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Description
"Love, Duty, and Friendship"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl
Chapter 7: "I Love You, and I Loved You All Along"

     It was already evening, and Amy started to rouse from her slumber.  She had cried herself to sleep, wrapped up tightly in the blanket Knuckles had been sleeping with that week.  She looked around, only to see the apartment empty as it was before.  She could feel the tears returning, knowing that Knuckles wasn’t going to come back.  She decided not to try to stop him from doing what he had to, and ultimately, what was most important to him.  She pulled the blanket over her head and tried to fall back asleep, because in her dreams, she found peace.

      By this time, Knuckles had anchored Angel Island considerably close to the beach of Station Square, closer than he had before, but still safely out of reach.  He and Kelerai were making the short trip back to Amy’s apartment, and he was feeling pretty good about this time.  Kelerai had to run quickly to keep up with him sometimes, finally mewing in distress when she was too tired to catch up.  Knuckles looked back, and chuckling warmly, he knelt down and picked her up.

      “C’mon baby, you can ride on my shoulder the rest of the way.  We’re almost back to Amy’s apartment…I think she’ll be happy to have us back.  Heaven knows I’ll be glad to be with her again…I can’t imagine living without her now…,” Knuckles paused, “I wonder…if she feels the same way about me?”  His voice drifted off, and with the sun only setting lower over the ocean, Knuckles left his mind to wonder and he picked up his pace.  He wanted to get back to Amy as soon as possible.  His need to get to her was even stronger than his drive to find the Master Emerald was earlier that day, and he made a great effort to make his trek to her apartment as quick as possible.

      Amy finally pulled out from the blanket, tired of sleeping, and sick of crying.  She remembered Sonic inviting her and Knuckles to Twinkle Park that night, a sort of group thing, with him, Tails, Cream and Cheese.  Amy figured she’d go anyway, even without Knuckles.  She’d just have to get used to being without him…maybe being with her friends would help her.  With that thought in mind, she decided to get ready to meet them at Twinkle Park…things would work themselves out…eventually.

      Amy tearfully readied herself for a night out, even though she really didn’t want to go.  She only needed to do a few more things, but she decided to lock the sliding glass door and windows first.  She walked out of her dressing room, down the hall, only to have Kelerai…at least, it looked like Kelerai, run up to her, mewing happily.

     “Kel-Kelerai?  Is that you sweetie?  What on earth are you doing here?” Amy asked, amazed when she realized it was indeed Knuckles’ little kitten.  Amy knelt down to the ground and picked Kelerai up, saying, “I thought for sure you’d be with Knuckles…wait, oh-oh dear, Kelerai, is Knuckles alright?  Where is he?  Is something wrong?”  Amy became racked with panic; she surely would have heard Kelerai around the apartment if Knuckles had left her behind.  Once more, she was almost certain that Knuckles wouldn’t leave Kelerai behind.  Amy quickly got up; ready to call Sonic and let the group know she wouldn’t be coming, she ran out to the front room, only to find Knuckles sitting on the couch, pulling his shoes off, and rubbing his head.

     She gasped, unsure of what to say, whether to jump for joy, or break down into tears.  She held Kelerai close to her chest, over her heart, and tried to hold back her tears.  Knuckles could sense her uncertainty, and expected this kind of reaction from her.  A warm smile spread across his face, and he stood up, only to take a few steps towards her, and stop abruptly, cringing and crying sharply.

     Suddenly, Amy’s tears didn’t matter anymore.  Obviously, all the walking he had done that day had taken its toll on his not yet healed body.  He began a slow slump to the floor, and Amy, setting Kelerai down as quickly as she could, ran to Knuckles, catching him in her arms before he fell to the ground.  As she did this, she pulled him into a hug, her tears returning, and she began to weep silently.  Knuckles, who began to regain his awareness, could feel her tears being soaked up by his fur.  His head was balanced on her shoulder, and unsure of whether she was crying because she was happy or sad, he returned her embrace anyway, glad to be with her again.

     After a few moments of silence between them, Amy finally spoke, but the two remained locked in their embrace.  “Kn-Knuxie?  Are…you okay?” Amy asked, pausing, “I-I thought you had left for Angel Island.  Why did you come back?”

     Knuckles, who was breathing slightly heavy, continued to rest his head on her shoulder, his eyes closed.  He opened his eyes partly, a smile gracing his face once more, and inhaling heavily, he replied, “Sure…I went to retrieve the Master Emerald, and returned to Angel Island.  You are right about that, but, I didn’t mean to stay…at least, after a little bit of soul searching, I finally worked things out for myself.”  Knuckles paused, his breathing becoming easier for the moment.  After a short pause, he spoke again, saying, “I finally realized that…well, the Master Emerald, I had thought for all this time, was in control of my life.  It was to blame for the massacre of my clan, and it was also the reason I would remain in isolation, unable to love or have any kind of life outside of guarding it and Angel Island.  However, I’ve finally realized that that isn’t the case.  I can’t really explain it, but I know now what I want to do, and what I have needed to do for a long time.”

     He stopped speaking, and Amy, whose tears were lessened by Knuckles’ affection, pondered his words.  After a few seconds, she nuzzled Knuckles’ head, and suppressed her tears.  The two pulled back from each other, looking into each other’s eyes.  It was almost as if they were trying to speak to each other without words, that their feelings for the other could say it all.  Knuckles, as worn out as he was, maintained his warm, loving smile..., he knew what he had come to say, and he was going to say it…that was certain.

     Knuckles took his hand, and gently wiped away any tears remaining in Amy’s eyes, his eyes twinkling under the faint glow of the accent lighting.  Amy’s smile matched his in appearance, but gave off an almost inner glow, resonating from the love for him in her heart.  Amy didn’t need to question Knuckles on what he had come to say; she knew him well enough by this point, and his smile was all she needed to know that he loved her.  Her smile said the same thing to him as well, and he knew that now was definitely the time to confess his love to her.

     “Amy…I…I did leave, with the sole intention of recovering the Master Emerald and raise Angel Island to the sky once more.  Yet, after only a few hours, I realized that something was missing; you were missing, and I blamed the Master Emerald, not only for tethering me to the island and away from you, but for being the cause of my clan’s demise as well.  Thing is, I realize that it was preserved to protect life, not to control it or end it.  What I mean to say is, I’m finally comfortable with my life, however confusing and frustrating it gets, but it had always been the easiest on me when you and I are together.  So Amy, what I’m trying to say is…I love you Amy, above all things…more than the Master Emerald even,” Knuckles said in an almost inaudible whisper.

      Amy was at a loss for words.  Knuckles had just said what she could only hope and dream would become reality.  She could only imagine the mental anguish he had gone through at trying to get his life in order, and finally he had found the peace within him to open his heart to hers.  The two exchanged a silent, blissful gaze, Knuckles losing himself in her pure, emerald green eyes, and Amy enchanted by the deep, velvety nature of Knuckles’ violet eyes.  It was only a brief moment of utter silence, but the love between them was quite clear at this point.

     She shut her eyes, breaking the peace between them.  A smile spread across her face, as she slowly opened her eyes, only to see Knuckles blink slowly, and lick his lips, then smiling at her once more.  Amy shook her head, and brought a hand to Knuckles’ jawbone, caressing it gently.  He shut his eyes, relaxing to the touch of her hand to his skin, and breathed deeply.  A sweet smile graced Amy’s face, for this was what she wanted him to do.  When the moment was right, she too shut her eyes, leaning closer to Knuckles, and inhaling deeply.  Knuckles, though he was in quite a relaxed state, could sense her presence getting closer to him.  He reacted by leaning closer to her; closer to each other they came, both breathing deeply, their stomachs churning from their nervousness.  Yet, no matter how nervous they were, there was one thing they were sure of: They were in love.

     Finally, Amy and Knuckles came together in a passionate kiss.  Once their lips met, it was if all their nerves and apprehensions dissolved like dust in the wind.  This was the first kiss that they shared together.  Sure, they had kissed the other on the cheek before, more as a sign of their strong, loving friendship.  This was different.  This kiss meant that they were in love, and finally able to pursue it.  It was the culmination of years of friendship and secret love for the other, finally free to fly, and carry them where it would.

     Slowly they withdrew, only to look in each other’s eyes lovingly.  It was at this point that Knuckles pulled her into his arms, hugging her gently and saying, “I love you, and I really loved you all along, longer than you know…or than I would probably admit.”

     Amy laughed happily, sniffing once more, her tears dissipated.  She responded, “I love you too, and, like you said, I have for awhile, but again, I wouldn’t let it show.”  The two pulled back from each other, again, all the tensions gone, yet they were both at a loss for words.  Amy stood up, extending her hand to Knuckles, helping him off the floor.  She then said, “I better call Sonic and tell him we aren’t gonna be able to make it tonight.”

     Before she could pick up the phone, Knuckles grabbed her arm and pulled her back, shaking his head and saying, “What, just because I went weak there you think I can’t make it?  I’m feeling good enough to go, so let’s go ahead and go as planned…” He paused, and pulling his shoes on, looking back, and giving Amy a grin he said, “Unless you had other ideas.”

     Amy blushed heavily at that point, and giggling quietly she said, “Oh no…no, I didn’t mean—I…oh shoot.” She had become so flustered she was unable to find the words to say.  She turned around only to find Knuckles standing right behind her, with her sweater in hand.  She couldn’t control her blushing at this point; yet, Knuckles made her comfortable enough to the point where any apprehension and nervousness was kept at bay.

      A short time later, the two had arrived at Twinkle Park.  Knuckles had to coax Kelerai into staying behind, which turned out to be quite the challenge for the echidna.  Even so, Amy and Knuckles had made it there on time, and while walking to where Sonic said they’d meet, Amy spoke.  “So, Knuckles, what does all this mean?”

      Knuckles, who was holding her hand, stopped walking, giving her a confused look.  “What do you mean Amy?  I don’t understand what you’re referring to.”

      Amy and Knuckles turned towards each other, and Amy again felt flustered.  She only wished she could have phrased her question differently, and she brought her free hand up to ruffle her bangs.  Knuckles used his free hand to take her free hand, now holding both her hands in his own, and looked at her gently, a smile on his face.  Again, her nervousness melted away, and she said, “I mean…I should have phrased it differently.  We love each other…and now that that’s out in the open…what’s next?  I don’t know…I guess I’m just a little confused.”

     Knuckles looked at her, appearing as though he was processing what she had asked him, only to almost immediately know what to say.  He let one of Amy’s hands go, holding the other one, and continuing to walk along.  Amy resumed her walk beside him, and it was only a few moments later when Knuckles said, “Wherever you are, is where I’ll be.  Whatever you do, is what I’ll do.  We’ll be together, you and me, no matter where we are, that’s what is important.  If you’re wondering where I’ll live, what’ll happen in coming days, or whatever, just know this.  We’ll always be together, and never let each other go.”  After he said this, he stopped walking once more, looking to her, and asked, “Does that answer your question?”

    Amy smiled, and looked down at her shoes, then up and whispered, “What question?”

    The two smiled at each other, and after a good laugh, Knuckles leaned in and kissed her once more, only pulling away when he realized Sonic, Tails, and Cream and Cheese were within viewing distance.  The two exchanged a look that said, “I love you,” smiling brightly, and continuing their walk until they reached the others.  Now their love was out in the open, and Sonic couldn’t help but joke with Knuckles about it, teasing him like any best friend would do.  It was a lovely night out, and after the excitement was over, Knuckles found himself in Amy’s apartment later that night.  Amy had long fallen asleep, clutching onto Knuckles, and resting her head on his chest as she slept.

    The echidna too was about to fall asleep, but looked out of the glass door before doing so.  He could see Angel Island in the near distance, and could even make out the glow of the Master Emerald as it set on its altar.  The Master Emerald didn’t weigh heavily on his thoughts, but knowing it was safe comforted him.  He pulled a blanket over Amy, but didn’t change his position in fear of waking her.  Comfortable where he was, he fell asleep not much later, and for the first time, he was at peace in his dreams.  He didn’t know whether it was admitting his love for Amy to her, or if it was getting away from the Master Emerald but still knowing it was safe, or even if it was Amy sleeping near him, knowing she was safe, and knowing she loved him too, but for the first time, he was at peace, not just in his dreams, but with himself, and with life.

Description
"Love, Duty, and Friendship"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl
Chapter 7: "I Love You, and I Loved You All Along"

     It was already evening, and Amy started to rouse from her slumber.  She had cried herself to sleep, wrapped up tightly in the blanket Knuckles had been sleeping with that week.  She looked around, only to see the apartment empty as it was before.  She could feel the tears returning, knowing that Knuckles wasn’t going to come back.  She decided not to try to stop him from doing what he had to, and ultimately, what was most important to him.  She pulled the blanket over her head and tried to fall back asleep, because in her dreams, she found peace.

      By this time, Knuckles had anchored Angel Island considerably close to the beach of Station Square, closer than he had before, but still safely out of reach.  He and Kelerai were making the short trip back to Amy’s apartment, and he was feeling pretty good about this time.  Kelerai had to run quickly to keep up with him sometimes, finally mewing in distress when she was too tired to catch up.  Knuckles looked back, and chuckling warmly, he knelt down and picked her up.

      “C’mon baby, you can ride on my shoulder the rest of the way.  We’re almost back to Amy’s apartment…I think she’ll be happy to have us back.  Heaven knows I’ll be glad to be with her again…I can’t imagine living without her now…,” Knuckles paused, “I wonder…if she feels the same way about me?”  His voice drifted off, and with the sun only setting lower over the ocean, Knuckles left his mind to wonder and he picked up his pace.  He wanted to get back to Amy as soon as possible.  His need to get to her was even stronger than his drive to find the Master Emerald was earlier that day, and he made a great effort to make his trek to her apartment as quick as possible.

      Amy finally pulled out from the blanket, tired of sleeping, and sick of crying.  She remembered Sonic inviting her and Knuckles to Twinkle Park that night, a sort of group thing, with him, Tails, Cream and Cheese.  Amy figured she’d go anyway, even without Knuckles.  She’d just have to get used to being without him…maybe being with her friends would help her.  With that thought in mind, she decided to get ready to meet them at Twinkle Park…things would work themselves out…eventually.

      Amy tearfully readied herself for a night out, even though she really didn’t want to go.  She only needed to do a few more things, but she decided to lock the sliding glass door and windows first.  She walked out of her dressing room, down the hall, only to have Kelerai…at least, it looked like Kelerai, run up to her, mewing happily.

     “Kel-Kelerai?  Is that you sweetie?  What on earth are you doing here?” Amy asked, amazed when she realized it was indeed Knuckles’ little kitten.  Amy knelt down to the ground and picked Kelerai up, saying, “I thought for sure you’d be with Knuckles…wait, oh-oh dear, Kelerai, is Knuckles alright?  Where is he?  Is something wrong?”  Amy became racked with panic; she surely would have heard Kelerai around the apartment if Knuckles had left her behind.  Once more, she was almost certain that Knuckles wouldn’t leave Kelerai behind.  Amy quickly got up; ready to call Sonic and let the group know she wouldn’t be coming, she ran out to the front room, only to find Knuckles sitting on the couch, pulling his shoes off, and rubbing his head.

     She gasped, unsure of what to say, whether to jump for joy, or break down into tears.  She held Kelerai close to her chest, over her heart, and tried to hold back her tears.  Knuckles could sense her uncertainty, and expected this kind of reaction from her.  A warm smile spread across his face, and he stood up, only to take a few steps towards her, and stop abruptly, cringing and crying sharply.

     Suddenly, Amy’s tears didn’t matter anymore.  Obviously, all the walking he had done that day had taken its toll on his not yet healed body.  He began a slow slump to the floor, and Amy, setting Kelerai down as quickly as she could, ran to Knuckles, catching him in her arms before he fell to the ground.  As she did this, she pulled him into a hug, her tears returning, and she began to weep silently.  Knuckles, who began to regain his awareness, could feel her tears being soaked up by his fur.  His head was balanced on her shoulder, and unsure of whether she was crying because she was happy or sad, he returned her embrace anyway, glad to be with her again.

     After a few moments of silence between them, Amy finally spoke, but the two remained locked in their embrace.  “Kn-Knuxie?  Are…you okay?” Amy asked, pausing, “I-I thought you had left for Angel Island.  Why did you come back?”

     Knuckles, who was breathing slightly heavy, continued to rest his head on her shoulder, his eyes closed.  He opened his eyes partly, a smile gracing his face once more, and inhaling heavily, he replied, “Sure…I went to retrieve the Master Emerald, and returned to Angel Island.  You are right about that, but, I didn’t mean to stay…at least, after a little bit of soul searching, I finally worked things out for myself.”  Knuckles paused, his breathing becoming easier for the moment.  After a short pause, he spoke again, saying, “I finally realized that…well, the Master Emerald, I had thought for all this time, was in control of my life.  It was to blame for the massacre of my clan, and it was also the reason I would remain in isolation, unable to love or have any kind of life outside of guarding it and Angel Island.  However, I’ve finally realized that that isn’t the case.  I can’t really explain it, but I know now what I want to do, and what I have needed to do for a long time.”

     He stopped speaking, and Amy, whose tears were lessened by Knuckles’ affection, pondered his words.  After a few seconds, she nuzzled Knuckles’ head, and suppressed her tears.  The two pulled back from each other, looking into each other’s eyes.  It was almost as if they were trying to speak to each other without words, that their feelings for the other could say it all.  Knuckles, as worn out as he was, maintained his warm, loving smile..., he knew what he had come to say, and he was going to say it…that was certain.

     Knuckles took his hand, and gently wiped away any tears remaining in Amy’s eyes, his eyes twinkling under the faint glow of the accent lighting.  Amy’s smile matched his in appearance, but gave off an almost inner glow, resonating from the love for him in her heart.  Amy didn’t need to question Knuckles on what he had come to say; she knew him well enough by this point, and his smile was all she needed to know that he loved her.  Her smile said the same thing to him as well, and he knew that now was definitely the time to confess his love to her.

     “Amy…I…I did leave, with the sole intention of recovering the Master Emerald and raise Angel Island to the sky once more.  Yet, after only a few hours, I realized that something was missing; you were missing, and I blamed the Master Emerald, not only for tethering me to the island and away from you, but for being the cause of my clan’s demise as well.  Thing is, I realize that it was preserved to protect life, not to control it or end it.  What I mean to say is, I’m finally comfortable with my life, however confusing and frustrating it gets, but it had always been the easiest on me when you and I are together.  So Amy, what I’m trying to say is…I love you Amy, above all things…more than the Master Emerald even,” Knuckles said in an almost inaudible whisper.

      Amy was at a loss for words.  Knuckles had just said what she could only hope and dream would become reality.  She could only imagine the mental anguish he had gone through at trying to get his life in order, and finally he had found the peace within him to open his heart to hers.  The two exchanged a silent, blissful gaze, Knuckles losing himself in her pure, emerald green eyes, and Amy enchanted by the deep, velvety nature of Knuckles’ violet eyes.  It was only a brief moment of utter silence, but the love between them was quite clear at this point.

     She shut her eyes, breaking the peace between them.  A smile spread across her face, as she slowly opened her eyes, only to see Knuckles blink slowly, and lick his lips, then smiling at her once more.  Amy shook her head, and brought a hand to Knuckles’ jawbone, caressing it gently.  He shut his eyes, relaxing to the touch of her hand to his skin, and breathed deeply.  A sweet smile graced Amy’s face, for this was what she wanted him to do.  When the moment was right, she too shut her eyes, leaning closer to Knuckles, and inhaling deeply.  Knuckles, though he was in quite a relaxed state, could sense her presence getting closer to him.  He reacted by leaning closer to her; closer to each other they came, both breathing deeply, their stomachs churning from their nervousness.  Yet, no matter how nervous they were, there was one thing they were sure of: They were in love.

     Finally, Amy and Knuckles came together in a passionate kiss.  Once their lips met, it was if all their nerves and apprehensions dissolved like dust in the wind.  This was the first kiss that they shared together.  Sure, they had kissed the other on the cheek before, more as a sign of their strong, loving friendship.  This was different.  This kiss meant that they were in love, and finally able to pursue it.  It was the culmination of years of friendship and secret love for the other, finally free to fly, and carry them where it would.

     Slowly they withdrew, only to look in each other’s eyes lovingly.  It was at this point that Knuckles pulled her into his arms, hugging her gently and saying, “I love you, and I really loved you all along, longer than you know…or than I would probably admit.”

     Amy laughed happily, sniffing once more, her tears dissipated.  She responded, “I love you too, and, like you said, I have for awhile, but again, I wouldn’t let it show.”  The two pulled back from each other, again, all the tensions gone, yet they were both at a loss for words.  Amy stood up, extending her hand to Knuckles, helping him off the floor.  She then said, “I better call Sonic and tell him we aren’t gonna be able to make it tonight.”

     Before she could pick up the phone, Knuckles grabbed her arm and pulled her back, shaking his head and saying, “What, just because I went weak there you think I can’t make it?  I’m feeling good enough to go, so let’s go ahead and go as planned…” He paused, and pulling his shoes on, looking back, and giving Amy a grin he said, “Unless you had other ideas.”

     Amy blushed heavily at that point, and giggling quietly she said, “Oh no…no, I didn’t mean—I…oh shoot.” She had become so flustered she was unable to find the words to say.  She turned around only to find Knuckles standing right behind her, with her sweater in hand.  She couldn’t control her blushing at this point; yet, Knuckles made her comfortable enough to the point where any apprehension and nervousness was kept at bay.

      A short time later, the two had arrived at Twinkle Park.  Knuckles had to coax Kelerai into staying behind, which turned out to be quite the challenge for the echidna.  Even so, Amy and Knuckles had made it there on time, and while walking to where Sonic said they’d meet, Amy spoke.  “So, Knuckles, what does all this mean?”

      Knuckles, who was holding her hand, stopped walking, giving her a confused look.  “What do you mean Amy?  I don’t understand what you’re referring to.”

      Amy and Knuckles turned towards each other, and Amy again felt flustered.  She only wished she could have phrased her question differently, and she brought her free hand up to ruffle her bangs.  Knuckles used his free hand to take her free hand, now holding both her hands in his own, and looked at her gently, a smile on his face.  Again, her nervousness melted away, and she said, “I mean…I should have phrased it differently.  We love each other…and now that that’s out in the open…what’s next?  I don’t know…I guess I’m just a little confused.”

     Knuckles looked at her, appearing as though he was processing what she had asked him, only to almost immediately know what to say.  He let one of Amy’s hands go, holding the other one, and continuing to walk along.  Amy resumed her walk beside him, and it was only a few moments later when Knuckles said, “Wherever you are, is where I’ll be.  Whatever you do, is what I’ll do.  We’ll be together, you and me, no matter where we are, that’s what is important.  If you’re wondering where I’ll live, what’ll happen in coming days, or whatever, just know this.  We’ll always be together, and never let each other go.”  After he said this, he stopped walking once more, looking to her, and asked, “Does that answer your question?”

    Amy smiled, and looked down at her shoes, then up and whispered, “What question?”

    The two smiled at each other, and after a good laugh, Knuckles leaned in and kissed her once more, only pulling away when he realized Sonic, Tails, and Cream and Cheese were within viewing distance.  The two exchanged a look that said, “I love you,” smiling brightly, and continuing their walk until they reached the others.  Now their love was out in the open, and Sonic couldn’t help but joke with Knuckles about it, teasing him like any best friend would do.  It was a lovely night out, and after the excitement was over, Knuckles found himself in Amy’s apartment later that night.  Amy had long fallen asleep, clutching onto Knuckles, and resting her head on his chest as she slept.

    The echidna too was about to fall asleep, but looked out of the glass door before doing so.  He could see Angel Island in the near distance, and could even make out the glow of the Master Emerald as it set on its altar.  The Master Emerald didn’t weigh heavily on his thoughts, but knowing it was safe comforted him.  He pulled a blanket over Amy, but didn’t change his position in fear of waking her.  Comfortable where he was, he fell asleep not much later, and for the first time, he was at peace in his dreams.  He didn’t know whether it was admitting his love for Amy to her, or if it was getting away from the Master Emerald but still knowing it was safe, or even if it was Amy sleeping near him, knowing she was safe, and knowing she loved him too, but for the first time, he was at peace, not just in his dreams, but with himself, and with life.