Chapter Ten: I Do (Love You)

The journey to his lover's home was a deliberately slow, hair-raising expedition. After spending the night in the workshop, many scenarios had played through his head in regards to their reconciliation. His imagination concocted more bad visions than good.

Contradictory to the idea of getting back together, the conversation would be a storm. He already knew this. Emotions were still very much present, and after much consideration, his proposal was going to be the bombshell Amy would not take too kindly to.

He came up with the theory during one of his many runs he had taken in the twenty hours they had been apart. In laymen's terms, Amy was sick, damaged, broken. A wilting rose, seeking the nurturing sunlight. To be showered in love and affection, to feel the gentleness of an appraising florist.

A fragile being, absorbing the love and adoration from others in order to live with herself.

And if she needed the love and acceptance from others to function, just how was she going to react when he told her he was going to take that away?

This particular scene had played so often in his mind, it had made him reluctant to run into the perplexity that had lingered over their relationship since the first kiss. The perplexity of their history. A history of deception, heartache and coverups.

He couldn't run from it anymore. Not after all the damage they had caused to one another. To fix it all, they would have to go back, to go forward.

Meaning he would have to love her at a distance. Like a friend, if you will, until she had enough love for herself to withstand a functional relationship.

As pathetic as it sounded, he didn't believe he was strong enough to face the repercussions of his choice. He was pretty strong willed... Unless he was around her. His dearest, though perfect in his eyes, was a succubus. A master of seduction and charm. From the moment she would begin her enchantment, he would have to resist.

And just how do you say no to such a fine creature?

He felt himself heat up to the images of his lover coming to mind. Seeing her sway her curvaceous hips in a captivatingly leisured fashion, appearing confident in her natural form with her suggestive grin across her feminine features...

A deep breath was released, letting out the heated steam stirring within him. The long night without her beside him hadn't helped his willpower. If anything, it had tripled his yearning and weakened his resistance.

And what about Amy? His theory dictated that their fight would have certainly left her as heartbroken as he was. By informing her of the opportunity to resolve their problems, there would be an inkling of hope instilled within her. Refusing to go back to hers would have potentially left her discouraged, devoid of inner contentment, and therefore ravenous for her dose of reassuring affection.

Verdict; She would be, theoretically, and possibly literally, on her knees, begging him for forgiveness and to allow things to go back to the way they were.

If his theory was in fact correct, she would have been back to her perfectionist ways. Dolled up to the nines, pristine home, a very convincing act of allurement, and overall, an outstanding concept of ideal.

He invoked upon mighty Chaos that this wouldn't be the sight he would be met with. To see her in such a state of vulnerability was enough to finish his wounded heart.

His mind consuming thoughts had brought her to the end of her pathway without premeditation. Looking to the modest exterior of the detached house, the all too familiar tightening of his abdominal muscles left him nauseated. The nerves had kicked in, triggering his instinctive fight or flight response. These nerves that had played such a role in his past interactions with pink hedgehog.

Had he not followed the 'flight' response so often, there was a possibility that all of this could've been avoided.

Though to run had been his making. With a boy's heart, he would run. Feet as swift as the wind itself, billowing all his problems away and whisking him into his own little world; one without compromise and regret. On his journey to manhood, all paths had lead back to her; the world of complexity he had left behind.

And now, as a man, he was ready to face his transgressions against his lover and heal what they had broken.

Inhaling the courage into his system, Sonic stared at her home, his face forming a determined expression. His feet treaded with vigilance, lacking as much haste as they had on the way to her location. He was in the eye of the storm. Nowhere to run, no turning back. The outcome of this conversation carried their future, and he would be damned if he allowed himself to lose her again.

Now stood at the front door, Sonic knocked more forcibly than intended, though it had undoubtedly made his presence known. The very faint sounds of heels clicking against the wooden floor, approaching the door, could be heard. An abrupt pause, an indication that his lover was stood on the other side of the entrance.

Hesitation prolonged their reunion, and assisted the production of agitated nerves. The wood crafted barrier holding them apart was a silent foe, tormenting him with the eternal dormant position.

He was close to just knocking her front door off it's hinges.

Saving him from the torment, his lover finally opened the door...

To prove his theorising had been accurate.

She stood before him, scarcely clad in what he believed was a garment only to be seen in private. An ocean blue, breath constricting, dress. It's tiered, ruffled skirt just covering her upper thighs. The deep plunge neckline leaving her assets on display had instantly captured his attention, along with the sparkling sapphire necklace he had bought for her, succeeding in their attempts to entice him. He reprimanded himself and quickly looked back at her.

His theory could not have been more certain. She was back to masking herself behind her artistic cosmetics. More undeniable than previous looks. An extravagantly sparkling magenta pink eyeshadow, covered by the use of a black eyeliner and exaggerated lashes. A blush pink, glossy hue across her lips finishing her look.

The blue male's mind conveyed a mix of emotions. Her game was strong, enthralling him at the first glance. There was no denying her beauty despite the presentation, and the message behind it. To repress the urge to reverse his choice to call off the sexual side of their relationship was going to be one of his biggest challenges.

But below the surface, it was ultimately a sorrowful sight. There was a pattern to the way Amy represented herself. The more pain she felt within, the more she would style herself to gain approval from those of whom which could provide her with affection. Throughout their time in the trial, she had been graciously enchanting, sophisticatedly tempting.

And now, she appeared to be captivating, but in bad taste.

Because their relationship had been the highlight of her happiness. After his lies had lead her to take the dark path of her past, the consequences of his lies, her actions, their fight, and the long night of chaotic emotions; she was at her lowest.

His heart cracked all over again.

"Hey, you." Amy greeted him, her voice coated in seduction.

The words curled under his tongue as he became involuntarily stunned. His previous warning to himself regarding her masterful charm had fallen on deaf ears and resulted in a stupified condition.

Witnessing her efforts had made such an impact on her hero, Amy giggled. An expression of her success. "Welcome home, blue. I've missed you." She stepped aside and awaited his entrance.

The blue hedgehog wasn't too certain of his actions, but miraculously, he found himself walking into her home and standing behind her in a daze, waiting for her to close the door and walk with him to her desired seating. Upon closing the door, his lover gave him a flirtatious smile as she passed him and walked towards her living room.

He shortly followed, still only half aware of his actions. The comforting fragrances of rose petals sweeped into his nose and eased him, like it had many times before when returning home from his heroic duties. The smell was potent. A sign of a recent cleansing of her home. Just as he expected.

Setting his sights back on the pink woman, he stared at the exposure of her back. The minor fabric covering her bust connected around her neck and exhibited her nape, to the small of her back, just above her purposely swaying hips.

He gulped. Breathing out a tension laced breath, the male distracted himself from the brewing heat rising to colour his cheeks and boiling his blood. His eyes moved down to the black heels. The same black heels she had worn on the night of their date.

... That particularly amatory night, filled with unparalleled passion.

She had him in the palm of her hand. Every little detail had him at her disposal. From the sentiment of the necklace around her neck, the tantalising outfit, her seductive movements, the memory behind her heels and the irresistibly tempting looks she was giving him, his preparation for their talk had been forgotten.

Stood in front of the sofa, Amy turned to face the blue male and took his hands in hers. She sat down and guided him to sit beside her. Obliging to her unspoken command, Sonic took his seat next to her.

"Would you like a drink?" Amy asked, looking to the array of refreshments on the coffee table. "Any snacks?"

His eyes followed hers to the table. Of course, she had set out an assortment of snacks to accompany the drinks; fruit, cookies, sandwiches, cake, juice and water. She was doing everything in her efforts to win him back.

"Uh, no. Thanks though..." He said, focusing back on the pink hedgehog to begin the somewhat dreaded conversation. "I've, uh-- been thinking things through..."

"Mm-hmm." She nodded back at him, smiling a fraudulently optimistic smile.

Her facade was good, but not great. The fear danced in her eyes. They held a promise to flood with tears. An emotional threat he knew was inevitable.

Seeing her emotions swirl in her eyes, he gulped. The guilt of potentially hurting her more than he had made him question his choice yet again.

But alas, he persisted in his decision. His preparations had already failed him. He could only hope his already intolerant willpower would save him from stupidity.

With a quivering breath, he continued his proposal. "About our relationship... I--"

"You know." Amy interjected, squeezing his hands to gain his attention. "I've been thinking about our relationship too. In fact, it's all I've been able to think about."

The fear that had been glistening in her eyes had been replaced by dazzling flirtation. She gazed at him, ardent and driven. Ready to pounce.

"How long have we waited for this? This... yearning of ours. All those years we spent trying to quench that need for eachother, in pitiful substitutes." She leaned towards him, moving her hands up his arms. "We don't have to fight this longing anymore, Sonic. We can just... give in."

Attempting to evade her temptation, Sonic leaned back, hoping to scoot backwards and get off of the sofa, away from her. However, her hands on his arms prevented his movements and had caused him to fall back against the cushion instead.

He cursed himself for falling into such a vulnerable position. "Ames--"

"Think about the other night." She insisted, moving over her lover. "The night you made me yours. It was so intense, not even the bed could contain our passion." She spoke with sensuous poise, whispering rapturous words as she got close to his face and hovered her lips over his. "Such wild, unhindered lust."

The strawberry scent associated with the pink female was inhaled deeply, livening his senses and progressively lifted the restraints off of his desire he had desperately tried to hold back.

"Don't you want to feel like that again?" She asked, tone; irresistibly alluring. "I can make you feel like that. I can make you go wild."

He breathed heavily, turning his head slightly in an attempt to deny her advances. "Amy. We've gotta talk about this..." Sonic emphasised the issue. The importance of the discussion had failed to translate into his tone of voice. His own cravings had consumed his mind and the minimal remaining logic was weak against the forces of her performance.

"But you don't want to talk, do you?" Amy responded, enclosing the minor gap between their lips in a brief smouldering kiss. The effects of the momentary affection were visible across his face. "You want me as much as I want you. Don't fight it, Sonic." She spoke quietly and moved her lips over his once more, brushing her lips against his own and causing them to quiver. "Give in."

His hand reached into her hair and pulled her against him, moulding their lips in a ardently charged kiss. The loss of his logic now overlooked, and for the moment, unmourned. He allowed himself to listen to her enticement and give into his carnal needs.

For surely one more time wouldn't harm anyone?

Eager were their fondling and caresses. Heavily breathing through the hungered kiss. He forced himself back up, asserting his authority, and moved her onto his lap. His hands traced her back and her hips, bringing her to press her body against him. Her back arched instinctively to his touch. Her grasp around him tightening in response to the pleasure.

Her legs wrapped around his waist to confine the intimate lock. The sensation of his concealed hands running up and down her body making her squeeze him tighter. She moaned, joyous and content. The night without his touch had left her starved for attention. The power of his contact was enough to satisfy her even then, but for him, she would happily gorge.

In his primitive state, he forced the fabric down from the back of her neck and left it to rest on her hips, leaving her upper body exposed before him. He took a moment to admire her before his fondling travelled to her bust. The attention had caused her to break free from the kiss and tip her head back to sound her gratification. Her sounds boosted his wild stirrings as her proceeded to move forward to kiss her neck.

She gasped, clinging to him harshly to withstand the blissful sensation. Her mind in a haze, she closed her eyes and relished in the feeling.

"I love you." Amy said in her dazed stupor.

Hearing those words had delivered him back to the task at hand, to the main reason he was there. How foolish he had been to disregard his senses and give in so easily to her. He had made the conversation of disbanding their sexual relationship a whole lot more difficult.

Pulling away from the girl, Sonic breathed out a heavy sigh and looked away in his annoyance. He saw this coming. He knew what to do when this happened, and yet, he had failed to stop it.

"Sonic?" The woman questioned, looking concerned and returning to the fearful condition she had been in previously.

"I'm sorry. We can't do this."

She breathed out a short, disordered breath. "C'mon, Sonic. I know you want this." She attempted to persuade him. Her anxiety began to seep through the cracks of her seductive demeanour.

Now adamant, Sonic carefully moved her off of his lap and got up to ensure she couldn't try the same technique. "It's not about what I want. I came here to sort this out. To sort us out."

"And we can." She told him, rising off the sofa and approaching him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and stared deeply into his eyes. "We can let our bodies do the talking."

Her determination to keep away from the conversation of their relationship aggravated him. "God, Amy. Just can it, would ya?" He protested, pulling her arms off his shoulders and turning away from her. "Since when did you start trying to fix problems like this?!"

Embarrassed and red-faced, Amy fixed her attire and held herself, hiding her assets and holding onto the little dignity she had.

"Just look at you!" He scowled at her, scolding her like a father to his child. "This isn't you!"

"I didn't hear you complaining just a few seconds ago." Amy argued.

Sonic rubbed his temples, knowing she was right. His tone softened. "But we both know what this is. The makeup, the outfit, the excessive cleaning, and the hosting. It's all an act to feel something. To feel wanted."

The pink hedgehog scoffed and laughed at his accusation. "Is that right? I go out of my way to look nice for you and cater for you, and that simply means I'm desperate?"

"Yeah. It does." He crossed his arms, frowning at her denial.

Again, she scoffed at his audacity. "If this is your way of reconciling, you're doing a great job." said sarcastically, shaking her head in disbelief.

His approach was ineffective. If he was to keep her compliant, he had to keep his own emotions in check.

Inhaling, he calmed his agitation and unfolded his arms. "Look, I love you, alright? And I admit, at the start of the whole trial thing, I used you. I wanted to get as much from you as I could and then go back to being friends. I didn't think about the consequences. I didn't even think about how you'd feel about it. I only thought about what was best for me, and I'm sorry... I want to fix this. I want to be with you, and to be together... We need to... Go back."

"Go back?" She said with concern. "W-what do you mean, 'go back'? Go back to what?" The pounding of her heart increased drastically to the inkling she felt rampaging through her mind. She became nauseated. Sickened by thought. "I-I don't understand. You said you wanted to fix this."

"And I do! But you're not ready for a relationship, Ames."

Her denial was displayed through her laughter. "You're kidding, aren't you? I'm not ready for a relationship?! Seriously?!" She paced around, baffled and irked before coming to a halt in front of him. "I have always been ready. I have sacrificed a lot to be with you. I changed myself to be with you--"

"The change is the problem! You've been so caught up in trying to be this perfect woman, you've lost who you are!"

"You never noticed me before I changed!" She yelled back at him. "You were never interested in that naive child who loved all things cute. The good girl who loved to bake, and pick flowers, or have tea parties. You wanted a woman, I grew up to become a woman. And now you're telling me that I'm not ready, and we have to go back to go forward?"

He bit his tongue and gave her words some much needed consideration. He had ignored her romantically for years, prior to the age of sixteen, edging onto seventeen. It had not been because of her hobbies or interests, but her intensity. Her emotional maturity still in the making, much like his own, made her desires to become his wife overbearing and in that time, a repellent.

Two children, too irresponsible for commitment. It was only now, at twenty-five, he found himself willing to consider the responsibilities.

"But that's not what happened, was it?" He looked into her eyes and dragged out the vulnerable girl hiding behind her facade. "You didn't grow into the woman you are now. You forced yourself to mature too quickly and it's lead to you losing yourself and hating who you've become. You need help, Ames. To learn how to let go of everything you did and how to love yourself for who you are."

Amy stepped back, his gaze leaving her feeling even more vulnerable than she was. Turning away from him, she crossed her arms and held onto her fraudulence. "There's nothing wrong with me..." She said defensively.

"Amy--"

"No!" She span around to face him, too quickly to hide her emotions. The tears fell from her eyes as she turned to her hero. "How dare you come here and accuse me of having issues! Yes, I've done things I'm not particularly proud of, by hasn't everyone?! You really have the nerve to stand there and act like you're perfect? That you have no regrets?"

Keeping level headed, Sonic expressed no particular emotion. "I never said that--"

"You just implied it." She said in a bitter tone. "I don't 'need help'. I'm fine."

He nodded back at her. "Okay. So I guess you were lying when you told me you have no interest in Shadow? That you do, in fact, love yourself, and the guys you said took advantage of you? Eh, that was just you having a good time."

Her head lowered, the shame shrouding over her.

"You said your self loathing lead you to seek out the love you were missing. You and I both know that isn't healthy. You've already proven you'll destroy everything you've built to feel remotely desired. As much as I love you, I'm not gonna jump into a full blown relationship and wait for you to destruct again."

"I won't do it again! It was one fucking mistake!"

"And I'm trying to make sure that never happens again! Amy, if you're not gonna help me, help you, I'm sorry but you're on your own."Just hearing the ultimatum brought a deathly silence between them. She stared back at him, horrified. A downpour of tears cascading down her cheeks.

It wasn't what he wanted. Far from it. Their future and happiness all relying on her decision to get help. By reading her petrified face, the answer was unknown.

He stepped in front of her and held her hand gingerly. "I'll be right by your side through it all. All you have to do is learn to love yourself."

The pink woman looked down at their entwined hands before looking back at her lover. "... How?"

Sonic hesitated, predicting the rejection of the proposal. Swallowing the nerves down, he held his eye contact. "Until you learn to love who you are, our relationship needs to be... friendly."

The fright widened her eyes. "F-friends?" She choked. More tears proceeded to fall down her cheeks as she shook her head in defiance. "You really are breaking up with me."

"I'm not. We're still together, we just won't be physical for awhile, that's all. We'll get whatever help it takes for us to work. But you'll have to stop relying on me or anyone else to love you."

Shaking her head, Amy sobbed softly and clinged onto Sonic's arms. "Sonic, please. I-I'm fine. I swear to you, I'm fine."

He knew her response was out of fear. It had been so many years she had relied on others, to find it within was to be a gruelling, potentially catastrophic challenge.

But he had said his wishes for their relationship to work. Her rejection was her choice and furthermore, her regret.

Reluctantly, Sonic removed her hands from his arms and held her hands tenderly. He rubbed his thumbs over them and looked down at the hold, taking in the feeling of her hands in his. "Then I guess we're done here..." He sighed, kissing his forehead one more time in a bittersweet goodbye.

His hands were released from hers, stepping back from the pink female and slowly turning on his heel towards the exit. His heart wore heavy, holding him back from running from the pain. The pumping organ clinged to the possibility of his lover changing her mind. That she'd take the chance to better herself and fight for their relationship.

But still she remained, watching him leave for the last time. Her body trembled violently, the inner battle crying out for him, while the fear held her back. Both worthy sides to her conflict. However, one carrying more sacrifice than the other.

To let him leave, she would lose everything. To fight, she would take on the biggest challenge in her life.

And he would be right by her side through it all.

In a panic, Amy rushed over and grabbed his hand to stop him from leaving. She squeezed it desperately. "No. Don't go, please." She begged.

A rush of relief came and passed him. She may have stopped him, but looking back at her once more, he could see the fear still showing itself in her eyes. Was it fear of him leaving, or fear of change?

"I can't be with you until you learn." He said solemnly, his stern expression held little tolerance.

She gulped back her sobs. "I-I know I've made mistakes, b-but I won't do it again, I promise... Just please don't leave!" Her hands moved to his face, caressing his cheeks while looking deep into his eyes. "I'll be the perfect woman for you. I can be who you need me to be. Just love me... Please."

Her hysteria held the truth she herself had denied. She was so deeply set in her ways of self loathing, to change herself for love was more familiar than to love herself.

And it was harrowing to see her beg for the thing she needed the most.

He took her hands back into his. "I don't need you to be perfect. I never have. I need you to be you."

Letting out a quiet sob, Amy nodded profusely. "I'll do it." She croaked. "Whatever it takes."

Smiling with gratitude, Sonic embraced the crying woman. "Thank you."

His lover sniffled, blinking away the forming tears. "I'm scared." She whimpered.

Sonic kissed her forehead reassuringly. "I know. But I'll be with you through it all. We'll get through this, no worries." He soothed her.

Resting her head against his shoulder, the vulnerable woman reflected on her lover's reassurance and pondered the unforeseeable future.

The unshakeable feeling of failure played on her mind. Without the love from her hero, the road to finding herself would be the most grievous tribulation she would have to face.

For Sonic, she would do it. With time, she would be doing this for herself.

On the path to self love, there were many enlightening factors to learn and experience. A key factor being the number of layers somebody could really be concealing behind a perfected smile. To peel back each defensive wall could lead to the collapsing debris to fall on those trying to free the captive from their own making.

The first few months had been a raging tempest. The highest hurdle that had almost cost their relationship. Stripping her of amorous affection and keeping romantic gestures to a minimal, his beloved had become unrecognisable. A victim to her insecurities.

First came the enhancement of her attempts of seduction, followed by the hostility she presented to rejection. Then came the paranoia triggered by her insecurities; accusations and meaningless fights of his whereabouts and imagined affairs.

It had really taken a toll on him and his tolerance. No matter how supportive he had been, it seemed she was getting worse. Her tears were eternal, her misery ever more. Countless days and nights, he would hold her and listen to her spill false truths she believed about herself. How she was useless, how he was better off without her, that she would never be good enough for him. It destroyed him. To feel the pain she expressed, to know just how she saw herself.

And to think he had played a part in her self portrayal filled him with guilt and shame, growing a little more with every tearful heart to heart.

Around the sixth month, he had began to question his own involvement in her healing. The accusations and outbursts all implied his part in her deteriorating health. He believed she blamed him for everything. Because of this, he had made the decision to leave her and to allow her to heal in however she saw suitable.

That had been until the real culprit behind her depleted self-esteem came to light.

Thanks to the help of their relationship counsellor, he discovered she hadn't been talking about him during her breakdowns, she had been referring to her parents and their treatment against her. In truth, her insecurities stemmed back all the way to childhood, before meeting him. The neglect and daily emotional abuse from both parents had made her believe she was never good enough.

And to make up for that neglect, she had done everything in her power to receive affection.

It all made sense from then on.

There was doubt he did have some accountability for her self esteem too. But knowing the full extent of her pain and working through it with her, he began to channel the right energy into her recovery.

No longer plagued with remorse, and receiving the help he needed to help her, there was a gradual change in the pink hedgehog. She received individual sessions to get over her childhood traumas, coupled sessions to help their communication, and took part in activities; alone and as a couple, to help build her esteem.

Slowly, but surely, she flourished.

By Chaos, she flourished. Like a phoenix, she rose from the ashes of her past and prospered into the truly perfected version of herself. He fell in love with her all over again, and together, their relationship thrived.

The restoration of their relationship didn't come without sacrifices however. Healing his beloved and their love had put their plans for the academy on hold. After two years of focusing on themselves, they were ready to begin the future. With their joint funding, the academy had first been established as a community centre. A humble building they had used to provide defence classes, team building exercises, and general games for children. Once word spread of their establishment, they had been granted funding to renovate the building and extend the exterior to the grand academy they had longed for.

And with a now grand scale academy, came more children. More children lead to more activities; the mini workshop, run by Tails, consisted of codebreakers, science lessons, and engineering. Cream taught the children home economics. Knuckles, with little patience, partook in the training and taught the history of the Chaos emeralds.

As for Sonic and Amy, the overseers of the academy, were often referred to as the parents by the children. Taking more versatile roles, they were often seen in the training sessions or running the games when they weren't taking care of the business side of running the organisation.

Three years into the establishment, they had successfully taught numerous children how to defend themselves, and had recruited twelve elite students onto their team, with many more in the making.

But for one day, that was to put on hold.

"Sonic?" His brother's voice alerted the blue hedgehog out of his daydreaming. He looked into the mirror in front of him, looking to the side to see the fox standing behind him, formally dressed in a navy blue suit jacket, white shirt and burgundy bow tie. He stood with an irritated look on his face, directed at the blue leader.

Grinning, Sonic turned back to his best friend. "S'up, bud?"

"Oh nothing... Just trying to get hundreds of running, screaming kids dressed and presentable, all the while maintaining my remaining sanity and try not to lose my cool with them... So the usual really." He sighed, exasperated.

Sonic chuckled, empathising with him. He was well aware how chaotic the children could be. "I'm ready now, anyway. I'll get those lot in order." He looked down at his own attire. Black tuxedo jacket with a white shirt beneath and matching black bow tie. A burgundy rose boutonniere attached to his suit as a finishing accessory, and to match his famously red shoes he had insisted on keeping despite the occasion. "How do I look?"

"Oh." Tails gasped, realising he had been so caught up in his rambling, he had forgotten to acknowledge his best friend's outfit. "You look good."

"Good? Tails, a groom's gotta look better than good for his own weddin'." Sonic informed him, looking back at himself in the mirror and checking out his groomed quills.

"Sorry. You look striking, majestic, regal."

"Better."

Slumping into the office swivel chair, Tails rubbed his temples. "Sorry, Sonic. I'm not trying to dampen your big day. Those kids are just killing me. I swear, they're enough to put anyone off of having kids!"

Snorting slightly, Sonic smirked as he looked down, hiding his giddiness. "Well, uh, I dunno about that..." His grin grew instantaneously.

Hearing the enthusiasm in his tone of voice, Tails turned back to the hedgehog and witnessed his wide grin in the mirror. He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's that supposed to mean?"

The blue male chuckled once more, too excited to attain the big news. "I can't change your mind about being a dad but... How about an uncle?"

"Huh?" Tails scrunched his nose in his confusion. It took a moment for him to understand the meaning behind his brother's words. To be an uncle, Sonic would be-- "No!" Tails gasped. His laughter confirmed the theory. "Is Amy...?"

"Carrying Sonic junior? Oh yeah." He turned back to his younger brother, his grin reaching maximum growth.

Astounded by the news, Tails gawped, wide eyed and mouth agape. "I... Wow... I can't believe it." He chuckled breathlessly in his shock. "How far along is she?"

"Only ten weeks. I wasn't supposed to tell anyone but as my bro, you get a share in the hype. "

Overjoyed for the blue hedgehog, Tails got up from his seat and pulled him into a brief hug. "Congratulations, man." He said, releasing him from the hug. "I take it you're pretty psyched about it?"

"You kidding? I can't wait! We've talked about having a kid a few times before and now it's happening! I already bought a bunch of stuff for Junior."

"You're gonna call the baby, Junior?" Tails asked, hiding his disapproval.

"Nah. That's my nickname for the little guy."

"So you know it's a boy?"

Sonic smirked and waved his finger, "Biology, my dear, Miles. According to the factual findings of the internet, by Amy's lack of nausea and lack mood swings, that indicates low levels of estrogen; the female hormone. This could only mean she is carrying a boy!"

The fox stared in bemusement. "Did you get a diploma in biology from the internet too?"

Acknowledging the sarcasm, Sonic frowned. "Joke all you want. But when we reveal it's a boy, you're gonna be calling me Professor Sonic T Hedgehog."

"Whatever you say, Professor."

A harsh knocking on the door startled the men. Not waiting for an answer, Knuckles barged into the room and immediately aimed his glare at the fox. "What're you doing?! I told you to see if Sonic was ready, not buddy it up in here!" His attention momentarily turned to the groom to compliment him. "Looking good, dude."

"Thanks, Knux."

Knuckles returned to glaring at Tails. Smiling sheepishly, the genius scratched his head. "I kinda got distracted... Sonic's got some news."

The echidna turned to the hedgehog once more, awaiting to hear the fuss. Bothered by his brother's big mouth, the groom slowly turned to glare at his best friend.

"What it is?" Knuckles questioned the pair.

Rolling his eyes, Sonic brought the smile back to his face. "Amy's pregnant."

The red male appeared as surprised as Tails had been. "She's what?"

"It means she's carrying a baby." Tails explained, cocky in his attitude.

"I know what it means!" Knuckles snapped back. He walked to the blue hedgehog and patted him on the back. "Congrats. So was it an accident or...?"

"What kinda question is that?!" Sonic frowned.

"Accident then?" Knuckles crossed his arms quizzically.

"Yeah, that reaction definitely says accident." Tails joined in, nodding along with the guardian.

"He's an unexpected, but happily accepted, surprise." Sonic said, crossing his arms while looking displeased at his friend's questioning.

"So it's a boy?" Knuckles asked as the men began to leave the room.

"Don't get him started..." Tails warned the echidna, rolling his eyes at the blue hedgehog's assured nod.

Walking back into the main hall, the trio were met with disorganised children, both running and flying around the room. The unruly children boisterously screamed and laughed as they played, unaware of the blue leader's entrance.

"HEY!" Sonic bellowed into the room. The children froze and turned to see the blue hedgehog standing in front of Knuckles and Tails. They immediately got in line and stood quietly, looking straight ahead.

He walked slowly passed each child, examining the condition of their formal outfits. The girls wore an assortment of burgundy dresses while the boys were adorned in navy blue suits, just like Tails and Knuckles. After reviewing the condition of their clothing, Sonic smiled and gave them a thumbs up.

"Lookin' good, team." Sonic said enthusiastically. The children giggled and smiled back at him, stilling motionless until given the command to move.

Hearing another knock to the side door, Sonic dashed to the entrance and opened the door to see Eggman and his assistants standing on the other side.

"Eggman!" Sonic gasped. He looked over his shoulder and summoned the children. "Kids!"

Huddling behind the leader, the children got into battle positions and pulled out an apple each.

"Wait!" Eggman cried. "For once, I'm not here to destroy you."

Though wary, Sonic gave the signal to lower the fruit. "Then what do you want?"

"Precisely sixty one months, one thousand, eight hundred and fifty six days, and forty-four thousand, four hundred and forty-four hours ago, I proceeded to kidnap that bubble gum furball. Predominantly, preventing her from leaving you and allowing your relationship to blossom. As your match maker, I deserve to be at your wedding!"

Sonic groaned. "How do I know this isn't apart of some scheme to ruin our big day?"

"You're getting married. If you ask me, you're ruining your life ten times over all by yourself." Eggman said, humourless. He pulled out a gift from behind his back. "I even got you a gift! And I'm dressed for the occasion."

Cautiously taking the gift, Sonic examined the outer layer of white paper and red ribbon. He shook it gently, hearing the minor rattling inside. He huffed, finding no particular bad signs as of yet. Looking back to the doctor, he examined his attire. A black suit and matching tie and questionable red and green, tartan plaid kilt, black socks rising to his knees and black shiny shoes.

With a sigh, Sonic nodded. "Fine. You can come. But if you try anything, those apples are going straight to your head!"

"Understood."

Turning back to everyone in the room, Sonic gestured for them to follow. "Alright, guys. Let's move out."

In line, the children walked through the academy and out of the main entrance. Leading the group of children, the trio guided them to the meadow, outside of Station Square. The meadow where their relationship had first started.

"I am smart, I am beautiful, I am worth it." Amy breathed in deeply, repeating the words over and over to her reflection. The continual self care exercises filled her with the confidence she needed to make it through the day. Years of dreaming of this day had left her both ecstatic and jittery with nerves.

Today, she would become Mrs Amy Rose, The Hedgehog. Wife of Sonic The Hedgehog, and soon, the mother of his child.

The thought alone was getting her emotional.

She fanned the tears away from her eyes, trying profusely to prevent tear stains lining her cheeks. Given her condition was making her weep over nothing, she made sure to fashion herself in waterproof makeup. Ensuring a picture ready bride, no matter how tearful.

Her cosmetics were minimal, waterproof mascara, fair pink blush, and blush pink lipstick. A natural, modest look.

Being more opulent with her choice of headdress, the pink female had pinned her cascading, relaxed, and wavy quills half up and placed a crystal and pearl encrusted headpiece around her head. On top of the headpiece, was her tulle veil, appliqued with a laced, ivory flower design.

The opulence of her bridal hair appropriately coordinated with her tulle, princess, A-line dress with an off-shoulder sweetheart neckline and 3/4 length tulle sleeves. Embroidered on the bodice were lace, flower detailing and beading, surrounding the tulle pleating decorating the front. Turning to face the back, she admired the cross straps plaiting down. A truly royal fitting dress.

She was grateful to be only ten weeks along in her pregnancy. Any further, she would likely have been too swollen to move in the dress she had picked months ago.

Her bridesmaids entered her room with champagne glasses in hand. They stopped by the door to appreciate the bride's dress.

"Don't we look stunning? Sonic's a lucky guy." Rouge commented.

"You look just like a princess, Amy." Cream smiled.

Amy twirled around to face her friends. Both adorned in strapless chiffon bridesmaid dresses; Rouge in navy blue and Cream in burgundy. She smiled at them in appreciation. "Thank you, girls. I feel like a million rings in this dress." She smiled, lifting the dress and twirling around some more. "I hope Sonic likes it too."

"Believe me, pink. Once he sees you, he's gonna wish he married you a long time ago." The bat said, holding out a glass to the bride. "Let's have a toast. To the bride." She held up her glass.

Cream followed suit. "To the bride."

Raising her glass, Amy hesitated to drink. Her condition was still unknown to the girls. However, looking down at the drink, it appeared to be juice.

Leering over at the bride, Rouge smirked against her glass. "Not thirsty?"

The woman smiled coyly. "I just don't wanna get tipsy before the wedding."

"I didn't realise you were that much of a lightweight." Her bridesmaids shrugged. "But rest assured, it's only juice. Now that I'm pregnant, I'm not supposed to drink." She said casually, tipping her head back and finishing her drink.

Amy and Cream stared at the bat in bewilderment, stunned into silence. Looking back at the two gawping girls, Rouge shrugged. "What?"

"You're pregnant?"

"Yeah, unfortunately. I was planning on getting drunk for the occasion, but that's clearly not happening now."

Delighted, Amy squealed. "Oh my gosh! I'm so happy for you!" She cheered, already thinking of her child having play dates with Rouge's offspring. "How far along?"

"Six weeks. Only found out four days ago-- But let's not talk about it. I don't wanna steal your thunder today."

"But this is such a big deal! Have you told Knuckles? Is he excited? -- It is Knuckles' baby, right?"

Rouge glared at the hedgehog offensively. "Yes, he's the dad. I haven't told him though. Don't think I want to either."

"Why?" Cream and Amy chimed.

Uneasy by the questioning, Rouge stepped back in her discomfort. "Because I'm still trying to get my head around it. Last thing I need is hot head going off in a rampage about it."

Walking towards the bat, Amy held her hand and comforted her friend. "Rouge, he'll find out eventually. Besides, Knuckles is good at looking after kids. He does it often enough. Sure he may be a little shocked at first, but he'll come round. If you tell him sooner rather than later, he'll have more time to adjust."

Cogitating over her words, Rouge eventually gave in with a sigh. "Alright. I'll tell him. But since I'm having a baby, I expect you two to join me." She smirked.

"You don't have to worry about that..." Amy spoke subconsciously, immediately regretting her actions. "B-because we're wanting our own baby too." She laughed nervously, just barely making a passable lie.

"Then that just leaves you, Cream."

The rabbit tittered. "I'm not planning on being a mother at twenty one."

"Ugh, young and childless. How I envy you." Rouge sighed. "Come on, let's get you married off so we can both be old and child bearing." She said, taking Amy's hand and carefully leading her out the room to get their heels and bouquets ready before they left for the ceremony.

Waiting for the bride to make her appearance, Sonic and Tails stood by the grand, sentimental oak tree, draped in chiffon to create a rustic wedding arch. Garlands of red wine coloured roses and white lillies attached to the drapes added to the romantic atmosphere.

It was the exact spot where it had all began. He looked down at bottom of the trunk, reminiscing in the memories he and his wife-to-be had spent their time out; napping, laughing and loving one another, away from the world.

It was hard to believe it had been five years since she had proposed their marriage trial.

Looking around the meadow, he watched the wildflowers shining in the sunlight. Unchanged by time. Still just as he remembered it.

"We're all set, Sonic." Vector said, awakening the hedgehog from his floral admiration. Sonic looked to the man holding a violin in hand. A quick glance behind him showed a Chaotix string trio.

"Hey, thanks for doing this, Vector. We appreciate it." Sonic thanked the leader of the group.

"Anytime!" The crocodile smiled. "Though, uh, we do charge extra on the weekends."

"Course ya do..." The hedgehog smirked to cover his annoyance and shook the man's hand. Vector bowed his head in gratitude and walked back to the chairs set up for their performance.

Seeing through Sonic's fake smile, Tails placed his hand on the groom's shoulder. "No worries. As soon as you see Amy, you'll forget all the stress."

Sonic nodded, flashing a more genuine smile to the fox. "I feel kinda giddy about it." He laughed nervously.

"Sounds like normal wedding jitters to me. As long as you don't weep with an ugly crying face, you're all good." Tails said.

Sonic scoffed. "Sonic The Hedgehog doesn't cry."

"Yeah, sure you don't."

Rushing down the rose petal covered aisle, Knuckles stopped in front of the blue hedgehog. "They're coming!"

The duo stared at him in their confusion. "Then what are you doing over here?" Sonic asked. "You're supposed to be giving Amy away."

Knuckles blinked. "I am?"

Frustrated, Sonic groaned and pointed down the aisle. "Go and meet them!"

"Alright... Keep your quills in..." The guardian hushed the tense groom and ran back down the aisle to find the bride.

His best friend leaned over and whispered softly. "Focus on your bride. Your bride is coming." He said, calming down the frustrated groom instantly. He nodded his head to express his gratitude.

Tails briefly nodded back before signalling the Chaotix to play. As the musicians started to play, the guests stood from their seats and turned back to the direction of the approaching bride.

He froze. The anticipation of seeing his bride leaving him paralysed. His mind played the memories of his beloved through the ages. From the moment they met, their adventures as friends, the ups and downs of their relationship, and all the choices that had lead up to this very moment.

A soothing sense of fulfillment washed over him, along with an overwhelming rush of euphoria. The building tears glazed his eyes, coming close to unleashing a flood of happiness.

"Sonic..." Tails gasped. "She's here." He told the blue male, staring in awe at the bride.

"I can't look." Sonic whispered, attempting to blink the tears away.

The fox looked back at his best friend, seeing his glazed eyes. He grinned. "What was that about not crying?"

"Shut up."

Walking down the aisle, Amy clinged to Knuckles's arm and desperately tried to hold back her own tears. The same emotions effecting her husband also played on her untameable emotions. "I can do this... I can do this..."

"Course you can do this. You only gotta walk down an aisle." Knuckles said, making light of the situation.

Amy glared at him before turning her attention back to her husband. "When you get married, you'll understand."

"Pfft. Don't count on it. I'm not signing my life away for anyone."

She smiled a smug smile. "We'll see."

Witnessing the pink hedgehog walking passed, Eggman wiped away a stray tear.

"Aw, boss. Are you crying?" Orbot asked.

"Heh?! No!" The doctor lied, pulling out a handkerchief from his pocket. "It's these damn flowers everywhere! Who gets married in a meadow anyway?!" He frowned, blowing his nose brashly.

As the bride reached her groom, the blue hedgehog battled his tears. The euphoric emotions keeping him from turning to his lover.

"Sonic." Tails warned his best friend.

He exhaled a quivering breath and looked up through the lightly swaying leaves. There was no fighting these emotions taking over him. The likelihood of bawling his eyes out on sight was high. Most definite.

"Sonic." Knuckles said, taking Amy's hand and holding it towards the blue hedgehog.

With no other option but to face his soon-to-be wife, Sonic breathed out one more time before turning to face his beloved.

He lost his breath.

"Geez..." He muttered breathlessly, spinning back to his best friend and breaking into euphoric tears. He covered his face, hiding his uncontrollable bawling. The notion to breathe had gotten lost in his scrambled mind, leaving him woozy.

"Sonic?" Amy placed her hand on his shoulder, coaxing him to turn around.

Forcing himself to suck it up, Sonic looked back to his wife. The joy in his heart swelled in his heart at the sight of her. The flawlessness that she portrayed was strong enough to stop his heart right there and then. She was beautiful. Breathtakingly beautiful.

She smiled back at him, tears also rolling down her cheeks. Even the projection of her emotions failed to mask her beauty.

Unable to hold back, nor hide his happiness, he cried with glee, pulling his bride into a loving embrace. She happily accepted his hug. Wrapping her arms around her neck and laughing softly to their emotional reunion.

Pulling away from the pink female, Sonic placed his hands on her face and caressed her cheek with his thumb. "You look amazing." He whispered to her, too overcome with happiness to speak at usual volume.

She giggled. "Thank you. You look handsome."

"Nothing new then." He teased, chuckling quietly along with his bride. Resting his forehead against hers, the blue hero slowly shortened the gap between their lips, kissing her tenderly.

"Alright, you two. We haven't even gotten to the I do's yet." The fox intervened. He signals the Chaotix to stop playing, the music gradually died out in the background.

Breaking their kiss, Sonic nuzzled his nose playfully against hers, making Amy giggle once more. "How're my babies?" He asked.

Amy's eyes darted to the fox standing beside them before focusing back on her groom.

"Sonic told me." Tails leaned forward and whispered to the pink hedgehog. "Congratulations by the way."

Again, she stared at her lover.

"He's my brother. I can't keep family out of the loop." Sonic said in his defence, smiling brightly.

Tails leaned forward once more. "Knuckles knows too."

Amy looked to Sonic in disappointment. "We promised to keep it a secret." She shook her head to Sonic's sheepish smile. Changing her disappointed expression to a smirk, she leaned over and muttered to Sonic. "Speaking of secrets, I have something to tell you after this."

Intrigued, Tails announced an interlude in the ceremony. "There will be a short delay, ladies and gentlemen." He called out to the guest. With the guests chattering away, the fox leaned in between the couple. "What's the gossip?"

Amused by the genius' interest, Amy smiled at her friend and gave little detail of the news. "We're not the only ones expecting." She spoke quietly, sneering at the surprised faces of Sonic and Tails.

The fox became suddenly frightful. "It's not Cream, is it?"

Hearing the horror in his tone of voice, Sonic slowly turned to his best friend and smirked. "Why would that concern you?" He examined the male's uneasiness. "... You wouldn't happen to be seeing the girl on the down low, are ya?"

"Right!" Tails clapped his hands and grabbed the attention of the guests. "Thank you for waiting. On with the ceremony."

Smirking at one another, the couple joined hands and faced the fox.

"Dearly beloved. We gather here today to bear witness to the joining of Sonic The Hedgehog, and Amy Rose. It is not by convenience that you have been invited to this ceremony. We represent important figures in either individual, or the collective lives of these two amazing people. I can't think of a more sentimental, cherished venue to bind these lovers. Here, where their love first blossomed. We are all truly blessed and honoured to become a part of the memory of your love story."

The wailing of the mad doctor forced everybody to turn and face him. "What? It's my allergies..." He sniffled, ignoring the disgruntled stares and facing forward.

Amy slowly turned to the blue hedgehog. "What's he doing here?"

"I'll explain after." He mumbled to her, looking to the officiant to continue.

Clearing his throat, Tails captured the attention of the guests once again. "It's a remarkable moment in life, to meet that special someone who makes you feel complete. That one person who holds the power to make the world a truly magical place. The only person with whom you share such a strong bond with, that it surpasses any other relationship; albeit friend, or family. And you find yourself unable to imagine another day without them by your side."

Gently squeezing his bride's hand, Sonic flashed a tender smile her way.

"For this couple, this bond was planted nineteen years ago, at ages; eight and eleven. A lifelong friendship, nourished by time and nurtured by memories, soon became an everlasting love for one another. One which cannot be denied. I have personally had the pleasure of seeing this love grow at first hand. As Sonic's best friend, and brother, I know in my own heart, that this right here, is what true love looks like."

Wiping a tear away from his eye, Tails moved onto the love story of the couple. "Now, uh, I've been specifically authorized by the groom to keep this as casual as possible to protect his reputation. But as we've all witnessed from the procession, his reputation as the tear-free hedgehog is now a lie."

He and the rest of the attendance laughed faintly. The blush on Sonic's face adding to the humour.

"But the truth is, their love story is much less a fairytale. I do wish to portray their story as a magical fiction to set expectations from. Because that's not real love. Love is not a fairytale. Love is a unit. It involves team work, compromise, sacrifice. Love is choice. You choose to fight for it, or to not. This couple have ridden through storms, hit hurdles many of us would not dare to cross. They have continued to fight for one another and through their differences, they have flourished." He looked to the couple and smiled. "These two have created a future that not only allows them to prosper, but allows all of us to become our best selves. For that, we all thank you."

Nodding back at the officiant, the couple squeezed each others hands again for comfort.

"So, without further ado, I shall stop my blabbering and allow these lovebirds to get a word in." Tails chuckled, bowing his head to his brother to signal the exchange of vows.

With a nerved breath, Sonic turned to his lover and took a moment to remember his vows.

"Please don't tell me you're winging it." Amy said quietly.

"I revised it." He told her. Partially truthful were his words. Some of his vows had been erased from his memory. Nevertheless, he held her hands and gave his vows. "Amy. When we were kids, and you'd tell the world, and even other worlds, that I was going to be your husband, I had always assumed you were a few cards short of a full deck. As it turns out, you were telling me about this moment. And while I may have never imagined being your husband back then, I can say now, in front of all these guests, that I can't imagine you not being my wife."

She witnessed his emotions coming back to his voice before he paused to breathe out his nerves. She rubbed his hands soothingly, encouraging him to continue.

"You have grown to be the most formidable, beautiful, and compassionate woman I've ever met. Being by your side everyday has made me the proudest guy there is." He paused, swallowing back the lump in his throat. "You make me feel like the luckiest man alive, and I want to spend the rest of our lives showing you just how much you mean to me." He said, trembling ever so slightly from holding back the overwhelming tears. "I love you."

"I love you too." Amy squealed through her weeping, embracing the blue hero. She kissed his cheek as they parted.

Wiping her tears away, Amy took the card she had written her vows on from Cream and began to read aloud. "Sonic. The fates have always told me we were going to be together. But no matter how much I read into the future, nothing could have prepared me for all that we've been through. You have seen me at my best, and seen me at my worse. No matter what, you have stayed strong for me. You are my rock, my life, my soulmate. And soon, you shall be my husband." A sob escaped her. "I cannot wait to continue this crazy journey by your side... I love you." She cried, letting out her whimpers.

Pulling the woman into another embrace, Sonic rubbed her back to comfort her.

Touched by the sentiment of the spoken words, Tails wiped away his tears. "These allergies are contagious." He joked, earning a faint chuckle from the attendees. "And now, Sonic. Do you take Amy Rose to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honour, and cherish her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto her forevermore?"

"I do." He responded, grinning at the pink hedgehog.

"And do you, Amy, take Sonic The Hedgehog, to be your husband? Do you promise to love, honour, and cherish him, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him forevermore?"

"I do." She sniffled, looking deep into her lover's eyes.

"Sonic and Amy will now exchange rings as a symbol of their eternal love. These rings will become a marking of your declaration, a landmark on your journey together as one. May these rings be a seal of your vows, that they shall go on forever." Tails turned to the young boy carrying the rings. "Chumley, you're up." He whispered.

The young walrus stepped forward and gave the rings to the couple. Smiling gratefully at the boy, the couple look back at one another held their rings in their hands.

"Sonic, please place the ring on Amy's left hand and repeat after me." He waited for Sonic to hold the ring to Amy's finger. "As a sign of my love."

"As a sign of my love."

"That I have chosen you."

"That I have chosen you."

"Above all else."

"Above all else."

"With this ring, I thee wed."

"With this ring, I thee wed."

Placing the ring on her finger, Sonic kissed his bride's hand. "Nice to know your hearing is in top condition. Now to test you, Amy." Tails teased. "Repeat after me. As a sign of my love."

"As a sign of my love."

"That I have chosen you."

"That I have chosen you."

"Above all else."

"Above all else."

"With this ring, I thee wed."

"With this ring, I thee wed." She said, placing the ring on Sonic's finger.

"Even in marriage, you must date your spouse. Never forget the love you have expressed with us all today. Marriage takes trust; to know that in your heart, you both want what is best for each other. It takes dedication to stay open to one another - To learn and grow together. Most importantly, it'll take commitment to uphold the vows you have both pledged today."

Clearing his throat a final time, Tails brought the ceremony to an end by declaring the couple as newly weds. "And finally, by the power bested in me, by some cheap website on the internet, it is my honour and a delight to declare you as Mr and Mrs The Hedgehog. You may kiss your bride."

Without regret nor fear, Sonic pulled his wife into his arms and sealed the deal of their marriage.

And opened another chapter in their realist love story.