it. From what you've told me, and from what I've now seen, she is an expert at manipulation,"

"She's like a cat toying with a mouse. She sits still and innocently draws you in, until you realize what you've opened yourself to, and you try to run away, as fast as you can – but then she slams her hand down and keeps you in one place, while she mauls you about and devours you,"

"Oh, Sonic..." Sally forgot my previously mean temper, and grabbed my hand, comfortingly. I squeezed back and weakly smiled, as I appreciated the gesture, but had now made up my mind.

I untangled our fingers, "It's alright. I'm not gonna let anything happen to Tails. Imma find him, right now, and tell him exactly what she's like...!"

"Wait, no, you can't!" I was already moving, but she quickly caught up and tried to block my path. Sally held out her arms, when I tried to side step, and when I protested, she blurted out, "He's in love with her, Sonic! He just told me. He thinks he's in love with her. If you go now, and tell him all this, he's only going to be even angrier. You can't risk losing him. We have to face Fiona,"

"I'm not throwing you into all of this, Sal. This is between me and Fiona. Tails shouldn't even have anything to do with this, and I'm so pissed that she's involved him, but I'm doing what I can, now. I will deal with this, I promise you,"

"I know you will. But please let me help–!"

"No way. I'm not risking her hurting you, too; the less she knows about you, the better. Just trust me, okay? And be there for Tails, when this is all over. I doubt he'll want to talk to me, in the fallout," I turned my head away, sadly, hating the idea that he may never forgive me.

She looked indecisive, but eventually relented and agreed, with a groan, "Alright. I'll keep quiet. And yes, of course I'll look after Tails. I always will. You can count on me,"

"I know I can," Without thinking, I pulled her into a hug, and felt her arms slowly drape around my waist. I didn't want to let go, because she made me feel safe and brave and valid, all at the same time, but I knew that I had to. With an awkward chuckle, I backed up and gave her a smile, "I always have, and you never disappoint. It's one of the things that I love about you,"

Sally looked like she was going to say something, as she inflated as she breathed in, and suddenly seemed taller. Had it been any other time, I would have stayed and listened, but I had to go. I just had to. Tails needed me.

I hoped that she'd heard my call of, "Catch ya later! Gotta speed!" as I ran off, but I was doubtful.

VIII

(XX/XX/XXXX)

-Truth of the Heart-

I clenched my fist. She threw a hand on her waist, smirking. Rage smashed through my blood. There was no love lost here.

"I have had it with you, Fiona. This has gone on for too long – what the fuck are you doing?"

The corridor was quiet, save for my angry fuming, and I heard a laugh bubble in her throat, "Anyone would think that you hated me, Sonic. Is that any way to greet an old friend?"

"Friend?!" I stormed towards her.

Her smirk deepened, but she leaned back as I glared in front of her, "Oh yes. I forget. Which do you prefer: ex-girlfriend, or ex-lover?"

"Cut it out. Now," My hands dove into my quills, frustrated to the point of nearly tearing them out, "I don't understand you! I've done what you asked – say nothing about your past, and leave town – so why the hell are you here?!"

"I know it's difficult, but give me some credit," The smile fell into an offended frown. I felt nothing, "This wasn't intentional. I'm part of the cheerleading team, and they just so happened to play here. I had no idea that you would be here – we've hardly been in contact, have we?"

"Then why can't you just leave it alone? Why are you still tormenting me?!"

"I'm not. I just wanted to make sure that you're sticking to your word,"

"But you're not sticking to yours!"

My dark tone surprised her. She snarled, "How so?"

"What has Tails got to do with any of this?"

"Miles Prower?" Fiona raised her head, swimming in recognition, "Nothing. He's got nothing to do with this – I didn't intend to involve him, at all, I assure you. I would have happily ignored him–"

"Then why didn't you?!" My voice cracked, and I snapped my mouth shut, hiding my weakness.

The smirk returned, "I couldn't have known that he would fall for me. It happened without any of my input. Perhaps, Sonic, your oh-so-subtle hatred of me interested him. Drew him towards me, to understand why–"

"Even so–!" I pressed my fingers into my eyelids, for a moment, hoping to calm my throbbing headache, "...you're turning him against me. You are using him as a pawn!"

"I mentioned our past, leaving out the more...serious...details. You're over-reacting – as you always do," She threw her hands up, in mock frustration.

I was furious, "Don't play that game. You've told lies about me, saying to him that I actually don't like him, that I'm just waiting until other friends come along. I was going to ignore it, but you're just playing with him! Pretending that he's got a chance with you, to hold it over him, warp his view of me and get rid of my best friend...you're a heartless bitch, Fiona!"

"I've heard worse," The vixen stepped forward, narrowing her eyes and prodding me in the chest, "I'm simply giving Tails MY version of you. He's so impressionable, in that way – he listens to every word that I say. I own him, Sonic, and there's nothing you can do. I can turn everyone you care about against you, just as you turned everyone against me–"

"Turn them against you? I didn't turn anyone against you!"

"Someone turned the Suppression Squad in, but left me out of it. Whilst I'm not ungrateful, I have a pretty good idea of who decided to do 'the right thing'!"

"I didn't do anything. I only spoke to you, about it, because I cared about you! Don't worry, Fiona – those days are long gone–!"

"Sonic? Fiona?" I turned my head in broken shock, and laid eyes on Tails' confused expression. His gaze swiveled between us, as he tried to make sense of it. Tails, no..."What's going on?"

"Back off, Miles. Not a good time. Turn around and walk away," Fiona spat her words out, with a hate that I thought she only used for me. My neck snapped in her direction, daring her to speak to him, like that, again.

Tails' voice wobbled, insecurity rising, "...F-Fiona...?"

"Tails–" I swallowed my words, struggling, as he looked at me, knowing that I would be breaking his heart, "–she's not who you think she is. I know how you feel, but...please, you can't trust her,"

"No..." His jaw tightened, but his hands were shaking and even he knew that I was telling the truth, deep down, "...y-you're the one that I can't trust! I know what you really think!"

"That wasn't me, Tails! I would never say that – I don't think that at all! Fiona's been feeding you lies, to get back at me, knowing that you'd listen," I stepped towards him, "There's a lot of things that she hasn't told you, buddy. I'm sorry, but...she doesn't...she doesn't care about you. Not like you care about her..."

"You're just saying these things because you like her! Because you're in love with her!" He cried out.

I couldn't even blush at the idea of it, "...Tails, that couldn't be farther from the truth. I've dated her before – and she broke my heart,"

"A-and you want her back!" He was trying to hold back tears.

"No. I'm trying to protect you..."

Tails gulped, and moved around me, but stayed close to my side, "...Fiona?"

She blew a sigh through her nose, almost looking bored with the entire situation. I remained silent, as this was no longer about me, but prepared myself to step in as soon as I felt necessary, "I can't keep this up, anymore. It's becoming far too draining...he's telling the truth, Tails. Don't worry, he's no competition – he can't stand me – but you're no competition, either. Your feelings were...unfortunate, but it doesn't change anything. You just made it all a little bit easier,"

"E-easier!?" He hunched over, and I placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I wanted to make sure that Sonic was keeping a secret of mine. And I have you to thank, for ensuring his silence. You wear your heart on your sleeve, openly, don't you, Tails?"

"P-please, Fiona!" Tails stepped closer to her, and I grew tense, "You don't need to do this! I...I get it. I won't approach you, but...we can work it out, can't we? It doesn't need to be like this!"

My chest ached, "...Tails..."

"Jeez, why do neither of you learn anything?! I don't want to change – as I told you, Sonic, and I'm telling you, now, Tails – this isn't about some subconscious remorse, or guilt. Your goodness sickens me. I'm not looking for either of you to 'save' me. Besides, I'm taken, sweetie – funnily enough, Sonic, my new guy looks a lot like you. Just better looking and without such a weak personality,"

"You don't need to be like this!" A tear escaped from Tails' eyes, and he struggled to quickly wipe it away.

"For fuck's sake..." Fiona slowly eyed me up, but then turned her attention to Tails, as she loomed before him, struggling to look anything but smug, "How many times? Perhaps this will teach you–!"

Suddenly she was too quick, even for me, and delivered a harsh slap to Tails' right cheek. I yelled out his name, grabbing his shoulders and turning him towards me, aghast. His eyes were clenched shut, and his lip wobbled, "...S-Sonic.."

His voice was all I needed to hear, before I let go and stormed up to Fiona Fox, not quite knowing what I would do.

Something flashed in her eyes – Fear? Regret? – and she understood that she'd crossed a dangerous line, "Now, now. What are you going to do? Hit me back? Tsk – you wouldn't hurt a lady, would you, Sonic?"

"You're no lady..." I growled, under my breath, but straightened up, stiffly. I still had one thing to hold over her, without resorting to violence, "And it's time for you to take a trip, out of town,"

"What makes you think I'm going anywhere?"

"I know something that might change your mind. And I'm sure that others would love to hear it,"

Her eyes widened, but she tried to remain blank, "You haven't said anything, so far. Why now?"

I leaned forward, lowering my voice to a whisper, "Because I've got nothing left to lose, Fiona. As you've reminded us, we're never going to change you. You've made your point perfectly clear,"

"What are you saying?" The female fox narrowed her eyes, not caring that her auburn bangs were covering her vision, as her head tipped forward, slightly.

"I'm saying..." This was harder than I imagined. I licked my lips and ignored the sandy taste in my mouth. Guilt rose at the back of my throat, but I pushed it down, deep into the darkest depths, "...if you don't go, I'm telling everyone. About your past. Including the police. You'll be banged up for a long time, Fiona,"

That hit home. Reality dawned on her, and she stepped back. A long breath floated out, and it was probably shakier than she would have liked, "I see. It seems you have some bite, after all, Sonic,"

"You pushed me to this point. You only have yourself to blame,"

She sucked in her cheeks, sourly, as if she would have happily thrown daggers at me. Attempting to cover up her humiliation, Fiona fluffed her hair and glanced about, "Well. I was getting bored of it here, anyway. It's a shame that I won't get to see our school thrash you, Sonic,"

"Don't worry. I'll dedicate my victory just to you," I wondered if something had snapped in me, because I never thought I'd be able to face against her, like this, without my heart throbbing.

I could hear her fuming breath, like a dragon, about to burn me to a crisp. But she had no choice, and I grimly held my power over her. Fiona glanced over my shoulder, and nodded at Tails, who managed to hold in his sniffs, "Until the next time, Miles. Goodbye, Sonic: I won't forget this,"

"Neither will I,"

She clicked her way down the corridor, not once looking back, and exited through the far door. I heard Tails burst into tears, behind me, and I enveloped him in a hug, feeling my tense muscles relax. His sobs leaked against my chest, and it took everything I had not to break down, too.

IX

(XX/XX/XXXX)

-Devil May Care-

"What's up with Sally?"

I blinked. With a light grunt, I picked up my food tray and headed towards the seating area, whilst frowning down at Tails, "Huh? A simple 'hello' would do just fine, Tails,"

"I'm serious. Why is she being so distant? She doesn't hang out with us, anymore. She can hardly even look at you!" The kitsune swiveled his head and pointedly stared. Red hair came into view, and baby blue eyes deliberately avoided us. My lips thinned into a straight line, as Tails whispered, furiously, "See? What did you do?!"

"What makes you think I did something!?"

"She still says 'hey' to me. She can't stand to be in the same room as you..."

"Alright, alright," With a drawn out sigh, I paused and glanced about, just in case anyone was standing too close. I had my suspicions about Sally's changed behavior, but was reluctant to admit them to Tails, "...we might have kissed. Briefly. Just a bit,"

"WHAT?!" His eyes bulged.

"Tails, shhh! People will wonder what we're talking about!" I shot a cheesy, fake grin at the stares, before leaning towards him again, "Yeah. I know. But it wasn't anything! It was an accident,"

"Sonic! No wonder she's annoyed with you, if this was your reaction! Why did you kiss her, if you don't like her?!"

"It was a spur of the moment thing! Besides, she doesn't like me either!"

"You think?" He nudged my attention to Sally, who had looked over in the commotion, and was now seriously glaring. Daggers and all. Even whilst talking to someone. I gulped.

"Oh crap,"

"Exactly,"

"What do I do? Should I say something? I should say something,"

Tails nearly grabbed my arm, but decided against it, as he didn't want to tip the tray. I continued walking towards her, "No, Sonic, don't! That's a terrib–"

"Hey, Sal," I greeted, as she finished up with the girl that she was talking to. Her back straightened, strongly, and she threw her hands onto her hips. I gulped at the narrowed eyes, "Listen, do you wanna sit and–?"

She stormed past me, knocking the tray out of my hands, when her shoulder smacked into my arm.

It clattered to the floor, throwing the drink into the wall and bouncing the sandwich on the ground. A dinner lady appeared with a mop, and began to clear it up, with a quick scold in my direction. I was frozen, with my hands still outstretched, as if holding an imaginary tray. Quiet snickers sounded from the people in the room who didn't like me.

Tails patted my arm and took hold of it, leading me away, looking concerned by my silence, "I don't think it's a good idea to talk to her, right now. C'mon, Sonic, let's sit somewhere else. I've always got too much lunch; you can have some of mine–"

I thanked him, grateful for his generosity and calmness, but couldn't help but glance back. Sally was utterly unaware of my existence – she was sitting with an entirely different crowd, and laughing at something, without a single thought about me. Just a month ago, she'd been sitting with me and Tails, not needing anyone else. Just yesterday, she'd listened to me when I hollered at her.

Sal–?

"Hi," Tails was still holding onto my arm and, when he spoke, his grasp tightened. I was firmly gripped back into the moment, and laid eyes on the group in front of us, "Is there any chance that we could sit with you guys?"

I shot a look at Tails – he'd never really liked walking up to people and introducing himself. I, on the other hand, found myself a natural at it – but not today. It occurred to me that Tails knew these people, already, and I remembered what he had told me, shortly after we'd met. He used to sit with these guys, at lunch, and they had opened up to each other. But the bullying caused him to become withdrawn and he started to drift away from the group. Then he met me and I had words with the bullies. Since then, we'd been inseparable.

A red echidna pushed his chair back and stood up, gazing at me, intently. My eyes widened – Knuckles. The basketball player. My quills bristled, at his lingering stare, as if judging me. There was a raise of his chin, a quick confirming glance at the rest of his group, before he nodded and sat back down again. Casually, he slung an arm in the direction of two empty chairs. We obeyed, and sat.

"We saw what happened," I'd seated myself next to a lavender cat –(Tails was beside a youthful-looking rabbit. She beamed at him)– who regarded me with a strange look. She had these beautiful golden eyes, burning directly into me, but I didn't feel uncomfortable. Some might have found her intimidating; I was curious, "It was most unpleasant,"

"Yeah, that looked rough," Knuckles leaned back, folding his arms and puffing his chest out. I wondered why he wasn't sitting with the other sportsmen – he seemed like that type. Hard headed and firmly built, "What did you do?"

I raised my head, challenging him, "What makes you think I did anything?"

"Groundhog day much?" Tails muttered; I rolled my eyes, amused.

"Oh please, Knuckie, use your head. It's gotta be something to do with their relationship. 'Hell hath no wrath like a woman scorned'? Isn't that how it goes?" On Knuckles' left, diagonally to me, an ivory bat pulled her lips into a smirk. Her eyes screamed confidence, enhanced by blue eye shadow. I didn't let my eyes wander anywhere below the nonexistent neckline of her jumpsuit, "And here I thought you two would get together. You can't believe everything you hear, I guess,"

"Yeah. Uh, have...have you heard of me, then?" I cleared my throat, which was suddenly dusty, and gave a slight smirk, "You're Rouge, aren't you?"

She crossed her legs and grinned, "That's me, hot-stuff. Glad to know that I'm infamous around here. But, of course, we've heard about you. Everyone has. First that cheerleader – although, you kept that very hush hush – and now Sally...do you have something for redheads?"

I laughed, at that, "Heh. Not that I know of,"

"Anyway, some introductions are in order. Knuckles, Rouge–" She pointed at herself and him, retrospectively, "–that's Blaze–" Then at the girl beside me. Blaze nodded, with a tiny smile, "–and there's Cream," The rabbit, beside Tails. She giggled as I looked over. I smiled at the sight.

"No Silver?" Tails asked. His eyes flickered over to Blaze, who took up the hint and answered.

"Yes, he's here. He said he had something to stay behind for, just quickly. He'll be along in a minute, I'm sure,"

There was a pause, that Knuckles jumped into, and seemed keen to not let linger, "Tails. How's life? It's been a while,"

"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry about that. I didn't intend for it to happen," Tails sighed and hung his head. Knuckles continued to peer at him.

"Hold up. You guys know each other?" I knew the answer to that, already, but pretended to have no idea. I was curious about how close Tails was, with them, "Tails? Knuckie?"

"Don't call me that, Blue," He had eyes that were a startling shade of purple – but I grinned. I could tell that he was easy to rile, straight away.

"Oh, I'm sorry. It's just your girlfriend that can call you that. My mistake,"

Many suspected that Knuckles and Rouge had something going on. And, when asked about it, Knuckles would spin off into a spitting rage, "Why, you–! She's NOT my girlfriend!"

"Well, Big Blue!" Rouge found it all highly amusing, "I like you! You can stay, I think. Anyone who annoys Knuckie is good, in my book,"

"Rouge! What the hell?! Stop calling me that!" Knuckles folded his arms and went into a strop. I expected an offended pout, any moment now.

Anyone else who called me 'Big Blue' would have probably regretted it, but there was a part of me that didn't mind Rouge saying it, "Thanks. I guess you're stuck with me now, huh, Knux?"

He didn't seem to mind 'Knux', as much, "Hmm,"

"Oh!" Blaze suddenly perked up, softening her features, a bit, as she stared off in the other direction, "You're here, at last! Sit down. Obviously you remember Tails, and this is–"

"I'VE FINALLY FOUND YOU! IBLIS TRIGGER!"

I turned and was yanked out of my chair, at break-neck speed. The person held me at the throat, and I thrashed around wildly, before they tackled me to the ground and crashed into my side. We grunted as we fought, and I heard the scraping of chairs, behind us. Red, orange and purple came into view.

"Sonic!"

"The hell, dude!? What are you doing?!"

"Get off of him! NOW!"

The last two were talking to my attacker. I peered up and frowned up at him, still wrestling, as he tried to hold me down. He didn't appear to be very strong, but there was some great force that pressed against me. He was a hedgehog, like me, but with elongated quills – I had no idea they could grow that long. Almost like bangs, five quills stuck up at the front; they were ruffled, now, by our brawl.

I grit my teeth and didn't break our stare. His eyes – pools of liquid gold – hardened. I frowned, "What–?!"

Blaze grabbed his arm, "Silver! Let go! What has gotten into you?!" He ignored her.

"IT''S NO USE!

X

(XX/XX/XXXX)

-Ames-

"I swear to Chaos, Sonic, you're talkin' outta your ass. Speed would not win against strength. No matter how fast you were runnin', I would be able to land one hit on you, and you would be out cold,"

I smirked, merely amused by his insult, "Oh yeah, of course, Knux, you're totally right. Don't worry about the fact that I'd be able to dodge all your blows, and beat you senseless, before you even moved,"

"Shut up. You want me to prove it?" The echidna raised his fists, pressing his back into the canteen door and heaving it open, grinning at me, menacingly, "Let's go. Right here. Right now,"

"Not on an empty stomach, thanks. I'm staaaarved! Hedgehog gotta eat!" We strode into the room, expecting a little bit of serenity, and instead stood in the middle of hysterics. I frowned at the nearest table, who giggled into their hands.

Knuckles folded his arms, "Whoa, what did we miss? Musta been something good,"

"No clue," I muttered, glancing about for an explanation. A crowd seemed to be gathering on the other side, and before Knuckles could protest, I whizzed over and pushed my way through, trying to get a glimpse of why everyone was laughing, even if it was easing up.

I stumbled a little, as I reached the middle, but held myself together and blinked down at a pink, female hedgehog. She was sitting, in shock, although her legs curled towards her body, in embarrassment. Her quills dripped and spaghetti clung at the fabric of her dress – dammit, not again. With drooped ears, she looked like she wanted to burst into tears, but tried to keep her head held high.

"–not wear it!" The voice of Suki drifted towards me, and I felt enraged by the tone in her voice. I didn't know this girl, what she'd done, or where she was from, but I couldn't stand to hear her being spoken to, like that.

"Hey, leave her alone, Suki!" I snarled back, silencing her for a brief moment, as my legs bent and I was crouching. The pink hedgehog suddenly opened her eyes and – whoa – I was pulled into a whirl of jade. She scrambled back but my hand extended out, offering assistance.

Then my heart was pained, "Don't be mean! Why don't you come over here and make amends?" Sally. I looked at her, my feelings written all over my face. Her friends missed the meaning, but Sally's blue eyes deepened, and I saw sorrow. Had we been alone, perhaps I would have apologized, and she would have too, and things might have been okay, again. But her face was guarded, once more, and she returned to her act, pointing at an empty seat.

I raised an eyebrow, struggling with the words, but they needed to be said. I wondered if I would ever get through to her, again, "I'm being mean? That's rich. No thanks, Sal. I've got my own table," Her name softened on my lips, and I needed to get out of there. I didn't have time to coax the pink girl from the floor, so I grabbed her hand – it was soft, and small – and pulled her up.

She didn't cry out, but I felt her balance wobble, and she slipped on the floor. Instantly, I grabbed her other hand and waited until she was steady. She glanced back at Sally, and I felt my heart drop – please, Sal, what did I do wrong? – but focused my attentions on 'New Girl'. She looked worried, "You okay?" I asked.

Her eyes met mine, and I felt the breath leave my body. There was something about her that I couldn't quite explain. Her face softened, as she spoke, "Well, I've got food all over my clothes and hair, and the whole canteen was just laughing at me. I've had better days!" She smiled, and I felt my mouth go dry.

A laugh escaped and I found myself grinning, "Fair enough!"

My legs moved without me, and I was leading her, back to where the gang usually sat. Conversation would have been a good thing, right about now, but I was still trying to take everything in. This girl had thrown me off, and I didn't know why. She's cute, my mind answered, and I wanted to slap myself. No. I'd made that same mistake twice, and everything had ended so painfully that I never wanted to risk making it again.

Say something. I wracked my brain, "No point crying over spilt milk!" Chaos, that was stupid. I laughed, attempting to cover it up, but it sounded faltering. My ears pricked up, when I heard her giggle. She didn't think I was an idiot?

"Hey! Sonic! Get over here!" Knuckles waved me over, eagerly yelling. I glared, as we both sauntered towards him. The echidna beamed back, smugly. I was close to growling.

But Blaze spoke, before I could, "Not again..." Heh, that's what I'd thought, too.

Silver rolled his eyes, replying to her lament. I grinned at the obviousness of his crush, "Yep. Another innocent victim has been foodized,"

The pink hedgehog laughed at that, and attracted a look from Silver. She admitted, shyly, "I've never heard of being foodized before,"

Blaze said something back, and eventually sparked a response from Cosmo, who sounded a little peeved, although it was hard to tell. Pink girl's hand was still in mine, and I became very aware of that when I picked up on the stares from Shadow, Knuckles and Tails.

'What?' I mouthed at them, growing annoyed when Tails chuckled, and Knuckles made kissy faces. Shadow said nothing, because he was Shadow – but he was smirking, and that riled me.

Then the new girl spoke, and I was listening again, "Oh! I'm Amy. Amy Rose,"

Amy. I was stunned, and again, I didn't know why.

Her hand pulled against mine, a little, and I took that as a hint to let go. My hand felt empty, and cold. I clenched it into a fist, reprimanding myself – I sped over and threw myself into the seat by Knuckles, hoping that no one noticed my heated face. I couldn't bring myself to look at Amy – jeez, why was I so awkward? – but felt her gaze run over me.

Blaze and Cream conversed, alternatively, with an occasional comment from Amy, whose voice sounded like a melody. They captivated the attention of nearly everyone, leaving our end of the table quiet. Until Knuckles slammed his elbow into my ribs.

"Ow!" I moaned, nursing the area that would now develop a nice bruise, "What the hell did you do that for?"

"Firstly, I proved that strength is better. Secondly, you have some explaining to do,"

I sat up a little straighter, and wasn't all that surprised, "I guess you heard what happened? I couldn't just leave her there – she was really embarrassed! I decided to get her out of the spotlight, and so–"

"No, no! Not that. Of course, I knew you'd bring her over. Might wanna explain why you're turning red, whenever she says something to you, though? You're already holding hands! Jeez, slow down a bit, would ya? Wait a while until you pop the question,"

"Shut up," My reply was sour.

Shadow smirked again, holding my stare, "You're a fool,"

"Thanks, Shads, you always know exactly what to say, don't you?"

"You could at least attempt to hide your feelings,"

"There are no feelings to speak of! Stop being idiots!" I grit my teeth at their triumphant exchange of stares. Tails had been pulled away from the conversation, to introduce himself to Amy, but now he was staring at me, his current invention forgotten, "And what, little bro, are you looking so pleased about?!"

"Nothing! Nothing at all...I just think that Amy is very nice, and I'm sure you do too..."

"Nghh–!"

Knuckles rolled his eyes, "Oh, stop moanin' Sonic, and ask her out, already..."

"That's it!" I leapt up, gripping my bag and shooting them all a glare, "I'm gonna get some lunch, and then I'm not coming back. You guys all need to cool off! Get off whatever heat you're on!"

"You're the one who needs to cool off! Is that a blush, hedgehog?!" The red echidna yelled out towards me, and I felt tempted to whip 'round and shut him up. I prayed that Amy hadn't heard any of that.

I'd met the girl for all of five minutes, and I was already getting accusations thrown at me. Was it really that obvious? Probably. Shadow was right – I wasn't good at hiding my feelings – but I could also accuse him of liking her, too. His expression had softened, just a bit, when he saw her. That was all the evidence I needed against the couldn't-melt-butter Shadow the hedgehog.

No. So what if I was attracted to Amy, just a little bit? Nothing would come of it – I wouldn't let it. I didn't want love, or its hassle. I didn't see it happening, for me, and I'd come to accept that. I was okay with it. I had friends and family. I didn't need anything else.

It didn't end well, with me, and I wasn't about to pull Amy into something that she didn't deserve.

XI

(XX/XX/XXXX)

-Dark Before the Dawn-

I tapped my fingers against my leg, growing progressively restless. The lights were off, because there was something soothing about keeping our meeting secret, hidden in the dark. And I couldn't chance the risk that the lights would grab someone's attention. It was late – the clock read 12-ish.

My thoughts drifted to Amy, and I smiled. Shamar had put a spring in my step, and I was finally starting to feel like myself again. If I could just summon the courage to explain, to lay everything down in front of her, then maybe, maybe–

I heard the door creak, and leapt to my feet. My view was obscured, so I sped over, expecting to see pink quills. Instead, there was auburn hair.

Not her. Not now. Not again. I couldn't handle it, not again, "...what are you doing here?"

Fiona's hair was overhanging her face, and her arms were crossed, squeezing into her stomach. I felt my armor rise up around me, not taking any chance that she could hurt me again. She said nothing, for a while, which was definitely not like Fiona. My quills bristled.

She doubled over, as if in pain, and her shoulders shook. My eyes widened when I heard a sob escape from her lips. Fiona stepped forward and raised her head, staring at me. There were tears in her eyes, "S-Sonic?"

Cold shock roared through my system. I'd never seen her cry, not once in all the time that I had known her, and it terrified me. She'd told me, time and time again, about not letting anyone hurt you, and yet here we were. I'd suspected that everything would catch up with her, and someone would hurt her just as she'd hurt others, but I didn't expect it to happen now. And I didn't expect her to run into me, when it did happen.

"Fiona?"

There was a stumble, as she moved, and I thought she was about to trip; instinctively, my hands shot out and I caught her by the shoulders. We were closer to the wall now, with my quills just about touching it. Fiona juddered in silent cries, burying her face in my chest, and I was pinned to the wall.

I didn't know what to do. Here she was crying and, whilst I felt nothing but shock, I couldn't just shove her away. My hands were still on her bare shoulders, so I let them rest on her shoulder blades, weakly patting.

"Oh, Sonic," She mumbled, drying up, but still watery. Fiona pushed back her hair and stared up at me, blue eyes piercing through the darkness. I didn't recognise them, "What have I done?"

"What happened?" I asked.

"I-It's Scourge. I made such a mistake, going along with all of his plans, not questioning any of them. He forced me to hurt people, Sonic, to use them. I-I didn't want to, I really didn't – I knew it was wrong, but he threatened me. Told me what would happen, if I didn't do it. He said he'd silence me for good, that I knew too much," Her hands had been curled against my torso, but Fiona lowered them, and placed them on my hips. I tried not to flinch, as she lifted her head higher, "Hurting you was the worst mistake I ever made, Sonic. I regret it, everyday. I-If only..."

Her voice cracked, slightly, and cut her off. She gulped back a sob.

I kept my eyes narrowed, fixed on her, "You know that will never happen,"

A ghost of a smirk passed on her lips, and I thought I caught the edges of the words: Oh really? My heart caught in my mouth, when we both heard the faint gasp to our left. My head turned and there was Amy, pale and covering her mouth in shock.

We sat, with our backs pressed against the wall, chilled to the bone by cold plaster and Fiona Fox. I stretched my legs out, seeing how far they would reach, whilst Sonic hugged his knees to his chest, wrapping his arms around them. Both of us were silent, until I broke it, "...I'm sorry,"

He blinked, and turned to me, emerald eyes bright in the darkness, "W-what? What for?"

"I feel so stupid. And so guilty. For you to be going through all of that, dealing with her, and then having me completely blow up about it all. I understand why it would be painful to talk about, and you wouldn't want lots of people knowing. I'm sorry, Sonic. I really am,"

"I know," Sonic wrapped his arm around my shoulders, and I leaned against his chest, sniffing a little, "But I would have been more worried, if you hadn't gotten annoyed. I kept everything a secret, but did a terrible job of letting you know that it was okay. Maybe I wanted you to know? Maybe I wanted you to know what had happened to me, and what I'd done,"

I straightened, and stared, aghast, until he faced me, "What you'd done?! Sonic, you didn't do anything wrong! You can't honestly think that. This is down to Fiona, and Fiona alone! You've been nice to her, more than anyone else would have! Don't let her make you think that it's your fault!"

"But it was my fault. Even if just a bit..."

"It wasn't," But I knew that, no matter what I said, it wouldn't change his mind – not really. A set belief was hard to change, and when one had festered for years and years, it could never truly be silenced. Comforting him felt patronizing, but I didn't want to seem heartless, either.

Sonic shifted, tentatively pressing his ribs, and winced when he evidently pressed too hard. His jaw line was grimly strong, "I keep asking myself: what did I do? I understood why Sally hated me. If Tails hadn't forgiven me, I could've understood that too. Same with you, for everything that I've put you through. But I don't even know what I did to Fiona. If only someone could just tell me...!" He threw his hands up in defeat.

"...do you remember when Sonia had that huge house party, at your place? And she, very sweetly, let you invite us lot? Well, when Rouge got quite drunk, and you had to drag Knuckles off before he attacked the guy that she was flirting with – whilst heavily intoxicated, mind you, as she kept reminding us – she said something to me that I've always remembered. 'Good things don't always happen to good people; bad things don't always happen to bad people. But what makes a good or bad person is how they react to it'," I smiled, weakly, at his clouded stare, "Then she proceeded to throw up in your kitchen bin,"

"Oh yeah! I remember that now!" Chuckling, he laid his head against the wall, "Maybe she's right,"

"She often is. She has weird epiphanies, whilst drunk. You could make a fortune, if you wrote them down,"

"I wonder if she has any drunken insights on the 'Fiona problem'," The silence suddenly felt heavier.

"Possibly. Although, tonight, Fiona's scandal was a horrifically well-timed coincidence. I mean, of course, she'd turn up, just as you'd arranged to meet with me, and if I'd been just a little bit quicker, then–"

"Whoa, wait, what?" He held my shoulder, as if he needed to hold himself up. His face was knitted together in a heavy frown and – had I not been confused too – I would have told him that it was cute, "I arranged to meet you? What are you saying? You arranged to meet me. The letter, remember?"

"What letter?" I unfolded mine from my pocket, "You sent me one, telling me to meet you here,"

His eyes widened, and he nodded his head, asking to see the letter. I passed it over, shocked, as he read it and growled, "Someone is really good at forging my handwriting,"

"You didn't write it?!" I bit my lower lip when Sonic produced his own letter, despite being a little scrunched. My question was answered, when he handed it to me, and I read the note. My handwriting wasn't quite as accurately copied as Sonic's but it wasn't far off:

Sonic,

I need to speak to you. We can't let things stay like this – I miss you.

Meet me in the Social Library, if you feel the same way.

Amy xxx

"I didn't write that," Shell-shocked, I gave the note back, and clenched my fists over the empty space, "Shit. We've been played!"

Sonic let a sound rumble from his throat – I couldn't decide if it was a sigh, or a groan – and kneaded his forehead, "And I'm willing to bet any money that Fiona is behind it,"

He was right. She'd clearly orchestrated the entire thing – right down to making sure that I wandered in, as soon as Sonic was in a compromising position, "That cruel, sneaky bitch...um, sorry. She is still your ex,"

"Are you kidding me? Don't worry, she's always been like that. Although, you forgot 'heartless', in there. She's a heartless, cruel, sneaky bitch. There ya go. Now it's correct,"

I appreciated that he was trying to lighten the situation, but I was furious, "I can't believe she's still trying to torture you! And Tails! When will she get a grip and let it go?!"

"She's pissed that I humiliated her, Ames. It's, in a warped way, kinda understandable,"

"Oh, yes, because she's got a sparkling record of being Little Miss Lovely! Like she's never humiliated anyone else?! No. I'm not letting her pull the strings, anymore. Definitely not with me, and certainly not with you and Tails! This is the last time!"

"Ames," I'd leapt to my feet in a rage, and Sonic now stood beside me, holding my hands, and attempting to restore calm, "I know. I feel the same way, but I've tried that. You can't fight fire with more fire. This will only get worse – you have to let it pass,"

"You must be joking! Sonic, she's trying to ruin you!"

"I know that. And I won't let her. I can handle myself – but I don't want you getting caught in the crossfire. This is my battle, and I'm facing it alone. You just need to trust me, Amy, and it'll be okay,"

"It won't. I've already been pulled into it, Sonic, without even trying to do anything. And, little by little, everyone else will get sucked in, too. You know it. Sally's close to being targeted, because she clearly knows what's happening, and by the sounds of it, Shadow's in danger, too..."

He tensed, "I won't let that happen!" He knew it wasn't that simple.

"Please. We can help. Let us help you,"

"I don't want you to get hurt...!" He bowed his head, and I said nothing. I didn't want to tell him that I'd already been hurt, far too badly. He'd blame it on himself, "...I-I love you too much to let that happen,"

My vision suddenly swam with tears, but I blinked them back, embarrassed, "You love me?"

"Amy," Sonic shook his head, lightly, with a bemused smile, "I can't even put it into words. These past couple of years have been the best years of my life. Love you? I adore you, I'd happily die for you! No matter what happens between us, I know I'll never stop feeling this way, about you. I have had a terrible track-record with relationships - I'm not sure I could get any worse than Fiona. Yeah, though it pains me to admit it, I liked her, at the time - but just months after meeting you, I knew it wasn't the same. You make me want to be better, to do better, in a way that I've never felt before. I feel like a part of me has been ripped out, when I'm not with you; you're never off my mind. Even through everything that has happened, my feelings for you never changed. I love you, Amy and I always will,"

Knowing that anything I tried to say would be woefully inadequate, compared to that, I let my heart speak for itself and kissed him. It must have been quite a good one because, when I broke away, he was open mouthed and staring at me.

"I love you, too, by the way. And, for the record, you could've just said yes," I grinned, and was thankful when a tear escaped and I was forced to wipe it away, so that he knew I was joking.

Sonic regained composure and rolled his eyes, "Women. You say men aren't romantic enough – then I say all of that, from the bottom of my heart – and suddenly, it's too much. Jeez," But he was grinning too.

Game on, Fiona. Your move.

(A/N) UPDATE ON MMG EDITING PROJECT: As some of you may know, I am intending to completely edit and fix the awful aspects of Mobian Mean Girls. This includes spelling mistakes, out-of-character characters, complete lack of description and some of the really, really cheesy subplots/scenes. Don't worry - it will still be incredibly cliche (because that's its redeeming feature! ;D) and will still feel like MMG - but it will now actually be readable!

I am currently working on Chapter 4, and the first three are done. I intend to post the chapters in place of the original ones - so it's not a rewrite, starting afresh - but merely sorting out the old story. I don't know whether this will count as MMG being "updated" and if it will go to the front page of new releases in the Sonic fanfiction section - if someone could let me know whether that will happen or not, that would be great! But I will be uploading these edited chapters, weekly.

I'm not sure when this will start, as I'd like to have a lot more than 4 chapters done, before I start releasing them, if I want to stick to a weekly schedule. (You guys deserve a reliable schedule, for once!) I will keep you posted on when the chapters will come out, both on here in A/Ns and on my profile :D Best wishes! -T.C