SNAFÜD

“Let go of me right now or I’ll scream.” Amy threatened. Her heart raced and the skin of her arm burned, but she tried to maintain a forceful glare. Her vision tunneled, narrowing her sight to his icy, blue eyes and sharp, practiced smile.

Geoffrey St. John snorted, “Is that kind of attention you’re interested in now?” The corner of his smile twitched. “Under the bleachers wasn’t public enough for you?”

Whore! A cold sweat erupted all over Amy’s body, dragging her back into a terrible memory. Slut! Do it. Tease! Scream. Cock sleeve! That’s what saved her last time. Cum dumpster! Sonic will come running. Whore! He always does.

Amy drew in a deep breath.

Geoffrey’s eyes widened fractionally, and he released her arm with a flourish, raising his hands up in mock surrender. “Woah, woah, woah! Can’t you take a joke, Amy?” He sneered. She hated the sound of her name on his tongue. “You’re so sensitive. Learn to lighten up.”

She stumbled back a few paces. “I have nothing to say to you.” Amy bared her fangs (small as they were) even as her tail desperately tried to give her a wedgie in its attempt to curl under her. Her camera strap felt heavy against her neck and the high ceiling seemed to be lowering, pushing all the air out of the large room.

“That’s great actually.” He took a step towards her. They were of a height, but Geoffrey still seemed to tower over her with his confident posture and upturned snout. “I only need you to listen.” He pressed forward once more, never breaking eye contact with Amy, his thick tail waving back and forth casually behind him. “Are you aware, Amy, that Omega’s are legally obligated to be bound by the age of twenty-one?”

Amy retreated. Instinctually, she looked towards the ballroom bar, but a throng of people milled between here and there, full obscuring her from anyone sitting there. “Stay away from me.” Her voice warbled.

The skunk was undeterred. “It’s a public safety issue, you see.” He waved a hand, like he was giving a speech to wide audience. “As Omegas get older, their scents ripen, becoming stronger, more pungent, more enticing. Turns even the most chaste Omegas into wanton succubi, ready, willing, and able to provide their services to any unsuspecting Alpha in the area.”

“You are a fine, upstanding citizen, aren’t you, Amy? You must know that our fair City is in the grips of a crisis. Careless Omegas have been going into heat in public in droves recently. It’s a problem. A real problem. People have died, Amy.” His smile fell into a pouty frown and his brow knit in mock concern. “I’d just hate to hear that something like that happened to you.” Despite herself, Amy flinched.

“You see,” He spread his hands wide. “I may not be a part of the City Public Health Department any longer, but” A gloved hand pressed against his chest, “I still very passionate about upholding its mandate to ensure a clean and safe environment for all the City’s residents. It’s a major pillar of my campaign, I’m sure you’re aware.”

“You want us unseen and unheard.” Amy hissed. Bare footed and pregnant. Silent and hidden.

“For your protection.” He emphasized. “And for your protection, Amy, I’ll be taking that camera.” He reached out his hand to her. “It’s clearly a burden for you.”

Amy’s hand went protectively to her camera. It was all the leverage she had.

“There’s a reason that Omega employment is so low, you know.” He continued his condescending lecture. “You poor things just don’t have the stamina. When I am Mayor, I’ll make sure that no Omega has to worry about holding down a job ever again. Won’t that be nice, Amy? Don’t you want to live to see the day Omegas are emancipated from such distress?”

Her back hit a wall and she gasped. He was quickly closing the distance and Amy released a piteous whine before covering her mouth with her hands.

“Awww, that’s adorable.” He smirked, his dull Beta canines on display under his thin lip. His arms rose to pin her in.

A leathery curtain extended in front of Amy, walling her off from Geoffrey. “I’m sorry, but-“ Rouge’s quip was cut short by a gasp as she realized who had backed Amy against a wall.

In unison, the mayoral candidates spat, “Fuck!”

Geoffrey retreated back and reached up to straighten his tie while he cast a quick eye at their surroundings. “Miss Baton, what a delightful surprise! I knew you were an avid fan of Echindan culture, but I didn’t realize it extended to making whistle stops at private events.”

“You’re too kind, Mr. St. John, but I am, like you I assume,” Rouge moved towards him and dramatically placed her hand on her chest, “attending as a guest to these joyful proceedings.”

Geoffrey held his ground, smile never even quivering. “And how is Lieutenant Knuckles?”

“I wouldn’t know.” Rouge said quickly, shrugging. Amy’s body was still flush with a flurry of impulses, so the urge to laugh, snort, or otherwise acknowledge the bold-faced lie was smothered. “Is he here?” Rouge pretended to look around. “My participation was requested via the feline side of the new family.”

“Wonderful.” He stated in a tone that suggested anything but. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, I was having a private conversation with my old friend.”

Rouge clicked her tongue. “Ah, therein lies the rub, though, my esteemed opponent.” The bat gave her biggest camera-ready smile. “I don’t give a shit.”

“Lovely.” Geoffrey said through clenched teeth. “Though…It’s a little unbecoming though, don’t you think?”

“You’ll have to excuse me,” Rouge placed a hand on her hip and examined her nails, “because I fail to see any sense in that statement.”

“I’ll speak slowly then. The headline practically writes itself. Alpha Mayoral Candidate corners helpless Omega staff member at private event held in a palatial upstate mansion.” He smirked and his eyes slid past Rouge’s wing to Amy, perhaps wanting to get her live reaction to being outted. When she didn’t seem to respond, the corner of his porcelain smile twitched again.

“Uh-huh.” Rouge continued her slow inspection of her manicure. “Somehow, I don’t think I’m the one making Amy billow distress scent like she’s dying.” Her stance was relaxed, but Rouge kept her wing extended, shielding Amy. “You should be more careful. The obituaries are full of Betas who found themselves between Alphas and Omegas at the wrong time.” Rouge crossed her arms across her chest and touched her bottom lip, as if in thought. “Didn’t you know there’s a whole crisis going on? I figured you’d be more informed.”

Geoffrey blinked. “And how do you know our little Amy?”

“She’s my campaign’s photographer, of course.” Rouge waved a hand. “If you’re such good friends, she must have told you, right?”

Geoffrey’s face froze for a fraction of a second. His smile never faltered, his eyes never twitched. Just a minute pause, then he continued on just as before. “You don’t say!” He glanced at Amy and she saw a newly transformed ire, as if before he’d been playing and now, he was serious. “Aren’t you prepared. Bringing your own photographer to a wedding.”

Amy looked at Rouge and opened her mouth to start explaining herself, but the bat beat her to the punch. “Amy’s a unique talent. I’d be a fool to miss the opportunity to capture all the wonderful outreach I’m doing with the Echidna community.”

“She’s certainly unique, alright.” He talked about her like she wasn’t there while making direct eye contact with her. “You don’t often see girls her age running around unaccompanied.”

Rouge scoffed. “All I see is a perfectly capable woman who can handle herself just fine.”

“That’s a shame.” Geoffrey shook his head, his gaze shifting to Rouge. Amy shifted further behind Rouge. Was Rouge waiting for her to make a break for it? Or should Amy stay to provide back up? Who was she kidding…There was nothing Amy could say that Rouge couldn’t quip faster, pithier, and superior. “How does that idiom go? Blind as a bat?”

Rouge laughed dryly. “How’d it feel getting escorted out the door from your last gig?” She smirked, revealing her thin, sharp Alpha fangs. “When I win, I know there’s an investigation in the ice box at the DA’s office that’s going in the oven on day one.”

Geoffrey laughed. Amy saw Rouge’s brow twitch. “I wanted to send you a note, but I guess this is a perfect opportunity to thank you. Your ideas concerning jury selection reform? Brillant! I’m adding it my platform.”

Rouge frowned. “What?”

“The press release is going out on Tuesday. Maybe we could put out a joint statement?” He gestured back and forth between them. “I’ll have my office reach out to yours. You see, I found your little speech just so persuasive. I think there is a whole catalogue of cases that could use some review for bias. You know what doesn’t have a statute of limitations?” He sneered. “Murder.”

“Bastard!” Rouge hissed and her wings flared. Amy pressed back against the wall to avoid the appendages.

“You must be confused. My parents are happily married and retired. Though, speaking of family,” Geoffrey touched his chin and made a mock pensive expression, “how is your father doing?”

“Dead for all I know or care.” Rouge spat. “How’s your brother?”

Geoffrey’s mask shattered, the practiced smile falling into an ugly snarl. Amy squeaked and Rouge grinned maniacally at her victory. He launched forward, but large hand grasped his shoulder and held him back.

“Mr. St. John,” Lieutenant Knuckles hauled Geoffrey back, “I just wanted to express my appreciation for you coming, sir.” The large officer of the law smiled personably, his tone congenial. Like how a hostage negotiator would talk.

Geoffrey’s expression quickly flashed from surprise to irritation before his mask resolidified into a personable smile. “Lieutenant Knuckles. What a pleasant surprise.” He straightened the cuffs of his dress shirt and Amy caught the glint of golden cufflinks.

“It really means so much to my cousin-in-law that her beloved Aunt Hershey was able to attend. She knows just how busy you are.” While Knuckles distracted Geoffrey, Rouge was regaining her own composure. Her wings settled and she straightened her cocktail dress.

“Hershey wouldn’t let me miss it.” He said through grit teeth. “And I just can’t say no to her. I’m absolute putty in her hands.” Amy felt like she was going to be sick.

Geoffrey occupied, Rouge turned to Amy. “Are you okay?”

“I-I think so.” Amy glanced at Geoffrey and found his blue eyes boring directly into her again and she flinched at the eye contact. He pinned her to the wall like an insect with just his attention, like she was bare, all her secret exposed under the light of a spiteful god.

Leathery wings extended and broke the spell. “Then fuck off out of here. We’ll talk later.” Rouge mumbled.

“Thank you, Rouge.” Amy slipped around the bat, trying to put as much space between her and the skunk. She could feel his gaze following her, even as he continued talking about nothing with Lieutenant Knuckles.

Their group at the edge of the ballroom hadn’t attracted much attention and if Rouge hadn’t been looking for her, Amy was sure she’d have been at Geoffrey’s unadulterated mercy. Amy swallowed and her stomach clenched at the thought inspiring a wave of nausea. Geoffrey’s threats circled the inside of her skull, summoning sticky, acrid dread.

Amy touched the side of her chest and felt the edges of Shadow’s card gently push into her flesh, almost as if he was lightly touching her himself. The pressure provided an anchor to hold her wild thoughts in place. Amy took a deep breath. She could think about what she could do to protect herself from Geoffrey and his threats later. For now, she just needed to find the boys and leave.

“Chief Knuckles!” Geoffrey’s voice was so close behind her Amy gave a startled exclamation. She whirled, fist tightening and ready to sock him in his stupid grinning mug, consequences be damned, but (thank god) Geoffrey wasn’t looking at her for once. An older echidna, nearly identical to Lieutenant Knuckles except for his greying quills, broke away from a larger group further into the space and approached. “Have you met my good friend, Amy?”

The older echidna scanned Amy with a discerning and cold eye, brow arched at the novelty of being introduced to staff. “No, I have not yet had the pleasure.”

“Please allow me to introduce a true servant of the City and my close friend, Police Chief Locke Knuckles.” Geoffrey slithered up beside her and went to put his hand on the small of her back, forcing her closer to the Police Chief as she tried to avoid his touch. “And this is Amy Rose.”

“It’s a pleasure.” The Chief seemed far more irritated than pleased, but he extended his large mitted hand. Amy stared at it for a beat too long and then slowly extended hers, biting her tongue hard to keep from flinching as hot static exploded up her arm at the contact.

“Nice to meet you.” She managed. The Chief’s nose twitched and his eyes narrowed.

Behind Geoffrey, Rouge was snarling something at Lieutenant Knuckles and then pulled them both back into a group. Rouge inserted herself between Amy and Geoffrey, wing pushing Amy to the side and elbow jutting sharply into the skunk’s side. He grunted ever so slightly, but his porcelain smile did not crack. “Chief Knuckles, I didn’t know you were here as well. What are the odds?” Rouge beamed.

“Miss Baton?” Chief Knuckles’ eyes went wide, and he looked between the two mayoral candidates, his red face taking on a darker hue. “Junior, what is the meaning of this?” His eyes turned to Lieutenant Knuckles.

The Lieutenant’s posture straightened. “I’m sorry, sir. I had just become aware of the situation myself. It appears purely coincidental.”

“Situation? What situation? We’re all friends here celebrating a truly happy day.” Geoffrey grinned, shifting away from Rouge’s sharp elbow. “Isn’t that right, Amy?”

“E-excuse me-“ She meant to turn away, but then Amy’s eyes went wide when a new figure appeared beside Geoffrey.

Hershey St. John, her make-up retouched and torn stockings removed, touched her husband’s arm. He blinked and glanced at her. His face softened. “Hello, dear. So good of you to join us.”

Hershey gave Amy a disdainful look the photographer couldn’t understand. “I’m ready to go.” The cat told her husband.

“Wait!” Amy exclaimed startling everyone. Rouge gave her an incredulous really? look. “Are you sure that’s what you want?” Amy asked. Hershey’s sour expression tightened further, her mouth shrinking into a puckered line of disgust. What? Why? He hit her! “A-after he-“

“What I want,” The cat cut in, “is for people to mind their own business.” She gave Amy a last withering glare, turned on her heel, and strode off.

Amy was speechless. She had tried to stick up for Hershey and she resented Amy for it? That didn’t make any sense. Geoffrey struck her so hard she fell! H-how could she just act like it didn’t happen? Was it because Amy had run and left her alone?

Geoffrey beamed at Amy, lapping up her confusion and distress. “It’s been a real treat, but I’m afraid the missus dictates my schedule.” He nodded in turn to each assembled. “Chief, Lieutenant, Miss Baton.” He leered. “Amy.” He stepped back and turned, slipping his hands into his trouser pockets.

Despite her continued confusion, Amy could feel tension easing in her chest. He was leaving. Thank god, he was finally leaving her alone. At least for now…

“Oh!” Geoffrey St. John turned back suddenly, “Before I forget, Amy, I wanted to let you know that I’ll let Tumble know you said ‘hi’. He just loves dropping in on old classmates unannounced.” He winked at her.

Suddenly the sound of the pounding music and cheering spectators was far too intense. No one could hear her. “Amy.” No one would notice, not until it was too late. “Amy?” They’d been hunting her, stalking her through the halls, watching her from the stands. Waiting for her to leave her seat to go…anywhere. To the bathroom, to the concession stand. It didn’t matter. What mattered was she’d be alone and no one would be looking for her. “Amy!”

A hand grasped her arm.

“Don’t touch me!” Amy shrieked and pulled away roughly.

Silence fell like a shroud. Conversations All around died. Heads turned. All eyes were on her and Amy’s face blazed under the scrutiny. Oh god. The memory of that day hadn’t taken her that hard in years and the return to reality was jarring. She looked around, horrified by all the eyes on her. She must look utterly unhinged.

“What the hell, Amy?” Rouge stared at her with disgusted bewilderment, her hand still extended.

“Rouge, I-I’m so sorry. E-excuse me.” Amy stammered in a rush and backed away, her heart pounding wildly. She pivoted and cried out again as she found someone right behind her.

“It okay, Ames.” Sonic dodged out of her way, “It’s me. Just me.” He had his hands up and eyes wide. “I heard you scream. Are you alright?” His green eyes searched her person for injuries.

Amy placed a hand on her chest as she gasped for air. She couldn’t seem to get enough oxygen into her lungs and every breath she managed as laced with a sickening mix of her panic scent and the growing emotions of the growing crowd of Alphas. “I need…to go...please.” Her throat was tightening and a shade of green started to tint her vision as she grew lightheaded. “Can’t breathe.” The declaration came out strained and choked.

“Oh, crap. Let’s get you sat down first okay.” Sonic hands twitched like he wanted to help guide her from the room. “Okay, give me a sec. I’m going to get you a chair.”

“Please give her some space.” Lieutenant Knuckles addressed the crowd, trying to push the curious crush of bodies back. “She needs some air.”

“Amy?” A voice slashed through with strained concern called out. Amy’s stomach clinched and an involuntary shiver ran through her, mixing up her thoughts further. She turned.

Shadow was making his way through the crowd gathered by her scream. His crimson eyes burned with barely contained panic. Amy knew she should ward him off, shake her head, do something to tell him to leave her be. She needed calm, just for a little while. He was going to make this whole situation worse.

But she couldn’t. Instead, a paralyzing heat gathered in her gut, rooting her to the spot. In the back of her mind, her instincts were jumping for joy. Her Alpha was coming to rescue her. There was nothing better than her Alpha’s eyes on her. He was going to take her away from all this confusion and distress. She was saved.

“Ames?” Sonic squinted at her and then followed her gaze.

Then there was a strange moment when the blue and black hedgehogs froze, their eyes locked.

“You!” Shadow growled, his ears tilting back aggressively. The panic in his eyes evaporated from the heat of sudden anger.

“Oh, shit!” Sonic took a half step back.

“Get away from her.” Shadow ordered, quickly closing the distance between them. Amy’s heart was threatening to burst from the excitement of his broad approaching form. He wasn’t breaking his word. A scream was literally a request for help.

“Woah, woah, woah!” In a blink, Sonic was between Amy and Shadow, his shoulders tense and fists balled. “Back off, dude.” He growled.

Amy tried to tell them to stop, to stand down, to not fight and listen to her! But the words wouldn’t come and instead a whimper escaped. The piteous sound of a weak animal. Amy hated it. Hated everything about herself that made her this weak and incapable. She was helpless. A burden. An object that inspired only lust or pity.

Shadow’s ears canted to Amy and he took another imposing step towards Sonic. “Last chance.” His voice was deep and dangerous. “Move.” Shadow’s scent hit Amy and her breath hitched. Dampness invaded her panties, her slick sponge clearly full and unable to hold back the flood any longer.

“Shadow, stop it.” Rouge tried to get in front of him, but he shoved her aside. She gave an aggrieved huff.

“Hey!” Lieutenant Knuckles snapped, rushing forward to defend Rouge.

“Everyone needs to settle down.” Chief Knuckles barked. He glared at Amy. “Get ahold of yourself.”

The Chief’s Voice was out of tune, but compelling enough to Amy’s frazzled mind that she found herself wrapping her arms around herself.

“Sir!” The Lieutenant addressed his superior and father.

She couldn’t take it. Amy simply could not handle being present anymore. If she couldn’t get away she was going to pass out from the stress. The raging tempest of scents, her fear, Shadow’s defensiveness, Rouge’s irritation, and Knuckles’ anger, all warred for her attention.

And Sonic, standing firm between her and a pack of Alphas, defiant as ever.

Raised voices. Flee. Snarls. Submit. Arguing. Fight. Her name. Fuck. Everyone saying her name. Too much. Threats. Fuck. Expletives. Submit. Raging scents. Fuck. Heat growing. Submit. Slick flowing. Fuck. Fear. Flee. Unbridled fear. Flee. Flee. Flee. Flee.

Amy ran.

“Amy!” Shadow’s voice almost brought her to a stop, but her self-revulsion and panic kept her moving.

“Keep her name out of your mouth!” Sonic shouted.

Her sensible flats slapped against the polished marble as she left the ballroom. The flight felt horribly familiar. She’d made fleeing through opulent settings into a habit. The hallways were a maze to her shattered mind. Delicately curated fixtures flew past as Amy ran. She didn’t have a destination in mind. She didn’t have much coherence at all.

In her blurring vision, a symbol for a restroom materialized and she ripped the door open. It was a private room, appointed to support a single occupant at a time. Which meant the door locked. Amy slammed the door shut and flipped the lock closed.

She stared at the locked door for a few agonizing seconds, as if it would suddenly burst open. When nothing happened, Amy pressed her back to it and slid to the floor. She moved her camera to her side and shielded her hung head behind her knees.

What a fucking terrible mess. She’d really fucked up this time. All of this was her fault. Why couldn’t she just stand her ground? Speak up for herself? Fight back at all? She shivered. From terror. From want. From shame. From self-pity. From horror.

From regret.

Eventually, a knock came against the door and Amy jumped. “Amy?” She heard Rouge’s muted voice on the other side. “Are you in there, dear?”

Amy tried to speak but her throat was tight and raw. Instead, she lifted a fist and slammed it as hard as she could against the door.

“I’m going to take that as a yes.” There was a pause. “Look, kid, it’d be real helpful if you’d come out and give me an idea on what the fuck.”

Amy remained silent. She couldn’t trust herself to not make things even worse, so she did nothing at all.

“Fine…Stay in there…I don’t know why you’re even here of all god damned places, and, frankly, I don’t know why the fuck I’m here either anymore. But I’m getting mighty fucking tired of cleaning up in your wake, Amy. I’ll give you a pass on this one because it’s not technically my shindig, but, fuck me, Amy! What the flying fuck!? You went to school with Geoffrey ‘psychopath’ St. John and you didn’t tell me?”

Amy did not respond. Rouge was going to say her piece no matter what Amy did. Might as well just let the bat get it out of her system.

“That’s kinda a big deal, Amy. This is a problem. A big fucking unforced error. And I-“ Rouge cut off suddenly. “I’m trying to have a private conversation here.” She seemed to be talking to someone else. “Do I look like I give a shit? Fuck off and piss in a planter.”

Without missing a beat, Rouge continued. “There is so god damn little time left before the election and every second I spend on you is losing me money and votes. I could be on my knees getting bukkaked for echidna votes right now, but I’m here trying to make you feel better. Every word I say to you and not to an undecided voter increases the chances that fuck ass wins.”

“Do you understand that, Amy?” Rouge huffed. “Are you fucking picking up what I am laying down? I don’t know what the fuck you did or said, but saving you helps him. Fuck me, Amy! Why the fuck do I care about you so much, huh? Riddle me that, missy! I’m just a fucking sucker for pitiful, miserable black holes trying to drag my shitty bleeding heart over the event horizon into literal, actual, pound-me-in-the-ass hell.”

Amy turned her head and pressed her ear against the door. Softly, on the other side, she could hear Rouge’s heavy, labored breaths. Amy closed her eyes. She didn’t want to be this way. She didn’t want to hurt her friends like this. She didn’t want to be a burden.

Eventually Rouge continued with a calmer tone. “I don’t know what the fuck you saw that got that black and white motherfucker’s cock so hard, but you had better have a picture of it. I don’t give a shit what kind of paper you signed to be here. I own every picture you have of Geoffrey St. John as if I trademarked the bastard’s face myself. Do you understand?”

Amy lifted a shaking fist and knocked on the door once.

“Good. I’ll see you in the office bright and early.”

Amy hugged her knees to her chest and closed her eyes. She begged the world to stop. Just stop for a minute. A second. No more, please. Please. For just a bit, she abandoned her rational mind and slipped into the frothing vortex of emotions and urges. Her body shook, at once too hot and too cold. Her abdomen clenched and quivered. Slick seeped out of her, staining her underwear and new dress. But she wasn’t thinking and for the moment that was all the reprieve she could get.

Sometime later, Amy was roused from her stupor by a sound.

“Amy?” Silver’s voice came from the other side of the door. “Are you in there?”

“Silver?” Amy croaked. Shakily, she pushed to her feet and unlocked the door. On the other side, Silver stood back and looked at her anxiously.

“Um, I’m not sure what happened, but Nicole said you weren’t feeling well?” He said it like a question. “I’ve got my car out front, if you’re ready to go?”

Amy felt exhausted and extremely grateful that Silver didn't seem to be asking for her to explain herself. “Yes, please.” She nodded.

Amy looked around frantically as she followed Silver through the converted mansion, afraid of being surprised again by anyone, but the few people they passed paid Amy no mind. They exited without an ambush, like normal people living normal lives. The sun had set and the biting cold inspired a new round of shivers as it enveloped her overheated skin.

Sonic was already in the front passenger seat. As Amy slid into the back seat, she noticed his slumped posture. “Sonic?” He turned his head and Amy gasped in horror. “Sonic!” His lip was split and bloody while his left eye was nearly swollen shut and purpling. Several dark splotches were splattered over his white button down.

He gave her a lopsided smile. “Don’t worry, Ames. It’s all my blood.” Amy blinked and hot tears began to run freely down her face. “Oh, shit, Ames.” Sonic frowned.

“I am so sorry, Sonic.” Amy rubbed at her face. “I-I-I don’t know what happened. Just everything spiraled out of control and I- I’m just so sorry about everything!”

“Hey, hey, hey.” Sonic twisted in his seat. The sight of his beaten face made Amy sob harder. “It’s okay, Ames. It’s like I promised, right? I’ll always be there for you.”

Amy’s chest seized, but before the wail growing in her throat could escape, her door opened and Silver passed her her camera bag. “I think I got every- Are you okay?” His golden eyes scrunched with concern.

“Uh-huh.” Amy nodded, taking her bag. Blinking away tears, with shaking hands, she put her camera away and unloaded her fanny pack, reflex taking over. Silver got into the driver’s seat and started the engine.

“I’m sorry, Silver.” Sonic turned to him. “Our dates keep getting all messed up.” By me, Amy thought ruefully.

Silver sighed. “Sonic, I’m not the one with the bloody lip. If anything, I’m the one who should apologize to you.”

“Agree to disagree?” Sonic grinned, though the bloody lip made the expression look a little…off.

Silver snorted. “You’ve got quite the hero complex, you know that?” They pulled off the property and onto a parish road. The world was a dark void through the car’s windows, speckled by distant and occasional porch lights down long winding driveways.

“I think I prefer ‘knight in shining armor’.” Sonic held out his hands and spread them as if plastering the epithet over a marquee.

“Catching me last weekend and throwing hands today for Amy. Is this going to be a regular thing?” Silver laughed. “If so, I’m going to need to invest in a really good first aid kit.”

Sonic leaned over and pushed his shoulder lightly against Silver’s. “That’s not a half-bad idea, to be honest.”

“Who’d you get in a fight with anyway?” The pale hedgehog asked. Amy’s attention perked. Please, please don’t let it be Rouge. Amy was in hot water enough has it was.

“Oh, uh, no one you know.” Sonic said in his ‘lying his ass off’ voice. “Just some Alpha giving Amy shit.”

Silver cocked his head, but kept his eyes on the road. “Why would an Alpha be bothering Amy?”

Oh. Sonic hadn’t told Silver yet about her second sex. That was…kind of nice, actually. At least his secret was still hidden to someone…“Uh, well, you know, some Alphas are just dicks like that.” Sonic explained.

“Do you know who it was?” He turned to Sonic for a moment, frowning. “I could tell Blaze or Tikal and they’ll chew the heck out of them.”

“N-no, that’s okay.“ Sonic shook his head. “They learned their lesson. You think I look bad? You should see the other guy.” He laughed.

Silver chuckled nervously.

The car ride lapsed into silence.

Nearly back to the City, Silver stopped at a service station to refill on gas. While he was outside manning the pump, Sonic twisted in his seat. “Hey, Amy.”

“Huh?” Amy startled out of her swirling thoughts.

“Why does Shadow Kintobor know your name?”

Prickles of ice cascaded over her scalp. “I-I don’t know.” It wasn’t a lie actually. But it felt like one.

Sonic took a while to respond. His green eyes darkened with something uncharacteristic. “Okay.” He turned back around as Silver reentered the vehicle. They were quickly back on the road. Sonic played with the radio, impatiently flipping through stations at a rapid pace to find a top forties station not on commercial break.

Amy cringed as she felt her abdomen tense and a burst of heat rushed up her back. No! She covered her mouth to cover the slight whimper that escaped her. She was going into heat. The emotional roller coaster of the last few hours must have pushed her over the edge. At least it wasn’t a full week early this time. Another small cramp clenched her insides, and she looked at the back of Sonic’s head. Now he was scrolling through his phone with dull eyes, a tired frown pulling his muzzle down.

The thought of asking Sonic to help with her heat again sent a sob clawing up her throat. She bit it back painfully. After he went to blows to defend her, risking jail or worse, how could she ask him for anything? Amy had taken and taken and taken for so long that there was no way she could ever repay Sonic for his friendship and kindness.

She couldn’t change the past. She couldn’t go back in time and tell her younger self to never accept Sonic’s promise, no matter how sweet it sounded at the time. At fifteen, they’d both been afflicted by the strange mixture of certainty and sentimentality that made promises seem almost magical. Of course, they’d always be together. Of course, the world was exactly as they thought it was. Of course, they had the wisdom to know what was good for them.

A pair lying on the concrete groaning.

She should have released him when he realized he wasn’t attracted to women.

Chest heaving and skunk blood dripping off his fist.

She should have released him when he offered to go the same college as her.

The outraged cries of the spectators demanding the return of their star.

She should have released him when he insisted on moving to the City with her.

I promise I’ll always be there for you, Amy.

A fresh tear rolled down her cheek, and she rubbed at it. She leaned her forehead against the car window. The cold glass felt amazing against the rising heat of her head. Geoffrey had called her a succubus and he was right. She’d latched onto Sonic a decade ago and had been draining his life away to sustain her own ever since.

No matter what happened, Amy couldn’t ask anything more of him. They were codependent. Her neediness fed into his self-sacrificial impulses and his constant saves robbed her of any need to grow or develop into a truly independent person. She was addicted to his chivalry and needed to quit cold turkey.

She felt the side of her breast. Shadow’s card was still tucked away, but it would be getting damp as her flesh started to perspire. Now that she had a means to contact Shadow, a phone call seemed like the solution to every problem. The urge to pull up the Zephyr entry steadily grew deep in the back of her skull.

If she replaced Sonic with Shadow, would she just be exchanging one drug for another? Shadow wasn’t a stupid teenager though. He was a fully functional adult who could make decisions for himself.

But what was the alternative? If she attempted to wait out her heat she’d spend three days in debilitating agony and if Sonic caught wind of it, she’d not be in the right frame of mind to reject his help. Maybe…maybe it wouldn’t be so bad this time? Last heat, she’d been knotted. Maybe that would make it easier? At least for a little while?

Her phone buzzed and she pulled it out. Predictably, it was a message from Rouge.

Amy, dear, I would be so happy if you’d come into the office at your earliest convenience. No hurry. Rouge was furious. Amy closed her eyes. Somehow Rouge had intuited that Amy had seen something she shouldn’t have. Amy had wanted to give the photos to Rouge anyway, so she tried to interpret the veiled threat as an opportunity.

I have some photos that I think you’ll find really interesting. Amy replied, hoping that confirming Rouge’s suspicions would temper her rage.

Rouge replied quickly. I can’t wait. Also, tell your blue friend he’s extremely lucky. The gentleman with whom your friend currently shares a facial feature has decided not to pursue criminal charges. It seems that any Echidnan wedding without at least a little bloodshed is considered a dull affair.

Amy blinked, her brow furrowing.

Oh.

Oh god.

It was so obvious.

Sonic had gotten injured fighting Shadow.

Amy bit into the flesh of her fist to stifle the disgusting, needful moan blooming on her tongue. Shame incinerated her face as the thought of the two men fighting over her inspired a breathtaking spear of arousal. Her inside clenched and fresh slick threatened to escape. She dug into her bag for any sort of absorbent, but she knew she already owed Silver for making a mess in his backseat. It was all she could do to keep silent for the remainder of the care ride.