Work Text:
Sonic had never been great at expressing his feelings.
It wasn’t that he didn’t care – he did. He always had. But slowing down long enough to actually think about emotions? That was way harder than outrunning a robot army.
But lately... he didn’t have to think about it at all; lately, whenever Amy was around, it just felt right.
She didn’t cling to him like she used to, didn’t chase him down with reckless abandon. Instead, she was just there, and Sonic found himself gravitating toward her without even realizing it.
Whether it was sitting next to each other on Tails’ couch, walking through town together, or teaming up during their latest adventure, Sonic caught himself wanting to be around her.
And, surprisingly, he didn’t mind.
One afternoon, Sonic and Amy found themselves walking along the cliffs of Green Hill Zone, the ocean breeze rolling in.
Amy was the one who suggested it, but Sonic didn’t hesitate to agree. That was new.
“You’ve been different lately,” Amy said, playfully nudging him with her elbow.
Sonic raised an eyebrow. "Me? You’re the one who changed first, Ames."
Amy smiled. “I have grown up, haven’t I?” She twirled her hammer before resting it on her shoulder. “I realized something after all these years. I don’t need to chase you, Sonic. You’ll come to me when you’re ready.”
Sonic chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. “Yeah...” he muttered. “Guess I kinda walked right into that one, huh?”
Amy tilted her head. “So? What are you ready for?”
Sonic stuffed his hands in his pockets, staring out at the waves. A younger version of himself would’ve panicked at that question. But now?
He smirked. “I dunno yet. But... I like having you around, Ames. More than I used to.”
Amy’s eyes widened, but instead of squealing or fainting like she might’ve in the past, she just smiled.
“Well,” she said softly, “I like having you around too, Sonic.”
They walked in comfortable silence, the wind blowing through their fur. No pressure, no expectations – just them.
Ever since that day, Sonic started noticing the little things.
Like how he didn’t pull away anymore when Amy looped her arm through his.
Or how he’d absentmindedly ruffle her quills when she was focused on something.
Or how, when they were with their friends, Sonic would always end up next to her, even if he didn’t plan it that way.
And Amy noticed, too.
One evening, as the two of them sat on a rooftop watching the sunset, she leaned her head on his shoulder.
Sonic froze for half a second. Then, with a small, amused sigh... he leaned his head against hers.
He felt Amy smile.
“Looks like I finally caught you, huh?” she teased.
Sonic smirked. “Nah. I let you catch me.”
And for once in his life, Sonic the Hedgehog wasn’t running away.
He was exactly where he wanted to be.