I had to take out my newly acquired voice processor for my own self-preservation. My Master would certainly not approve and, even if I didn't speak at all, he would likely see a new installation during routine maintenance. Luckily, the future version of myself retained this information and made the processor easy to add and remove. Of all the gestures I would give to a past version of myself, I did appreciate the ability to speak a language organics could understand. The programming that prevented me from disobeying my Master was either obsolete or patched out by that time period, so he could build anything he wanted. A freeing thought.



... Though the idea of contacting a previous version of myself was disturbing at all. And the state of his contact... Whatever the message meant, it was worth risking--even sacrificing-- his life for. I had no true guesses... My sole association with flowers was through Amy Rose. The best course of action for me would be to continue my garden as normal and research for anything that resembled the lines of code.



After I took Amy home, I returned to the old base and focused the rest of my free time on new soil beds for my flowers. I planted every seed I gathered with her. Some seeds I recognized, while others were new to me. I found them... significant. I planned to use all my acquired skills to ensure they'd sprout.



...



I wished to... spend more time with Amy Rose. While in Collision Chaos, she made a proposal in which she would clearly lose, but the challenge had my interest. I thought again of our embrace. Whenever I wasn't actively doing anything, specific memories of our togetherness replayed over and over in my head.



Unfortunately, my Master and Sage returned from their project testing a few days later. I would only be able to leave if I was sent out on a mission of my own... and then I could technically make some side journeys. I patrolled the active base to make sure everything was in working order. Since I didn't have a good excuse to leave, I settled for imagining what Amy Rose was doing instead.



She mentioned wanting to return to Little Planet. Did she have... fun? I hoped we could have more uninterrupted time with one another. I thought of our embrace again.



... I forgot to plan a next meeting, a 'date'. I didn't have much knowledge outside of nostalgia of where to take Amy Rose. Little Planet would be at a later time. I decided to message Belle over our secure connection:





I nodded to myself. Belle had more exposure to people, and similarly, she had been traveling the world on foot.



Oh, I quickly got a message back.





... No!





Grating. I hoped my Master would tell me to leave so I could find some locations on my own.





I regretted my decision to ask Belle for locations.





I wasn't sure how to answer her. I was not very interested in telling her about my new developments with Amy Rose. I struggled following up about her barrage of messages when I told her I gave Amy a letter...



I paused my train of thought as I walked into my Master's throne room. I encountered extremely familiar sights: Orbot and Cubot laying on the floor and playing like children, different bots tacking away on various consoles, and of course, my Master himself reclined on the chair in the center of the room.



I rolled my eyes. There was a new, smaller fancy chair beside his and it was suspiciously Sage-sized. I kept my attention away from it or else I'd get angry.



I made myself known when I approached my Master.



"There you are, Metal," he said in a relaxed tone. He stroked his moustache and crossed one of his legs over the other. "I've been keeping up to date on your reports. Good work."



...? He sounded like he was in a good mood as well. I was happy to receive his praise. I bowed my head a little.



"Mm, I'm still needing some inspiration. Maybe a new base would clear the head..." He grunted to himself as he watched the monitors in front of his throne. "You know what? I know you haven't stretched your legs in a while and I'm in a good mood. Destroy and clear some land for me however you see fit. You know what I'm looking for."



...!



I finally had something to do that actually used my abilities? I could do whatever I willed to the land of my choice?



He cackled. "Yes, you heard me. Though I'm not interested in entertaining any rats that might skitter out at the moment. Go remote." He leaned back in his chair. "I'm feeling... Tropical. Start there."



I gave a single nod, but my machine tones indicated I was eager. I was very eager. I could finally go do something for him.



"Little Planet's back in orbit this month, too... hrnnh. Orbot! Report." While my Master brought his attention to the others, I assumed I could leave. I blasted out of the room and quickly maneuvered my way out of the base.



I received another message from Belle.





I didn't really like beaches... So much sand could get trapped in my joints. And I wasn't fond of water... But it was a much more private location, and there could be an alcove that prevented any ambushes from the air.



... Beaches could also be tropical.







I haven't given Amy Rose any flowers in a while, so my urge to give her one increased. I chose a bright yellow flower with large green leaves since it reminded me of what she wore at Little Planet. Because I planned to take her to a beach, I would deliver the flower directly.



I reinstalled my voice processor since I wouldn't be in the presence of my Master for a while... But I still needed to be careful. I should communicate with Amy and make sure she knows to not reveal my voice to others, since they, in turn, could give me away. Or if they didn't give me away, they would use my secrecy as a nauseating way of reasoning with me the concept of 'goodness'.



Amy Rose wasn't at her home. I forgot to scan the town before making my way here. I needed to train myself to act less reckless around her... I could really be put at a disadvantage.



In the case of her outing... I went to the front door and placed the flower there so she would see it once returning home. I decided to wait for her return and further explored my surroundings.



Her living space was incredibly pink. The walls were different shades of pink, her furniture was pink, her appliances... pink and white. Amy's affinity for pink reminded me of my Master's affinity for red and yellow. Strangely... endearing.



But the pink was what made the blue such an eyesore. It was all too easy to spot her various Sonic the Hedgehog propaganda scattered throughout her home. I wanted to burn the pictures of him and rip the stuffed toy's head from its socket. If there was any shade of blue to compliment her colors, it would be mine. Even so, I honored her request to not destroy her property. Perhaps the propaganda began to remind her of her connection to the far superior and more attractive Hedgehog.



The flower I took so long to grow was in a vase on her counter. It still had a vivacious quality to it. I wondered how often she looked at it, and whenever she did, what she was thinking. Would she also frame it like she did a few others? I noticed a few of my previous flowers were on her walls, their colors contrasting and breaking up the pinkness of her environment.



I brought myself to her bedroom, knowing the very first flower I gave her was there. I was surprised she kept it and that it could be kept for so long. I remembered when I put that flower in her vicinity. I felt stupid because I struggled with expressing gratitude. I also struggled with other related feelings.



The front door opened. Amy hummed to herself as she strolled in.



"You are so pretty," she said. I leaned out of her bedroom door; she was talking to the new flower. "Just what I needed today, too."



She liked it? I was pleased. I took a moment to examine her face. She smiled a certain way whenever looking at my flowers. Warm.



She turned and saw me when I was looking and let out a scream.



"Y-you...! You've got to stop appearing out of nowhere!" she yelled, her cheeks pink. "You left a flower, so I didn't even think you were here!"



I walked into the open part of her home and stood a reasonable distance from her. "I intended to give it to you in person, but you weren't here. I waited for you instead."



Her eyes were wide. "I'm still not used to you speaking," she said, brushing her bangs a little. "... Wait, I locked everything. How'd you enter my house?"



"The door takes little effort to unlock."



She crossed her arms and gave me a glare that said she was no longer pleased. The glare quickly faded and she walked over to me. "... We'll talk about that later." She smirked at me. "Are you here to spend some time with me?"



"No," I said. "... But I would like to."



"Nice save." She lifted a brow and waited for me to keep talking.



"I am taking you to a beach. Time and day can be your choice."



She laughed a little. "Oh, I can't say no?"



I was confused. "You would say no?"



"I'm still having to interpret what you mean even though you can speak now, it's funny." She tilted her head a little and gave me a softer smile. "Are you asking me on a date? You should phrase it like a question."



I glanced away from her as I tried to think of phrasing she would consider proper. "... Would you let me take you to a beach?" I asked.



She giggled. I liked the sound. "Yes," she said. "Let's go in three days. Noon."



That gave me enough time to scout a proper spot to take her, and I could find a nearby location to begin my Master's assignment. Three days was egregious for my skills, truthfully, but I could do a thorough job. "I accept," I said with a nod.



She took my hands and held them, gazing directly at me. I was feeling warmer.



"I also have a request for you," I continued.



"Oh?" She looked both serious and curious. "What is it?"



"You are the only one who has heard my voice in this form and I prefer to keep it that way."



"I kind of assumed that," she said, flailing one of her hands in dismissal. "Don't worry. I won't spoil the surprise for anyone."



I gave a single nod. After a moment of silence, I had the inclination to speak again. "... I have nothing else to discuss."



"Then let's discuss you. How are you?" She asked in a playful tone. "Did you miss me~?"



"I'm..." I wasn't fond of showing any vulnerability, but I began to mind it less around her. "... Content," I finished. "... Yes."



"Yeah? I'm glad. I missed you too, cutie." She kissed me on the cheek. The zap was incredibly brief. I wanted more...



I also wanted to know what she was thinking about... I supposed I could just ask her directly. "How are you?" I asked in return.



Her face brightened. I expected her to give me a simple reply, but instead, she began telling me about everything. She not only told me she was happy, but also she talked about her errands, what she did in town, what her other plans were and whatever she found interesting to share. At some point, she dragged me to her couch, beckoned me to sit down, and then turned towards me to keep chatting. She leaned her arms on the back and side of the couch and stretched her legs over my lap.



I liked listening to her... It was like the letters she wrote. Her words had no vital information, but she wanted me to know more. I had a more vivid picture of her life, and I thought her life was meaningful. Sometimes I asked her what something was and she'd go on another explanation. She expressed her movements wildly even as she sat there.



"Oh, gosh. I've been talking for a while," she mumbled, her arms falling to her lap. "Sorry about that."



"... Why?" I asked. I had my head in one of my hands as I watched her.



"You mean why have I been talking so much?" she asked for clarification.



"No. Why are you sorry?"



"Because..." Her voice faltered. "Uh..."



"I'm not interested in your apology. I enjoy listening to you," I said.



She frowned at me, but her eyes were big and sparkling. She shifted away, then leapt against me, wrapping her arms around me. She rubbed her head against mine as she made a whining sound. Cute. I held her in return.



"Oh, you're my favorite!" she airily sighed.



...!



"I am?" I asked. "Out of everyone?"



I might've sounded too desperate because she laughed. "Yes, out of everyone," she confirmed. She moved one of her hands to my chest and traced around my side.



Today was a good day. I was assigned a new mission and I was Amy Rose's favorite. I closed my eyes and enjoyed our togetherness. She preferred me far above my loathsome copy. I was very happy...



"I'll wear something extra cute at the beach, just for you," she sweetly told me. "Put that one in your memory banks."



"I will."



Her face flushed deeply, and then she giggled. I wasn't making a joke, but she was very pleased with me so that was all I cared about.



She stared at me for a while, and then she leaned her head back onto me. "I want to hear your voice more," she said softly. "... Maybe I could ask about... your garden. How'd you get that whole thing going? When did you decide to grow more? I want to know every detail."



I explained how I set up my garden and what I learned over the years. I was more of a listener due to the obvious, but it was freeing to get to speak, and validating that Amy hung on my every word. Our feelings were mutual. I couldn't get tired of talking to her just as I couldn't get tired of listening to her.



Our conversation reached a lull and we let the silence comfortably sit between us. She was the first to speak again:



"Okay, I have to know about the Big Bro thing."



Ugh. I leaned my head away from her. "Why?" I asked.



She laughed. "It's so cute. You're one of Eggman's oldest robots, right?"



"As far as complex creations, yes. Ones that precede me in age are either fully controlled mechs or mass produced robots."



"Do all of them call you Big Bro or just the two?"



I rolled my eyes. "Just Orbot and Cubot. I don't even know why they say it."



Amy playfully nudged me. "It just means they really look up to you. You're a role model."



"Then I'm insulted. They do an awful job of following my example," I sneered. "They're supposed to be capable on their own, but they always need someone lording over them. Commanding them is only amusing on occasion. It's a waste of my time."



She giggled. "Yeah, sounds like you're a big brother alright. Does Sage call you a brother? I'm surprised if she doesn't."



"She..." I actually missed talking about Orbot and Cubot. "... She has," I said.



Amy immediately picked up my hesitation to speak about her. She gave me a real frown this time. "Do you two not get along?" she asked.



"It doesn't matter. I don't care," I said, gesturing the rest of the conversation away with my hand. "I care only that I am your favorite."



"Oh no... I just started something, didn't I?" she teased, slightly tightening her hold. She rubbed her head against mine.



"You can't take it back," I said.



She laughed, moving one of her arms to caress the other side of my head. "I would never. Am I your favorite too~?"



"Yes. I love you," I replied.



Her face felt hot against mine. "Metal...!" she squeaked, her voice much higher and much weaker. She kept herself clinging against me so I couldn't see anything other than her back.



"What?"



"Wh-what do you mean what?!"



She was acting erratic, but I wasn't exactly sure why. She didn't leave my hold, though... She wasn't mad.



"Y-you're just... going to say that? In a casual moment?" She moved in front of me, incredibly flustered. She couldn't look at me, but I admired her. That being said, I genuinely didn't know what she was talking about.



"I'm... confused by your reaction," I admitted.



"You just said you loved me!" she exclaimed.



"... Yes? Because I do," I replied. She squirmed even more.



"You have to at least take me on the third date! Wait for a p-pivotal moment!"



"I don't understand. I said I loved you in my letter, and then you confronted me on whether I knew what it was. You should know my feelings. Did you... not believe me?" I tilted my head a little. Was she surprised...?



"I-I do!" She began stammering as she tried to express the point she was getting at... Her behavior reminded me of when she read my fortune a while ago. She was overwhelmed, but it was... cute. "But that was... That was in writing! I-it's... you know!"



I admired her for a moment. "I see; you were unprepared. You don't have to return my phrase," I said back.



I somehow made her reaction more intense. She covered her face with her hands and let out a small, desperate sound. I liked how frazzled she was.



I decided to not mess with her and instead focused on her statement that lost me. "What exactly do you mean by 'pivotal moment'?" I asked. I touched the quills trailing down the sides of her head. Pretty.



"It means, be romantic!!!" she shouted, her voice slightly muffled. "Wait for when the stars align! When our heartbeats are in sync, or whatever," she huffed, slowly lowering her hands. Her face was still incredibly red. "Whatever your equivalent to a heartbeat is."



"Every moment with you feels like that for me, though."



"S...stop flirting with me!" she stammered.



I was flirting?



"I told you to not play with a girl's heart!" she added.



"I'm being serious." I pulled her back to me. "Amy Rose, you will grow accustomed to my declarations in time."



She made another little sound, resting herself against my body as we sat on the couch together. Her heart was pounding. I heard more thumping... I glanced over her. I couldn't see her tail because of her dress, but was it... wagging? Did that mean she was happy?



I was happy, too... I wanted to stay here forever. I loved Amy Rose.



... Eventually, I had to leave. I didn't want to... But I still needed to locate two good islands. Amy held my hand when I walked to the back door, and she didn't let go of it until I went to the other side. We kissed each other goodbye. How many times would I have to say goodbye?