Toys

Disclaimer: I don't own any characters in this story.

Character(s): Sonic and Amy

Sonic doesn't know everything about Amy.

A few days ago, he might have thought he did; he might have figured her life revolved all around him, their friends, him, shopping, him, red hammers, and – of course – him. However selfish it might seem, that was the primary way his mind depicted her, no matter the situation. She was just the over-obsessed girl who just so happened to be attracted to him – even if she was his friend. It was an image she just couldn't shake herself out of, at this point.

At least until a few days ago on a chilly, December afternoon.

As per usual, Sonic was out on a brief run before helping out Tails with one of his projects down in the workshop. Since these test runs normally take forever to complete, he figured he should just satisfy his hunger now, though – due to his extreme metabolism – his black hole of a stomach will be crying throughout the test regardless. As he scarfed down the last one the vender had served him – for free, as thanks for saving the city – he noticed a familiar pink figure strolling across the street, sporting a dark purple winter coat over her usual attire.

Must've been shopping, Sonic thought, noting the overloaded plastic bags adorning her arms. For a brief moment, Sonic was caught between his options: should he go greet her and risk being glomped to death or should he just stay here and pretend she never walked by? She hadn't noticed him yet, so the second option was perfectly viable. A second later, as Amy nearly tripped due to having to carry all the bags, his decision was made. After all, she was still his friend, regardless of her infatuation with him.

After finishing the last bite of his chili dog, he dashed across the street, skillfully weaving between the lines of cars. As he stepped onto the sidewalk on the other side, on Amy's side, he caught a few amused onlookers sending him glances that told him two things: (1) that was crazy and (2) that was awesome! Cheekily grinning in response, he jogged up the sidewalk, accelerating at a moderate pace, one so mild that so no one's skirts flew. He could show some restraint.

About a foot behind his friend, Sonic slowed down to a walking pace, matching hers step for step, even though it nearly killed him to do so. "Hey, Amy!" he greeted cheerfully as he caught up to her side. Having not noticing him beforehand, she jumped, startled at his sudden appearance. You'd think everyone would be used to that by now. Now that he was closer, he could tell that she was struggling with the bags, so – continuing in a polite manner – he asked, "Also, would you like me to help with those?"

Not missing a beat, she answered in a relieved sigh as she handed half the bags to him – which was still quite an amount to be carrying – uttering a grateful, "Thanks for the help!"

"No problem, Ames. So, what's in all these anyway?" Sonic half-heartedly inquired as he sneaked a one-second glance inside a bag; he could see a lot of brightly-wrapped presents with no visible name tags on any. Hm, that's strange. We didn't decide to give everyone random gifts at the party this year . . . but, then, what are all these for?

Amy wasted no time answering, her voice swelling with cheerfulness and a dash of pride. "These are presents for the children at the Station Square Children's Hospital, like toys and other things kids like. Cream helped me pick them out, so now I'm heading towards to the hospital to pass them out." Abruptly forcing himself out of his thoughts, Sonic instinctively whisked an astounded look her way, his mouth forming an O-shape as understanding – as well as surprise – hit him. Especially the latter. If Cream knew about this, how did I not know about it?

"That's really nice of you, Amy. Do you give them presents every year?" She nonchalantly shrugged, but Sonic easily caught her sheepish smile.

"Well, this is only the second year I've done this, so I don't think you could count this as 'every year'," Amy laughed. "But it is really fun, seeing their faces light up as they show off all their presents and what-not. It really just makes me glad that I can do something to make it better for them, you know?" As she looked over to him for confirmation, he nodded agreeably; he knew how she felt. That's why whenever he spots someone in distress – no matter where they are or what time it is – he makes sure to aid them in whatever way he can. To know that he improved someone's life by just a little bit . . . it was amazing feeling, and he was not surprised Amy felt the same way.

"Maybe you'd like to come with me and give the kids the presents? I'm sure they would love to meet you, Sonic," she added, sliding him a guarded glance that seemed to be trying too hard to not look hopeful. To the blue hedgehog, it seemed that she wanted to say more, something along the lines of 'I would love for you to come.'

The way she worded her question slightly surprised Sonic; normally, she would beg him endlessly to go with her to wherever place she had planned, but this time she didn't; she obviously still wanted him to go, as evidenced by the pleading gleam in her eyes. Yet, she didn't voice her desire, instead allowing him the space he needs and the time to make his own decision, rather than her make it for him. She really is maturing, so maybe I should give her chance.

Still, he has to consider the testing that Tails had asked him to help with; the fox had wanted him to return within an hour. Surely, though, he'd understand if Sonic told him why he didn't come back in time if this takes that long? Yeah, he would; besides, it'll be fun to meet all the children and spend a little more time with Amy. Catching Amy's gaze, he enthusiastically replied, "Sure, I'd love to!"

Smokestep: Sorry everyone for this extremely late chapter, though you're all probably used to it by now. My internet wouldn't work for a majority of last night, but I got it fixing this morning. And I'm thinking it won't cut out again, but if it does, then, oh well. I'll fix it again then.

Also, important question; do you prefer the shorter chapters (600 – 800 words) or the longer chapters (800 words)? I know I've been writing more chapters with the latter amount, and wonder if that's what most people would want, so I would really like it if you could tell me which you prefer. FYI, I'm just talking about the actual chapter, pretty much everything above that line above this note. I can't control how long anything from here onwards is.

Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! If you have anything to say, you know where to click. Your input is always appreciated. Anyways, see you all later for the next chapter.

Responses To Reviews:

Karts of Sugar Rush: I really would like to know exactly what Gerald Robotnik was thinking when he created Shadow. I mean, where does someone get the idea of curing someone by using someone else? In addition, how would it work? Would he, like, use Shadow's DNA or something . . . ? I don't know, Gerald's odd. Either way, I don't think he actually perfected Shadow, so while Shadow can't cure others, I'd imagine he'd have a really good immune system. As for the prompt being in the story in the first place, yeah, you certainly wouldn't see it in most of these kind of fics, but I got the idea and wanted to write it, so I did. Anyhow, thank you.

ABCSonicKirbyWarriors: How'd it happen, you ask. Er, plot device? Video game logic, maybe? Take your pick; surely, it's one of the two.

Twin-books: I just had the idea in my head, and wanted to write it, so – regardless of how nonsensical it is – I did. Anyway, as for that sentence ("He was definitely going to give a piece of his mind when she returned."), the way I wrote it was fine, but it would definitely be better if I did add 'Rouge' or 'she' before "a piece." I already edited it, so there you go. Anyhow, thank you for the sweet comments.