"Other than the incident from the weapons storage facility, all the bases are clear. Though Rouge the Bat and her associates accessed the weapons database, the info they read should not have led them to any significant routes." Sage talked to me through my communicator. Her search had concluded, only confirming my suspicions should continue to hone in on the Bat.



"Understood," I said back. I floated above the city and monitored everything below. Rouge was back in her apartment... Additional planning? Or... an actual break? I wasn't sure.



"Neo Metal Sonic, you checked the EggResearch-1 base, correct?" The base she referred to was where my gardens were located.



"Yes," I confirmed. "Vegetation destroyed the router that connects to the Eggnet. I did a thorough scan of the base and found nothing but overgrowth."



"Understood," Sage replied, surprisingly without issue. I was sure she would snap at me for not having made an additional router or something else ridiculous. "I found it significant since it is the only research facility without Eggnet access."



She irritated me in how she doubted my own reports, making her double-check them herself. Luckily, she would never be able to materialize in that base and she was highly unlikely to go there and hack the doors. One of the few benefits I had in not being my Master's favorite anymore was that he hardly cared where I was. The same couldn't be said for Sage.



...! Amy was in the street. Where was she going?



I wanted to see her. I didn't see her after yesterday morning because I was tracking the Bat. "I'm closing communications now," I said to Sage, then turned it off since I wasn't going to listen to her response either way. I flew to an inconspicuous place and shifted into my disguise, then hurried myself towards where my wonderful Amy was.



She hummed to herself as she walked; she had a thin airy shirt and cuffed shorts. Her quills were up in a black ribbon... Very cute. She was always cute. I approached her from behind. "Rosy," I called.



Her ears twitched as she heard her name. She turned her head, beautiful face brightening as our gazes met. "Hey!" she beamed.



I went to her side and took her hand; she kissed me, giving me a sweet grin afterwards. Happy. I was happy.



"I was really lonely without you last night," she said with a playful pout.



"I apologize. I will be with you tonight," I said. The Bat would not stop me more than she already has.



She giggled, her tail wagging. "I'm glad~" She continued walking, gently guiding me along. I was happy to follow her. "Are you just saying hi, or can we hang out?"



"I would like to spend time with you," I said.



"Yay! Maybe we can go to a cafe or something. I have to stop by Rouge's first, though," she explained. "That'll have to be alone. You okay with that, cutie? Should just be a few minutes."



Ah... That's why she was around the area. Since Amy was actually looking for Cavalier Sonic separate from her other friends, I preferred to observe Rouge the Bat without Amy's involvement. I could step out for this one and pursue the Bat separately. "That's fine. What are you here for?"



"Lady things," she said. I knew she was lying, but I imagined what she might have meant and it made me feel a little too warm. She giggled, likely noticing the aggravatingly visible change in color on my face. "Nah, I'm just picking up something she has for me."



"Acceptable... I will wait outside the building for you, my Rosy."



We approached the building right as we mentioned it. We stopped a reasonable distance from the doors, as to not cause suspicion or disturb others. Amy lovingly gazed at me... "I won't make you wait long," she softly replied, then kissed me one more time. I held her closer to me so that she wouldn't let go so soon...



Eventually, we parted. She grinned at me, giving me a little wave. She walked towards the doors into the apartment building. I watched her until she was gone. With a sigh, I stuck my hands in my pockets and waited, observing my surroundings instead.



Sunny and warm day. Amy should not get sick in this weather... Though, the weather would get colder eventually. She was likely enjoying the warm weather while she could since it was becoming less common. Others likely had the same feelings as Amy considering all the people I saw passing by. Busier, livelier. Voices, cars, wind and random commotion all blended into the background for me. I felt calm. A few moments passed.



... I sensed something. I turned my head.



Shadow. He stared right at me, gaze intense. When would this Hedgehog leave me alone? He was starting to become just as annoying as the blue one. His shoulder healed... Disappointing. I would be sure to make it more painful next time.



He clearly stared at me, but I wasn't interested in him. I crossed my arms as I waited for Amy, no longer looking in his direction.



"Hey. You." Shadow walked up to me. "What are you?"



I scowled at him. "What are you?" I asked in return.



"You should know."



Hah. "You don't look like Sonic the Hedgehog to me," I said, unfurling my arms to pick at my gloves. "Go away if you intend to harass me."



His glare intensified. "You may be able to fool others with your pitiful appearance, but I can tell you're not a hedgehog. Why are you hiding? Are you meddling with another person's feelings?"



... He highly suspected my true identity. I didn't give anything away when we last battled... Unless the fact that I was in my true form at all was any indicator. Regardless, I wouldn't give anything away. He was making himself look worse. I turned fully towards him. "You ask what I am, and then you ask if I am meddling with someone's feelings?" I growled in disbelief. "Clearly you have me confused for someone else. Get lost."



"If you were anything good, you wouldn't feel the need to conceal yourself," Shadow sneered.



Angry. I had to keep it together. He didn't know for sure. He was prodding me to make me reveal who I was; neither of us were in a situation we could fight in. He had no true information and likely didn't know how to catch me outside of the public. "Wait... You were at Amy's birthday party," I said, scowling. "Would she approve of your disgusting behavior towards her boyfriend?"



His eyes widened. I put my hands back in my coat, clenching my fists. I wanted to punch him. I wanted to rip off his arms. He kept running his mouth: "Is that what you are?" he asked with a scoff.



"Yes. What's your problem? Are you angry you missed your opportunity?" I asked. "Amy is mine."



"I don't want your fake relationship," he hissed. "And I know you were in that abandoned Eggman base. You should hope we don't cross paths again, 'hedgehog'."



Very angry. I wanted to rip all of his limbs off. I wanted to crush him into dust. He didn't even deserve to be a stain. He deserved to be nothing. "I do not know you, you miserable animal. This is your chance to walk away before--"



Amy moved in between us. I stood straighter, a little surprised. I didn't notice her return. "What's going on?" she asked with a very firm tone. Shadow backed away a few steps, glare still on me.



I spoke first: "Amy, this is one of your friends, right? He is harassing me."



"Is that true?" she asked, her focus on Shadow.



He crossed his arms. "This guy isn't who you think he is, Amy. Whatever person you knew as a kid-- it can't be him."



"Yeah? I don't think I asked for your input," she sneered... Her tone made me excited. She was angry at someone I disliked, which I very much liked.



Shadow growled. "This isn't a joke, Amy! You should know better!" he exclaimed. "He's--"



"My boyfriend!" she yelled. "Back off!"



Shadow stared, shocked. He grunted in frustration, fists just as tightly clenched. "... Fine." He gave me one final glare, then walked away. Both of us watched him until he disappeared down a different street.



...



Amy's shoulders relaxed and she sighed, turning back to look at me. "That's not good. He might come for you later."



"... You..." My face was very hot. "... I want you."



Her face instantly changed shade as well. "C-control yourself! This is serious!"



"I know. Just saying."



She took my hand and dragged me away. "I don't know what to do with you," she grumbled, still with an intense blush. "We both need to talk to Rouge before we leave."



"What? Why?"



"What do you mean why?! She can help!" she snapped. I very much enjoyed her energy and passion. "... Sorry for yelling. I'm stressed."



"I enjoy your anger."



Amy let out a louder sigh. "Weirdo..." She gave a tired smirk. "Okay... Behave yourself." She guided me back towards the building, except I went in with her this time. We took an elevator up to one of the higher floors... I thought of the mountain resort already. The Bat did not spare any kind of luxury.



After going to a specific floor, Amy took me to a door at the very end of the hallway. She rung the doorbell; just a few seconds later, Rouge opened it. She had on a fluffy robe and a nightgown that would look far better on Amy. "Hello~? Ooh. You came back with a present for little ol' me? Just my flavor," she purred. The way she looked at me made me want to wear more clothes.



"I loathe you."



"Hey!" Amy huffed at me, lightly slapping my arm.



"She knows I hate her as I am, so I can say it," I said back.



Amy sighed. "Both of you settle down. Rouge, we need to talk to you."



Rouge grinned at the both of us, then stepped aside to let us in. I kept close to Amy.



The Bat's home had less color, but what color was there was particularly striking. Her place was more modern and sleek and far less comfortable than Amy's home. Amy covered her home with her personal belongings, photos, artwork-- there were gifts and memorabilia from people she was fond of everywhere, even me. Not only did Amy display my flowers, but she began hanging photos she took from our dates under my disguise. Rouge's home, conversely, was empty and there was hardly anything identifying on her walls... She did not reveal herself so easily and openly.



"Now, what brings such an exciting couple to my door? I think this is the first time I've talked to you two together," she said with an aggravatingly elegant chuckle.



Amy blinked. "Huh... You're right. Uh, but we have something serious to talk about."



"Trouble in paradise~?" Rouge cooed. I hated this situation. Nothing that came out of her mouth was ever sincere. I wanted to fight her but not in the fun way. "I bet it's that hazard of a nose, isn't it. Still need help on how to kiss a girl, honey?"



"I need no assistance, especially not from the likes of you!" I snapped. I turned my head to Amy. "I hate her. We do not need her."



"Calm down," Amy sighed. "She's just teasing you."



I crossed my arms and turned my head away from the Bat.



Rouge giggled. "Okay, I see the neither of you are in the mood. What's going on?"



Amy frowned as she gestured to me. "Shadow heavily suspects Kai is not Kai, and I think he's going to fight him and make him reveal himself."



The Bat briefly looked surprised, but then she smirked. "Why do you think that?" she asked.



I answered instead: "He saw me like this by coincidence when just he and Omega were raiding bases on their own. The inferior robot could not identify me as an organic or synthetic being."



Amy grunted to herself. "He was very suspicious at the birthday party, too," she added.



I concluded: "I revealed my true form during our last battle, but there should have been nothing to tip him off. The only thing he would know is that I have the ability to shapeshift."



Rouge shrugged, smiling further. "He's a smart one. Maybe he noticed that chemistry you two had at the last Eggman base and connected the dots. I could feel the sparks flying from where I was. Whew!"



"What?" both Amy and I spoke at the same time.



Amy coughed. "N...No. That was a serious battle. We didn't hold back. Totally professional."



Her phrasing made my temperature rise. I tried to calm myself. "... He didn't seem to know who I was exactly," I said. "But he correctly cites me as not a true hedgehog. He believes I am masquerading as a childhood friend to deceive Amy as part of a scheme."



"I don't want a fight that forces Metal to reveal himself, especially not in a way that leads Eggman to find out before we're ready for any of that. If Shadow suspects an Eggman scheme, he might have no filter..." Amy sighed. She looked at me, her eyes glistening with concern. Though I had more concern for her, she didn't want anything to happen to my data. I loved her...



"Mm... I mean, is it true, loverboy?" the Bat asked with a sly grin.



I squinted at her. "Is what true?" I asked.



"Is it a scheme? Do you actually love her?"



...! Angry... Angry! I took a step forward and glared her down. "How dare you even think of the question to ask!" I snapped.



I had to collect myself. I failed.



"I love her more than you could possibly comprehend! She is my true love!! She is everything and more! She is more than you!" I aggressively pointed at her.



Rouge's cheeks reddened. I didn't expect her response. I stood up straight, glancing over to Amy. Her face was a far deeper shade than Rouge's.



"Sh...She..." Amy shyly fidgeted with her hands. "Th-that was bait. She was just... baiting you."



Rouge laughed. I grinded my teeth.



"I don't care if it was bait! I'm not playing along with your own scheme!" I shouted at the Bat. "I love her! Do you want to keep hearing it?! I'll keep telling you! I love Amy Rose!"



Rouge planted her hands on her hips, grinning wide at me. "I'm not sure I believe you. I think I need some physical proof... Like a passionate kiss?"



I picked Amy up and glared Rouge down.



"R-Rouge! Stop it!" Amy exclaimed, her face even more red. "Metal! Later! Later!" she squeaked.



"Why?" I huffed.



"Wh-why?!" Amy covered her face with both of her hands. "Rouge is trying to get you to be romantic with me in front of her! I-it's embarrassing!"



Rouge clicked her tongue. "Oh, girl, there's nothing to be embarrassed about. Your boyfriend loves you. Isn't that right, sweetheart?"



... Strangely, I was less angry with the Bat. I looked down at Amy in my arms. "... I would like to know why you are embarrassed." Though I was confused, she was also very cute...



"Rouge will tease me for the next hundred years! She's relentless!" Amy exclaimed, her face still as red.



"I will fight her for you."



Rouge laughed again.



"S-s-stop talking!" Amy yelled. "Everything you say is just more fuel!"



Rouge tilted her head to the side as she examined us both. "Alright, I had my fun. You might be surprised to hear this, Loverboy, but I actually like you... And I think both of you are very adorable. Look how red she is~"



I looked at Amy again. She was indeed very red. I realized my tail was wagging as I watched her. Since Amy did not currently want to be kissed, I gently put her back down. She continued to cover her face.



Rouge continued: "Tell you what. I'll see what I can do about Shadow... There's still some benefit of the doubt, and despite my teasing, seeing you two fight at the last Eggman base actually helps your case. I just have a few more questions..." She crossed her arms, lifting a brow at me. "Did he know what you were doing the first time he saw you as Kai?"



I took a brief moment to think. "While he didn't physically see me at the Eggman base, he likely saw me turn in some bounties to the nearby village."



"Ooh, crime fighter too?" Rouge teased. "Look at you, such a good boy these days."



I narrowed my eyes. "Keep asking your questions."



"Fine, fine. Is this appearance of yours is based on anyone else?"



"No. It's unique," I replied. "This appearance belongs to me only."



Rouge grinned. "Okay, one final question. Does she like skin or metal more?" Rouge extended one of her fingers in Amy's direction.



Odd question. I wasn't sure how t--



"M-m-metal! I prefer metal!" Amy yelled. "But I love him just the way he is and all the ways he is!! I love how he used to look, I love his disguise, I love his true appearance!" she shouted.



...



Amy tightly grabbed my hand, still incredibly heated. "I don't want the wrong people knowing about us before we're ready, b-but I'm not ashamed of our love! He means everything to me!" she said with heavy breaths. "Okay?!"



My temperature was likely as hot as hers. I gently tugged her closer to me. "Rosy..." I caressed the side of her face with my free hand. She sounded upset, but she was incredibly flustered as well.



"Aw...~! Now this is just so sweet," Rouge cooed. "Relax, lovebirds. You won't have to worry about Shadow from now on. I know what to do with him."



Amy let out a relieved sigh, turning back towards Rouge. "What do we owe you?" she asked.



Rouge laughed again. "Oh, that whole scene was worth it three times over. That was amazing."



"This is the worst day ever," Amy squeaked to herself. "Let's go, Metal." She began walking, still with a grip on my hand. She took me towards the front door. "We're not your entertainment!" she yelled, pointing at Rouge with her other hand.



"Agree to disagree, hon! Bye~!"



We eventually left the apartment building, both of us blushing. We walked together down the street, the warm day feeling warmer than it should.



"... Are we still going to a cafe?" I asked her.



She was quiet for an entire minute. I waited patiently.



After a while, she sighed: "You're usually the one who says this, but it's been one of those days and I think I'll scream if I see another familiar face. Let's go home and make out."



...!



She was right. I did often express the desire to make out before she did.



"Okay," I said back. I would not complain.