I hadn't seen Metal in several days. Before we had our date-gone-awry, he did let me know he would have some difficulty visiting me, so at first I was fine. But then we did have that date and the last thing I heard Eggman say to him was that he was a waste of space and needed to be reformatted.



I assumed that was an empty threat, because Eggman pretty much was full of those. But... the longer I went without seeing Metal, the more worried I got that something happened to him. And then I got in my own head about it... I really needed to know his opinion about that day, because I worried he didn't have a good time. More than anything, I hoped I didn't lead to anything that caused him harm...



I visited what I then called Metal's base to see if he was there and to have a minute out of the house. I took a few naps in the bedroom Metal unlocked for me and spent some time redecorating, too. I took that ugly Eggman insignia off wherever I could, brought some new sheets, got rid of those awful clothes. I'd have a way easier time getting into some sweet moments, and that was already pretty easy to get into.



Unfortunately, Metal never showed up on the days I visited the base and there were no signs of him visiting the garden. My worry, honestly, turned into panic. I was so close to just barging into Eggman's territory and getting myself captured on purpose.



I left a letter in front of the garden door in hopes my timing was just bad. After waiting around and accepting he wouldn't show, I went home and carried on with the rest of my night. I was up way too late and needed to finally get some rest.



I went to sleep cuddling a pillow. I did my best to just... calm myself down, re-center myself...



...



I woke up. Glancing at my nearby clock, it was around 3 AM... I rubbed my eyes and adjusted my position... I didn't really wanna get out of bed. I was comfortable...



...!



Two familiar arms gently squeezed my body. I realized the shape behind me, the exact type of warmth I grew accustomed to. Metal was here... His head was tucked against the back of mine and angled towards the bed. It was quiet enough in my room that I could hear the very faint hum of his machinery.



I reached back and felt his head, and he responded in turn by nuzzling himself against me a bit more.



"How long have you been here?" I softly asked.



He held up two fingers a little bit away from my face.



"Since 2 AM?"



He gave a thumbs up.



I grinned. "You could've woken me up." God, I was so happy to feel him. I was so happy he was there.



He shook his head. He wasn't saying anything, and I didn't mean due to his lack of voice. He didn't make any beeps, trills, nothing he usually made when talking to me. He was just quiet.



"... Are you okay?" I asked.



He didn't respond by nodding or shaking his head this time. Instead, he held me a little closer to him. I guess he didn't really want to talk about it... But... if his memory got wiped or whatever, he wouldn't have been there with me. So... he had to be in one piece.



He put his hand over mine and laced our fingers together. I smiled. I relaxed there and closed my eyes again, listening to that faint hum some more. I began to doze off.



...



"R... Rosy..." Metal spoke.



I opened my eyes. He spoke softly, just like when he asked me if I loved him.



"I'm... Afraid."



I... never expected those words to come out of him. He held me tighter. His free hand clutched my shirt.



"Why are you afraid?" I asked, frowning.



"I'm... I'm afraid," he repeated. "I'm afraid..."



"Hey..." I shifted up and turned to look at him. His eyes were off completely. I pulled him up to me, and he hugged my legs, his head buried in my lap. "... I'm here with you," I said, smoothing my hand across the top of his head.



I gently touched behind his ears, then felt the sides of his head. He clutched onto me tighter.



"Come here..." I tried to pull him up more so his head was on my chest. His arms lost their strength and went completely limp. I pressed him to me. "Listen to my heart," I said to him softly.



He didn't say another word, and he didn't leave me the rest of the night. I fell asleep sitting up as I cuddled my sweet Metal.



I woke up again when the sun was out and shining. Metal held me back at some point over the night, one hand clutching the bottom of my shirt and the other on my back, between my shoulder blades. I actually didn't know if he slept or if he needed anything like that at all... But he definitely needed me.



I let out a more dramatic yawn just to let him know I was awake.



"Hmmm... Oh? I spy someone very handsome here with me," I beamed, nuzzling my head against him. "Good morning, Metal!"



He didn't move and didn't speak, but I didn't think he was offline. I didn't want to make him do anything he didn't want to do... I just wanted him to know I was there for him.



"I love that the cutest boyfriend ever is the very first thing I see...~ You better be careful, because I might get addicted!" I sat up a bit more and cradled his head with my hands. His eyes blinked on when I rubbed his cheeks with my thumbs. I gave him a smooch and felt the little shock I loved feeling so much.



"I really missed you," I said, my voice much softer. And I really wanted to know what was going on. But... this was the first time I've ever seen him like this. I needed to be patient and see if he would approach the topic on his own. I didn't want to bring it up too soon and have him close himself off.



I wish he at least beeped at me, but he was still so quiet, too. I hugged him again. "I'm gonna make myself some tea and have some breakfast. You can follow if you want, but I'll be right back if not." I nuzzled him again, then got out from under him to go to my kitchen.



He didn't follow me. After I put my teapot on the stove, I glanced through my bedroom door and he was laying flat, hugging one of my pillows. I decided to make myself something quicker so I could just rejoin him and be there.



I went back to my bedroom with some tea and simple eggs and toast. Metal was sitting up on the bed, holding the Sonic plushie I had on the shelf. He turned his head towards me a little when I sat down and started eating.



"Where's the doll of you?" he asked.



"She has a new home. Not too far from your garden, now," I said, smiling. "I gotta find little-Sonic a new home too, eventually. He'll be too lonely here now that little-Amy's moved on." I leaned in. "They had some drama. Little-Sonic is still embarrassed about it."



"You are amusing," he said quietly.



"Why, thank you," I proudly replied. I finished eating, and he stood up to place the Sonic plushie back on the shelf. He watched out the nearby window for a while. I wondered what he was thinking about, but I didn't think I had a good opportunity to ask yet.



My eyes brightened. "Oh!" I started, getting up too. I went over to my desk and opened one of the drawers. "I got our photos developed." I handed him a stocky manila envelope. "Which ones you think I should frame?"



He studied the envelope for a brief moment, then brought out the stack of photos. He took his time looking at each one. I grabbed my cup of tea and sipped it while looking at the photos with him.



"... You... want to frame some of them?" he asked.



"Mmhm. Just because I can't put them up in my house right now doesn't mean they won't have a place to go. They can hang out with little-Amy, for example," I said with a firm nod. "We can make a secret space all our own."



There was one photo he stared at for a while... I loved that one a lot, too. Our faces were pressed against each other and I got him to make half of a heart with one of his hands, while I completed the other half with mine. His eyes were bars, so cute. I expected him to prefer one where he looked cooler, but he liked to play along with me.



"Can you frame this one?" he asked.



"Oh yes." I grinned. "I have copies of a few... you can have them too, if you'd like." I moved the photo up to show him there was another copy under it. "Want me to frame both of them?"



"Yes."



"Okay! I will." I kissed his cheek. "Gonna go wash my dishes, I'll be right back." I let him have a moment to finish looking at the pictures himself. I'm glad he was at least talking to me a little; he didn't seem as bad as he was last night.



I had an idea, but I wasn't sure if he'd take it. Only one way to find out.



"Hey," I said, re-entering my room. "There's somewhere I'd like us to go."



He was re-looking through the pictures, then put them down when I talked to him. He looked at me, his gaze focused and curious.



"There's not a whole lot that can help me when I feel like I'm in a funk," I explained. "And usually... being by myself and hanging out at home, it can make it worse. So..." I smiled a little. "I wanna take you somewhere that helps me. But... you really have to trust me."



"I trust you, Rosy," he said.



After shooing him out of my room, I got dressed in my usual red and white dress, then had to tame the quills by straightening them out. When I was done, I took his hand and checked outside to make sure no one was there. I unlocked my car, which had its hood up, then opened the passenger door for him. "Hop in," I said with a little sway.



He looked away for a second, but then he went to the passenger side of my car and got in. I gave a firm nod, closing the door, then locking my house shut. I eagerly ran over to the driver seat and got in.



"Your girl's got tinted windows," I said with a proud huff. He glanced at the windows as if to confirm it himself. "Just relax and enjoy the ride."



I took the scenic route so we could be together and watch the neighborhoods transform into winding hills and the outskirts of the forest both of us visited so often. He was tense when I checked him at first, but over time, he leaned back in the seat and watched out the window.



I took one of my hands off the steering wheel and gestured for him like he did all the time for me. He glanced at me, then gently placed his hand on mine. I smiled as I kept my eyes on the road.



"I prefer the Metal Sonic cab, but this isn't so bad, is it?" I teased. "It can be nice to slow down."



He didn't respond, but he was totally relaxed. This would be a kinda long drive... Not impossible for a day, but we'd be getting back home pretty late. I let go of his hand for just a second and turned on my car radio.



"Okay, I guessed you like monster movies. Give me a sec to peg your music tastes."



"I don't listen to much music to have a preference," he responded. "Play what you like."



"That just means we have to find what ignites your soul."



"I'm not sure I h--"



"No. You do," I abruptly stopped him. "And I'll fight anyone who says otherwise. Including you!" I aggressively pointed at him, then continued messing with the radio. "I bet you like sad jazz. Angry jazz, too. You just seem like a jazz guy."



"What makes you think that?" he asked. His tone said he was more amused by my guess.



"I can't describe the vibes I get, Metal. Just know they're there."



I saw him tilt his head from the corner of my eye. He was watching me for a little while. "What kind of music do you like?" he asked.



"All kinds! I even like death metal, person-in-car unrelated. My favorite is very bubbly pop type stuff, though."



"Bubbly pop?"



"Okay, fine. I'll educate you." I passed a smile to him, then tuned to one of my favorite radio stations.



I really got into it and started singing along with whatever played, because I knew, like, all these songs. I didn't know if I was good or bad at singing, but I think I entertained Metal either way. He leaned his elbow against the windowsill and watched me instead of looking at the scenery. Depending on the part of the song, I pointed at him or clenched my fist. I did miss holding his hand though, so I changed to a music station I thought he'd like and took his hand again.



We listened through a whole song together, neither of us talking.



"Pretty," he said, quiet.



"Yeah?" Nailed it.



"I prefer your singing, though."



I laughed. "Oh, you're just so cute." I let go of him to rub the top of his head. "We're almost there, by the way."



We were in another thick, swampy forest and the road was pretty much non-existent here. I eventually parked in the spot I usually did, which was a flat space of dirt. Metal looked around; not sure he's ever seen this place from the ground. I turned my car off and let out a long, relieved sigh.



"I want you to meet one of my friends, for real."



"... What?"



"You haven't formally met, but you'll like him. He's not really the chatty type, either." I smiled at him. "He won't know we're an item and he won't tell anyone about you. You said you trusted me."



"... I do..." He averted his eyes. I was sensing a 'but', but I confidently knew I could win him over.



"I'm not going to force you. If you really don't want to, then you can stay here while I go say hi. I'll be back in a few minutes."



I got out first and stretched my arms and legs out... Thankfully, Metal got out right after. I opened the trunk of my car and took out a few fishing poles. Sonic never asked for his fishing supplies back, which was fine with me in this case; assuming he goes along with my idea, I'd let Metal use my stuff while I'd just borrow Sonic's. Metal walked over to me, so I put some of the fishing supplies in his arms. I closed the trunk, took half of what he was holding, then held his hand, guiding him to the nearby lake.



We eventually walked out into the clearing, and there was Big, relaxing at the end of the dock as he fished. Metal stopped as soon as he saw Big. I watched him for a minute to see if he'd run off... But he stayed there. I dragged him with me without him resisting back. The hardest part was over.



"Big!" I called.



"Hmmm?" Big didn't turn around, but his tail lifted up a little. Cute!



"I'm here with Metal Sonic. Can we fish with you?"



"Mm, sure," he replied, his ears angled back to listen to me. Metal's eyes flicked over to me. He was probably surprised at how fast Big gave an affirmation.



"Have you ever gone fishing before?" I whispered a question to Metal. He shook his head. I turned back to Big, walking forward with Metal. "Metal would like to learn how to fish. Can you help him?"



"Mmm... Maybe," Big mumbled.



I sat down on the dock, then urged Metal to sit between me and Big. After some hesitation, he eventually did.



Big turned his head towards Metal, eyes wide and focused on him. "Will you be nice?" he asked.



Metal, after a moment, gave him a single nod.



Big slowly closed his eyes, turning back to the lake. "Okay," he said. "I'll teach you, then... Here, watch me."



I could tell Metal was really tense, and I didn't blame him... but I trusted the process would work. I let him use my fishing rod. He copied Big as he set up a different bobber, baited the line, then tossed the line out the exact same way Big did. He kept his focus on Big for a while... then slowly adjusted his own seating to copy Big's pose.



I tapped Metal's leg with mine and smiled at him. His eyes flicked back to me, then to the lake. I joined them, baiting the rod I had and tossing the line out into the water.



We were quiet for a long time, the sounds of nature speaking for us instead. Whenever I looked at Metal, his focus was either on the lake or on Big. We both watched as Big hooked a fish. He said exactly what he said to me before: "Go with the flow of the fish and reeeeel it in." He gave a gentle nod. "Some fish are shy, others are angry. Listen and feel how they move and you'll know how to pull 'em in."



Big successfully reeled in the fish and lifted up the line, a decent-sized carp flopping about.



"Sometimes they're pretty tired after all that fishing... So... You have to help 'em a little before they can swim free," Big explained. He took the line out from the fish, then leaned over the dock and lowered the fish into the water. Eventually, the fish wiggled out of his hold. "Be careful, though. Some have sharp fins." Big re-baited his hook, then cast his line out again. Metal stared at the part of the water the fish escaped from, then looked back over to Big. He slowly returned his focus to his own line.



After just a moment, Metal's bobber went under.



"Oh! You got one," I beamed.



He was a quick learner, timing how he reeled in the fish and switching directions to counteract the resistance on the line. It looked like a pretty tough battle, but I believed in him! He slowly but surely brought the fish closer and closer.



Bloop! Metal lifted up the fishing line when it was near the dock. Froggy was hanging on at the end, totally limp but refusing to let go of the line.



"Froggy! Hi," Big said, his tail giving a single pat. Metal turned his head fully to Big for a little bit, but then he looked back at Froggy. He gently removed the line from Froggy while holding him, then leaned over the dock and put his hand under the water. Froggy croaked, then wiggled away into the depths of the lake. "You got the hang of it. Froggy is tough to fish," Big hummed.



Metal glanced to Big, then turned his head towards me. I grinned at him. I didn't know exactly what he was thinking... Maybe still a little baffled at how relaxed Big was. Even though Big didn't show it, he was studying Metal very carefully. Luckily for Metal, he passed.



I think he actually relaxed after that. Big was always the best for helping me settle and clear my mind, so I was glad the same was happening with Metal. We didn't have to talk about our problems immediately... we could just fish and let the world share its melodies. The three of us fished for a while and all of us caught and released plenty.



"Do you like fishing?" Big asked, his eyes angled down to Metal.



Metal nodded.



Big closed his eyes, his tail lifted a little. "Me too," he said.



We fished for a while longer, but we had to leave if I wanted to drive home at a reasonable enough time. I felt like what I set out to do was successful; Metal was peaceful with another person, and hopefully he saw what I liked about Big. I hoped his mind cleared up some and he got to let go of his worries for a while.



"We have to go now, Big. Thank you for letting us spend time with you," I said with a little sigh, hugging Big from behind.



"Anytime," he purred back. I gestured Metal up, we gathered our supplies, and then we headed back towards the car.



Everything was packed up and ready to go. Metal waited in the passenger side of the car when I got in. I smiled at him.



"That's one thing I never shared in my letters," I said to him. "Sure, like, I'd mention going fishing with Big sometimes. And you know when I really want to be alone, I'll go to distracting places and just let myself get absorbed in lights and color. But sometimes, there's only one thing that can clear my head... and that's spending time with Big. He's my secret weapon."



I laughed, realizing how that sounded.



"Not actually a secret weapon. I just mean, when I know nothing will help me, Big will. He just always knows what to do, even when he acts like he doesn't... Even when you think he might not be doing anything. And... sometimes... doing nothing is the answer."



I started up the car and carefully backed up to turn the proper way on the road out of the forest.



"Thank you for trusting me... Big has a specific judgement of character. I think he's the only person I'd introduce you to," I explained.



Metal was quiet for a while. I glanced at him, and he was watching out the window, deep in thought. I kept the radio off.



We eventually got out of the forest and had plenty of road left before we'd make it home.



"... I didn't..." Metal's voice faltered a little. "... mean to worry you."



"I'll worry about you no matter what, Metal. That's kind of the deal with us."



"I was thinking about too many things..." He leaned back in the seat and tapped his claws on the armrest between us. "I had a moment of panic..."



"Do you want to talk about it?" I gently asked.



He hung his head. There was another quiet moment. "I am so easily replaceable," he said. "There are some instances where you might have fought me, but that wasn't actually me."



My eyes went wide. I glanced over to him again. I wanted to watch him, but I had to keep my eyes on the road.



"That's... the thing, about being a machine. There are conveniences... I can always be fixed. I can move to a new body, if needed. I can be upgraded. But... with my schematics, you can make me again. There would be no difference." He turned his head towards me. "I know what you will say... You believe me to be unique, and that my experiences have shaped me to be irreplaceable. You are grateful to be with me specifically. That's something you said before. And... I believe you."



He was quiet for a while.



"But... regardless of my individuality, I've been replaced many, many times already. There are several of Dr. Eggman's 'greatest creations', it's just that I was the first. It is a source of pride until I remember the others... Not only copies of me-- other robots. Other robots modeled after Sonic. Other creations he calls... family."



...



"I don't know, how, through all of my failures, I am the very same one you met many years ago, and the same one you helped in the snow. I am the same one who upgraded into Neo Metal Sonic and copied everyone's bio-data. I should have been deactivated or destroyed at this point. Sometimes, I think..." He hesitated for a moment. I thought he would continue, but he didn't. When he first opened up to me, he said that, when he was at his lowest point, he didn't think he deserved to exist. It broke my heart he still struggled with those thoughts.



I held his hand. He didn't squeeze me back, but I laced my fingers with his anyway. I gave him time.



"I don't know how I feel about myself all the time, Rosy, but I know how I feel about you. There's... one thing worse to me, than being replaced," he said, his voice soft. "It's that you can't be. You can't be fixed, or... moved to a different body..."



He didn't speak for a long time. He moved his hand away from me.



"When... When you're gone..." He made a quiet, troubled groan. "You'll... You... You can't come back...!"



His voice went up an octave I didn't think he could do.



"Even at your longest possible lifespan, it--" He clawed the sides of his head and he let out a desperate cry. "I can't... accept this! I can't!"



...



I pulled over to the side of the road and stopped the car.



He bent forward in his seat, cradling his head. He was visibly shaking. I reached for him and hugged him close. "Metal..."



He went completely still, then hugged back just as tightly. "I c--... I can't..."



"I'm here as long as I need to be."



"No," he said, intense. His claws slightly dug into me. "I need you. Forever. Everyone can die, I don't care... but not you... I need you forever."



I thought back to Metal still existing in some sense three hundred years from now... I would upset myself if I thought too long about it too. I gave him a sad smile. "Time is one of those things we can't stop, Metal... Sure, it can be manipulated by whatever magical being or gem that's around, but... It still moves forward, it always does. You're thinking about something everyone will at some point. That nothing good can last forever. Anything can happen to you, too... Maybe you don't age like I do, but your time here is just as precious. I was scared something happened to you when Eggman threatened to reformat you."



Metal didn't reply to me and he didn't loosen his grip at all.



"It's normal to freak out. I mean... a few years ago, I had a close call that made me think about how easily I could die. Then I had a hard time with my thoughts for a while... I mean, it's rough."



"... You?" he asked.



"Of course. No one likes the idea of dying. And, like... I've come close to it a few times. But I learned I can't always worry about it because there's other things I want to do... Like, spending time with you." I felt the side of his head again. He felt warm... "Also, maybe I can't be around in the same way, but... the love I give you will last forever, Metal."



He was quiet for a while more. "What if you one day hate me...?"



"Oh, stop it. When you think of anything that starts with 'what if', just imagine me slapping you," I huffed. "I love you."



"I wish you didn't," he muttered. "It would be easy. I wish I hated you. I wish I felt nothing."



"Too bad," I replied. "And I know you don't mean that. You've never been one to do things the easy way." I moved out of his hold to look at him. His focus was down a little... I caressed the side of his head, causing his eyes to meet mine. "Why were you thinking about me dying, Metal?" I asked.



"It was because... I... had a realization."



"Yeah? What is it?" I asked.



His eyes averted again. "I already knew defeating Sonic the Hedgehog, truly, would not fulfill me. When I defeated him at the race, I did experience joy. The look of his disappointment and agony pleases me. But... I didn't realize until then that it would only temporarily please my Master as well."



Ugh, just thinking about Eggman acting like a pathetic child was enough to make me angry. I kept listening to Metal.



"I expected my Master's poor behavior regardless if I lost." He looked back at me. "I was fine... Really, I was. I enjoyed racing you, and you were so happy when you won... I could not be upset at my own defeat. Then, you defended me so boldly... I was reminded tenfold how much I love you. I had intense feelings. I wanted to embrace you in front of everyone."



I couldn't help but blush as he explained himself. I had to break my gaze this time. To keep my hands busy, I fixed my quills.



"... I am a coward," he muttered.



"Aw... No you're not," I said, tilting my head a little.



"I am. I can't face my Master like you can. You're... I only feel free around you. But... one day, you'll be gone. I will be so empty when you are gone. I'm afraid of the moment you leave..."



I hugged him again. "A lot can happen in the time I plan to stick around. And... give yourself more credit than that. You..." I sighed as I stopped myself. I couldn't tell him what I hoped he'd do despite the risk. He had more to figure out on his own. And... there was always the chance he wouldn't. I needed to love him as he was in the present.



"What?"



I shook my head. "I just think... Freedom is more available to you than you realize, Metal," I said. "But I know it's... It'll take time, and it's complicated." I leaned my head against his and briefly closed my eyes. "Enjoy your time with me, okay?"



I moved my head away, then I angled his head back up. I slowly kissed him. He held onto me tighter... I was about to just climb into his seat and stay there if I wasn't careful. When my mouth left his muzzle, I bumped my nose to his cheek.



"Just to reiterate: you are irreplaceable." I finally separated from him and settled back in my seat, driving back onto the main road. I continued: "Nothing could possibly take your place. I don't care if I'm looking at your carbon copy, I don't care if that copy knows absolutely everything about me. It's what I told you before."



"... What did you tell me?" he asked.



"You have a soul... and I know the vibe you give off," I said.



He let out another sound, something in between a scoff and a laugh. I smiled and glanced over to him.



"What?" I asked.



"Your choice of words is ridiculous," he said. "... And comforting. Thank you, Rosy. I will... think less of your inevitable death, and instead focus on your current existence, which has meaning to me."



"Good!" I beamed. "Did fishing help?"



"I struggle to explain why, but... Yes," he said quietly. "The fish are feeble yet free of worry. The lake was quiet."



"That's what often gets me, too..." I smirked after a short, comfortable pause. "You like Big, don't you?"



He crossed his arms. He said something, but his voice wasn't louder than the car.



"Hmmm?" I asked.



"I said I don't hate him," Metal gestured.



"Oh, you love him."



"I don't love him. Love is a serious word." He pointed at me.



I laughed. "Platonically! There's platonic love," I said. "Like you would a friend or family member. But, true, that's serious too," I said, smiling. "I love you very romantically." I poked at his claw he extended to me.



He lightly slapped my hand down, making me laugh again. Metal relaxed back in the seat... I was just as relieved. He turned his head to me, then back to the road. "... I love you too," he said.



I wiggled a little in my seat, then turned on the radio. I kept the volume low since I wanted to keep talking to him, though. "He was paying very close attention to you until you set Froggy free. Could you tell?"



"Yes," Metal replied. "... Though, it's harder to anticipate his movements. He is strange."



"Yeah, he's got a way of doing that. But, now he considers you a friend."



"Friends come so easily to you all," he scoffed. "How am I a friend? I could lash out at any moment. I stole his little frog friend before."



I giggled. "Well, you didn't do that this time... And you respected the fish." There was a smaller moment of silence between us, but it was so much lighter. I reached over and let my hand fall down his arm. "I'm glad you feel better."



I continued our drive and took a deep breath. I felt better too. Metal was safe and he was with me. And... he'd be okay.



After a while, I noticed his posture changing. He looked restless again.



"What's up?" I asked.



"... I'm sorry, Rosy," he sighed.



"Huh? Why?"



"I am thinking of the day we raced again... I didn't punch the Hedgehog in the face to get back for him making you feel worthless. I should have. There was an opportunity after my race with him, but I was too occupied celebrating my victory..."



I lost my mind with laughter. After such a serious conversation, he was thinking of that? I had to wipe the tears off of my face. I knew he was actually apologizing, too.



"Why are you amused?!" He squinted at me and pointed again, which had me take his hand.



"I'm calling off the Sonic punching bounty, cutie. If you punch him, you don't have to do it for me." I winked at him. "That being said... Seeing as I won our race, that means you, the Loser, must do something for me, the Winner..."



"I will do anything for you," he said.



...



I took a deep breath. I had to keep my focus on the road or else I was going to wreck. I grabbed the steering wheel with both of my hands this time.



"W-we're... We're going the long way to Little Planet, using an RV! On our next date!" I stammered. "The trip will last at least three days! Maybe four depending on how things go! S-so we're spending those nights together. That's the thing you're doing for me. You figure out how to stay away from Eggman for that long."



"I can do that," he replied much quicker than I expected. "That's all you want me to do?" He sounded a little disappointed.



"Why do you sound like that?!" I screamed. "Spending the night with the one you love is a huge deal!"



"We already did that," he hummed. "And you thought I did it another night, too."



"I-it's... It's different! Because it's for a date," I huffed, my face redder. "Instead of just a day together, we're going to be together for the entire trip! It'll take over a day to get there... We'll be spending a day on Little Planet... a-and then it'll take over a day to get back! It's the ultimate test!"



"Oh. How is it a test?"



"B-because... it's easy to love someone when you only get them in small doses. But when you're with someone for a long time, you'll see more of their negatives. We could get sick of each other."



"Never," he said, confident.



I shifted more in my seat. "Well...! I'll test that, so get ready. I'm showing up at your base the day after tomorrow!"



Truthfully, I wished he could stay every night... But... I'll treasure those moments we have together. I had to follow my own advice, too.