"What do you want?" I asked, backing away a bit. Why was he in my kitchen? What on earth could he possibly want with the girl who high-fived him with her bumper? Was he here to get back at me? It seemed possible- knowing his type of character was one to hold a grudge for about 50 years.

"I want to know where I am; As well as how you know me." He seemed calm, even though that glare was plastered on. "You're on earth." I started "and I- I've just seen your face with a name below it. I'll leave it at that."

"This isn't the earth I'm familiar with." It was more of a harsh statement then a thought.

"This is the only 'Earth' I'm aware of." I said back, watching my tone.

"I must have been snapped to another zone when I-" he stopped and put a mental block on topic. "Look- I know we got off to a rough start-" he cut me off "You hit me… With your car."

"I didn't mean to!"

"You should watch where you're going, then."

"You should look both ways, then." I snapped back.

He shot me a glare that sent a rattle down my spine- that was a lot scarier in person…

"Either way- you got here somehow. And I bet you ten bucks it was because of 7 emeralds." I pointed to the one in his right hand.

He put it way and readied his stance "How do you-"

"I just do, ok?" he didn't seem to like my reason, but I wasn't ready to argue about it. I waved the topic out of the air "Anyway- why come back here? I'm just a human, what could I possibly do to help you?"

He eased up and stood normally again "I have yet to find the others-"

"Wait wait wait- others? As in Sonic?" I slapped myself mentally- of course he meant them, dumbass…

His jaw tightened "Yes."

"You always seemed like a solo man to me…" alright maybe I was playing stupid now… but I didn't want him jumping down my throat for knowing so much.

"Anyhow… you're the only human here whom seems to know who I am. So I am staying here."

What?

"No- no that's not happening. You cannot stay here." I shook my head.

"You don't have a choice. I'm staying and that's final."

"Who the hell gave you permission?"

"I don't need it." He started to walk off and I walked around the island counter to cut him off. "Whoa whoa I don't think so. My parents are going to be home soon and they will not be ok with this." Alright that was a lie- my parents where on business trip for the week- but that's not something for him to know.

"Listen, girl. I don't think you understand-"

"No you don't understand. Get out." I pointed to the door. He shoved past me and I grabbed his arm.

In one swift motion my arm was "chicken-winged" behind my back and my cheek was against a cold tile floor. "Don't. Touch. Me." He hissed lowly into my ear "I don't give a damn whether I have your stupid permission- I need somewhere to stay and your providing. Kapeesh?"

I gritted my teeth "Kapash."

"Good- now start showing some damn respect." He released the hold on my arm. "And be lucky I didn't return the favor and break your arm."

I shuffled up and stretched my arm and shoulder "The guest room is upstairs…" I lead the way and made the bed.

I came back out to the hallway to find him looking at the school class pictures my mother hung on the wall.

"Want a ladder?" I asked, leaning against the wall. He shot me a glare.

That shiver hit my spine again "God, take a joke." I grumbled and he rolled his eyes. He looked into the room and eyed the bed, after a nod he looked back up to me.

"I want immediate knowledge if you find the others."

"Ai, Capt." I gave a half salute "Don't kill anyone."

"Don't hit anyone." And he teleported away.

Disgruntled by my new house guest, I figured to do dishes and pick up my room.

A few hours past and I noticed the clock strike 5pm. I changed into my workout clothes and drove to the gym.

I leapt up the steps to the door and put a smile on as my boyfriend opened the door. "Hey, babe." He grinned and kissed my forehead. "hey." I replied quietly.

Kick boxing class was a joy. It felt nice to kick the shit out a bag for about an hour. "So what are you doing later tonite?" He asked between my kicks to the bag.

I gave a high kick with a "THACK".

Babysitting "Nothing really, what did you have in mind?" I said.

"well that movie 'Real Steel' is in- would you like to go?"

"That's the one with Wolverine and rockem' sockem' robots, right?"

"Yep."

"I'm in, what time?"

"8:30 sound ok?" I gave him a smile after the teacher called out that the class was over. I looked over to him "sounds good to me."

"I'll see you at 7:50?"

"deal."

As we walked out of class he noticed the slight reddened and bruising mark on my arm from where shadow had grabbed. "What happened to your arm?" he sounded worried.

"Hm?" I looked to my arm "huh- I don't know… weird." I brushed off the subject.

"It looks like someone grabbed you."

"Yea that didn't happen- so I have no idea how that got there." I shrugged "I'll live."

"If you say so…" dropped the conversation and gave me a kiss goodbye as we headed our separate ways.

Satisfied with my night so far I pulled into the drive way and killed my engine I grabbed my keys, purse and phone and walked inside. If I was going to a movie later tonite I needed a shower…

I damn near had a heart attack when shadow appeared in front of me in the entryway.

"Where have you been?" he seemed pissed.

"I went to the gym, mom." I snapped. "any luck on finding your buddies?"

"No, and they are not my 'buddies'." He growled.

"right- 'the others'…" I corrected sarcastically. He followed me to the kitchen and I leaned down and picked up my older cat, Cody. "Hold this." I dropped the cat on his head and grabbed a can of cat food.

"Look I need you to stay here and keep a look out for the others for me."

"Can't."

"Cancel whatever plans you have. You're staying here."

"No, I'm not. I'm seeing a movie tonight at 8:30. So whatever you have to do- do it between now and 7:50." He dropped my cat and Cody scuttled to his food, purring loudly.

"Then I'm going with."

"Fuck that. No you're not." I threw the empty can at him.

He let out a low growl