Fickle Hedgehog Village

Comforting a Friend

Later that night, Sticks knocks on Amy's door. Amy opens, looking down in the dumps.

"Hi Sticks, sorry about earlier today. Gosh, look at that bruise on your head."

Sticks reassures her.

"It's okay. I could never stay mad at my best friend."

Amy sighs.

"Thanks Sticks. You wanna come in?"

"Sure!"

Amy lets Sticks in. They sit on the couch. Amy begins...

"I can't believe Sonic is..."

"Gay?" Sticks finishes.

Amy bursts into tears.

"Yes! How am I gonna face him ever again? I can't bare the thought of him being with someone else but him being with Shadow? What a strike against my girlishness! I feel so rejected!"

"Awe Amy, don't fret," says Sticks, "you're the greatest girl I know."

"Really?" Amy sobs.

"Well sure! I think you're the best! And I know you just want Sonic to be happy, right?"

Amy holds onto a pillow and sniffles.

"Yes."

"Plus, it ain't like this thing happened over night. Those two have a history, like you said. I'm sure they've had to cry a lot too, just like you're cryin' right now."

"That makes sense but it still hurts."

"I know. Yeah, it'll be hard but you'll be okay. You always are. It's not the end of the world, it just feels like it is. But hey, maybe another great guy will come along who makes you happy."

"Sticks, that's brilliant! I should date Knuckles or Tails to make Sonic envious of what he just gave up!"

Sticks shakes her head.

"It doesn't work like that. He's not gonna be jealous unless he sees Shadow with someone else. Which, no offense, ain't gonna happen. Why you gotta be vindictive, Amy? Sheesh, don't start thinkin' like Eggman."

Amy pouts.

"Oh, you're right."

"Like I said, it ain't easy to be in Sonic's shoes. Probably even worse for Shadow but now it's all out in the opened. Speaking of out in the opened. I always had a crush on you but I give you your space cause I know you don't like me like that and that's okay. I got lots of friends in lots of places. That's what you need too, keep the friends ya got but also make more friends to love ya and appreciate-cha."

Amy puts the pillow aside.

"Really Sticks? I never knew that about you? Gosh, that's gotta be hard." She gives Sticks a hug and continues, "Ya know, when you tell me something as vulnerable and caring as that, then I really don't have any choice but to forgive Sonic and be happy for him."

"There's the Amy I know!" Sticks says, patting Amy on the back.

Amy takes a look at the bruise on Stick's face.

"And oh my gosh, I'm so sorry I hit you with my hammer! I can tell you iced the bruise but I have some medicine that will help with pain and swelling. Let me get it for you. Nurse Amy to the rescue!"

Sticks smiles happily.

"I'd like that, yeah."

A little bit later, Amy cools Stick's bruise with more ice as they sip some tea.

Amy says, "Glad my therapy-session tea didn't go to waste. Speaking of therapy..."

"Oh boy, here it comes," Sticks anticipates.

"No, it's insightful, I swear," Amy promises.

"Okay, go a head," Sticks shrugs.

"I've spent years chasing Sonic and I've noticed as time's gone by, that I have more and more pinned up emotions, more things I wanna get off my chest. Look at the way I went off on Shadow. I wouldn't have done that a few years ago. I've become so aggressive. What happened to the gentle, sweet Amy Rose? Sure, when you mess with me or my friends, the tigress comes out, but, lately I feel like a loose cannon."

"Not gonna argue with ya," Sticks replies.

"Do you know how much fun I have when it's just us girls hanging out? I never even considered the possibility that I might be seeking validation by being obsessed with Sonic. I've never let myself like anybody else! And anytime I noticed another person, it was only cause they reminded me of Sonic. Wow, I'm having a revelation, Sticks!"

"And maybe Sonic needed you to like him cause it was a good ruse. You're both the village sweethearts. Of course you guys love each other, there's no doubt about it! But boy I gotta say, you should-ah seen the way he locked lips with Shadow today. Pretty spicy stuff."

"Good grief," Amy replies, "I can totally see Sonic doing that. That's what freaks me out. Remember that time the guys went on that road trip and all the fun we had without them? I was perfectly content. Being a truly independent woman who doesn't need the affection of a guy to validate her girl power is invigorating! This is odd but even though my heart is hurting I feel strangely... relieved!"

She stands and does a twirl. Then cries a little.

"Wow, my heart has never felt this kind of self love before! It's so strange! I don't know how I can be really sad but really happy at the same time."

She sheds a few happy tears then pulls Sticks to her feet and hugs her.

"The rejection is painful but I'm finally free! I should be thanking Shadow for releasing me from my obsession with Sonic! I need them to know I'm on their side all the way!"

"Agreed," says Sticks. "I said they should come out to everyone at Meh Burger and get it over with but that's not a good, idea I realized."

"That's true. That's not a smart idea at all," Amy agrees.