Missing Out

Sonic the Hedgehog and all related characters © SEGA and Sonic Team

Any characters you don’t recognize belong to me.

Chapter 15: I Love You?

“Wait,” I stated as I set my coffee cup upon my violet table. I raised my hand as a gesture for him to cease his talking. I sighed. “Let me get this straight. You’re telling me that you, you of all beings... are in love?”

He nodded. “Yes.”

I pushed a lock of my spring green hair behind my ear. “I hope you’re not pulling my leg here, man. I mean, that’s a mighty thing to bluntly confess.”

“I confess it bluntly yet truthfully,” the ebony hedgehog responded. “I love her; Rouge the Bat. She is the only one I desire to be with.” His bloodshot eyes shifted downwards. “But...”

“...But?”

“I fear that she does not harbor the same feelings I hold for her.”

“Any particular reasons as to why you think that?”, I questioned curiously.

“Knuckles.”

I cast Shadow a rather wary glance. His tone was rather tart, as he pronounced his name short and crisp. Rather than the frustrated expression I (slightly) expected, his typical calm, bland stare was present.

Throughout this whole conversation, it had never faltered. No, no, emotionless would not be an appropriate adjective. He has a bit of a habit of sealing his more expressive emotions for the most “proper” occasions. (As he says.) It’s damn near impossible to witness an overemotional Shadow. Nobody changes that much over four months.

January twenty-fourth was the exact date. It was supposedly to be winter, but it felt more like an abnormally cold autumn. The usual routines of the pure, white snow hardly appeared. Not that I was complaining... I don’t particularly like being cold.

Shadow rarely stops by my home— or anyone’s for that manner. At least recently, he’s been an even rarer guest. (If that even makes sense...) He’s even become a stranger to Rouge’s apartment, according to her. The current conversation I was engaged in was not the conversation that I was expecting to have.

It’s actually kind of funny. How Shadow entered my house anyways . Despite his seldom appearances, he casually walked through my front door (without knocking), took off his jacket, and sat down in the vacant seat in front of my desk. Admittedly, I sensed him about five seconds before he even touched my doorknob. My psychic intellect grants me that ability. Now, now, please don’t begin to fuss of why I didn’t do anything to stop him. Why would I want to? After the full minute of silence between us, he immediately began talking. And I couldn’t help but keenly listen.

“Knuckles?”, I repeated.

Shadow gave me a firm nod. “He’s the reason as to why Rouge is so confused.”

“And why would that be?”

“Because he is her other interest.”

“Interest? You mean, love interest?”

“Yes.”

I took a rather large gulp of coffee in an attempt to drown down the wry laugh that threatened to emit from my mouth. So, it wasn’t only obvious to me. Rouge does have feelings for both Shadow and Knuckles. I smirked inwardly. The real question is, how do those feelings differ?

...But still... the thought of Rouge actually being in love being almost as humourous as Shadow bluntly admitting he was in love. And as for the possibility of Knuckles actually loving Rouge?

“I certainly can’t say I don’t believe you,” I stated as I absent-mindedly played with a strand of my hair. “Rouge has told me herself a while back that she was sort... on complicated terms with you two.”

Shadow’s calm demeanor altered just a bit at that moment. His eyes were suddenly filled with slight anxiety and anticipation.

“What did she say?”

“Well to be blunt, she basically said you two were both complicated,” I responded, shrugging. “You know how touchy she is when it comes to mushy topics.”

“Oh,” the red-streaked hedgehog sighed. “At least it’s justified that I do have a competitor for her affections.”

A small chuckle managed to escape through my lips. I instantly clamped my hand over my mouth. Shadow eyed me suspiciously.

“Hm? What’s wrong, Kiyoshi?”, Shadow questioned, a drop of irritation hinted within his tone. “I don’t find anything I said humorous.”

I shook my head wildly. “Oh, I apologize, Shadow. I didn’t mean to offend you.” He looked on intently. “However, I do have to protest against your comment regarding Knuckles.”

His gaze somewhat darkened. “How so?”

I grinned knowingly. “Despite my rather short friendship to him compared to the rest of you guys, I think I can claim that I know Knuckles. And one thing I know about Knuckles is that he is not romantically interested in Rouge. At least not to the extent of what you presume.”

Shadow looked on intently. I continued.

“As you can tell, Knuckles gets easily flustered by Rouge. That is due to her ‘innocent’ teasing. Or rather as I should say flirting.” Shadow sported a short-lived pained look at my mention of her “flirting” with Knuckles. “But Rouge does that to pretty much all of the guys... except Tails and Charmy because they’re still, to us at least, kids.”

I halted my words to study my guest. The ebony hedgehog looked somewhat perplexed, I’m assuming, trying to make sense of what I just said. I could sort of understand. My last statement was kind of irrelevant. I sighed.

“Okay, the main point is that Rouge is–

Ring! Ring!

Actually, the melody was more along the lines of Wings of Snow, a MIDI of a popular song done by the J-rock group, redballoon. Great song, but that’s off topic.

I bowed my head apologetically. “Ah, excuse me.” Shadow nodded.

I held my sleek chartreuse phone up to my ear. “Hello. This is Kiyoshi Flowlight speaking.”

He cast me an awkward glance. I wasn’t surprised. It is quite abnormal to answer your personal cell phone in such a formal way. However, I do so for a reason.

Recently, I have begun a psychic business in which I would reveal my customer’s futures or other desires for a small fee. (You’d be surprised at how many people are very superstitious.) So, I have to be formal whenever anybody calls me. Even when it’s just one of my many friends...

“Hey, Kiyo. Are you busy?”

I glanced at Shadow, and then let out a small snort. Things really couldn’t have gotten more ironic then this...

“No, not really. What’s up?”

“Good,” she murmured, breathing a small sigh of relief. “I need to talk to you about Shadow.”

Shadow’s ears perked at the mention of his name.

“Who is that?”, he questioned.

I covered the phone’s speakers with my hand. “Rouge.”

The hedgehog’s ruby red eyes widened notably, as his normal aloof, dark demeanor was quickly reduced due to its vulnerability. Her. My smirk widened. Rouge has no idea of how much power she wields over this guy.

“Do you want me to put her on speaker?”, I asked, even though I was already aware of his response.

“Yes.” Damn, he said that a little too fast. Talk about being anxious. And nosy for that matter. But meh, whatever. At least he doesn’t have to deal with the curse of being naturally nosy...

“Kiyo? Are you still there?”

Unbeknownst to her, she was now speaking to an audience of two.

“I’m sorry, Rouge. We had a minor disconnection. Now what were you saying? You wanted to talk about Shadow?”

She sighed. “Yeah, that’s right. He’s driving me crazy. Kiyo, I’m telling ya! For the past four months, he’s been dominating my mind... and he won’t leave.”

I decided to test her nerves. “What, no Knuckles on the brain? No muscular, dim-witted echidna catering to your every ne–

“Ugh, don’t even mention his name,” she scowled. “He’s been such an ass lately.”

“How so?”

“He doesn’t get all mad and stuff when I mess with him. Like a couple of days ago, I flew up to his precious little island, just to tease him for old times sake. However, the second I’m insight, he starts rambling on about me not stealing the Master Emerald or else I’ll get a taste full of his fists! I mean, how rude can you get?”

“Well, you are a jewel thief, Rouge. As guardian of that Emerald, he is going care more about it than you.”

The white bat scoffed. “So! I mean, how long has it been since I tried to steal that stupid rock?! A long ass time! Seriously! You would think that knucklehead would lighten up after all this time. But, no. He still treats me as though my only intent was to steal that... damn gem. I wonder, has he ever considered that maybe I come up there to visit him and not the Emerald?!”

“That thickheaded echidna would never realize such intentions...”

I analyzed the mood of his last statement, while absent-mindedly hoping that Rouge didn’t hear him. His tone was blunt yet hinted the heartfelt passion her held for her.

Unfortunately, my unconscious hopes were not granted.

“Hey Kiyo, is someone there with ya?”

“No,” I fibbed, as I took a sip of my coffee. “Go on.”

“Anyway, as I was sayin’, that knucklehead is so inconsiderate! Ugh! You know, I really beginning to like him too. Like, I was seriously growing a crush on the guy. But now... he’s being more complicated than usual. And it’s really pissing me off.”

“Ah, back to the ‘complicated’ discussion,” I wryly laughed, referring back to the interesting discussion we had a while back in the Casinopolis vault.

“Shut up. Besides, he’s showing a hell of a lot more interest in Tikal.”

I pretended to be somewhat surprised. “Really?”

“Yeah. Even I have to admit it... it’s obvious the knucklehead has a soft spot for the chick. Ever since she was resurrected from the Master Emerald, however the hell that happened, he’s been really gentle with her. I mean, with helping her adapt to our modern lifestyle and all that jazz. I think he’s grown feelings for her. Not sure ‘bout the other way ‘round though. That girl is nice to everyone.”

This fact was evident to everyone... within our group at least. Knuckles was always one to reveal the obvious— whether he liked it or not. His demeanor around Tikal is notably different from his with Rouge. Trust me, I was quite envious about this truth at first too. Knuckles had told me that he and Tikal were from the same echidna tribe, and that they were pretty much sort of related by a thread of thousands of “idiotic, power hungry, and destructive” of past generations. (As stated by the genius himself.) In short, they’re barely related. Besides that, he’s calmer and more content around her whilst with Rouge, his demeanor is flared due to her seductive personality.

And frankly, I believe that if Knuckles and Rouge ever did get together, then their “love” would most likely be overpowered by their natural desire to bicker with one another. Which would (probably) lead to them loathing each other more so than loving each other. (No matter how hilarious their disputes tend to be...)

I diverted my attention to Shadow, who appeared particularly agitated. His head was rested on his left palm, his right hand tapping irritably upon the chair’s arms. I didn’t dare ask what was bothering him. Especially when I already knew the answer.

I felt my own aggravation rise just thinking on the matter. I mean, she did call to converse about Shadow. So far, all we’ve mostly been chattering about was Knuckles. “Knuckles is so inconsiderate...” “Ugh, that knucklehead is such an ass!” Why I’m even engaging in such girlish gossip is beyond me. I groaned. This isn’t the first time I’ve been forced into these type of conversations. Once she starts talking, I just shut up and listen. I don’t bother even asking why anymore.

I sighed. Even after my short thought session, that bat still rambles on.

“Hey, Rouge,” I stated, thus cutting her off. “I thought you called me to talk about Shadow.”

I almost laughed at how quiet she got when I mentioned his name. Shadow’s expression remained unchanged.

“Yeah...,” the voluptuous bat murmured into the receiver rather timidly. She muttered something under her breath. “Remember how I said that I had a crush on Knuckles? Well with Shadow, I’ve always felt a strong connection with him. But now, I really think that I’m...”

“Yeah?” Shadow’s ears perked once again.

“I really think that I’m in love with him.”

I swear that I almost dropped my coffee mug onto the floor, I was that shocked. Never have I seen him smile so delightfully. Shadow the Hedgehog smiled? Not a smirk, not a grin, but a smile? Ha, if I hadn’t been so surprised, I probably would’ve laughed and taken a picture of the rare site.

And Rouge’s response was the icing on the cake. Seriously. Who’s going to believe that, honestly? Rouge the Bat... in love?

A snicker emitted from my lips. “Are you serious, Rouge?”

Rouge snarled angrily, obviously offended by my question.

“What the hell, Kiyo?! Of course I’m serious!,” she hissed through the phone, her venom practically seeping through the receiver. “It’s not every day or to anyone that I admit ‘I love you’. Shadow... ever since he admitted his love for me four months ago, I had to resist the urge of responding to him...”

“Why?”, Shadow suddenly questioned. Actually, he pronounced it more like a demand.

I had opened my mouth to ask the same question, but I merely let him talk. He was the one who needed to talk to her, not me.

Rouge gasped. “Shadow?! W-What in the—?! Don’t tell me you were listening in the whole time!”

“Never mind that!,” Shadow exclaimed, now standing out of his relaxed position. “Tell me why, Rouge. Why did you have to resist against me?”

“Rouge?”

“... I wanted to make sure my feelings were only for you. Shadow when you told me you loved me, as corny as this may sound, I literally could’ve melted in your arms. I had made a vow to myself that should I ever fall in love with a man, I would have to prove to myself that I really was in love.”

The crimson-streaked “teenager” shook his head. “Rouge, you could’ve told me that.”

“No, I couldn’t!,” she protested. Her usual mature, sultry voice now ringed with a slight tremor. “You already came to me on your own admitting your feelings. I didn’t want say ‘I love you too’ just because you told me you loved me. I wanted to discover if I was really in love with you. That’s why I constantly flirted with Knuckles in order to confirm those feelings. Opposites attract for him both ways, but I decided that I would rather stick the man I’m more comfortable with.”

“Rouge...”

“We’ve been comrades for a long time, Shadow. And to be honest, I don’t when or how I began loving you. I just kind of hit me one day, ya know? And since then I was always reluctant to show any hints of romance because I was too afraid of your possible rejection of me. Hell, no one can deny you’re fine as hell.” Shadow smirked at that comment. I rolled my eyes. “And no lady can resist that sexy, mysterious demeanor of yours. You should know badasses turn me on. But it’s more than that. Unbeknownst to the world, I am familiar with the caring, passionate side of Shadow the Hedgehog. I have witnessed the great emotion you hold for your friends, even if you do conceal it all of the time. And because of that, I have found myself falling deeper and deeper...”

“Deeper into what?”, Shadow asked in his own innocent way.

Rouge giggled at her future boyfriend’s rare innocence. “In love, you idiot.”

A rather daunting yet playful smirk played at the hedgehog’s lips. “You dare mock the ‘Ultimate Life Form’?”

“Yeah. Whatcha goin’ do ‘bout it?”

Shadow chuckled ominously. “You’ll see soon enough.”

Rouge smacked her lips. “What the hell? What is that supposed to mean? Shadow!”

He merely ignored her as he reached into his large, ebony quills. As I half-expected, in his palm he held his trademark accessory– the green Chaos Emerald.

I rivaled his ominous smirk. I had read his mind and thus was already aware of his “plan”. However, I still questioned him. Just for the hell of it.

“What are you up to, Shadow?”

The “Ultimate Life Form” suddenly bowed. “Thank you, Kiyoshi. Because of you, I now know Rouge’s true feelings for me. I’ll have to return the favor sometime in the future.”

“Heh. It was no big deal,” I retorted, as I took another sip of my coffee. (You would think that I would be done with the drink by now.) “Any random afternoon you feel like busting in my house to talk, you go right ahead. I’ll be waiting.”

Sarcasm can be such a bitch. He merely grunted, ignoring my wry comment.

Rouge continued to yell through the phone.

“Shadow? Shadow! Are you ignoring me? Get your ass back on this phone!”

A mischievous smirk was plastered onto his face, as he held out the emerald green Emerald in a familiar position.

“Chaos Control!”

And within the time span of a blink, the ebony hedgehog ridded his presence from within my room.

His new location was soon revealed as sounds on Rouge’s line of the phone was dominated by kissing noises, and moans and grunts from both participants. I abruptly hung up on her.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to see my friends admit their love for each other... but I don’t wanna hear it on my phone. It’s kind of nasty.

Although, I do have to admit that those two have the unique ability to bring out vulnerable emotions out of each other. (My masculinity has just been killed...) I mean, since when has Shadow ever been so keen of what anyone else has said of him? And since when has Rouge spoke so passionately to anyone... let alone a guy? Never, that’s when. Well... that’s is till today.

Not even my clairvoyant mind could detect such emotions within them. So in a selfish sense, their confessions to one another enabled me to be normal for a few moments.

I diverted my thoughts to my other friends. Rather, to the other two lovebirds in our gang. Yes, them. The drama has decreased, yet it has not been ceased unfortunately. Last time they were together, I heard they got in argument, and made Cream cry. Poor kid. But of course, that was four months ago too. I know that the two haven’t spoke to each other since. I sighed.

Hopefully, whatever the deal between them is, it gets settled soon.

It’s only a matter of time before one of those stubborn hedgehogs waves the white flag...

I already knew the sunshine doesn’t shine forever. And how all of us were not going to remain careless little kids forever. The world’s realities are going to settle in, and life is going to become the biggest bitch you know.

A repeat for all whose heads is still stuck in the clouds. “Life is a bitch.”

Believe me, I know what I’m talking about.

Because on that day, life gave me one hell of a bitchslap.

“Yo, Ames,” the red-violet echidna called out. “ Why do you look so outta breath? What did you take a lap around the city?”

The sakura hedgehog sighed heavily as she slid into the black wooden chair at the café table. The glass table was already crowded by a majority of her female friends who usually come together to talk at the local café. They all cast her a warm glance, as she greedily gorged the large glass of iced lemonade down.

Nagi, the primrose cat who sat at the opposite of her, waved her hand in an attempt to direct the hedgehog’s attention toward her and not choking herself to death with the lemonade.

“I take it that you did take that lap,” the nineteen-year-old cat frowned jokingly as Amy grinned sheepishly. “Any particular reason why?”

Amy nodded. “I was trying to catch Sonic! His fifteenth birthday is coming up, and I wanted to ask what he wanted for his birthday. But he wouldn’t tell me!”

“Maybe, he just wants to be surprised,” Cream, Amy’s best friend, peeped quietly. “I know on my birthday, I like surprises.”

Lumina shook her head in disagreement. “I don’t think Sonic’s very big on gifts. I mean, he just seems like the guy who looks at gifts as superficial–

“That’s why I want to give him a gift that he won’t deem as such!,” the determined hedgehog exclaimed. “I want my gift to him to be the one that knocks him off his feet!”

“What did you have in mind?”, Julie-Su questioned nonchalantly. “You do have an idea, right?”

“Of course I do!,” the sakura hedgehog snapped. “I was thinking along the lines of a new snowboard for when we go to the Ice Cap Zone in the winter. Or maybe a coupon for unlimited chili dogs for a year, or–

“Oh my god, would you guys shut up about him?!”

All attention was diverted toward the white, voluptuous bat who sat next to Nagi; Rouge the Bat. She sipped her tropical smoothie irritably before glaring at the offended hedgehog.

Amy huffed. “I think the words are “excuse me”, Rouge. What is your deal?!”

“What’s my deal?”, Rouge scoffed back. “Amy, you’re practically obsessed with that guy!”

“I am not obsessed with Sonic!,” Amy retorted sharply. She slammed her fists onto the table. “Don’t compare me to those psychotic fangirls of his!”

“I don’t know,” she murmured. A sly smirk curved her glossy lips. “The way you act, I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.”

Tikal, who watched quietly until this point, rose to Amy’s defense.

“Rouge, don’t you think you’re going a little overboard? You’re upsetting her...”

“Good!,” Rouge exclaimed. “‘Cause frankly I’m tired of this cat and mouse game between those two!”

“Cat and mouse?”, Amy questioned. “You’re comparing Sonic and I to a cat and a mouse?”

Julie-Su placed a hand on the hedgehog’s shoulder. “No, Ames. She means that she’s tired of the way you act around Sonic.” The tomboyish echidna cast the bat a wary glare. “Although she could’ve addressed that in a nicer tone, I do agree with her. Despite all of your attempts to become his girlfriend... he still considers you as a friend.”

Nagi nodded. “Not mention you do come off a bit strong at points.” Amy huffed.

“Don’t you guys think I know that already? That’s why I just got try harder! I just know that we’re–

“That’s just it. You don’t know,” Rouge stated again while she was in mid-sentence. “Amy, you’re only fourteen–

“Fourteen and a half,” Lumina corrected. Rouge rolled her eyes.

“...Fourteen and a half, you don’t have a clue as to whom you love. There could be some other guy out there who could fall in love with you, and you wouldn’t return his feelings because you’ve limited your love interests to Sonic.”

Amy’s usual bright demeanor was somewhat darkened by her friend’s words. Probably because deep down, she knew... it was true. Her stubborn nature was just prohibiting her from fully believing it.

She knew Sonic didn’t hate her, but he was far from considering her as anything more than a friend. And she knew that Sonic wasn’t really comfortable with the “whole” romance, boyfriend-girlfriend thing. And probably never would be.

Questions and thoughts instantly began to litter her mind. "Is it worth it... to continuously love him in a one-sided relationship? Well, we were never were together, but it's still... I mean, essentially every day I have expressed my love for him. I mean, he has had to have noticed–

A sudden pounding on my door awakened me from my daydream. I groaned as I made my way off the couch and to the door. I was particularly irked because I was not expecting any guests today... and now some lucky person gets the liberty of seeing Amy Rose at her worst.

All I've been doing all day is sulking on my couch, watching some marathon on some sappy soap opera. Not like I was actually paying attention. I didn't bother taming my quills today, and my choice of clothing today was rather lazy. But of course, somebody just had to come by to see me in this state.

I huffed, as I began to unlock my door. "Who is it?"

No response.

Deciding not to get into a game of "Guess Who?", I nonchalantly opened the door wide for my guest to enter.

However, he didn't move. My nerves instantly begun to run haywire, as I suddenly wished now that I had played that blasted "Guess Who?" game. At least that would've shielded my shocked gaze from him. I mean, him of all beings. After four months... why now? Why does he decide to show himself, now?

I cast Sonic a wary glare, as I folded my arms across my chest. "What are you doing here?"

"We need to talk."

Damn, we're on Chapter 15? (whistles) Quite some progress made since the first chapter was first published in 2006. But then again, more would probably be up if I wasn't so lazy and busy. XD Meh, whatever.

This chapter was a bit abnormal. I particularly like the first portion of the chapter with Kiyoshi, Shadow, and Rouge. It was fairly entertaining for me to write, considering how many drafts I went through. XD I hope you all weren't confused with the second part of the chapter. It was all told from Amy's POV if you couldn't figure out. The part of where Julie-Su speaks to Amy is a flashback... a rather important flashback that will be continued throughout Chapter 16. (Which will pop up sometime in April.) I don’t quite like the transition from the flashback to Amy in first character. I may rewrite that soon.

Oh! And major thing. I do support Knuckles/Rouge. I really attempted to frame the dialogue to express that this story wasn’t going to swing in the KnuxRouge direction, but without bashing it. But in the previous chapters, there are hints of KnuxRouge. (Particularly Chapter 12.) Flat out, if you like Knux/Tikal, Shadow/Rouge, yay. If you don’t, that’s cool, but don’t be a n00b about it.

A little insight for Chapter 16... SonAmy for all you impatient fans. (I know all of yall are probably ready to kill Sonic or Amy... or both... or me...)

...Peace out.

Replies to Anonymous Reviews (from Chapter 14):

To Pretty Ricky: Heh, well glad you didn’t miss it. Ha, yeah their fight was rather bitter. Well, it’s not like they were cussing each other out. XD And personally, I think both Sonic and Amy are at fault. But Amy has always naturally had an attitude. It’s just an attribute to her spunky nature.

To Mei Fire: Holy crap, it is! I went to this one Chinese New Year festival with my friend, it was so fun! XD But anyway, thank you for reviewing. More Tails and Cream moments to come, I promise.

To Yuki-KUN!!: I’m glad you liked their little moment. I personally thought it was adorable. And as for Sonic and Amy... I hope you read my author’s note...

To yo momma: I’m sorry... I burst out laughing when I read your username. I almost spit out my orange soda. XD But seriously, thank you for reviewing. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Yuki no Tsubasa (Wings of Snow) by redballon is the 3rd ending to Gintama. That anime and song friggin' rocks.