The click of clean, black stilettos moved through the corridor. Rouge held an impatient scowl as she sauntered towards two large, dark oak doors. She pushed through with her hips swaying.

"What the hell?!" she snapped. Leaning on her hip, she crossed her arms. Her voice was like a sudden shock of thunder.

Stood looking out a window, a tall, broad-shouldered echidna raised a brow, glancing back at her. Although startled by her sudden outburst, he was expecting her at some point today to scold his ear off.

His gaze drifted to her chest, admiring the low-cut shirt she wore. It was often that he got distracted by her alluring taste in clothing. It's not like she didn't like when he looked; in fact, she encouraged it. But now wasn't the time.

"Knuckles." She was getting irritated, a typical emotion she usually feels with his obnoxious and ignorant behaviour at times when it really wasn't needed.

He sighed, turning to face her properly. "What?"

Nothing ever got past her, and she wasn't going to drop it.

Rouge let her arms fall to her side, taking a few steps closer to him. "Do you have any idea how careless that little stunt you pulled was?" Her hands find the desk, leaning over it. "So much for keeping yourself on the low." Her hand slid to grip the side of the surface.

Knuckles let out a grumble of annoyance, giving a weak shot at reassurance, "Relax, sweetheart." It came out more sarcastic than intended.

He took a few steps, closing the distance between them. His hand found the small of her back, guiding her towards the door. "A few busted-up lips ain't the end of the world."

Rouge shot daggers up at him, "Do not dismiss me."

Knuckles sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Everything is fine... alright?"

Rouge placed her hands on her hips, not convinced. Although there was a height difference, that didn't intimidate her. In one way or another, she was the boss. Hypothetically, if not actually.

As he took in her stance, his head fell back as he took a deep, mind-clearing breath. He looked back down at her, his eyes softening. With two large hands, he cupped her cheeks gently. He leaned closer, keeping his voice low.

"I promise... I've handled it."

Rouge scanned his expression. Analyzed his tone. With a small huff, her glossy pink lip pouted. She rolled her eyes before pulling away. She turned away from him, indecisive on what her next move should be: to slap or kiss him.

It wasn't often that Knuckles got himself wrapped up in situations like this. He was smart enough to know when a line was crossed. Even with his spitfire temper, he knew only to resort to violence if necessary. That being said, it was a risk Rouge didn't want him to take, whether he did the beating or not.

Rouge faced him, pointing a finger in his face. "Do this again, and I'll sew that handsome mouth of yours shut."

Knuckles' mouth dropped to a frown. He wanted to defend himself, yet there would be no reasoning with her. She was too caught up in the idea of staying out of major trouble than to hear out her own boyfriend.

He spoke through gritted teeth. Trying to contain his anger was an effort and a half.

"Fine."

Rouge spun back around, pushing through the doors again, her tense sway still in her walk.

"Rouge, wait-" Knuckles called out suddenly.

She stopped, twisting her head back. She faced him fully once more when she saw the grimace on his face.

"Is he really finished?" He asked reluctantly. There was a twinge of sadness under all of his burning anger.

Rouge looked to the floor before meeting his gaze once more. "It's what he wants to do... and I'll be honest, I'm gonna support him on this."

Knuckles' fists clenched; she noticed immediately.

"I see it as a second chance for him, honey." Her tone grows lighter: "He wants to graduate... He doesn't wanna live the way you do." She steps closer again, her fingers gently tracing his arm before resting on it fully.

His shoulders fell, his anger subsiding. He turns away from her, brushing aside the sappy feelings that overtook. With a grunt, he headed back into the room. "He's on his own now. He gets nothing from me."