Chapter 8 - [ Emotional Adjustments ]

𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗖'𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗩

Seriously.. what had gotten into Amy?! She was becoming so rude to Sonica... and who had expected Sonica to react that way?

I no longer understood who was hurt and who wasn't! And then she ran home!

I tried to stop her but it's not like she ever listens!

"Look what you did, Amy?!"

"What did I do?! I just wanted to know why she was so.. emotionless..."

"Everything and everyone has a reason, Amy.. your intention might not be bad but.. your way of approach was.. wrong." I slowly uncrossed my arms as I realised I used the words that Sonica had used.

There was silence among us for a moment then I sighed while pointing at her. "You have to apologize to Sonica, Amy."

"But-"

"You have to!"

Then Amy sighed and nodded slowly. "Alright.. Maybe I will bring her a gift as an apology..?"

"Now, let's pack all the stuff and go home now." I rubbed my face.

Then everyone nodded.

Few Minutes Later :

"Everyone's done, right? Now, let's go."

Everyone nodded except Amy.

"Sonic, I.. think I've forgotten something...." Amy said while looking around.

"Oh, What is it?" I looked around as well.

"I.. I don't know but I think...something is missing...." Amy grabbed her head as she tried thinking harder.

I scratched my head in confusion and sighed, "I don't think anything is missing, Amy. Now, let's go."

Amy looked unsure but nodded slowly.

After sometime, we reached the village.

It was noon, now.

"Okay, guys. Amy and I will go to Sonica's house to apologize. And Tails, Sticks, Knuckles, you guys.. can head home and do whatever you want." I said using gestural manner.

Everyone nodded.

Then I heard Amy muttering, "I still think something is missing..."

And I facepalmed.

— ᗰᗴᗩᑎᗯᕼIᒪᗴ - ᗯITᕼ - ՏOᑎIᑕᗩ —

𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔'𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗩

I was with Key the whole time and I was happy. Since I don't need to hide my emotions nor my powers here, I should train myself and control them!

Then my eyes widened as I saw that squirrels and birds had already built their homes of some of the branches of Key. I was about to 'boo!' them away but then Key stopped me.

"You are really going to let them stay like this?"

A branch nodded.

"Okay, Key. It's your wish." I chuckled and looked down at the flower that bloomed in my hand.

And then a small vine came behind me and started tickling behind my ear, making me chuckle a bit more.

Just then- I heard someone call.

"Sonicaa! Sonica, are you home?"

I decided to ignore it. But then I felt a branch wrap around me which later put me down on the grassy ground.

"Oh, come on.. I don't want to go. I will stay with you." I hugged the trunk part of my tree. But a branch slowly pushed me away.

"Sonicaa!"

I sighed and rubbed my face, "Alright.. I will go... But I will be back soon, Key. Be alive." I patted the trunk gently and ran back to my shack.

"Sonica! Are you home?"

"I think she is not home."

I sighed and decided to.. reveal myself. "Yes, I am here.."

"Oh, hi, Sonica." Sonic waved his hand.

"..You guys had some work?" I rubbed the back of my neck, wanting to disappear.

Sonic hesitated, "Uh... yes, actually. Amy does."

Amy?

Then Amy took a step forward, "Um.. Sonica, I am sorry. I know you are mad at me and I am really sorry.. I just wanted to know why were you so emotionless..." She looked down sadly. "But...my approach was wrong."

I was surprised after hearing it, but I didn't show it. But grudges are the spark of hatred and dispute. So I stepped closer and placed my hand on her shoulder. "I am sorry as well.. I should have helped sooner.."

But I was afraid I would hurt them while trying to destroy the bot.

Then she looked at me and smiled. And in the next split second, she clung to me like a koala. I took a soft breath to not laugh and gently patted her back. "I might need time to get used to hugs.."

She chuckled and nodded, smiling. "No problem."

Now was the time to test me. So I let myself smile just a little and glanced at my hand.

Nothing happened.

Whoa.

I was improving..?

But Amy gasped and squealed, "You smiled! You smiled! Sonic, did you see that?!"

Sonic looked away. "Yeah, I saw."

I sighed softly.

Then it started raining. My favorite, comfy weather.

"I am glad you forgave me, Sonica.." She shook her hands in mine, "I promise not to be act likr that again.."

I nodded, not minding the handshake.

Then she said, "I have to go now.. The rain is getting heavier."

"Wait-" I quickly ran inside and came out with an umbrella. "Here."

"Aw, thank you. See you soon. Bye, Sonica. Bye Sonic. I will return it soon~" replied Amy with a smile as she opened the umbrella and walked away.

"Bye~" I and Sonic said in unison.

"So...are you free?" He suddenly asked, making me surprised. But I nodded, "Yeah."

"Can... I uh... come in then?" He asked, scratching his head.

Oh.

"Sure." I gestured with my hand and followed in after him.

He looked around for a second before invading the couch.

Then I went to the kitchen and asked, "Tea or coffee?"

"No need for that."

"𝗧𝗲𝗮 or 𝗰𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲?"

"Uh... chillidog?" He snickered and I held back.

"Coffee for now." I poured it in 2 cups and gave him one.

"Thank you."

"No problem."

Then I sat on a chair across him.

The heavy rain made me want to head to bed. But nevermind.

I took a sip of my tea, and so did he. There was silence in the room.

And for the first time... I felt awkward being silent.

But then he broke the silence, "Uh, can I ask something, if you don't mind?"

I nodded, "Yes, what is it?"

He cleared his throat nervously, "You know.. like Amy said... Why don't you show your emotions?"

I wish I could tell you but I can't right now.

Then he said again, "It's okay, if... you don't want to say it. I am not forcing you."

I snapped out of my thoughts. Then, I sighed and nodded. "I will tell when I feel like I am ready, Sonic.. Not now."

I also should train myself even more so that my emotions don't affect my powers. And that will take some time, I think.

Then Sonic nodded slowly and asked, "I understand.."

I sighed and sipped my coffee, listening to the rain.

"If you need any help with your emotions, do tell me, okay? I am your neighbour too, after all."

"Yes, sure.."

Then he smiled, "and you can just start with a smile.."

I nodded slowly.

"So, come on, smile (⁠ ⁠╹⁠▽⁠╹⁠ ⁠)"

"Okay.. let's try."

"Try to remember something from your past that might make you smile." He suggested.

It would be like looking for a goldfish in the sea of sharks.

But I nodded and closed my eyes.

Something to make me smile.

Then I remembered Nic! I remembered the day we randomly shot darts on the calendar to decide my birthdate. But one dart ended up on Professor's butt. Veronica and I laughed a lot after that.

And remembering that made me smile automatically. Then I opened my eyes, "Whoa, it worked, Sonic."

But he was just looking at me with his jaw slightly dropped.

"Sonic..?"

He quickly shook his head and cleared his throat. "It.. worked."

"Yeah." I smiled again but it faded away the second Nic's and Professor's death flashed infront of my eyes.

"..you okay..?"

I shook my head slowly but then nodded. "Yeah. Just.. zoned out."

Then he sighed and took my hands in his, "Its okay, Sonica. I will always be here when you need help. I-I mean, 𝘄𝗲. We are always here for you."

I nodded while looking at him but that holding hands made me feel a bit awkward. But it also felt.. warm. I missed the way Professor and Veronica would walk with me, holding hand in hands.

"I am sorry-" he quickly withdrew his hands and stood up. "I got carried again- I mean, away. Again."

Wait, he was blushing..

𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗖'𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗩

After I realized that my stupid brain had us holding hands for too long, I quickly pulled my hands back, embarrassed and flustered!

I just wanted to help her, not hold hands like that!

Please don't notice my blush! Pleasw don't notice it, Sonica!!

"It's okay."

Finally, I felt relieved.

It was still raining heavily and the night was getting closer.

"..what time is it?" I muttered while checking in the communicator.

7 pm already?!

"..We.. didn't notice the time." Sonica mumbled and turned on the lights.

The room was bright again. Then I looked at the table and saw... some photos on the table.





"Aw, Sonica, is that you? Who's the older one?" I asked while chuckling.

Damn, so cute.

"Yeah, that me. And the elder one was.. my non-biological sister" she replied, her ears flattened.

Oh..

"I am.. sorry. "

"No, it's fine.." She walked closer to the table and picked the frame. "I really... miss her. I regret not having a photo of our dad.."

I watched her expressions change. It was as if her eyes were screaming to cry..

I instinctively rubbed her arm, gently. "It's not your fault, you know.."

She quickly put the frame back down and took a deep breath, closing her eyes.

..I shouldn't have stepped in her personal things.

Change the topic quick, Sonic. Don't let her be sad right now.

I quickly looked around and pulled a drawer. To my surprise, I found something.

"Sonica, a collage?" I tried to bring her attention to it.

Hopefully it worked.

She turned to look at me. "..which one?"

The photo was too adorable.

"This one." I pulled it out of the drawer and held it out to her. "It's you, I think."

Very adorable..

"Oh, this one-" Her ears flattened and I swear her cheeks turned a little red as she spoke. "She had fun trying different filters and all, making collages, etc."



"That explains.." I chuckled slightly and looked at the photos again.

Wait— Her surname is Howls?

Whoa..

No, I shouldn't ask more. What if I start another sensitive topic..?

Hmmm, I wonder why these two photos were in black and white though.

But just then— the lights went out and for a second I thought I was blind!

"wait, I will find the torch.. It was somewhere around...."

I heard her footsteps.

"I will help too." I said, walking here and there randomly.

Just then I remembered something!

"Sonica, the communicator-" I quickly spun around but then I bumped into her. Oh no—

"Ah!" We fell down, both startled. She was right behind me?!

Thank god, I supported my weight with my palms, keeping me from touching the floor.

But my body started to tremble as soon as I felt her nose brush against mine, and her warm breath. I was trembling out of nervousness and embarrassment, okay?!

"Sonic..? Uh, get off."

"Right-" I wasted no time to get up and immediately put my hand over my face. "I am so sorry- I-I didn't mean to-

And just then the lights came back and I immediately ran outside. "G O O D N I G H T–!"

I got in my shack and immediately hid myself. Dammit, I wish the earth would swallow me now!

𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔'𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗩

When the lights went out, I wouldn't need to look for the torch if Sonic wasn't here. Because I could use my lightning or fire power to lighten the house!

I still don't understand how loadshedding happens. It was so dark.

And dear fate, why did I have to I bump into Sonic?! And why did he have to fall ON top of me?!

I suddenly felt so heated up, my face was getting hot too.

Thank god, he got up before my mind could wander somewhere else.

But he ran away as soon as the lights were back! Which was fine by me because I was a flustered mess myself!

Upon looking around, I spotted a few roses had bloomed out of blue beside me and it made me freeze.

Was I. . . falling for him?