Bathing in the moonlight
Knuckles, Rouge © Sega, Sonic Team. Please R&R.
V. Mixed feelings
Rouge's smile disappeared, as she broke free of his embrace.
-I... I can't tell you that.
Knuckles raised his eyebrow and said slowly:
-And why not? What is it so important that you can't tell me?
His voice was harsh and he was annoyed. "If you can't tell me, then why did you even looked for me, if you're hiding things from me now?"
-Knuckles... Please...
The bat her eyes closed and the same pain that Knuckles saw last night was on her face.
-Rouge... Look, I'm sorry...
He hugged her. Rouge placed her head on his chest, returning the hug. She felt so safe in his arms, and all the fright disappeared.
-I'm sorry, I had no right to...
-No, you're right.
Knuckles released her and saw that she was more relaxed now, but still noticed a strange sparkle in her eyes. Was it... fear?
-It seems important... whispered Knuckles.
-It is important. And... I think you need to know this, and I want to tell you, but...
-But...?
-I can't. I just... can't.
Rouge fixed her eyes on the ground, watching a small ant hiding under a rock. How can she make him understand? How can she reveal her darkest secret, which followed her years after years, stealing her sleep, robbing her from serene dreams, while being always haunted by memories...
Do I still give you nightmares?
Knuckles watched her shiver. „What's her secret?" He wanted to know this more than anything else. "I love her. I don't care if she tells me or not. I'll still love her."
-If you don't want to tell me...
-That's just the point, I want to tell you, just...
She couldn't go on. After such a perfect night, why did the morning had to be so cold?
Knuckles held her hands and looked into her eyes.
-Don't worry. A secret won't stop me from loving you.
Rouge's heart seemed to melt. He loved her. He would understand. But what was stopping her?
-I really want to tell you, trust me, but... not now.
The red echidna kissed her on the lips. It felt so warming and loving...
-I believe you, Rouge, said Knuckles, ending the embrace of their lips. And you know that I'm a very patient echidna. I can wait until you feel ready to tell me.
Rouge smiled. He was right; when she could do it, she'll tell him.
-Since when is the all-mighty Guardian understanding?
-Since he met a cunning jewels thief.
Knuckles had a smirk on his face.
-I think we're alright now.
-One more thing...
Rouge looked at him concerned.
-What?
-Nothing much.
-What!
The Guardian waited a couple of seconds before answering.
-Well, we can be alright, but you have to stop trying to steal the ME. If you really want things to work out...
-Sigh... Well, I think it could have been worse. Fine...
-Good, said Knuckles and leaned forward for another kiss.
-Oh, and one more thing.
Rouge stopped his kiss by placing a finger over his lips.
-You'd better think about inviting me on a date soon.
-Ah...
Knuckles didn't look very excited, but said:
-I guess it's a fair price.
-See you later, then.
-Leaving? Oh, ok...
Rouge just smiled.
-Don't worry, I'll be back. But now I really have to go, Shadow must be worried...
-Oh, yeah...
Rouge looked at him just in time to catch his jealous look.
-There's no reason to be jealous, Knuxy.
-I'm not, he replied a little too fast.
-Shadow's a great friend, and so are you.
-And what's the difference?
Knuckles didn't quite liked being compared with Rouge's best friend.
-Well, she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and moving closer to him, for starters, you're also a great lover.
-Wow... thanks.
-Love ya, Red.
-Love you too, Rouge.
They deepened into a goodbye kiss.
-Buh-bye, love!
With those last goodbye words, Rouge jumped into the air and left flying. Knuckles watched, feeling a bit sad. He couldn't leave with her. He had a blood duty. He had to always guard the Master Emerald. But didn't he have also a duty towards his heart?
"Goodbye, love."
I know this is a bit short, but I hope you'll still like it. Now I want to clear up some things. When I first putted this story on fanfiction, I had it written in a notebook. So the next chapter will come much later, so please be patient. The next chappie, will be, lemme see, "Secrets revealed", or "Her darkest secret". Oh, just tell me which title would you like most. And don't forget to review. Also, look over my profile to see my upcoming fics.
So, in the next chapter, you WILL find out what is Rouge's darkest secret, what is she so afraid so and why the trauma did never really healed... Oops! Did I said that loud! And how is going Knuckles to help her get over it. And you will see Amy as a a fantastic friend, who knows how to solve problems. Well, other peoples problem. SHe is a very close friend of Rouge, and will help her a lot with her... "problem". Also, it will be more violent, with some hints of SonAmy and the local police getting involved into a... Okay, I already said too much. R&R, and enjoy!