Confiding

Knuckles took his time as he made his way to the park, where he asked Sonic and Tails to meet him. He had been bothered by unknown feelings involving Vector for quite some time, but now he felt like he really needed to talk to his friends about it. He needed to get it off his chest. Maybe talking it out would make him feel better, and improve his concentration.

He arrived at the park, but what he saw immediately made him want to leave. Sonic and Tails were waiting by the fountain, but Amy was with them, snuggled up to Sonic's side, clutching his arm. Knuckles didn't really want to discuss his feelings while she was around, but he was certain she wouldn't leave her blue crush for anything. Sighing, he made his way to them.

"Hey, guys." he said, sitting down on a bench across from the fountain.

"Hey, Knux." Sonic said. He tugged on his arm that Amy had both of hers wrapped around. "Sorry about Amy. She saw me here and refused to leave."

"Not surprising." Knuckles muttered, rolling his eyes.

"So, what did you want to talk to us about?" Tails asked.

"Well, you see, guys...ever since Vector's been back...I've been having these weird feelings. You know we've always been good friends, but we've shared a few moments that made me feel something about him. When I'm near him, or even when I see him, I feel so...happy. But I also get nervous, like I don't know what to say or do. And I start to blush and get this warm feeling over my heart..."

"Oh, Knuckles! You're in love!" Amy suddenly exclaimed happily.

"Huh? In love?" Tails said.

"To be honest, that's what I was starting to think, too, and..." Knuckles suddenly blushed and smiled. "Amy, I think you're right. I think I am in love with Vector."

"That's amazing, Knux." Sonic said. "So, when are you gonna tell him?"

"I don't know. I'm not even sure if he feels the same way about me." Knuckles said.

"Well, you won't know until you tell him, Knuckles." Tails said.

"Right. Then I guess I should try getting up the courage to tell him." The echidna stood up. "Thanks for letting me talk about this with you, guys."

"Anytime, Knux." Sonic said.

======================================================================================

"Vector, can Charmy and I talk to you about something?" Espio asked.

"Sure, Esp." Vector replied, sitting down on one of the twin couches facing each other in their detective office. His friends sat across from him. "So, what's up?"

"Well, Vector, we don't mean to interfere with your privacy, but..." Espio shared a look with Charmy before continuing, "we couldn't help but notice how.....different you've been acting around Knuckles."

"Different how?" Vector asked carefully.

"Yesterday, at the tennis courts, you were sitting awfully close to him." Charmy said. "And then there was that compliment you made about how the bruise brought out his eyes." 

Espio and Charmy thought Vector would brush off their points and say he and Knuckles were just friends. Instead, his reptilian skin appeared to blush and he looked away. "I wasn't really thinking when I said and did those things..." he said, embarrassed.

"So, what do you think this means, Vector?" Espio asked.

Vector was silent for a few seconds, sorting out his thoughts. "I think it means that..." His blush suddenly changed-appearing less embarrassed-and he smiled softly. "I might have a crush on Knuckles, you guys."

"Aw, that's so sweet, Vector." Charmy said, flying up to his boss/friend and hugging him.

"Yes, that's wonderful." Espio agreed. 

"Thanks, guys. I'll try to confess to him soon, but it's not gonna be easy to get out."

Espio nodded in understanding. "Confessing your love can be frightening, but Charmy and I believe in you."

"We sure do!" Charmy happily agreed. "We hope Knuckles accepts your feelings."

"I hope so, too." Vector said.