Chapter Text
Other than the occasional 'hey', look, wave, point and nod. Amy and Knuckles had worked in silent coordination.
The improvised tower already had a good shape. Standing near the top, the girl put her hammer down for a moment, leaning onto it to glance above. The targeted floodgate was getting closer and closer, and with it it's light was becoming greater in her eyes. Even when it closed and was gone, her little hopeful smile remained on her face.
Seemingly unbeknownst, Knuckles had climbed to her side. A new big, thin scrap on his shoulder, when he dropped it before her with a loud CLANK, Amy didn't flinch, instead just looked down and took a step back. Lifting her hammer, she swung it around in a bit of a fancy move and soon held it tight to hit the metal piece in place.
As the echidna held it steady, she looked at him, his serious face locked on his task.
"Hey..." Stopping for a moment, Amy suddenly spoke.
He didn't turn, but lifted his head a little. "Hmm?"
"I wanted to thank you for— what you did back there."
Now he did look at her. His expression didn't change much, but blinked before looking down again. "I don't know what you're talking about. I should be the one saying that."
Grip secured again, she hit the metal once more, it's pink light sparkling along. "It wouldn't have worked if you hadn't intervened..."
Knuckles met her eyes, a gentle look on his. "We hold eachother's backs." And smiled.
He had quoted her, and Amy could only smile wider in return. Her whole face illuminating as she felt like hugging the guy, still managed to resist the urge and drift her focus back to the hammering.
Loud thuds and clanks echoed throughout. Soon enough the job was done and they both retrieved. Crouching down, he push and shaked the new add on to make sure it was well installed. A small nod was her confirmation.
The Red then turned around and jumped off the tower to fetch another piece. Same thing again, she leaned onto her weapon.
Looking down, hints of blue, yellow and red were visible among the sharp metal edges and large scrap mounds. The bits of color brought some kind of tender hope to her chest, made her forget about the darkness all around. If anything, thanks to it they stood out brighter.
Amy smiled upon that thought.
Hands clasped behind her back, she stared at him. 'Should I... cough or something?'
Tails' focus was on his work, taking in and out tools, his movements were precise, smooth. The sight was amusing to her.
Amy had arrived a few minutes ago, she had announced herself, but still the yellow fox haven't noticed her presence. It was a little awkward on her part, but she was more worried about eventually startling him.
Sooooooo... she took a few, careful steps back, making the automatic door open and close again. Standing in the hallway for about ten counted seconds, she moved forward to reenter the room, making sure to be little louder this time.
"—All done, chief!" She spoke. His pointy ear flickered and he finally turned.
"Oh!" Straightening up, Tails spun in the stool to face her. "Great! I'm almost done with the new code." Looking back to his little gadget, he held it for a moment. "—We'll get them this time!"
Amy smiled. It was hard not to whenever he was around, she discovered. Everything about the kid was extremely endearing to her.
They had managed to escape the Metal complex and get back to the ship. Tails had taken expert control of the situation, moving all around to make adjustments, check ups, all while directing the rest of the Team. He had finally secluded himself in the small multi-purpose room aboard to work on the final piece.
The girl knew it would be better to not bother him with chitchat, but took a second guess when she realized this was the first time they had been alone in a while, (had they ever been at all?). There was something she had wanted to tell him, so might as well go for it, no?
"Hey, Tails...?" She had approached a bit, her voice came a little more timid than intended.
The fox faced her. "Yes?"
"I just... wanted to apologize, for before. Back in the pit, the spell/slap thing...? Yeah, sorry about that, I didn't mean it to come out as hard— Well you're supposed to put some strength to it, but I can't always control mine, so although I really tried to be gentle I get that I might have miscalculated; and I feel bad cause I never EVER meant to hurt you and—"
"Amy." He suddenly cut her. Nor coldly, nor demanding. In fact, as she looked at him again, letting go of her fingers, she found him smiling somewhat funny. "You're rambling."
She pressed her lips together. "...Sorry."
Tails simply scoffed. "Don't be...!" He looked to the side for a moment. "It wasn't as hard, really! It surprised me, more than anything. In retrospective... I overreacted." He shrugged. "Besides I'm almost positive I hit you harder later..." He spoke a little shy.
A smile came back to her own face. 'The world doesn't deserve you!!!'
He had moved back to his work, yet his voice returned. "I'm curious, though... did you came up with that whole act on the spot?"
Amy stepped to the side of the worktable, so they could keep facing each other fairly. "Nope! My mother actually taught me that!" Tilting her head to the side, she lidded her eyes for a moment. "Although when she does it, she doesn't show any kind of mercy..." She mumbled, suddenly rubbing the back of one hand, as if the feeling of an old wound had resurfaced.
Tails giggled.
They stood in a comfortable silence, before the fox spoke again. "Still—! I think next time I'd much rather try the other spell...!"
Amy beamed. "Awwww, you!!~" Running an arm around him, she rested her head over his in a friendly side hug. He kept hold of his tools and gadget, but leaned to her touch with a brighter smile.
"—I mean." The fox suddenly continued. "If it's not reserved just for Sonic, that is...!" He had met her eyes with a teasing grin.
The girl retrieved, a hand to her chest as she gawked. "OH you DIDN'T...!!"
He chuckled, and she spun around covering her face, she was laughing too. Hands moved down to her neck, she rested herself on the near wall. "Ahhh... I still can't believe I did that—!"
"Neither do I...!" Tails added.
Amy stepped forward again. "I swear, that guy! He makes me do the craziest things!"
He snorted. "Yeap! He tends to have that effect on people...!"
Hands to her hips, she let out air and puffed her chest. "—But I regret NOTHING!" She spoke proud.
Tails turned to her again, face lit up. "Oh, by all means—! Never do!!" He moved his hands around. "It was a BOLD move! Gotta respect that! —And his face was priceless! I think I've never seen him get so nervous before! It was great, honestly!"
It was her turn to giggle.
Keeping his smile, he turned his attention back to the table. "Although...! He takes his pride very seriously! I can almost assure you he'll be plotting his revenge soon!"
The soft smile on her face didn't fade, she sighed. "Yeah...! I figured."
Silence installed again between them. But you could tell neither Amy or Tails disliked it, if anything, it felt nice for them to just share it.
Looking down, her voice came out one last time. "He's cute when he gets all embarrassed..." Her smile drawn small, voice a little shy, yet particularly sweet.
Tails grinned to himself and let out an airy scoff. "Yeah..."
They both burst into cheeky laughter again. The combined sound echoed throughout the room, and most likely the entire ship. It was just about the most adorable melody.
Seriously. I might need a moment.