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Edit Note: my theory that Shadow can come and go is based on the fact that he set up the "Boom" universe to be destroyed. My assumption is he wouldn't end himself, so he just Chaos Controlled his ebony butt to another universe. ","writing":"Staci stood silently in the doorway, looking at them in the pitiful light the moon offered up. Sonic, his ankle still in a cast, was sat by the bed, his head resting near her arm. He was dead to the world, no doubt he hadn't slept for several hours. Amy lay in the bed, hooked up to a drip and looking as pale as the moonlight. Her eyes fluttered but they did not open, and Staci was able to stand and stare at leisure. The room was stifling, both in heat and the palpable emotion in the air as she spied their sleeping fingers intertwined. She let out a sigh.\n\tShe had tried to tell herself the situation hadn't been that bad, that there was no way Amy could really have died. With all the running Sonic did it was only a matter of time before he snapped something. You can break a bone falling over. As for the state of the village, they had only themselves to blame for their lack of preparation.\n\tSeeing them however, had confirmed what she tried to deny. She had gone too far this time. She had blood on her hands, and a small green monster was chewing away angrily at her insides. Guilt, so much guilt.\n\tIf she could rewrite the last six months of her life, she would blank the page and not even start over.\n\n******\n\n\tShadow strolled in to the centre of Hedgehog Village. He could hear the goings on of the creatures around him slowly fall silent as they all began to notice he was there. They didn't run, which was a small mark up on previous encounters, but the faces of those who did stick their heads out were nervous or scornful. If they knew even an ounce of how angry he was, they would have fled. But to act upon it was the old him, and he already had a plan in place.\n\n\tHe kept his eyes peeled for her. As word began to spread of his presence, she arrived soon enough. As their eyes locked on to each other she gave him a flirty wink, but he was less than impressed. His face stayed expressionless as the whispers around him grew louder and the crowd grew more confident. He needed as many of them there as possible, and even better now he was staring her down.\n\n\t“Shadow, what are you doing here?”\n\n\tShadow flicked an ear backwards but he did not turn around. He would know the voice of that blue faker anywhere. His appearance was neither here nor there, but at least if he were to witness events they wouldn't need explaining later. He would prefer not to have to talk to him one on one if he could help it.\n\n\t“It's time to get some matters out in the open,” he replied quietly, but before he'd finished his last word, Sonic was stood nose to nose with him.\n\n\t“Is this really the time or the place?” the blue blur asked him through gritted teeth. His green eyes flashed with silent rage, but Shadow could not be drawn in to a fight.\n\n\t“Where's Bud?”\n\n\tSonic narrowed his eyes, “...Bud?”\n\n\t“Amy.”\n\n\tSonics face twisted between rage and confusion, “That's...what you call her?”\n\n\tShadow didn't reply, but gave a small raise of his eyebrows expectantly. Sonics eyes darted between staring intently at him and clocked the amount of villagers forming a circle around them. They were all sporting for a fight but Sonic knew it was not the right thing to do.\n\n\t“She's picking flowers with Sticks near the volcano. We've been trying to keep her out of the village. You are not helping matters.”\n\n\tShadow crossed his arms, and looked over Sonics shoulder at the lilac demon who was causing his Bud such pain.\n\n\t“Actually, I'm here to put an end to this,” he said under his breath, before calling out at the top of his lungs, “Eggman, get out here!”\n\n\tThey all looked to the sky, but Eggman walked out of the woods, without any of his robots in tow. His face was set in a stony expression, and his arms marched stiffly by his side. Sonic poised himself for a fight, and his team mates were swiftly by his side. They weren't needed. Not any of them.\n\n\t“Ah, Shadow and Staci, thank you for meeting me here.”\n\n\tThe villagers turned their gaze on the bandicoot in unison. She looked around all of them before stepping forward to protest her innocence.\n\n\t“I had no plan to meet you here!” she squeaked. \n\n\t“It's hard to get hold of you now you won't come to my lab again,” he replied, “It's time to admit our plans have failed, that's why I needed you both here. Time to come clean.”\n\n\tShadow was enjoying watching the female squirm uncomfortably. She was about to learn how fickle a crowd could be.\n\n\t“Sonic, perhaps we should explain to you first,” the Doctor started up, “after all, it was you we were trying to...emotionally destroy.”\n\n\tShadow rolled his eyes. The man was useless. He was making this sound far too mechanical.\n\n\t“You were...what?” Sonic asked, his head turning back and forth to try and gauge what was going on. Perhaps they should have let him in on this after all.\n\n\t“Kidnapping Miss Rose was a bit of a low blow, but we knew it would hit you right where it hurts. Of course having Shadow here take her away really added to the effect. An extra kick in the teeth if you will.”\n\n\tA voice called from the crowd, “Egghead what are you...?”\n\n\t“Quiet Nibbles, adults are talking,” Eggman snapped at the echidna, “by all accounts Miss Rose put up quite a fight, but we made sure she knew that any plans to escape would end in the annihilation of this entire village.”\n\n\t“She was a nightmare,” Shadow chimed in, “I couldn't stand to guard her any longer. Which was when we changed plans and brought in Miss Bandicoot here.”\n\n\t“Like hell did I have anythi...” she started squealing.\n\n\t“If Amy was going to be let go, we would have to work with what we had. So Miss Staci here started the rumours that Amy had been...,” the Doc faltered, making some awkward hand gestures, “intimate with Shadow here. Of course she may have gone a little too far in the details, fake as they were. But as it turns out the only person who didn't believe them was the one person we wanted to. Sonic.”\n\n\tShadow saw the penny finally drop in Sonics eyes. The blue faker nodded his head and replied, “It's all making sense now.”\n\n\tEggman started up again, “We have come to tell you that all gossip about Miss Rose is false. That she has not defended herself to protect all of you. But if I hear any of you spreading these false stories, you can answer to Shadow there personally. I think he's rather upset she's been so hurt by this.”\n\n\tShadow let out a low growl as a warning for the Doctor to quit going down that route while he was ahead.\n\n\t“Staci, how could you?” Knuckles cried.\n\n\t“I didn't!” she squealed.\n\n\t“It was you that started these rumours though,” Tails added, “it was you right from the start.”\n\n\t“They aren't rumours, she really did mate with Shadow before she stole Sonic from me!”\n\n\t“I think I would have remembered such an event,” Shadow sighed, “Your contract with us ends. But I assume we can call on you in the future?”\n\n\t“Well you can call me anytime...”\n\n\tShadow smiled at her words. Not because he had any intention of ever taking up her offer, but because she had just sealed her own fate. The villagers began to circle around her, screaming words like “traitor” and “liar” amongst the more colourful names. Backed in to a corner the spiteful sneer that seemed painted on her face failed, and panic replaced it. He had no remorse, and with his work done he began to walk away, nodding once to the Doctor as he too made an exit.\n\n\tJust at the line of the trees as he was about to teleport away, Sonic caught up to him.\n\n\t“Wait, Shadow, I need to clear a few things up!”\n\n\tThe black hedgehog rolled his eyes, “Make it quick, don't want to spoil things by them seeing us talking.”\n\n\tSonic gave a dismissive wave, “They're too busy giving Staci hell. Was any of that true?”\n\n\t“Why? Do you care what happens to her?”\n\n\tSonic shook his head quickly, “I mean...you and Amy...”\n\n\tHe turned away again, “Whatever Bud has told you is all you need to know.”\n\n\tSonic quickly whipped back in to his view, “Okay fine. Was this your idea? How did you know about these rumours?”\n\n\tShadow wouldn't look him in the eye, “I keep an eye on things here as I always have, but it was the Doctor who decided we should step in. Guilt perhaps for taking the bandicoot on as an apprentice, even if only for a day. Not like you were coming up with anything.”\n\n\tSonic stabbed a finger towards him, “That was not my choice. Amy didn't want me to get involved. You think it was easy sitting back and watching that bullshit spread? I can't believe what they thought my girl was capable of.”\n\n\t“You have too much faith in them, and they have too much in you,” Shadow sighed, “this was for Bud. Assuming your friends are the only ones who know the truth, this is over, finally. I'm leaving.”\n\n\tIt was then he saw the pink of her fur in the corner of his eye. Amy walked towards the clearing, halting as her eyes fell on the pair of them. He had forgotten what it was like looking in to those wide, jade eyes. There was a brief twinge in his heart, a longing he hadn't felt since the day she left. Before she could get any closer he teleported out of their reach. \n\n\tThat faker could take it from there.\n\n******\n\n\t“Amy Rose, as Mayor of Hedgehog Village it is my job to be the voice of the people. I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say...they're very sorry for believing those lies.”\n\n\t“Oh...thank-you,” she muttered, still in a daze. Sonic had quickly filled her and Sticks in on events, and they rejoined the village as Staci was running away in tears. Even as she was out of sight they still spat obscenities and accusations, and in the deepest recesses of her heart Amy felt a pang of sympathy for Staci. She had been vile, she had been spiteful, she had been vengeful but she had not conspired against her people. There would be no going back now however, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles had involved themselves in the lie too and to uncover them would destroy the hero image she had fought to preserve. \n\n\tShe wasn't prepared to see Shadow, let alone stood face to face with Sonic. He really was a black mirror image of her Blue. She hoped he would have been happy to see her, but once he had seen her he vanished quickly. Swept up in the confusion of the moment she had barely let Sonics words sink in.\n\n\tShe had been absolved of her actions, both the real and the lies. Her time with Shadow was now nothing more than a lie to anyone but herself and her closest friends. She had such conflicting feelings about it. On the one hand she didn't feel she had to keep the truth a secret, but on the other hand they would never understand what that time meant to her. None of them would.\n\n\tWhat it did mean was that she and Sonic were free to be a couple in public. She could walk through the village square holding his hand or paint him a picture and not have to lie to anyone about who her muse was. Once the Staci storm had died down she would suggest to Sonic they go on a date, out in the open, in full view of everyone. He would hesitate of course, he was still embarrassed by public displays of affection. It was silly, of everything he faced he still blushed at a kiss on the cheek when witnessed by others.\n\n******\n\n\tSonic threw her against a wall, wasting no time in reclaiming his rose. The pent up aggression in him would not waver, and he needed both the physical exertion and to feel secure in his bond with her. He had seen that flicker in her eye when she had seen Shadow. It hadn't sat well.\n\n\tThey were kissing so hard his jaw began to ache, but he could not stop now. His bulge pressed against her hot spot, and even with no feet on the floor she was able to grind him in to releasing him from his sheath. Pulling her panties to the side he thrust himself deep inside her, and she squealed in delight. They didn't say a word to each other, but their eyes were locked as if they feared it still wasn't really happening. As he pounded in to her he watched her lids grow heavier, kissing her now and then, their gasps of breath matching pace. Her legs wrapped around him as she grew closer to orgasm, and he held out for as long as he could, but before long he was emptying himself inside her scorching little body. \n\n\tNo need to hesitate any more. She was his, he was hers, and the two creatures who posed a threat to that were no longer in the village. She screamed his name as if she wanted the world to hear. \n\n*****\n\n\tSonic wasn't sure how he ended up in Mombots hut, but here he was drinking down tea and munching on dainty cakes. Eggman sat opposite, beaming at his Mombot proudly. She did always want he and Sonic to be friends, and though this quiet time would be brief it was apparently still a delightful thing to his Mother.\n\n\t“I don't know how to say this Egghead,” Sonic started, “but thhh...thhhhhaaa.....thhhhhoh you know where I'm going with this.”\n\n\t“Apart from getting spit all over the frosting, yes I do. But I didn't do it for you, hedgehog.”\n\n\tSonic nodded, “Right, you were looking out for Amy.”\n\n\t“I was looking out for me! I wasn't lying when I said she was your weakness. If she was run out of town, either you would have loyally followed or you would have fallen in to a pit of despair. If I couldn't pull you out of that, who would I have fought with? Starfox, Muggles and Twigs? Not bloody likely.”\n\n\tSonic raised an eyebrow, “So you aren't at all happy she's happy?”\n\n\tEggman shooed off the suggestion with a wave of his hand, “That's your department. But you better keep her happy. I think you know what will happen if you hurt her again.”\n\n\tSonic gave him a dirty look, “I'm not threatened by Shadow. Amy and I were solid from the day we met, it's just a little different now.”\n\n\t“Oh I knew the two of you were right for each other,” Mombot chimed in, “such a cute pair. I know my boy is looking forward to being an Uncle to all your adorable little babies.”\n\n\tBoth men spat out their tea simultaneously.\n\n\t“Mombot don't be gross! The last thing I want is any more of his kind running round.”\n\n\t“We are years away from that Mombot,” Sonic coughed, his hand still shaking.\n\n\t“Good!” Eggman snapped, “but...if it ever does happen...I could babysit right? I could be Unckee Eggee.”\n\n*****\t\n\nStaci was with Perci. Much to Amy's surprise she was relieved to hear that Staci was in a safe place. She wouldn't have wished a banishment on her, but the village had rallied against the bandicoot. When Amy took the call from Perci she could hear the disappointment in her friends tone and it burned within her.\n\n\t“She'll be fine here. I get so many invites from the boys to go gallivanting about at night I can't keep up. Staci is distracting them so I can get on with my studies. Oh that girl, ya'll wouldn't have the foggiest she's been run outta town.”\n\n\tAmy frowned slightly, receiver held tightly to her ear. Sonic was behind her, distracted by the TV, but his hearing was impeccable when he thought it needed to be.\n\n\t“I didn't plan on this Perci, I promise.”\n\n\t“Sugar beet I know that! Gosh Almighty it is about time she learned her lesson. Honestly I don't know how she keeps on top of all the boys she's seeing. And I mean that both figuratively and literally. Dash her hide, she considers it a loss that she didn't chase after that Shadow boy.”\n\n\tAmy coughed in surprise, “But...his lie is the reason she had to leave here.”\n\n\tPerci made a humming noise, “But he's also got a butt that won't quit. Anyway sugar beet, this is time you should be spending climbing that blue hog like a cypress tree. My sister is going to thrive here, heck knows she might even start learning a thing or two. My room mate isn't too impressed but she's promised to keep hush, and the boys don't care it isn't me if she looks like me.”\n\n\tAmy didn't think that could at all be true. From what she had deciphered in conversations with Perci, Staci had to fight to keep a guys attention. They were identical twins, but Perci was bright and capable of long conversations. So when her looks alone didn't work, Staci became...well, Staci. She knew she didn't have the same as her sister to offer, so she gave what she could, her physical services. She would never climb as high as Perci on her own merit so she was looking for someone else to carry her up.\n\n\tAmy felt guilt knot in her stomach. She bid a polite goodbye to Perci and replaced the receiver, before doubling over. Sonic helped her to the sofa and rubbed her back carefully.\n\n\t“Ames what's wrong? If it was that chili dog I swear they tasted fine to me.”\n\n\t“It's Staci,” Amy groaned.\n\n\t“What the hell has she done now? She's miles and miles away! That psychotic bitch...”\n\n\t“No, I didn't mean that,” she sighed as she tried to sit upright, “I mean, what if I spent too much time jealous of her? Suspicious of her? What if...somebody had actually tried to understand her?”\n\n\tSonic placed a hand on her cheek and she leaned in to it, soaking up his warmth.\n\n\t“Ames you can't blame yourself. She made the bed she lays in.”\n\n\tShe gave him a pained look, “Did you two ever just...talk?”\n\n\tHe looked quizzically at her, “Do you really want to hear this?”\n\n\tShe thought about it for a second, knowing it would be hard to hear, but she nodded all the same.\n\n\tHe took a gulp, “The longest conversation I got out of her were lectures about how I could profit off being heroic. There were no Sunday mornings lying in bed, watching the day pass by. We just...well we got what we wanted, and what she wanted was a shot at glory. I suppose I could have tried harder but we didn't spend much time together outside of...well...you know.”\n\n\tAmy chewed the inside of her lip. That was the Staci of now, but she was sure it wasn't always fated to be that way. But as her stomach twisted further she knew it was not up to her to fix. Perhaps Perci was right and that the University atmosphere would be could for Staci. Even if she wasn't there to study, she was surrounded by the brightest and the loneliest young people around. One of them was bound to love her for more than just sex, if Staci could ever see beyond her chance at power. In fact she could have made a solid friendship with Eggman or Tails, had she not been so hell bent on destruction.\n\n\tShadow on the other hand, there was no way he would have let her catch him. In fact it was hard for Amy to picture him with anyone else. Simply because he was so antisocial, not because any part of her was jealous of the idea of him with anyone else.\n\n\tRight?\n\n******\n\n\tHe was already heading out the door before she realised he had clambered out of bed. With no word, let alone a goodbye, he had quickly and quietly got himself dressed and departed. The green female was used to getting what she wanted, so to be brushed off so hastily rubbed her against the grain.\n\n\t“You've always been a coward!” she screamed at his back.\n\n\tShadow didn't even flinch. This was not his world, and he was not the Shadow she thought he was. It was foolish, perhaps reckless so have slept with someone who knew 'him', but on the other hand this Breezie was very accommodating. Ending up in bed with her was not his intention, but his job required him to spy on the other worlds so he was there working. Once he was well away from prying eyes, not easy in a casino, he used his chaos control to transport himself back to his own world in a blink. Not every Shadow could do that without external Chaos energy.\n\n\tThe moment he was back in the flat assigned to him by G.U.N he sat his communicator in his ear and listened to his messages.\n\n\t“This would be easier if I wasn't having to jump between worlds for you. There is still nothing to report. The twin has been here for a month now and all she does is screw her way through her sisters admirers. I'm not sure what you think this air head is capable of, but I'm not staying longer than another semester. The Colonel will know you've filed a false report eventually, and more to the point I am bored of playing a student! I know this has something to do with that Amy but you....”\n\n\tHe clicked off the message. He knew the lecture that was about to follow and he didn't need to hear it again. He didn't need to be reminded it was not his place to be keeping an eye on her in secret. He didn't need to be reminded that Rouge was a top agent that he had sent on a virtually pointless mission. He didn't need to still see her rosy fur in his minds eye, but he did. So until he was certain that nothing would come of his actions against the bandicoot he would have her spied on by one of the few in all the Universes he trusted.\n\n*****\n\n\tThe summer months flew by with ease. There was no official announcement about Sonic and Amy's relationship status, but once the Rabbit Girl had spied them on a date and put a message about it on FriendSpace, the whole world and his dog knew. There was the a very short flurry of questions and Eggman snooping as usual, but when it became clear that nothing much had changed between the two hedgehogs, the public got bored.\n\n\tThen Amy's second season in heat came around. The most recent bite mark on her back had now healed, but there was no way they were going to risk replacing it now. With Sonic as wrapped up in the pheromones she was giving out as much as she was they were jumping on each other as much as they physically could. It was quick and it was rough, Sonics lightning reflexes being their saving grace.\n\n\tAmy liked taking control during this time, and she was grinding on top of him hard. When she had first settled herself down on him she had smiled sweetly, but as she had found a rhythm she had turned from angel to demon. \n\n\t“Ah Ames...stop...I'm about to...” Sonic had pleaded, but she didn't seem to hear him. Her claws were firmly buried in the fabric and her eyes slammed shut, closed off to the world. He knew his time was too close, so out of desperation Sonic had grabbed her by the waist and pulled her off him. It wasn't until she was hovering above him that her senses came back to her.\n\n\t“The world is not ready for Sonamy junior yet,” he had laughed, trying to make light of the situation. Amy had been flustered that she had lost herself so deeply and vowed not to lose control like that. But it was that same night that the nightmares began. \n\n\tShe was crying out in her sleep. Sometimes it was just cries of fear or sadness, but other times she would call names. Him, their friends, “the baby”, and even more painful, she would call for Shadow. Sometimes he let her sleep, wrapping his arms around her tight so she couldn't lash out and hurt herself. There were other nights he couldn't take listening to her cries of anguish and he would wake her up, letting her sob in to his fur until she became drowsy again. She would wake up and barely remember the event at all. At least that's what she said, but he had his doubts. He could only recall her talking about 'the baby' once and that was the times she reluctantly opened up about the woods.\n\n\tThe night he caught her out of bed, sleepwalking right out the front door, he had had enough. He demanded she tell him everything about that day.\n\n\t“Sonic, this is just my hormones playing up. I'll be fine in another week or so.”\n\n\t“Fine? Fine...Amy you were up and about while sleeping. Who knows what would have happened if I wasn't here. Or if I hadn't woken up.”\n\n\t“What do you think I'll do? Where would I go?”\n\n\tSonic lowered his eyes, “That you'll go back to the woods. To...him. To whatever the hell pulled you in in the first place”\n\n\tShe groaned, “Sonic, I've not seen Shadow in months. I'm happy with you! As for those woods...you just don't understand. And don't ask me to explain them any more. I just want to move on.”\n\n\tHe nodded, kissed her forehead, and put her back to bed. When she awoke the following morning, he was gone.\n\n*****\n\n\tShadow skidded to a halt. He could usually pass through the village without any disturbance, but stood in his path was the Blue Faker. They locked eyes in the dim light of the moon. \n\n\t“A little late for you to be up, isn't it?” Shadow inquired. \n\n\t“Well I'd say the same,” Sonic chuckled bitterly, “but this isn't the first time you've passed by Amy's hut in the middle of the night, is it?”\n\n\tShadow was both impressed and annoyed he'd been spotted, “Isn't that where you should be now? Those nightmares of hers are getting worse.”\n\n\tSonic flushed red, “I knew you were close by. Taking notes?”\n\n\tShadow rolled his eyes, “I have no interest in your nightly intimacy.”\n\n\t“So those pheromones she's kicking out are having no effect on you?”\n\n\tShadow growled, so low it was barely audible to Sonic. He knew something was getting to him. He had passed through the village at night more frequently of late, feeling himself pulled towards her. He had tried to find satisfaction in other females, but nothing could keep him away. It was weak.\n\n\t“What do you want Faker?”\n\n\tSonic crossed his arms and kicked away at the dirt by his feet, “There's a talk you and I need to have. I've been putting it off for way too long, but we've gone beyond pretending it didn't happen.”\n\n*****\n\n\tSticks was performing her morning check of all her traps when a melancholy Amy approached her burrow.\n\n\t“Don't touch that leaf!” she cried at the pink hedgehog.\n\n\tAmy jumped backward, “Is it booby trapped?”\n\n\tSticks scoffed, “I can't place a trap in a leaf. I just think it's pretty.”\n\n\tAmy scowled at her. As Sticks walked up to her she could see her friend was looking especially tired this morning. Her quills weren't as tidy as she usually kept them and there were visible shadows under her eyes.\n\n\t“You know, you could look less smug about it.”\n\n\tAmy tilted her head, “About what?”\n\n\tSticks smirked, “Heavy night of good lovin' was it? Hope you're taking precautions while you're in heat.”\n\n\t“No Sticks, that's....”\n\n\t“You aren't? Look he'll bite ya again once he isn't gonna risk knocking you up if that's what you're worried ab...”\n\n\t“Sticks! It was just a restless night, that's all. Sonic must have bailed on me. He doesn't cope well without his twelve hours kip. I checked his place but he isn't there. Guessing he's crashed at Tails house again.”\n\n\tSticks rested a hand on her shoulder, “The wood nightmare again?”\n\n\tAmy nodded, “I think so. I don't remember most of them, but Sonic tells me I'm talking about them in my sleep.”\n\n\t“Have you thought about talking about them while you're awake?”\n\n\tAmy snorted, “Not you too. Sticks I am happy to drag you in to hell with me, but it's not something Sonic needs to hear. I've told him all he needs to know.”\n\n\t“What about Shadow? Have you cleared the air about how you bumped uglies with him?”\n\n\tAmy stared straight ahead.\n\n\t“Maybe this is your subconscious trying to get you to open up a bit. If you and Blue are looking at forever you're going to have to bring up those inner demons. Unless you are actually possessed, want me to perform an exorcism to check?”\n\n******\n\n\tAmy didn't find Sonic with Tails, nor had Knuckles seen him. She found herself too tired to look further and she took a nap. Sonics hammock wasn't the easiest thing to sleep in, for her anyway, but she was comforted by surrounding herself with his smell. She had only intended it to be out for an hour, but when she opened her eyes again the sun was low in the sky. Sonic still wasn't there so she met up with her friends at Meh Burger.\n\n\t“This is unusual for him,” she said.\n\n\t“No Dave usually gets our orders wrong,” Knuckles replied.\n\n\t“I meant about Sonic!” she snapped, a little more harshly than she intended. Worry had started to kick in.\n\n\t“Maybe he's fallen asleep out in the canyon,” Tails offered, trying to ease her down. She only mumbled a half-arsed response.\n\n\t“Maybe he's run away to be with Staci,” Dave called over. Amy gave him a hand gesture to show she didn't find that too funny.\n\n\t“Of course there is a chance that Shadow knows the answer,” Sticks added.\n\n\t“What?”\n\n\t“Shadow,” she said again.\n\n\t“Why would you think that?” Amy asked with a bored sigh.\n\n\t“Shadow's behind you!”\n\n\t“Oh Sticks I'm not falling for that again. It wasn't a funny joke to start with. But ever so good of you to try and cheer me up”\n\n\tSticks blinked a few times, “You're patronizing when you're moody. Would you turn around.”\n\n\tAmy rolled her eyes but did as she was told. \n\n\tHe really was there. Stood staring her down from the other side of the village square was Shadow, his frown as deep as ever. As an automatic response she got to her feet and walked slowly towards him. There was no sign of Sonic, and a flutter of doubt sprung up in her stomach. Or was it her hormones reacting to a male presence again?\n\n\t“Hi,” she smiled, “it's been a while.”\n\n\tHe didn't say anything. In the blink of an eye he grabbed her with both hands and they vanished from sight.\n\n\tThe three of them sat still at their table, Knuckles still chewing on his bite of burger.\n\n\t“Oh shit,” Sticks finally said, breaking the silence, “not this again.”","writing_bbcode_parsed":"Staci stood silently in the doorway, looking at them in the pitiful light the moon offered up. Sonic, his ankle still in a cast, was sat by the bed, his head resting near her arm. He was dead to the world, no doubt he hadn't slept for several hours. Amy lay in the bed, hooked up to a drip and looking as pale as the moonlight. Her eyes fluttered but they did not open, and Staci was able to stand and stare at leisure. The room was stifling, both in heat and the palpable emotion in the air as she spied their sleeping fingers intertwined. She let out a sigh.
\tShe had tried to tell herself the situation hadn't been that bad, that there was no way Amy could really have died. With all the running Sonic did it was only a matter of time before he snapped something. You can break a bone falling over. As for the state of the village, they had only themselves to blame for their lack of preparation.
\tSeeing them however, had confirmed what she tried to deny. She had gone too far this time. She had blood on her hands, and a small green monster was chewing away angrily at her insides. Guilt, so much guilt.
\tIf she could rewrite the last six months of her life, she would blank the page and not even start over.
******
\tShadow strolled in to the centre of Hedgehog Village. He could hear the goings on of the creatures around him slowly fall silent as they all began to notice he was there. They didn't run, which was a small mark up on previous encounters, but the faces of those who did stick their heads out were nervous or scornful. If they knew even an ounce of how angry he was, they would have fled. But to act upon it was the old him, and he already had a plan in place.
\tHe kept his eyes peeled for her. As word began to spread of his presence, she arrived soon enough. As their eyes locked on to each other she gave him a flirty wink, but he was less than impressed. His face stayed expressionless as the whispers around him grew louder and the crowd grew more confident. He needed as many of them there as possible, and even better now he was staring her down.
\t“Shadow, what are you doing here?”
\tShadow flicked an ear backwards but he did not turn around. He would know the voice of that blue faker anywhere. His appearance was neither here nor there, but at least if he were to witness events they wouldn't need explaining later. He would prefer not to have to talk to him one on one if he could help it.
\t“It's time to get some matters out in the open,” he replied quietly, but before he'd finished his last word, Sonic was stood nose to nose with him.
\t“Is this really the time or the place?” the blue blur asked him through gritted teeth. His green eyes flashed with silent rage, but Shadow could not be drawn in to a fight.
\t“Where's Bud?”
\tSonic narrowed his eyes, “...Bud?”
\t“Amy.”
\tSonics face twisted between rage and confusion, “That's...what you call her?”
\tShadow didn't reply, but gave a small raise of his eyebrows expectantly. Sonics eyes darted between staring intently at him and clocked the amount of villagers forming a circle around them. They were all sporting for a fight but Sonic knew it was not the right thing to do.
\t“She's picking flowers with Sticks near the volcano. We've been trying to keep her out of the village. You are not helping matters.”
\tShadow crossed his arms, and looked over Sonics shoulder at the lilac demon who was causing his Bud such pain.
\t“Actually, I'm here to put an end to this,” he said under his breath, before calling out at the top of his lungs, “Eggman, get out here!”
\tThey all looked to the sky, but Eggman walked out of the woods, without any of his robots in tow. His face was set in a stony expression, and his arms marched stiffly by his side. Sonic poised himself for a fight, and his team mates were swiftly by his side. They weren't needed. Not any of them.
\t“Ah, Shadow and Staci, thank you for meeting me here.”
\tThe villagers turned their gaze on the bandicoot in unison. She looked around all of them before stepping forward to protest her innocence.
\t“I had no plan to meet you here!” she squeaked.
\t“It's hard to get hold of you now you won't come to my lab again,” he replied, “It's time to admit our plans have failed, that's why I needed you both here. Time to come clean.”
\tShadow was enjoying watching the female squirm uncomfortably. She was about to learn how fickle a crowd could be.
\t“Sonic, perhaps we should explain to you first,” the Doctor started up, “after all, it was you we were trying to...emotionally destroy.”
\tShadow rolled his eyes. The man was useless. He was making this sound far too mechanical.
\t“You were...what?” Sonic asked, his head turning back and forth to try and gauge what was going on. Perhaps they should have let him in on this after all.
\t“Kidnapping Miss Rose was a bit of a low blow, but we knew it would hit you right where it hurts. Of course having Shadow here take her away really added to the effect. An extra kick in the teeth if you will.”
\tA voice called from the crowd, “Egghead what are you...?”
\t“Quiet Nibbles, adults are talking,” Eggman snapped at the echidna, “by all accounts Miss Rose put up quite a fight, but we made sure she knew that any plans to escape would end in the annihilation of this entire village.”
\t“She was a nightmare,” Shadow chimed in, “I couldn't stand to guard her any longer. Which was when we changed plans and brought in Miss Bandicoot here.”
\t“Like hell did I have anythi...” she started squealing.
\t“If Amy was going to be let go, we would have to work with what we had. So Miss Staci here started the rumours that Amy had been...,” the Doc faltered, making some awkward hand gestures, “intimate with Shadow here. Of course she may have gone a little too far in the details, fake as they were. But as it turns out the only person who didn't believe them was the one person we wanted to. Sonic.”
\tShadow saw the penny finally drop in Sonics eyes. The blue faker nodded his head and replied, “It's all making sense now.”
\tEggman started up again, “We have come to tell you that all gossip about Miss Rose is false. That she has not defended herself to protect all of you. But if I hear any of you spreading these false stories, you can answer to Shadow there personally. I think he's rather upset she's been so hurt by this.”
\tShadow let out a low growl as a warning for the Doctor to quit going down that route while he was ahead.
\t“Staci, how could you?” Knuckles cried.
\t“I didn't!” she squealed.
\t“It was you that started these rumours though,” Tails added, “it was you right from the start.”
\t“They aren't rumours, she really did mate with Shadow before she stole Sonic from me!”
\t“I think I would have remembered such an event,” Shadow sighed, “Your contract with us ends. But I assume we can call on you in the future?”
\t“Well you can call me anytime...”
\tShadow smiled at her words. Not because he had any intention of ever taking up her offer, but because she had just sealed her own fate. The villagers began to circle around her, screaming words like “traitor” and “liar” amongst the more colourful names. Backed in to a corner the spiteful sneer that seemed painted on her face failed, and panic replaced it. He had no remorse, and with his work done he began to walk away, nodding once to the Doctor as he too made an exit.
\tJust at the line of the trees as he was about to teleport away, Sonic caught up to him.
\t“Wait, Shadow, I need to clear a few things up!”
\tThe black hedgehog rolled his eyes, “Make it quick, don't want to spoil things by them seeing us talking.”
\tSonic gave a dismissive wave, “They're too busy giving Staci hell. Was any of that true?”
\t“Why? Do you care what happens to her?”
\tSonic shook his head quickly, “I mean...you and Amy...”
\tHe turned away again, “Whatever Bud has told you is all you need to know.”
\tSonic quickly whipped back in to his view, “Okay fine. Was this your idea? How did you know about these rumours?”
\tShadow wouldn't look him in the eye, “I keep an eye on things here as I always have, but it was the Doctor who decided we should step in. Guilt perhaps for taking the bandicoot on as an apprentice, even if only for a day. Not like you were coming up with anything.”
\tSonic stabbed a finger towards him, “That was not my choice. Amy didn't want me to get involved. You think it was easy sitting back and watching that bullshit spread? I can't believe what they thought my girl was capable of.”
\t“You have too much faith in them, and they have too much in you,” Shadow sighed, “this was for Bud. Assuming your friends are the only ones who know the truth, this is over, finally. I'm leaving.”
\tIt was then he saw the pink of her fur in the corner of his eye. Amy walked towards the clearing, halting as her eyes fell on the pair of them. He had forgotten what it was like looking in to those wide, jade eyes. There was a brief twinge in his heart, a longing he hadn't felt since the day she left. Before she could get any closer he teleported out of their reach.
\tThat faker could take it from there.
******
\t“Amy Rose, as Mayor of Hedgehog Village it is my job to be the voice of the people. I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say...they're very sorry for believing those lies.”
\t“Oh...thank-you,” she muttered, still in a daze. Sonic had quickly filled her and Sticks in on events, and they rejoined the village as Staci was running away in tears. Even as she was out of sight they still spat obscenities and accusations, and in the deepest recesses of her heart Amy felt a pang of sympathy for Staci. She had been vile, she had been spiteful, she had been vengeful but she had not conspired against her people. There would be no going back now however, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles had involved themselves in the lie too and to uncover them would destroy the hero image she had fought to preserve.
\tShe wasn't prepared to see Shadow, let alone stood face to face with Sonic. He really was a black mirror image of her Blue. She hoped he would have been happy to see her, but once he had seen her he vanished quickly. Swept up in the confusion of the moment she had barely let Sonics words sink in.
\tShe had been absolved of her actions, both the real and the lies. Her time with Shadow was now nothing more than a lie to anyone but herself and her closest friends. She had such conflicting feelings about it. On the one hand she didn't feel she had to keep the truth a secret, but on the other hand they would never understand what that time meant to her. None of them would.
\tWhat it did mean was that she and Sonic were free to be a couple in public. She could walk through the village square holding his hand or paint him a picture and not have to lie to anyone about who her muse was. Once the Staci storm had died down she would suggest to Sonic they go on a date, out in the open, in full view of everyone. He would hesitate of course, he was still embarrassed by public displays of affection. It was silly, of everything he faced he still blushed at a kiss on the cheek when witnessed by others.
******
\tSonic threw her against a wall, wasting no time in reclaiming his rose. The pent up aggression in him would not waver, and he needed both the physical exertion and to feel secure in his bond with her. He had seen that flicker in her eye when she had seen Shadow. It hadn't sat well.
\tThey were kissing so hard his jaw began to ache, but he could not stop now. His bulge pressed against her hot spot, and even with no feet on the floor she was able to grind him in to releasing him from his sheath. Pulling her panties to the side he thrust himself deep inside her, and she squealed in delight. They didn't say a word to each other, but their eyes were locked as if they feared it still wasn't really happening. As he pounded in to her he watched her lids grow heavier, kissing her now and then, their gasps of breath matching pace. Her legs wrapped around him as she grew closer to orgasm, and he held out for as long as he could, but before long he was emptying himself inside her scorching little body.
\tNo need to hesitate any more. She was his, he was hers, and the two creatures who posed a threat to that were no longer in the village. She screamed his name as if she wanted the world to hear.
*****
\tSonic wasn't sure how he ended up in Mombots hut, but here he was drinking down tea and munching on dainty cakes. Eggman sat opposite, beaming at his Mombot proudly. She did always want he and Sonic to be friends, and though this quiet time would be brief it was apparently still a delightful thing to his Mother.
\t“I don't know how to say this Egghead,” Sonic started, “but thhh...thhhhhaaa.....thhhhhoh you know where I'm going with this.”
\t“Apart from getting spit all over the frosting, yes I do. But I didn't do it for you, hedgehog.”
\tSonic nodded, “Right, you were looking out for Amy.”
\t“I was looking out for me! I wasn't lying when I said she was your weakness. If she was run out of town, either you would have loyally followed or you would have fallen in to a pit of despair. If I couldn't pull you out of that, who would I have fought with? Starfox, Muggles and Twigs? Not bloody likely.”
\tSonic raised an eyebrow, “So you aren't at all happy she's happy?”
\tEggman shooed off the suggestion with a wave of his hand, “That's your department. But you better keep her happy. I think you know what will happen if you hurt her again.”
\tSonic gave him a dirty look, “I'm not threatened by Shadow. Amy and I were solid from the day we met, it's just a little different now.”
\t“Oh I knew the two of you were right for each other,” Mombot chimed in, “such a cute pair. I know my boy is looking forward to being an Uncle to all your adorable little babies.”
\tBoth men spat out their tea simultaneously.
\t“Mombot don't be gross! The last thing I want is any more of his kind running round.”
\t“We are years away from that Mombot,” Sonic coughed, his hand still shaking.
\t“Good!” Eggman snapped, “but...if it ever does happen...I could babysit right? I could be Unckee Eggee.”
*****\t
Staci was with Perci. Much to Amy's surprise she was relieved to hear that Staci was in a safe place. She wouldn't have wished a banishment on her, but the village had rallied against the bandicoot. When Amy took the call from Perci she could hear the disappointment in her friends tone and it burned within her.
\t“She'll be fine here. I get so many invites from the boys to go gallivanting about at night I can't keep up. Staci is distracting them so I can get on with my studies. Oh that girl, ya'll wouldn't have the foggiest she's been run outta town.”
\tAmy frowned slightly, receiver held tightly to her ear. Sonic was behind her, distracted by the TV, but his hearing was impeccable when he thought it needed to be.
\t“I didn't plan on this Perci, I promise.”
\t“Sugar beet I know that! Gosh Almighty it is about time she learned her lesson. Honestly I don't know how she keeps on top of all the boys she's seeing. And I mean that both figuratively and literally. Dash her hide, she considers it a loss that she didn't chase after that Shadow boy.”
\tAmy coughed in surprise, “But...his lie is the reason she had to leave here.”
\tPerci made a humming noise, “But he's also got a butt that won't quit. Anyway sugar beet, this is time you should be spending climbing that blue hog like a cypress tree. My sister is going to thrive here, heck knows she might even start learning a thing or two. My room mate isn't too impressed but she's promised to keep hush, and the boys don't care it isn't me if she looks like me.”
\tAmy didn't think that could at all be true. From what she had deciphered in conversations with Perci, Staci had to fight to keep a guys attention. They were identical twins, but Perci was bright and capable of long conversations. So when her looks alone didn't work, Staci became...well, Staci. She knew she didn't have the same as her sister to offer, so she gave what she could, her physical services. She would never climb as high as Perci on her own merit so she was looking for someone else to carry her up.
\tAmy felt guilt knot in her stomach. She bid a polite goodbye to Perci and replaced the receiver, before doubling over. Sonic helped her to the sofa and rubbed her back carefully.
\t“Ames what's wrong? If it was that chili dog I swear they tasted fine to me.”
\t“It's Staci,” Amy groaned.
\t“What the hell has she done now? She's miles and miles away! That psychotic bitch...”
\t“No, I didn't mean that,” she sighed as she tried to sit upright, “I mean, what if I spent too much time jealous of her? Suspicious of her? What if...somebody had actually tried to understand her?”
\tSonic placed a hand on her cheek and she leaned in to it, soaking up his warmth.
\t“Ames you can't blame yourself. She made the bed she lays in.”
\tShe gave him a pained look, “Did you two ever just...talk?”
\tHe looked quizzically at her, “Do you really want to hear this?”
\tShe thought about it for a second, knowing it would be hard to hear, but she nodded all the same.
\tHe took a gulp, “The longest conversation I got out of her were lectures about how I could profit off being heroic. There were no Sunday mornings lying in bed, watching the day pass by. We just...well we got what we wanted, and what she wanted was a shot at glory. I suppose I could have tried harder but we didn't spend much time together outside of...well...you know.”
\tAmy chewed the inside of her lip. That was the Staci of now, but she was sure it wasn't always fated to be that way. But as her stomach twisted further she knew it was not up to her to fix. Perhaps Perci was right and that the University atmosphere would be could for Staci. Even if she wasn't there to study, she was surrounded by the brightest and the loneliest young people around. One of them was bound to love her for more than just sex, if Staci could ever see beyond her chance at power. In fact she could have made a solid friendship with Eggman or Tails, had she not been so hell bent on destruction.
\tShadow on the other hand, there was no way he would have let her catch him. In fact it was hard for Amy to picture him with anyone else. Simply because he was so antisocial, not because any part of her was jealous of the idea of him with anyone else.
\tRight?
******
\tHe was already heading out the door before she realised he had clambered out of bed. With no word, let alone a goodbye, he had quickly and quietly got himself dressed and departed. The green female was used to getting what she wanted, so to be brushed off so hastily rubbed her against the grain.
\t“You've always been a coward!” she screamed at his back.
\tShadow didn't even flinch. This was not his world, and he was not the Shadow she thought he was. It was foolish, perhaps reckless so have slept with someone who knew 'him', but on the other hand this Breezie was very accommodating. Ending up in bed with her was not his intention, but his job required him to spy on the other worlds so he was there working. Once he was well away from prying eyes, not easy in a casino, he used his chaos control to transport himself back to his own world in a blink. Not every Shadow could do that without external Chaos energy.
\tThe moment he was back in the flat assigned to him by G.U.N he sat his communicator in his ear and listened to his messages.
\t“This would be easier if I wasn't having to jump between worlds for you. There is still nothing to report. The twin has been here for a month now and all she does is screw her way through her sisters admirers. I'm not sure what you think this air head is capable of, but I'm not staying longer than another semester. The Colonel will know you've filed a false report eventually, and more to the point I am bored of playing a student! I know this has something to do with that Amy but you....”
\tHe clicked off the message. He knew the lecture that was about to follow and he didn't need to hear it again. He didn't need to be reminded it was not his place to be keeping an eye on her in secret. He didn't need to be reminded that Rouge was a top agent that he had sent on a virtually pointless mission. He didn't need to still see her rosy fur in his minds eye, but he did. So until he was certain that nothing would come of his actions against the bandicoot he would have her spied on by one of the few in all the Universes he trusted.
*****
\tThe summer months flew by with ease. There was no official announcement about Sonic and Amy's relationship status, but once the Rabbit Girl had spied them on a date and put a message about it on FriendSpace, the whole world and his dog knew. There was the a very short flurry of questions and Eggman snooping as usual, but when it became clear that nothing much had changed between the two hedgehogs, the public got bored.
\tThen Amy's second season in heat came around. The most recent bite mark on her back had now healed, but there was no way they were going to risk replacing it now. With Sonic as wrapped up in the pheromones she was giving out as much as she was they were jumping on each other as much as they physically could. It was quick and it was rough, Sonics lightning reflexes being their saving grace.
\tAmy liked taking control during this time, and she was grinding on top of him hard. When she had first settled herself down on him she had smiled sweetly, but as she had found a rhythm she had turned from angel to demon.
\t“Ah Ames...stop...I'm about to...” Sonic had pleaded, but she didn't seem to hear him. Her claws were firmly buried in the fabric and her eyes slammed shut, closed off to the world. He knew his time was too close, so out of desperation Sonic had grabbed her by the waist and pulled her off him. It wasn't until she was hovering above him that her senses came back to her.
\t“The world is not ready for Sonamy junior yet,” he had laughed, trying to make light of the situation. Amy had been flustered that she had lost herself so deeply and vowed not to lose control like that. But it was that same night that the nightmares began.
\tShe was crying out in her sleep. Sometimes it was just cries of fear or sadness, but other times she would call names. Him, their friends, “the baby”, and even more painful, she would call for Shadow. Sometimes he let her sleep, wrapping his arms around her tight so she couldn't lash out and hurt herself. There were other nights he couldn't take listening to her cries of anguish and he would wake her up, letting her sob in to his fur until she became drowsy again. She would wake up and barely remember the event at all. At least that's what she said, but he had his doubts. He could only recall her talking about 'the baby' once and that was the times she reluctantly opened up about the woods.
\tThe night he caught her out of bed, sleepwalking right out the front door, he had had enough. He demanded she tell him everything about that day.
\t“Sonic, this is just my hormones playing up. I'll be fine in another week or so.”
\t“Fine? Fine...Amy you were up and about while sleeping. Who knows what would have happened if I wasn't here. Or if I hadn't woken up.”
\t“What do you think I'll do? Where would I go?”
\tSonic lowered his eyes, “That you'll go back to the woods. To...him. To whatever the hell pulled you in in the first place”
\tShe groaned, “Sonic, I've not seen Shadow in months. I'm happy with you! As for those woods...you just don't understand. And don't ask me to explain them any more. I just want to move on.”
\tHe nodded, kissed her forehead, and put her back to bed. When she awoke the following morning, he was gone.
*****
\tShadow skidded to a halt. He could usually pass through the village without any disturbance, but stood in his path was the Blue Faker. They locked eyes in the dim light of the moon.
\t“A little late for you to be up, isn't it?” Shadow inquired.
\t“Well I'd say the same,” Sonic chuckled bitterly, “but this isn't the first time you've passed by Amy's hut in the middle of the night, is it?”
\tShadow was both impressed and annoyed he'd been spotted, “Isn't that where you should be now? Those nightmares of hers are getting worse.”
\tSonic flushed red, “I knew you were close by. Taking notes?”
\tShadow rolled his eyes, “I have no interest in your nightly intimacy.”
\t“So those pheromones she's kicking out are having no effect on you?”
\tShadow growled, so low it was barely audible to Sonic. He knew something was getting to him. He had passed through the village at night more frequently of late, feeling himself pulled towards her. He had tried to find satisfaction in other females, but nothing could keep him away. It was weak.
\t“What do you want Faker?”
\tSonic crossed his arms and kicked away at the dirt by his feet, “There's a talk you and I need to have. I've been putting it off for way too long, but we've gone beyond pretending it didn't happen.”
*****
\tSticks was performing her morning check of all her traps when a melancholy Amy approached her burrow.
\t“Don't touch that leaf!” she cried at the pink hedgehog.
\tAmy jumped backward, “Is it booby trapped?”
\tSticks scoffed, “I can't place a trap in a leaf. I just think it's pretty.”
\tAmy scowled at her. As Sticks walked up to her she could see her friend was looking especially tired this morning. Her quills weren't as tidy as she usually kept them and there were visible shadows under her eyes.
\t“You know, you could look less smug about it.”
\tAmy tilted her head, “About what?”
\tSticks smirked, “Heavy night of good lovin' was it? Hope you're taking precautions while you're in heat.”
\t“No Sticks, that's....”
\t“You aren't? Look he'll bite ya again once he isn't gonna risk knocking you up if that's what you're worried ab...”
\t“Sticks! It was just a restless night, that's all. Sonic must have bailed on me. He doesn't cope well without his twelve hours kip. I checked his place but he isn't there. Guessing he's crashed at Tails house again.”
\tSticks rested a hand on her shoulder, “The wood nightmare again?”
\tAmy nodded, “I think so. I don't remember most of them, but Sonic tells me I'm talking about them in my sleep.”
\t“Have you thought about talking about them while you're awake?”
\tAmy snorted, “Not you too. Sticks I am happy to drag you in to hell with me, but it's not something Sonic needs to hear. I've told him all he needs to know.”
\t“What about Shadow? Have you cleared the air about how you bumped uglies with him?”
\tAmy stared straight ahead.
\t“Maybe this is your subconscious trying to get you to open up a bit. If you and Blue are looking at forever you're going to have to bring up those inner demons. Unless you are actually possessed, want me to perform an exorcism to check?”
******
\tAmy didn't find Sonic with Tails, nor had Knuckles seen him. She found herself too tired to look further and she took a nap. Sonics hammock wasn't the easiest thing to sleep in, for her anyway, but she was comforted by surrounding herself with his smell. She had only intended it to be out for an hour, but when she opened her eyes again the sun was low in the sky. Sonic still wasn't there so she met up with her friends at Meh Burger.
\t“This is unusual for him,” she said.
\t“No Dave usually gets our orders wrong,” Knuckles replied.
\t“I meant about Sonic!” she snapped, a little more harshly than she intended. Worry had started to kick in.
\t“Maybe he's fallen asleep out in the canyon,” Tails offered, trying to ease her down. She only mumbled a half-arsed response.
\t“Maybe he's run away to be with Staci,” Dave called over. Amy gave him a hand gesture to show she didn't find that too funny.
\t“Of course there is a chance that Shadow knows the answer,” Sticks added.
\t“What?”
\t“Shadow,” she said again.
\t“Why would you think that?” Amy asked with a bored sigh.
\t“Shadow's behind you!”
\t“Oh Sticks I'm not falling for that again. It wasn't a funny joke to start with. But ever so good of you to try and cheer me up”
\tSticks blinked a few times, “You're patronizing when you're moody. Would you turn around.”
\tAmy rolled her eyes but did as she was told.
\tHe really was there. Stood staring her down from the other side of the village square was Shadow, his frown as deep as ever. As an automatic response she got to her feet and walked slowly towards him. There was no sign of Sonic, and a flutter of doubt sprung up in her stomach. Or was it her hormones reacting to a male presence again?
\t“Hi,” she smiled, “it's been a while.”
\tHe didn't say anything. In the blink of an eye he grabbed her with both hands and they vanished from sight.
\tThe three of them sat still at their table, Knuckles still chewing on his bite of burger.
\t“Oh shit,” Sticks finally said, breaking the silence, “not this again.”","pools_count":1,"title":"Internal Combustion: 11","deleted":"f","public":"t","mimetype":"application/msword","pagecount":"1","rating_id":"2","rating_name":"Adult","ratings":[{"content_tag_id":"4","name":"Sexual Themes","description":"Erotic imagery, sexual activity or arousal","rating_id":"2"}],"submission_type_id":"12","type_name":"Writing - Document","guest_block":"t","friends_only":"f","comments_count":"1","views":"123","sales_description":null,"forsale":"f","digitalsales":"f","printsales":"f","digital_price":""}