What changed?

Chapter 11

Sonic and Amy made their way to a nearby mall and were looking for the food court. The mall was very busy today. People everywhere (mostly women) were rushing to take advantage of the various products that were on sale in the various stores.

Speaking of which, one particular item in a certain store caught Amy's attention. It was the most beautiful pair of red high heels she had ever seen. Amy knew she had to have them.

'Those would go perfectly with my red cocktail dress and my white thigh-high stockings!' Amy thought eagerly as she turned her attention to Sonic.

While looking for a mall directory, Sonic heard a familiar "Oh Sonikuuuu...?"

Sonic turned around to see Amy with her hands clasped close to her chest and batting her eyes while occasionally nudging her head in the direction of the high heels, hoping he'd get the hint.

Sonic caught on quickly and frowned, knowing all too well that she wanted him to buy those heels for her. His answer was obvious.

"No."

"Pleaaaase?" Amy pleaded as she resorted to the "puppy dog" look.

Sonic wasn't fazed "You want them so badly, buy them yourself!"

"Come on Sonic! I'm paying for lunch, the least you could do is buy me those shoes!" Amy said as she was getting frustrated.

Sonic lowered his head in thought and when he was done, he raised his head and smirked.

"If you behave." He winked.

"Hmph! Meanie!" Amy said as she crossed her arms and pouted while puffing her cheeks out.

Sonic laughed and thought fondly 'How can someone who has grown to be quite mature lately still act so childish from time to time?  But I gotta admit, she's cute when she looks all pouty like that.'

Amy sighed "Alright, I guess I can be patient."

"That's the spirit!" Sonic grinned.

"Unlike someone I know." Amy finished with a smirk.

"HEY!"

"Gotcha!" Amy giggled and winked.

Sonic rolled his eyes "Very funny now come on, we're wasting time!"

"Thank you for proving my point!" Amy said with a smug grin.

Eventually they found a mall directory that led them to the food court where they found a decent establishment that sold hot dogs of many kinds.

"I'll go find us a table while you order the grub." Said Sonic.

"Alright." Said Amy.

Sonic then left to find a table which didn't take long at all.  He found one that offered a nice view of the first floor of the mall and was close enough to the bathrooms in case nature made any unexpected calls.

As Sonic sat down, he started reflecting on how the date was turning out.

'I have to admit, this is turning out far better than I thought it would.  To be honest, I wouldn't mind doing this more often.' He thought while smiling.

"Hey Sonic." Said Amy walking over to their table.

"Hey Ames." Said Sonic pulling out her chair so she could sit down.

"Thank you." Amy said as she sat down.

"So what do you think of the date so far?" Asked Sonic.

"It feels different from the ones I've usually gone on."

"What do you mean 'feels different'?"

"Well I feel more at ease and comfortable spending time with you when compared to my previous boyfriends."

"Is that a good thing?"

"It is.  The thing is many of my old boyfriends treated me like a princess."

"They did?"

"Yeah.  You know, taking me to fancy restaurants and always paying, spoiling me with countless expensive gifts, that sort of thing.  It felt good at first, in fact it felt great!  But overtime it started to feel....fake."

"Fake?"

Amy frowned "Yes.  It felt like I was living someone else's life instead of my own, like I was being put on a pedestal.  I want to be treated like I'm special but not that special."

"You want to be treated like an equal.  Is that it?" Questioned Sonic.

Amy nodded "Exactly.  I think that's one of the reasons I'm enjoying this date so far.  I feel like I can be myself around you."

Sonic smiled "Well I'm glad to know that you're enjoying this date so far because I know I am."

"You are!?  Oh, I'm so glad to hear that!" Said Amy happily.

"To be honest, I was starting to compare myself to your other boyfriends and I was starting to worry that I wasn't good enough for you."

"Wait a minute.  Were you getting jealous?"

Sonic got flustered "WHAT!? N-N-No I-I mean...well...maybe?"

Amy giggled "Well don't worry Sonic.  You don't have to compare yourself to anyone.  You're amazing just the way you are." She finished with a reassuring smile.

"Heh, thanks Amy.  I guess it's a good thing I'm making you pay for lunch after all huh?"

"Yeah, It's a welcome change of pace."

"Speaking of which, shouldn't our order be ready by now?" Sonic asked while checking his watch.

"You're right.  I'll go check."  Said Amy as she got out of her seat.

Minutes later she came back with their meal.  A chili dog and a medium soda for Sonic, and a salad and a small water for Amy.

"Eating healthy today Amy?" Sonic asked.

"Yep!" Amy answered as she sat down with the tray.

And with that,  they continued their conversation while they ate.