The echidna threw the apple core off to the side and rested his hands behind his neck. From where he sat, he could see Station Square. Humans walked and waved to each other, everything seemed so at ease. He smiled at the view of the town.
Suddenly, he heard the faint sound of wings flapping. Looking around, he searched for where the noise came from. As he looked off towards Station Square once more, he saw where it originated from. There, flapping her wings to keep her in air, the beautiful white bat floated. "Hey there Knuckie." She said. His eyes widened and his muzzle reddened slightly. "Hello Rouge, wasn't expecting you today." He said flatly. She chuckled. "What are you doing anyway? You're always so lonely up here, honey." She said as she landed onto the soft grass of the island. Walking over to the echidna, she stopped in front of him and placed her hands on her hips. "I do this everyday, Rouge. What could I do? I have to protect the Emerald." He said as he rose from the ground and crossed his arms. "What are you doing up here?" He retorted. "You might as well head back down. You're not getting it." He said as he walked past her and towards the steps. "Actually, I'm not here for the Emerald." She said calmly, letting out a short breath. Not turning around, Knuckles said "Hah, nice try." and continued to walk. "Seriously." Rouge said, her voice not as confident as usual. Stopping in his tracks, Knuckles turned and looked at her, his head cocked slightly. "W-well then why'd you come?" He asked, I crossing his arms. "I came to see you. It bugs me to know that you just sit up here, all alone with nobody to talk to but that dumb Emerald." She said, choking on her words. Knuckles' muzzle reddened. He was speechless. "C'mere." He said and he motioned her to follow him. Together, they walked to the steps of where the Master Emerald sat.
The sun began to set as they sat side by side. "Knuckles, I really do care about you. Even more than that dumb Emerald." She smiled. Knuckles looked to his shoes. "I care about you too.." He mumbled so lightly she could barely hear him. Her smile grew, even though it was extremely quiet, she heard what he said. Rouge looked away from the orange sun and to Knuckles. He felt her eyes on him, so he peeked and saw. For once in his life, he noticed how beautiful she truly is. Her eyes shined brightly and her white fur was ruffled ever so slightly. Wow. She truly is beautiful. He thought to himself. Her voice echoed in his head over and over again. "Knuckie, what are you staring at-" She began to say, but she was cut off by Knuckles wrapping his arms around her tightly. She gasped, but them hugged him back just as tight. "Ya know, you don't have to be alone anymore Knuckie. I could stop by everyday, bring you up some cookies or something, whatever you'd like." She said into his shoulder. Knuckles smiled. You don't have to be alone anymore... Her voice echoed in his head. He laughed to himself and a tiny tear dripped off of his muzzle. "Thank you." He said. Rouge smiled and kissed his cheek. "You're welcome."
You don't have to be alone anymore.
