You scratch your chin in thought. "Hmm…" you wonder out loud, "If I were you… I would definitely go with Shade."
"Now you say Shade?" Knuckles almost chuckles, "I thought you were Team Rouge for a moment there."
"Well, I didn't say you needed to be with her," you respond, "Just that she does like you. But hey, if you prefer Shade, then she'll have to deal. The heart wants what the heart wants."
Knuckles seems appreciative of your answer. "Yeah. Makes sense."
You take note of his reaction. "Yup," you nod, "Definitely Shade. I mean, I've seen you two together in action. That thing you so affectionately call 'Echidna Rush', the way she just adores you and protects you from all the mean bullies…"
Knuckles' cheeks turn pink. He turns away to hide them, but you already saw it. You decide to see just how much redder he can go.
"Also, I think you two oughta save your species."
At that, the echidna nearly tripped over his feet. He turns to you angrily, but it was worth it to see the even deeper shade of pink his cheeks had gotten. "Really, Sonic?! You had to go there?!"
You give a little laugh. "Sorry. Couldn't resist."
"Get your mind out of the gutter, Sonic…"
You chuckle some more but remain quiet on the subject.
Continue to Chapter 45