Chapter 28

The plane was just as uncomfortable as it had been the first time around. Amy rested her chin on her fist, watching the clouds sprint by outside the window. The dawning light had brightened into full-fledged summer sun, illuminating Boom Beach down below them. In a few moments, it would be behind her for good.

Sticks and Tails were sitting in the seats behind her, chatting away about nothing and everything. Amy was happy for her, but it also made her a bit sad, seeing her friend find love so easily. She didn't even have to try.

She glanced down again at the remains of Boom Beach, just in time to see a blue streak cross directly in front of the ocean and back into the woods.

She smiled to herself. It was comforting to know that some things never changed.

"Amy really just gave us her place?" Silver asked, opening the front door and looking around. "Why would she do that?"

Blaze smiled cryptically. "I think Amy knows the importance of having a place to go. Especially with the person you love."

"Hey, who said I love you?" Silver teased, grabbing her up and spinning her around, earning a laugh. "You making things up again?"

"I can just meander on back to my dimension, if that's what you want," she giggled. He set her down and put a hand on her shoulder.

"If you ever go back to your dimension without me, I reserve the right to go insane," he replied, doing his best to put on a serious face.

"Fair," she noted, grinning. He pulled her in suddenly, pressing his lips against hers passionately, yet somehow softly at the same time. She squeaked slightly at the quick movement, but easily melted against him after that, running her thumbs over his collarbone, memorizing the shape of him. He pulled back slightly and gazed at her, questioning what she wanted to do.

"Make love to me," she murmured, intertwining their fingers and meeting his gaze with fiery determination.

"Blaze, a-are you sure?" he stammered, blushing slightly. He'd never, she'd never, and especially never with each other.

"I finally can, without having to fear for either of our safety," she explained softly. "And I'm so in love with you."

Silver, hesitation having disappeared, swept her off the ground, holding her bridal-style, and started making his way towards the guest room.

"Nobody tells Amy we 'christened' her home, right?" she joked, but her face quickly became serious as Silver shut the door behind them.

"Where are Tails and Sticks?" Amy asked, putting her feet up on the couch and booting up her computer for the first time in a week. They were finally back at GUN headquarters, and she and Rouge were in the lounge.

"God only knows," Rouge rolled her eyes. "I have a feeling that's a question that neither of us want the answer to."

Amy laughed as her best friend made imitation moaning noises. "Oh, dear God."

"Sorry," Rouge laughed. "Couldn't help it."

Amy sighed, shutting her computer again. Nothing new there. "I think I'm going to head back to my apartment," she told Rouge. "Unpack, you know."

"Amy," Rouge replied, suddenly serious. "Are you sure you're all right?"

To her great surprise, Amy, the ever-stoic and hardened agent, shook her head. "No. I'm not sure. But I think it's best if I spend a little time alone. No offense."

"None taken," the bat shook her head. "I'm here if you need me. And, Amy?"

"Yeah?" Amy questioned, turning on her way out.

"We all love you," Rouge grinned sincerely.

"I love you guys too," Amy winked, before turning and leaving for good.

She sighed as she entered her apartment. It wasn't nearly as homey as her place in Boom Beach had been, but there were at least a few pictures of her, Rouge, and Sticks on the walls on their many adventures. The walls themselves were white, a staunch contrast of the pink she used to love.

Frustrated, she flopped down on the couch, dropping her duffel beside her as she did so. Her entire body was exhausted, and her shoulder hurt. Wincing, she pushed herself up off the couch and made her way over to the mirror in the hallway. She turned and gently peeled the bandage off her shoulder.

It was a gruesome sight. Her skin was red and swollen around the stitches Tails had placed, although that was to be expected.

She sighed, replaced the bandage, and headed back over to the couch, picking up her duffel to unpack.

Before she could make it back into her bedroom, though, there was a knock at the door.

"I just got home," she groaned aloud, dropping the bag again and throwing her head back in frustration before making her way to the front door and unlatching it.

She swung it open to see a familiar-looking, out-of-breath blue hedgehog.

"Hi," she said, furrowing her brow in confusion. "Uh, did I forget something?"

"No," he breathed, "I did."

She stared at him, not understanding.

"You were right," Sonic continued, making his way into the apartment.

"Uh, come in?" Amy questioned, but he was too busy making his point to notice.

"You were always the one to chase me. Right? And that's not fair to you," he turned to look at her.

"I-I guess…" she stammered. "Look, Sonic, just forget-"

"No," he cut her off angrily.

She raised her eyebrows at the sudden change in tone.

"I'm done trying to forget about the past, and I'm especially done trying to forget about you," he ground out. "If you want me to chase you for a change, I will. It's my turn. You spent all those years doing your best to make me feel wanted, and loved, and special. And I never even tried to return the favor."

Her mouth dropped open slightly. He was actually starting to understand.

"So, I'm going to return the favor," he exhaled, stepping closer to her. "I'm going to spend the rest of my life returning the favor if that's what it takes."

Amy was completely frozen in her spot, her emerald eyes wide with a mixture of fear and disbelief.

"Amy, I… I love you," he sighed, looking down at the ground before meeting her gaze again. "I think that I always have. And I'm not about to sit here and watch you get away from me again. You have this incredible life here, and I don't want that to change one bit for you, because I know you're happy. But I also need you to know that I'm in love with you. And," he gave a lopsided smile, "I'd like to chase you for a while, if that's okay."

Quick as a flash, he took her face in his hands, tilted it up, and kissed her gently on the lips. She inhaled a breath, surprised at the sudden turn of events, and felt her face heat up.

How embarrassing, that he was able to make her feel like this.

Just as fast as the kiss had begun, he pulled back and started out the door. She was still frozen in place, staring at him in shock.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Amy," he grinned, before leaving and closing the door behind him.

Amy breathed in, feeling lightheaded, and put a hand to her chest to ensure that her heart hadn't just beat its way out of her. Smiling slightly and shaking her head, she looked up at the door.

"See you tomorrow, Sonic."