Chapter Two: Shadow's Proposal

Sonic and Amy floated towards the building, to see the familiar faces. It was Tails, Cream, Knuckles, Tikal, Shadow, Rouge and Dr. Eggman. When Sonic and Amy landed, Sonic changed back to normal and puts Amy down.

"Hi everybody!" Amy called out. Everyone stood in surprise, not believing that Amy was really there. Cream was the first one to approach Amy, slowly.

"A... Amy? Is that really you?" Cream asked with tears in her eyes. Amy smiled warmly. Cream then rushed towards Amy, and gave her a warm friendly embrace. She was crying with happiness.

"Amy! I can't believe it! It's really you!" Cream squealed. Everyone else ran towards Amy, and each hugged her. Apart from Eggman, who stood there in silence, with a warm smile.

"How long have you been awake, Amy? And how did you get here?" Tails asked. Amy giggled.

"It's a long story. But, I'll tell you guys some other time." Amy replied. Knuckles was holding Tikal's hand.

"No need, Amy. You have just woken up. Take as much time as you need." Knuckles advised.

"Yeah, I mean it's been a while since we've seen you. We should catch up on old times." Tikal said, with a smile.

"Speaking of which, I need to ask Rouge something. Sonic will know." Tails winked at Sonic. Sonic was confused.

"Huh?!" Sonic said. Tails never heard him though.

"Rouge, you know how we've had Tikal's birthday party at your club, is it possible to have a party here next week, to celebrate Amy's return?" Tails asked. Rouge smiled warmly.

"Absolutely, Tails Honey." Rouge replied. Then Shadow walked towards Rouge.

"Uh, Tails? Remember that question you asked me earlier?" Shadow asked, with a sly grin on his face.

"Uh...?" Thought Tails.

(Flashback)

"Wonderful story, Knuckles. How about you Shadow? How did you get together with Rouge?" Sonic asked Shadow. Shadow happily sighed.

"That was the greatest day of my life. She noticed I wasn't myself one night, and forced the answer out of me. The reason was because I still missed Maria. She understood me from the inside, and I've never felt any more happy than I was when she told me that she loved me." Shadow started. He took a quick sip of his beer.

"Then I found out that I had feeling for her as well. Told her I loved her, and we've been together ever since." Shadow finished.

"Any plans for a proposal?" Tails asked.

"I've thought about it. Not sure when yet though." Shadow replied.

(End of Flashback)

"Oh, that? Yeah, I remember!" Tails replied, which made Rouge very concerned.

"Shadow? What are you two talking about?" Rouge asked. Shadow took a hold of both Rouge's hands.

"I was going to surprise you with this later tonight. But that incident with Scourge delayed my idea, so I might as well come out with it." Shadow replied. Rouge was still confused.

"I don't follow." Rouge stated.

"Rouge, ever since I was brought here, ever since I've lost Maria on the ARK, I though that I would forever be alone, forever by myself, and forever with no one. But that was until I met you. You've shown me that there's still hope, that there is still a chance to be happy. So Rouge the Bat, I've been meaning to ask you for a very long time now..." Shadow started.

"Shadow? What are you doi..." But she was cut off, after Shadow got down to one knee, and pulled out a velvet box, which has a twenty-four-karat gold ring, with a sapphire diamond on it. Rouge gasped in shock, with tears flowing out of her eyes.

"Rouge, will you marry me?" Shadow asked. But without hesitation, Rouge kissed Shadow passionately. Then broke the kiss.

"Yes, Shadow! Yes, of course I'll marry you! I love you!" Rouge replied.

"I love you, Rouge." Shadow added. Then he placed the ring on Rouge's left ring finger, and everybody including Eggman applauded.

(Eggman's P.O.V)

Wow! Just wow! Look how happy they all are. Who knew that love could be a very special thing. I cannot believe that I was so blind with my own plans, that I was too blind to even notice.

Sonic was right the entire time. It does not matter what I say or do any more, because I can never win. Sonic was always strong, but now I see where he gets that strength from. This gives me a slight tingle down my spine.

I feel that right now, I'm starting to grow a heart for these people. Look at them, for crying out loud.

Sonic and Amy are happy together, Tails and Cream are happy together, Knuckles and Tikal are happy together, and of course Shadow and Rouge are happy together.

If Shadow can have a change of heart, there's no reason to say I can't either. I can't bare to hurt these people any more, not after seeing how happy they are now. So at this moment, I'm going to make a very special announcement, right now!