Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

[TheRealChaoHero created the server]

[tooslow has joined the server]

Cheese: Finally finished setting up the rules! ^^

Cheese: Do ya like it?

Speedy: Yeah, just one problem.

Cheese: What’s that? :O

Speedy: No Tails.

Cheese: Or Amy :P

Cheese: Time to fix that! ^^

[Nmbr1SonicFan has joined the server]

Speedy: Hi Tails!

[Miles_Prower has joined the server]

Speedy: That’s her username???

Tails: Huh?

Speedy: Nothing, li’l bud.

Rosy: hiiii sonicccccc <3333

Cheese: Hi Amy! :D

Tails: Why did you invite me here again

Rosy: tails dont be a bad sport, cmon theyre our friendsss

Speedy: Yeah, Cream invited you here for a reason.

Cheese: I didn’t invite Mr. Prower!

Speedy: Wait, you didn’ t?!

Rosy: nope i did :D

Speedy: Wow, Amy. Didn’t see that one coming.

Speedy: How much do you two chat, anyways?

Tails: Do we have to talk about that right now

Rosy: miles be polite plssss

Cheese: It’s okay, Amy. Mr. Prower’s probably just embarrassed.

Speedy: Please. Tails? Embarrassed? I don’t think I’ve ever seen him have shame.

Rosy: except when hes around girls ehehe

Tails: did you guys invite me here just to bully me

Cheese: No. The reason I made this server is so we could all be closer friends.

Speedy: That and so we can get ready for the extreme gear race!

Cheese: That too :P

Rosy: @Tails yes >:D

Tails: ;c

Cheese: Hey, don’t be mean to Miles, Amy!!!

Rosy: fineeee but only because u askeddd

Tails: Nice to see at least someone has my back.

Cheese: You’re welcome, Tails. ^^

Speedy: Guys, guys, the race. Remember?

Cheese: That’s right. We don’t wanna be tooslow. LOL

Tails: Well, I do have all of our extreme gears ready

Tails: You’ll just have to swing by my place tomorrow

Rosy: you better make sure to get the paint job you promised on mine right miles

Speedy: Great!

Cheese: Thank you so much, Tails. We couldn’t do this without you. :)

Tails: @Rosy Sure thing

Tails: you’re welcome

Speedy: So, for the race. Did you download any maps for the tracks, Tails?

Tails: Sure did, Sonic! In fact, I even prepared a compilation of clips of each track for you to study

Speedy: Sweet! This time we’ll beat Jet for sure!

Rosy: you take this sooo seriously, sonic

Cheese: Of course. One should always try their best when competing.

Rosy: i just wanna have fun xD

Tails: And watch Sonic right

Rosy: that too

Speedy: As long as you remember to keep your eyes on the road and not me during the race, Amy.

Cheese: Yeah! We wouldn’t want you crashing. You could get hurt. :(

Tails: They have a point

Rosy: what if i crash into sonic thooo

Cheese: :S Don’t do that! I don’t want him to get hurt…

Speedy: As if! You totally couldn’t catch up to me even if you tried.

Rosy: wanna bet

Tails: Well, Amy. If you want to keep up with Sonic then you better study like the rest of us

Cheese: And take things seriously!

Speedy: Great thinking, Tails.

Rosy: fine u got me this time

Rosy: ill watch miles nerd videos

Chapter Text

[FASTESTTHINGALIVE has joined the server]

[mechafan85 has joined the server]

Cheese: Great race, everyone! We should go again some time.

JET: Great? Please. You haven’t even seen great yet! Just wait until the finals.

mechafan85: I look forward to it. Especially a chance to prove who’s the better extreme gear mechanic.

Speedy: Please, we all know that’s Tails.

Rosy: yeah sonics right miles is the best

Cheese: You and Miles are both great. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s race. ^^

Cheese: Can you post the address of the restaurant again for us, Jet?

Speedy: Yeah, those chili dogs were outstanding!

JET: [HYPERLINK REDACTED]

JET: See, I told you these were the best chili dogs in town. But you didn’t believe me!

mechafan85: And we were totally right.

JET: Just like how we’re right about the fact we’re going to walk away with the trophy tomorrow.

Rosy: wait

Tails: You went out to dinner with them? Seriously?

Rosy: u 2 went out with them?

Rosy: without me? :(

Rosy: tails and i had to go to gino’s…

Cheese: Sorry, Amy. I just didn’t want Tails and Wave to butt heads again.

Speedy: She’s got a point.

mechafan85: Looks like your friends chose the superior mechanic, Miles.

JET: Owned

Tails: And you decided to invite them to our group chat because…?

Cheese: Because it’s the polite thing to do, Tails.

Speedy: That and I kinda wanted the URL for the place.

Cheese: True. :D

Rosy: you guys are jerks

Rosy: i have a friend u should meet for making fun of milesy >:D

JET: Please, save the hammer for Sonic.

Cheese: Play nice, Amy. We should be nice to our guests.

mechafan85: Your saccharine sweetness is infectious, Cream.

Cheese: Thanks…?

Tails: @mechafan85 Maybe now you can stop bullying me

ONE DAY LATER

Speedy: [Arthur and Lancelot Chapter 5 Draft.md]

Tails: What’s that?

Arthur and Lancelot Chapter 5.md [EXCERPT]

… The night sky welcomed the two warriors. The moon illuminated their toned bodies, hardened through their endless training. Lancelot’s smirk was piercing. “How about another duel, my friend?”

“Oh please, like I’d ever turn down a challenge.” Arthur leaped at the opportunity, unsheathing his sword as the two knights stared one another down. They kept their distance, circling each other throughout the courtyard. Each waiting for a moment of weakness, the perfect time to strike and prove their superiority.

Lancelot was eager, perhaps even too eager. His assault passionate but his defenses weak.

Clang. “Gahh…”

“Beat ya again, Lance.” Arthur teased after the metal met his armor. Sheathing his sword once more as he stared down his match.

“And to think I almost had you that time.” …

Cheese: Wrong chat, dork.

JET: Sloppy Sonic, always with the mistakes.

JET: Time to feast my eyes upon your latest blunder!

[tooslow deleted one message]

Speedy: Nobody saw that!

Rosy: saw what

Rosy: what happened

Cheese: Guys, be nice. Sonic’s shy.

JET: Pretty good, Arthur .

JET: Only one issue, I never lose.

JET: Though, if you want a sword fight~

Rosy: sonics gay???

Speedy: This is all a big misunderstanding.

JET: You wrote yaoi about us. What’s there to misunderstand?

mechafan85: Crystal clear message in my eyes, big blue.

Tails: I don’t get it. It’s just a duel.

Speedy: Okay. First off, I wrote this for my girlfriend .

Rosy: i dont like yaoi sonic

Tails: Damnit

Tails: When did you two start going out?

JET: Wait– it’s not a confession?

JET: On a second read, it’s not bad. But there’s clearly parts where you don’t understand the characters.

mechafan85: Lancelot’s a bit too effeminate.

JET: Very true! I’m not that flamboyant.

Cheese: He’s not based on you, Jet. Fly back down to Earth.

Speedy: Second off, Amy  You are not my girlfriend.

Tails: Who’s your girlfriend, then?

Rosy: how could u sonic

Rosy: you know no girl will ever rival my love for u

Rosy: T-T

Cheese: >.>

Speedy: Third of all, I am not gay.

Speedy: Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Speedy: No offense, Jet.

JET: The only offense I take is that you and your doll led me on like that!

Cheese: Sorry, Jet.

Rosy: omg

Rosy: THIS IS SO UNFAIR

Rosy: YOU MEAN TO TELL ME

Rosy: I WASTED THE PAST YEAR OF MY LIFE ON YOU

Rosy: WHAT ABOUT ALL THOSE DATES YOU DIDNT SHOW UP FOR SONIC

Rosy: DID I MEAN NOTHING TO YOU
Rosy: NOTHING

Speedy: … dates ?

Tails: About that, Sonic. I might’ve… stretched the truth to Amy some times.

Rosy: MILES YOU JERK

Rosy: UVE DONE IT NOW

Rosy: UR ALL GOING TO GET WHACKED

[Nmbr1SonicFan has been timed out for 15 minutes by TheRealChaoHero]

Cheese: Deep breaths everyone, alright?

Cheese: Good.

Cheese: Amy, I never meant to upset you.

Cheese: Sonic and I were planning on telling you, it’s just…

Speedy: We were worried you’d freak.

Cheese: Yeah… :(

Cheese: Please try to calm down, Ms. Rose. I know this is hard on you but Sonic just doesn’t like you like that.

Speedy: You’re a great friend, though!

Speedy: … when you aren’t threatening to beat us with hammers, haha.

Tails: Your timing sucks

Chapter Text

Cheese: I’m glad things have finally calmed down after yesterday. ^^

Speedy: Yeah, that was pretty high strung.

Rosy: sorry

Tails: Chin up, Amy. There’s plenty of other animals in the wild.

[HoneyTheCat has joined the server]

Cheese: Hi!

Speedy: Who’s that? Did you invite her, Cream?

Cheese: It wasn’t me, Nicky.

Speedy: Did you, Amy?

Rosy: nuh uh

Tails: That was me. This is my super smart friend, Honey. I met her on Gunsmith Reloaded Online.

Honey <3: Haiiiiii~

Honey <3: :3c

Cheese: It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Honey. ^^

Honey <3: The pleasure’s mine, Ms. Cream. :3

JET: Great. More new blood to learn how cool I am.

mechafan85: You sure said it, Jet.

JET: [Extreme_Gear_Tricks.mp4]

Honey <3: Wow that is SOOOO cooool, I’ve seen you on TV before

JET: I know, right? I’m the star of the new millennium!

Cheese: >.>

mechafan85: And I built his board. The best board in the whole world, even better than Eggtech.

Speedy: The results say otherwise, Wave.

JET: Oh please, we both know you only won thanks to catching me off guard with your glittery board.

Tails: Not my fault

Speedy: Hey, Cream thought it’d be cute.

Cheese: ^^

Honey <3: Better than Eggtech? Please. Eggtech’s the best in the world.

Tails: Now that’s a bunch of bolts.

Rosy: didnt you say she was smart miles

Tails: Being smart and being well educated are two different things entirely.

Tails: ‘Sides, she hasn’t seen my workshop yet.

Rosy: dont tell me ur gonna invite her over

Tails: Mayb I will

Honey <3: :O

Honey <3: I’d love to see.

Honey <3: I might not be able to go there yet, but…

Honey <3: Could you send me some photos? :3c

Tails: Sure thing, HunBun!

Speedy: HunBun?

Cheese: o-o

Rosy: miles u better explain urself

Tails: [labphoto22.jpeg]

Tails: [labphoto23.jpeg]

Tails: That's her username in Gunsmith Reloaded Online, Amy. Geez, you don’t know l33t speak?

Honey <3: Tails, don’t call me that.

Tails: why not

Honey <3: I’ll start calling you Miles_Per_Hour.

Cheese: LOL

Speedy: Tails, you’re a riot.

Tails: Point taken.

Honey <3: If you’re gonna call me anything, call me Honey!

Rosy: dont tell me uve got a girlfriend too

Tails:  What? No. I’m not Sonic. I’m not really into younger girls.

Speedy: Shut up, Tails.

Cheese: >>

Honey <3: o-o

Tails: How old are you, anyways?

Honey <3: Uhhh

Honey <3: My dad told me not to share that information with strangers

Honey <3: Sorry

Tails: Oh, okay. Sorry for intruding.

Honey <3: It’s okey :3

JET: What’s your favorite hobby? Except for watching Jet the Hawk on his extreme board, that is.

Honey <3: Video games! But also fashion, I love love love customizing my avatar on Gunsmith. It’s super fun.

Cheese: Ooo, you should show me.

Tails: How come you care when she talks about it but not me?

Rosy: because ur a total boy miles

Tails: Rude

mechafan85: but true

Rosy: don’t agree with me, you aren’t allowed to agree with me

mechafan85: says who?

Rosy: SAYS ME

[Nmbr1SonicFan has been timed out for 5 minutes by TheRealChaoHero]

[mechafan85 has been timed out for 5 minutes by tooslow]

Cheese: Will those two ever get along?

Speedy: Good grief.

Honey <3: [screenshot.png]
Cheese: So cute.

Tails: I only spend my money on levels.

Speedy: Still spending rings on bits and bytes when you could be spending them on getting bits and bites of onion rings, li’l bud.

Cheese: xD

Sonic and Cream DMs Bonus

Cheese: Hey Nickyyy, guess what I made youuu

Speedy: Let me guess, another good luck charm.

Cheese: Close.

Cheese: [Attachment.jpg] [alt text. A hand drawn piece depicting a Chao that resembles Sonic chewing on a chili dog]

Speedy: Oh my gaia, you’re the best, Cream!

Cheese: You flatter me, Sonic.

Speedy: But it’s true. Your art’s incredible! I can’t wait to set this to my pfp.

[tooslow updated his profile picture]

Speedy: Tada! Now we match.

Cheese: Dork.

Speedy: Love you.

Cheese: Ily2 <3

Chapter Text

Honey <3: Guess who just got a new high score?

Honey <3: [Screenshot_Gunsmith_1.jpeg]

Cheese: Nice job!

Rosy: please thats nothing my high score at hedgehog hammer is way more impressive than that

Speedy: Sweet! Do you have any footage? I don’t think I’ve played that game before.

Cheese: Not everyone can be as gifted as you, Ms. Amy. :P

Tails: Wow that’s super cool, Honey <3

Cheese: We could always try it some time, Nicky. :P

Honey <3: Awww tysm Tails :3c

Honey <3: Sure, Sonic.

Honey <3: [BestScoreEvr.mp4]

Tails: You’ve gotta show me how to do that sometime, Hun

Rosy: do u seriously call her that

Tails: What’s wrong with that

Rosy: its weird

Speedy: Lighten up, Amy. Let Tails get catfished if he wants to.

Honey <3: Heyyyyy shut up, stupid idiot hedgehog.

Honey <3: I’m not a catfish

Honey <3: I’m a cat

Honey <3: Hmph >:(

Tails: Yeah Sonic she isn’t a fish

Rosy: miles ur stupidd

[Nmbr1SonicFan has been timed out for 5 minutes by TheRealChaoHero]

Cheese: Please behave yourselves, everyone.

Cheese: Remember to read the rules. >.>

JET: Please, this server’s as tame as a kitten.

JET: What are you, Cream, a girl scout?

Cheese: Yes. :D

Speedy: She’s got ya there, Jet.

Tails: You can unmute her

Tails: I don’t mind

mechafan85: New figure.

mechafan85: [attachment.img] [alt text. Custom crafted life like Egg Pawn miniature figure.]

Honey <3: Tails you’re such a pushover.

[Nmbr1SonicFan has been unmuted by tooslow]

Honey <3: That’s such a cool figure. It really looks like a real Eggtech model.

Speedy: Do you pinky promise to treat Tails right, Amy?

Rosy: fine

Mechafan85: thxs hun

Tails: Wait, you’ve seen an Egg Pawn before?

Speedy: Good girl.

Speedy: [Patpat Emoji]

Honey <3: Sure have :3c

Honey <3: One time I dismantled one for looking at me wrong >3

JET: You should post pics of that. That’s way more impressive than some video game.

Speedy: Hey, Tails. Do you have the link to Gunsmith?

Speedy: I saw it had skateboard tricks and I’m sold.

Honey: [HYPERLINK REDACTED]

Tails: Looks like Honey beat me to it, Sonic

Cheese: 25% downloaded! :D

mechafan85: Jet’s right that would be helpful

Honey <3: Okey

Honey <3: I’ll take pics later but for now, have some blueprints <3

Honey <3: [Eggpawn.pdf]

Tails: Wow

Tails: Where’d you get those?

Honey <3: Stole them

Tails: You have to tell me what darknet server you hacked to get access to that.

Speedy: Sure could help Tails.

mechafan85: thx

Cheese: I’m done downloading, Sonic!

Speedy: Sweet, get on the game to get ready while I finish downloading.

Tails: I’ll make a lobby

Honey <3: Looks like you’re too slow, Sonic

Rosy: gtg

Chapter Text

The chat log was nauseating.

I hated the reflection that met my eyes when I stared blankly into the pitch black abyss.

Rosy: gtg

I lied that I had anything better to do.

Because it was better than the pathetic truth. A rose that had been abandoned by anyone misfortunate enough to smell her foul stench.

I was wilting. That’s why Sonic abandoned me for a young blossoming sunflower. I wasn’t good enough. And if things continued as they were, I never would be.

Too passive, too aggressive, too clingy, too much too late or just not enough.

It made my head spin. The contradictions piled up as my desires were buried behind layers of repression that cracked against my mental prison. 

And now that my heart’s compass was finally realigning itself, who dares to try and snatch him from me? That stupid cat. Fake. Plastic. Everything about her was performative, none of it was real. Yet Miles ate it up like a five-course meal.

I strangled my one true companion, my eyes narrowing as I imagined her before me, and smashing through her puny feline figure. Coating her burgundy dress crimson with her splattered battered blood.

My monitor was left a wreck.

Breathe, Amy. Don’t let the demons come out to bite, Amy. You can still salvage this. You can make Miles see things your way.

It’s just another stupid date at an arcade.

‘Practice for Sonic’ you lied through your teeth countless times before. As if humoring Miles would bring you any closer to his orbit when Tails fell from the sky a long time ago.

Well this time, I wasn’t going to pretend. This time I was going to go on a date with Miles, I was going to enjoy myself and not entertain foolish dreams that would go nowhere like an unrealistic whiny rascal would, and I would get his eyes off that forsaken monitor to admire me. He’d notice me. He had to. He did before. I couldn’t be cursed. I couldn’t let the one good thing in my life fall by the way side to some saccharine catfish.

I gathered myself, setting my hammer back into place. Rage had its glory, the monitor knew it well. I wasn’t going to knock Miles senseless and shake out his rings for the sake of sweet catharsis. Not this time.

I was going to be polite. Pretty. Modest. Kind.

Everything that a ‘good girl’ was.

Everything that selfish sunsoaked usurper embodied.

My head twitched at the thought. Breathe, Amy. Composure Amy. Smile, Amy. Miles always liked it when you did that. He’d fight for it. Fight your demons just for a second of acknowledgment like a lost abandoned puppy.

Maybe you weren’t so alone in being abandoned and ignored. You did it to him how many times, Amy?

I gathered myself, pulling apart my drawers for a good outfit. Something stylish, like her but not restrictive. It was an arcade, after all. We were going to have fun, munch on greasy food, and move our bodies to the rhythm of the beat. Not present for a debutante.

I settled on a pair of fashionable pink boots, white thigh-high socks, a short green skirt, and a long-sleeved short red sweater that showed off my belly. Finalizing it with a cute red bow in my quills. That’d be nice enough for you, wouldn’t it, Miles? You’d notice me like you notice her stupid digital drip.

Rushing to the restroom, I bleached myself in a bath of make-up, a dash of rosy blush and some nice green eyeliner. The kind that’d make any hedgehog’s colors shine.

I was pretty, but not on the inside. So I lied. I lied to myself and I’d lie to him.

I was the prettiest, bubbliest, cutest girl ever! I am going to take out my boyfriend Miles for a fun date that we’ll both never forget. It’ll be unique, passionate, and fun. Nothing like any we’ve had before.

Good job, Amy.

Keep it up.

The streets of Emerald Town were blossoming with love! A pretty rose like myself was positively blooming as I saw my beloved boyfriend’s wonderful workshop in sight.

Ringing the doorbell, I waited. Patiently. I wasn’t going to break down this cold taunting steel door like usual. I didn’t even have my hammer, haha; Silly Rosy, what a rascal.

“Amy, what are you doing here?” He looked so flustered, even if his blush couldn’t show it, his wide and surprised eyes did. “And why are you dressed like that?”

“Oh, Miles…” I leaned in and gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek, “I always dress like this, remember?”

“Not since we were kids…”

I batted my palm, silly Miles. Didn’t you know? Being an immature girl scout was all the rage. At least that’s what a certain blue hedgehog thought.

I twitched, the mask cracking under the pressure. Keep it together, Amy. Don’t let him see you cry. You don’t want that. That’d be ugly. That’d be the same thing Sonic left you for. You stupid crying hormonal teenage trash.

“Never a bad time for a change of scenery, Milesy.”

I leaned down to meet his eyes, lowering myself to his short stature, “Besides, you could use some fresh air. Stop being so cooped up with those video games. They’ll kill your eyes.” Pulling on that tuft of his scruffy muzzle.

“Fine.”

I grabbed his hand, leading him through the concrete suburban pedestrian streets. He whined, yet still followed along like a good little side kick.

The onlookers glanced at us with surprise. They were simply blown away by how good-looking I was with my make-up and get-up, that had to be why. Jealous of the cute fox ensnared around my fingers.

He was mine, and no foolish cat was gonna steal him from me. Not this time. Not some childish cutesy cat.

When we arrived outside the arcade, I dragged him ahead, pulling him close to my chest to grace him with a momentary hug. Vanishing as soon as it came, pushing him ahead and said, “C’mon, get the door for your date, Miles.”

“Date? But Sonic isn’t even–”

“I didn’t say anything about Sonic!” Stupid fox. Stupid me for wanting to say it. I bit my lip, hiding my disappointment behind expecting eyes. He’d do it. He’d be a good boyfriend. He had to. I needed him. I hated that I needed him, but I did.

Miles complied like a good boy after vanishing his apprehensions. He could swallow his insecurities for me. He held open the grand entrance by a steel handle bar. I made my way past the glass enforced door. I sighed while walking into the familiar world of slot-machines, last century games, and greasy junk food. Making my entrance to a world of debauchery and entertainment. Better than thinking about that spoiled brat and her picture perfect family.

“Thank you, Miles.” I patted his head as he scurried on ahead, falling into my orbit. Darting his eyes away from the flashing lights. Miles was so easily overwhelmed. It reminded me how lame and weak he was. The mask slipped as I hated how he wasn’t Sonic. He wasn’t cool. He wasn’t going out of his way to charm me or show off. He was just… this. Miles. Pathetic, whiney, needy Miles. And this is who I willingly dragged out as my date with pride. Had I gone mad? Of course I had. Who wouldn’t go mad when fate played games with their heart? I had trouble finding faith in the cards. Luckily this arcade didn’t have any of those kinds of games. Much to my and Miles’ relief. He’d no doubt have been banned for counting by now if he got a chance to cheat. Stupid fox, always conspiring to cheat fate. What a tricky kitsune–

“What game do you wanna play first, Rosy?”

His voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “Oh, well, how about something fun, Miles!”

“Fun? Like what kind of fun?”

“You decide, teehee.” I giggled into my palm. A pastiche. A parody. A mockery of that cotton brained snow bunny.

“Uhm, okay.” His eyes shifted, away from me. Was he going to bolt? Abandoned me like Sonic?
Before those thoughts could fossilize, he dragged me along and his touch was enough for my heart to cool off.

“Ladies first.” he gestured towards the machine, pulling out a ring from his vest and shoving it in for me. What a gentleman.

I locked eyes, focused. Not passionate, not putting my heart into it. I let the breeze of the moment carry me. And just like that, the chao plushies fell back down and out of the claw’s grasp. Another humiliation. Another set back. Another proof that I couldn’t do anything right no matter how hard I tried. I stomped my foot against the ground, frustrated.

“Let me try, Amy!” he offered, I obliged. I didn’t even watch. I knew he’d get it right the first time. He’d rub it in my face, knowing Miles. Such a cocky fox.

I was right. Of course I was. “That’s how it’s done.” He’d mumble to himself, reaching down to pick up the plush before presenting it to my watery eyes.

“Amy–” His muzzle fidgeted, silence. Dead silence. I was the joke again.

“Please don’t cry.”

Suck it up, Amy. That’s what he wants. That’s what Sonic wants. That’s what every boy wants. You’re just an ugly girl with ugly tears who ruins everything.

“Sorry! I’m just, so, so, so happy that you won this plushie for me, Milesy!” I lied. I snatched it from him and paraded it around like I cared.

Playing pretend that either of us were happy was easier than talking about it. Better than making a scene in public. Better than being a loser.

He led me to the shoot em up  machine and didn’t even offer to let me play. He knew I’d be terrible. He was just showing off how he could beat the top score. I didn’t care. None of this was interesting.
None of this was important.  

Why did I even bother bringing him out again?

Oh right, to forget. Forget that the love of my life had been taken from me by some goody two-soes girl scout. Forget that the only friend I had was more interested in some e-girl than me.

To pretend I could even be half of what anyone saw in either of them.

My breath hitched as he made the high score. “Tails, can we get food, pretty please? I’m so hungry.”

“Okay, Amy!”

The food was nice. Cheesy pizza with yummy mushrooms. It wasn’t gourmet, but it didn’t need to be.

A better distraction than those childish games.

Why didn’t Tails have a single bite? Did he really consider himself above this place? Above all this cheap junk food.

You aren’t better than me, Miles.

“You should really try some.”

“Huh?”

“Eat something, you dumb dork!”

He gulped when I grabbed a slice and put it to his lips. Instinctively chomping down on it.

That’s more like it.

He still didn’t seem so enthused. “What’s the matter?”

“Not enough meat.”

What a picky eater. “Then you should’ve said something when I was ordering.”

“Didn’t seem polite.”

“Miles, you need to learn to speak your mind more.”

“Don’t you?”

Sly fox. Not that he was wrong. My lack of resolve is exactly why I was here, like this, dolled up like a jester for the world’s amusement.

“We both could.” I crossed my arms, looking away from Tails. Holding that childish chao plush he got me.

“Thanks for taking me out, Amy.” His words caught my attention.

I turned my gaze back to his. “Why’s that?”

“You said I should speak my mind more, right?”

I guess I did.

Maybe he wasn’t a total loser.

“Well, you were right. It was nice not being all cooped up in my room.” He relaxed, leaning an arm against the booth rest, crossing his legs.

“Even if this isn’t about Sonic.” He winked, a knowing smirk on those lips.

“Yeah.” I grabbed my arm, rubbing my red sleeve as my quills stood on edge. Caught off-guard by Miles’ change in demeanour.

Where was this cool fox hiding all this time?

“Wanna go out for kebabs next saturday?” He casually offered.

“Sure.” I said, and this time I meant it.

When we finished our food, he helped me straighten my quills and fixed my bow for me.

What a gentleman.

The rest of the date went well. We took photos together at the photo booth, tried out a flashy cooperative beat em up that let me take out my rage on some pixels, and used up all our rings on a ball-drop game.

We stood outside the arcade. Hand in hand.

He turned to glance up at me. “You’re a great girlfriend, Amy.”

Nothing could hide the blush that followed. No matter how much I hid behind my palms.

“If you ask me, Sonic doesn’t know what he’s missing out on.”

“Quit just saying stuff like that, Miles!” I caught myself. I wouldn’t let him lie to me.

“What’s the matter, Ames?” He grimaced. “Or are you telling me this was just another fake date?”

…

Was it?

I didn’t even know anymore.

All I knew is that my heart raced a dozen miles a minute whenever I was around Miles.

When he flew up for a kiss, I couldn’t have expected it.

Didn’t mean I didn’t welcome it.

The first time we kissed for real and it was as true as the date.

He was such a sloppy kisser.

Not that I was any better.