Chapter 1: The Past
Chapter Text
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[December 14, 2009 | 10:32 A.M. | Cold Winter Morning | Suburban U.S. Neighborhood]
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The air was sharp, biting, and white clouds puffed out every time a breath escaped the children running in the yard.
The sound of laughter cut through the crisp air, bouncing between the two homes that sat across the narrow street.
Both houses smelled of fresh tortillas, caldo simmering on the stove, and faintly of café con leche.
The Hernandez family had just moved into the neighborhood a week ago, and today was the first time the two families would meet properly.
The Rosa kids had been spying from their porch for days, pointing at the new family unloading boxes, noticing the loud chatter of siblings who spoke a mix of English and Spanish just like they did.
Amy Rosa—only nine years old then, her pink bobbed hair tucked under a knitted beanie—hugged her arms to her chest as she peeked over the wooden fence.
“They got a lot of kids too,” she whispered, glancing back at her siblings.
Alicia, barely eight, stomped her boots in the frost.
“Mami says we gotta go say hi, Amy. Don’t be shy.”
Andy, who was six and missing two front teeth, grinned.
“I bet they got toys!”
Alex, the oldest at thirteen, adjusted the hoodie over his head and muttered,
“Stop being embarrassing. We’re just meeting neighbors, not marrying them.”
He rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his curiosity either.
On the other side, the Hernandez kids were gathering in their driveway.
Sonic, ten years old, stood in the middle with his hands jammed in his jacket pockets.
His hair was already unruly, a dark shade of blue that caught in the pale light.
He hated the itchy scarf his mamá had wrapped him in.
Beside him, Adriana, twelve, gave a little huff of white breath.
“Be polite, Sonic. Don’t make a face like that. They’re probably nice.”
Sebastian, Sonic’s twin by only a few minutes, elbowed him.
“Bet you they play soccer too. We’re not the only ones with a squad.”
Sarah, five, clung to her mamá’s hand, wide-eyed, curly hair tied in pigtails, bouncing on her boots.
“Do they got a puppy?”
she asked, earning a laugh from their dad.
Sam, the oldest at fifteen, sighed like he carried the weight of the whole family.
“Can we just say hi so we can go inside already? It’s freezing.”
Their mamá, tall and elegant, spoke softly in Spanish.
“Cálmense, todos. Be kind. We’re meeting friends.”
The Rosa family was already walking down the porch steps.
The two groups of kids stopped in the middle of the street, hesitant at first, breath fogging between them like a line drawn in the cold air.
Amy was the first to notice it.
The way the boy in the jacket had hair just as strange as hers.
Blue.
Not black, not brown.
Blue.
She tugged her sister Alicia’s sleeve.
“Look,”
she whispered.
“His hair…”
Sonic noticed too.
The girl across from him, small, pink hair poking out from under her beanie like candy-colored threads.
He blinked and pointed without thinking.
“Oye—your hair’s pink.”
Amy frowned, but her cheeks flushed.
“Mami says it runs in the family. Grandma too. You’re blue!”
Sonic scratched the back of his head, sheepish.
“Yeah, but… it’s just hair.”
Adriana cut in with a smirk, arms crossed.
“Our abuela said it’s from way back, nuestros antepasados. Like… a gift.”
Alex raised a brow, curious despite himself.
“That’s… kinda cool.”
Little Sarah piped up.
“Pink and blue are pretty! Like paletas!”
She giggled, hiding her face in her scarf.
Andy leaned forward, tugging Amy’s sleeve.
“Ask them if they play soccer.”
Amy squirmed.
“You ask!”
But Sonic already smirked.
“You guys play?”
The challenge was all it took.
Within minutes, the kids had pulled out a half-flat soccer ball from someone’s yard.
Gloves and hats were tossed to the side, boots scraped against the frosty pavement.
The parents stood back on their porches, shaking their heads but smiling at the sight of so many children moving together like they’d known each other forever.
“¡Pásala, pásala!”
Sebastian shouted, darting past Alex, his laughter filling the air.
“¡Oye, no fair!”
Alicia yelled as Adriana stole the ball from her.
Andy tumbled, rolling on the cold street, and everyone burst out laughing as Amy helped him up, brushing frost off his jacket.
Sonic, faster than most, darted across the asphalt, the blue of his hair a streak against the pale morning.
He scored between two rocks they had set down as goalposts, raising his arms triumphantly.
Amy crossed her arms, scowling.
“Show-off.”
Sonic stuck out his tongue at her.
“You’re just mad ‘cause you didn’t stop me.”
“You didn’t even play fair!”
she shot back.
Adriana rolled her eyes.
“Ay Dios, here we go.”
Their mothers laughed from the sidelines.
“Mira nomás,”
Amy’s mamá said, shaking her head fondly.
“Already acting like hermanos.”
The game stretched for nearly an hour, until noses were red, gloves damp, and laughter softened into tired breathing.
Eventually, both families retreated inside their warm homes, where the smell of pozole and tamales replaced the icy sting of winter.
Inside the Rosa household, Amy tugged off her beanie, pink hair springing out.
Her mamá brushed it back and kissed the top of her head.
“Te llevaste bien con ellos?”
she asked gently.
Amy thought about it, about the boy with the blue hair and the cocky smile.
She shrugged, cheeks warming again.
“They’re okay.”
Across the street, Sonic collapsed on the couch, still grinning from the game.
His dad ruffled his hair.
“Bien, mijo. Looks like you found friends.”
Sonic pretended not to care, grabbing a piece of pan dulce from the table.
“Yeah, I guess.”
But in the back of his mind, he kept replaying the moment he’d pointed at Amy’s hair, how she’d pointed right back, like mirrors.
Pink and blue.
Two odd colors standing out in a world of brown and black.
The memory would stick with him, even years later, even after he forgot so much.
⸻
[6:07 P.M. | Same Day | Rosa Backyard | Cold Evening]
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The sun had set early, sky painted in streaks of violet and gold.
Both families gathered in the Rosa’s backyard where the fire pit burned bright, casting warmth against the chilly evening.
The parents sat in a circle, sharing atole and stories, while the kids huddled around with marshmallows stuck on skewers.
“¡Cuidado, Andy, you’re gonna burn it!”
Alicia squealed, watching her little brother’s marshmallow catch fire.
Andy waved it around wildly until Alex smacked it out of his hand, both of them laughing so hard their sides hurt.
Amy sat quieter, closer to the fire, her short hair shining like rose petals in the glow.
Sonic sat across from her, legs crossed, pretending not to look but sneaking glances anyway.
“Why you staring?”
she finally asked, catching him.
“I’m not staring,”
he shot back quickly, looking away.
“Yes, you are.”
Sonic groaned, covering his face.
“You’re annoying.”
“You too.”
But when their eyes met again, there was no anger—just the soft curiosity of kids who had found something strange and familiar in each other.
That night, as the fire crackled and the parents’ voices blended into warm laughter, the two families became inseparable.
And though neither Sonic nor Amy knew it yet, though their hearts were too young for love, the thread had already been tied.
A friendship born in winter, sealed with laughter, firelight, and the colors pink and blue.
⸻
Chapter 2: The Morning After Cold Nights
Chapter Text
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[January 17, 2025 | 8:02 A.M. | Winter Morning | Hernandez Household]
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The alarm on Sonic Hernandez’s phone went off like a jackhammer against his skull.
A buzzing, shrill vibration, paired with some dumb notification he’d forgotten to silence last night.
“Fuck…”
His voice was groggy, deepened by sleep, but sharp enough to cut the quiet morning.
He smacked the phone against the nightstand, almost knocking over the empty Gatorade bottle sitting there since last night.
The bedroom was a wreck.
Jeans crumpled in a pile on the floor, his leather jacket thrown carelessly over the desk chair, and his sneakers—mud still on them—kicked near the heater.
The faint smell of cologne mixed with laundry detergent and a hint of sweat hung in the air.
Sonic stretched, the blanket slipping off his torso.
His abs flexed in the cold morning light leaking through the blinds.
Six neat lines, sculpted from years of running, soccer, and working as a delivery man.
His curly dark-blue hair was messy, strands falling over his forehead.
“Goddamn winter,”
he muttered, sitting up.
His breath was visible in the chilly room.
The heater was useless again.
From the hall came the muffled noise of his siblings—Sebastian laughing at something stupid on his phone, Sarah slamming a door because she was late for school, Adriana yelling something about breakfast.
The house was alive, loud, as always.
Sonic rubbed his eyes and groaned.
“Every fuckin’ morning…”
⸻
[8:14 A.M. | Bathroom]
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The mirror was foggy from the shower he’d just finished, steam still clinging to the air.
Sonic stood in a towel, brushing his teeth with one hand, scrolling through his phone with the other.
His Instagram feed was a mess—car reels, workout clips, random DMs from people he didn’t care about.
He spit out foam, rinsed, and stared at himself in the mirror.
Droplets of water slid down his chest.
“You’re a sexy son of a bitch,”
he muttered to himself with a grin.
He flexed his arm, then shook his head.
“Nah, you look like shit right now.”
From the hall, his twin, Sebastian, yelled through the door.
“¡Apúrate cabrón! You’re hogging the bathroom!”
“Shut the fuck up, Seb!”
Sonic barked back, spitting water into the sink.
“You’re not the only one with plans!”
Sonic smirked.
“Plans to jerk off in the shower, huh?”
The hallway erupted with laughter from his sisters.
Adriana’s voice cut through.
“Ustedes son unos idiotas. Hurry up, I need the mirror!”
“Y’all need to relax,”
Sonic said, drying off and pulling on black ripped jeans and a fitted white tee.
Over it, he tossed his leather jacket, zipping it halfway.
He tugged on socks, sneakers, and grabbed his silver chain from the nightstand.
⸻
[8:45 A.M. | Hernandez Kitchen]
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The kitchen smelled of scrambled eggs, beans, and tortillas warming on the stove.
His mamá stood over the pan, hair tied in a loose bun, speaking rapid Spanish to his dad, who scrolled through the morning news on his tablet.
“Mijo, eat something before you leave,”
his mamá called, flipping the eggs.
“I’m good, Ma,”
Sonic said, adjusting his jacket.
“I’ll grab coffee later.”
“You’re gonna get sick,”
she scolded.
“Too late, I’m already sick of this cold.”
He kissed her cheek quickly before she could swat him with the spatula.
Sebastian leaned against the counter, scrolling on his phone.
“You got work?”
“Yeah. And maybe I’ll hit the gym after.”
Sonic poured himself some black coffee, grimacing at the bitterness.
Sarah ran by with her backpack, scarf trailing.
“¡Bye!”
“Don’t freeze your ass off!”
Sonic yelled after her.
“Language,”
his dad muttered from behind the tablet.
Sonic smirked.
“Yeah, yeah.”
⸻
[9:03 A.M. | Outside | Driveway]
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His motorcycle sat in the driveway like a predator waiting to pounce—sleek, blue, polished despite the winter grime.
He tugged on his gloves, straddled the seat, and let the engine roar to life.
The sound tore through the sleepy street, making an old man down the block scowl from his porch.
“Sorry, viejo,”
Sonic muttered under his breath, smirking as he revved the throttle.
The cold wind slapped him awake as he sped down the street, weaving through cars sluggish in the morning commute.
His green eyes narrowed against the brightness of the winter sun.
⸻
[10:11 A.M. | Gym | Downtown]
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Weights clanged.
Music pounded from cheap speakers—reggaeton, loud enough to drown out the grunts of men pushing limits.
The air was thick with sweat and determination.
Sonic racked the barbell after his last set of bench presses, chest heaving, shirt clinging to his muscles.
His arms burned, but he thrived on it.
He sat up, wiping his face with a towel.
“Show-off,”
came a familiar voice.
Knuckles, broad-shouldered and red-haired, stood by the rack with a smirk.
“Trying to impress someone?”
Sonic smirked back.
“Nah. I just like reminding people I look better than them.”
Knuckles scoffed.
“You wish.”
He slapped Sonic’s shoulder, almost knocking him off the bench.
Tails showed up minutes later, younger but sharp-eyed, golden-blond hair sticking out under his hoodie.
He carried a notebook and earbuds.
“Y’all arguing again?”
“Always,”
Sonic said, standing and grabbing his water.
“It’s how we bond.”
Tails rolled his eyes.
“You’re both idiots.”
Rouge strolled in last, hips swaying, hair styled perfect even in gym clothes.
She caught Sonic’s stare and winked.
“Well, look who decided to sweat early in the morning.”
Sonic smirked, leaning against the rack.
“You’re late, as usual.”
“I make late look good,”
she shot back, dropping her bag.
“Unlike you, showing up smelling like coffee and motorcycle fumes.”
Knuckles groaned.
“God, get a room already.”
“Fuck off,”
Sonic and Rouge said at the same time, then burst into laughter.
⸻
[11:47 A.M. | Diner Nearby]
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The four of them piled into their usual booth at a run-down diner, the kind that smelled like grease and coffee but felt like home.
Sonic shoved fries into his mouth, grease dripping onto his fingers.
“I swear, I hate mornings. Cold as shit, heater doesn’t work, siblings yelling—fuck that.”
Rouge sipped her milkshake lazily.
“Poor baby. Rough life being hot, huh?”
Knuckles snorted.
“Hot? More like cocky as hell.”
Sonic leaned back, arms stretched along the booth.
“Hey, if you looked this good, you’d be cocky too.”
Tails didn’t look up from his notes.
“Confidence and narcissism are not the same thing.”
“Don’t start with dictionary definitions, little bro,”
Sonic teased, tossing a fry at him.
Rouge smirked, eyes glinting.
“So, Sonic… when’s the last time you got laid?”
Knuckles choked on his drink.
“Jesus Christ, Rouge!”
“What? It’s a normal question,”
she said innocently, swirling her straw.
Sonic grinned, leaning in.
“Last week. Maybe twice. Why? You jealous?”
Rouge’s lips curled.
“Please. You couldn’t handle me.”
Knuckles groaned again.
“I’m leaving this table.”
Tails muttered,
“Good idea,”
scribbling notes.
But Sonic just laughed, loud and sharp, his voice filling the diner.
⸻
[12:36 P.M. | Parking Lot | Outside Diner]
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They lingered by their vehicles—Knuckles’ truck, Tails’ beat-up car, Rouge’s sleek ride, and Sonic’s bike.
The air was freezing, breath visible again.
“See you assholes later,”
Knuckles said, climbing into his truck.
Rouge blew a kiss before driving off.
Tails adjusted his glasses, frowning.
“Don’t do anything stupid, Sonic.”
Sonic smirked, revving his bike.
“No promises.”
He pulled his helmet on, the world muffling around him, and roared down the street.
The engine vibrated beneath him, heat against the cold.
For a moment, he felt untouchable, alive, wild.
And yet, somewhere under all the adrenaline, there was an emptiness he couldn’t quite name.
⸻
[1:00 P.M. | City Streets | Cold Daylight]
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Traffic crawled.
Sonic sat at a red light, tapping his fingers on the handlebar.
A couple walked past, laughing, holding hands, their scarves wrapped tight against the wind.
Sonic’s green eyes lingered, then shifted away quickly.
He told himself he didn’t give a shit.
Love, relationships, all that drama—he wasn’t about it.
Not now.
Not ever.
But deep down, something tugged.
A thread he didn’t recognize.
The light turned green.
He sped forward, leaving the thought behind.
⸻
Chapter 3: The Invitation
Chapter Text
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[February 2, 2025 | 2:14 P.M. | Cold Afternoon | Local Soccer Field]
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The winter sun hung low, spilling a pale glow over the patchy grass of the neighborhood field.
Frost still clung to the edges of the fence, but the Rosas and Hernandez kids didn’t give a shit—it was game time.
“¡Pásala, cabrón!”
Alex shouted, charging toward Sonic.
Sonic smirked, quick on his feet, dribbling the ball across the frost-bitten ground.
His sneakers tore through the mud, breath sharp, chest burning.
Andy cut across his left, trying to intercept.
“Not today, man!”
Sonic barked, sliding the ball past Andy, who cursed loudly as he slipped on the wet patch.
“Fuck! Slippery as hell out here!”
Andy groaned, getting back up.
Alex closed in, but Sonic had already curved the ball into the makeshift goal—two hoodies lying on the ground.
The ball slammed against the fence behind it.
“¡GOOOOL!”
Sonic screamed, arms out wide, green eyes shining with cocky triumph.
Alex threw his hands up.
“Man, fuck you. You’re cheating. Who the hell plays this fast on wet grass?”
Sonic jogged back, smirking.
“That’s called talent, hermano. Don’t be mad.”
Andy muttered,
“It’s called being an asshole.”
Sonic laughed, grabbing a water bottle from the sidelines.
His leather jacket lay draped over the bench, his chain glinting in the pale sunlight.
From the fence, Alicia Rosa leaned against the metal links, her breath puffing in the cold air.
She’d been watching the whole game, scarf tucked neatly around her neck, cheeks flushed pink—but not from the chill.
Her eyes lingered on Sonic, the way his shirt clung to his torso, the way his curls stuck to his forehead with sweat.
He was cocky, loud, a pain in the ass—but something about him pulled her attention like gravity.
When he looked over to smirk at her, tossing her a wink, Alicia’s stomach flipped.
She rolled her eyes quickly, pretending to be annoyed, but her lips curved despite herself.
⸻
[3:21 P.M. | Rosa Backyard | After Soccer]
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The game wound down, boots muddy, everyone out of breath.
They collapsed in the Rosa’s backyard, Alex chugging a soda, Andy sprawled out in the grass complaining about his bruises.
Sonic stretched his arms, cracking his neck.
“Damn, y’all weak as shit.”
“Fuck you,”
Alex muttered between gulps of soda.
Their mamá came out onto the porch, apron tied around her waist, hair pinned back.
“Sonicito, ¿quieres quedarte para la cena? I’m making caldo tonight.”
Sonic froze for a second, surprised.
He wasn’t used to that—getting invited to stay, like he was part of the family already. His lips curved into a grin.
“Shit, how could I say no to caldo? Of course, Señora Rosa.”
“Bueno,”
she said warmly, disappearing back inside.
Alicia smirked at him from the steps, arms crossed.
“Guess you’re stuck with us for dinner, delivery boy.”
Sonic chuckled, flopping down next to Andy.
“Better than going home to my mom yelling at me about laundry. I’ll take it.”
⸻
[6:03 P.M. | Rosa Dining Room | Dinner]
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The table was covered with dishes—steaming bowls of caldo de res, fresh tortillas wrapped in cloth, arroz, and a plate of lime wedges.
The smell was mouthwatering, filling the warm kitchen, making the cold outside feel like another world.
Sonic sat near the middle, between Andy and Alicia, Alex across from him.
The Rosa parents sat at either end of the table, guiding the flow of food and conversation.
“Eat, eat,”
Señora Rosa said, ladling caldo into Sonic’s bowl.
“You need to keep those muscles warm in this weather.”
Sonic laughed, flexing his arm.
“Don’t worry, Ma’am, I keep ‘em warm just fine.”
Andy gagged.
“Ew. Don’t flirt with my mom, dude.”
The whole table erupted with laughter.
“¡Cállate, mocoso!”
their dad barked playfully, smacking Andy’s arm.
“He’s being polite.”
Sonic grinned, spooning caldo into his mouth.
The rich broth burned down his throat in the best way.
“Shit, this is amazing.”
“Language,”
Señora Rosa warned, though she smiled at his reaction.
“Sorry. Fuckin’—I mean, really good,”
Sonic corrected, earning another round of laughter.
Conversation rolled on—soccer, school, neighborhood gossip. Alicia kept sneaking glances at Sonic when she thought no one noticed, her foot brushing his under the table once, deliberately or not.
Sonic raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly.
Alicia’s face flushed red, and she quickly looked down at her bowl.
Alex noticed and muttered under his breath,
“Jesus Christ.”
⸻
[6:47 P.M. | Same Table | Dinner Conversation]
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Halfway through, Sonic leaned back, sipping from his glass of water.
His green eyes scanned the table—the parents laughing softly, Andy still arguing with Alex about soccer plays, Alicia fidgeting with her spoon.
And then it slipped out, casual but curious.
“So… this everyone? Or y’all hiding another sibling somewhere?”
The room went quiet for a split second.
The clatter of spoons slowed.
Señora Rosa glanced at her husband, then back at Sonic with a soft smile.
“Ah… no, mijo. There’s one more. She’s out of town right now. Medical student. Classes keep her busy.”
Sonic blinked, eyebrows raised.
“Damn. A doctor in the making, huh? That’s badass.”
“Sí,”
Señor Rosa said proudly.
“She works hard. Always has.”
Alicia glanced at Sonic, her lips pressed together, something flickering in her eyes that she didn’t say out loud.
Sonic didn’t press.
He just shrugged, smirked, and went back to his caldo.
“Well, guess I’ll meet her when I meet her.”
⸻
[8:02 P.M. | Rosa Living Room | After Dinner]
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The family gathered in the living room.
The fireplace crackled, filling the room with warmth.
Soccer highlights played low on the TV.
Sonic slouched on the couch, stretching his arms across the backrest, legs wide, comfortable as if he’d always been part of the household.
Alicia sat close enough that her knee brushed his.
“You’re so full of yourself,”
she teased, sipping her soda.
“And you love it,”
he shot back smoothly, eyes glinting.
Alex, sitting nearby, groaned.
“Can y’all stop flirting? It’s disgusting.”
“We’re not flirting,”
Alicia snapped, her cheeks pink.
Sonic grinned.
“If this is what not-flirting looks like, damn, I can’t wait to see the real thing.”
Alicia swatted his arm, but her smile betrayed her.
Andy laughed so hard he nearly spilled his soda.
“Bro, you’re shameless.”
“Always,”
Sonic replied, stretching further into the couch.
⸻
[9:18 P.M. | Rosa Porch | Cold Night Air]
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Later, Sonic stepped outside, the cold slamming into him after the warmth of the house.
He leaned against the porch railing, lighting the glow from his phone screen as he scrolled mindlessly.
His breath fogged in the night air.
Behind him, the door creaked open.
Alicia stepped out, wrapping her scarf tighter.
“Cold, huh?”
she said, voice softer now.
Sonic smirked.
“Freezing. But hey, at least the company’s warm.”
She rolled her eyes, but her lips curled.
“You’re impossible.”
“Yeah. But you like that.”
There was a pause, just the sound of their breath mixing with the night.
Alicia looked at him, her eyes searching, lingering.
Sonic looked back, his grin fading just a little, replaced by something heavier, more complicated.
He shoved his hands into his jacket pockets, breaking the silence.
“Thanks for dinner. Your family’s cool as hell.”
“Anytime,”
she said, and her voice carried more weight than just politeness.
They stood there in the cold, the night stretching long, the air filled with unsaid things.
And for a moment, Sonic wondered why the table had felt incomplete, like there was a missing piece he hadn’t seen yet.
But he shook the thought off, smirking again.
“Race you to the field tomorrow? Bet I’ll kick your ass.”
Alicia laughed, shoving his shoulder lightly.
“Dream on, delivery boy.”
⸻
Chapter 4: The Return
Chapter Text
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[February 15, 2025 | 4:37 P.M. | Cold Afternoon | Hernandez Porch]
____
The air was sharp, the kind of February cold that cut through jackets and made every breath visible.
Sonic Hernandez leaned lazily against the porch railing of his house, leather jacket zipped halfway, a toothpick in his mouth.
Alex and Andy Rosa were there with him, kicking back, bullshitting the way guys always did when time stretched long and boredom hung heavy.
Andy tossed a crushed soda can at the street.
“Fuckin’ boring, man. Nothing to do in this town.”
Alex leaned back on the step, arms behind his head.
“At least we got soccer. Keeps us sane.”
Sonic chuckled, his green eyes gleaming.
“Keeps y’all sane. I’m already insane.”
Andy laughed.
“That’s facts.”
They all snorted, the easy comfort of friends who’d spent years roasting each other filling the quiet street.
Cars passed now and then, but the neighborhood was mostly still.
Then—headlights cut across the pavement.
A dark sedan rolled slowly into the Rosa driveway.
The three of them squinted, sitting up a little straighter.
“Who the hell is that?”
Sonic asked, pushing off the railing.
Alex blinked, then his eyes went wide.
“No way…”
The car parked, the door creaked open.
Out stepped a young woman—hoodie pulled low, flared black leggings hugging her legs, sneakers crunching against the driveway gravel.
She tugged her beanie off, shaking free silky pink hair that tumbled down before she quickly gathered it into a bun.
Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, her green eyes bright even at a distance.
Andy gasped.
“Oh my God. She’s here.”
Alex grinned wide, his voice a mix of shock and joy.
“Amy’s home.”
She was already pulling heavy boxes from the back seat, stacked high against her arms, lips pressed together with the effort.
Andy shot up from the porch steps.
“Hell no, that’s too heavy.”
The two brothers darted across the street before Sonic could process it.
Amy nearly dropped the box when both of them swooped in, lifting her right off her feet with wild laughter.
“¡HEY!”
she gasped, voice sweet but sharp with surprise. Her boxes tumbled onto the driveway.
“Put me down, you idiots!”
Andy spun her around anyway.
“We missed you, sis!”
Alex squeezed tighter.
“Harvard girl back at last!”
Amy laughed breathlessly, squirming.
“Stop it! You’re gonna make me drop dead before I unpack! Put me down!”
Finally, they set her on her feet, and she smacked both their shoulders, cheeks glowing.
“You two haven’t changed a bit.”
⸻
[4:43 P.M. | Rosa Driveway]
____
Sonic had moved closer now, his boots crunching on the cold pavement, his breath misting in the air.
He froze when her eyes finally locked with his.
It hit him like a punch.
Memories he didn’t even realize were still there—firelight, laughter, pink hair glowing in winter.
And she smiled at him, that same warm, familiar smile.
“Don’t just stand there, Sonic!”
she called, playful and kind.
“Give me a hug!”
For once, Sonic didn’t have a cocky line ready.
He just walked up, arms open, and when she stepped into him, he wrapped her up.
Her small frame pressed against his chest, and he lifted her slightly off the ground without thinking, spinning her just a bit.
She gasped, laughing.
“Hey! Careful!”
From the side, Alex barked,
“Don’t break our baby sister’s ribs, dumbass!”
Andy chimed in.
“Yeah, she just got back from Harvard, not the fuckin’ ER!”
Sonic grinned wide, holding her for another second before setting her down gently.
“Shit, you’re real. Thought maybe they were exaggerating about you.”
Amy rolled her eyes, brushing her hoodie sleeve against her cheek.
“I’m very real. And heavier than I look with all those boxes. Thanks for the help, by the way.”
Sonic smirked, stepping back with a shrug.
“Hey, I was supervising. Someone had to make sure you didn’t get dropped on your head.”
Amy laughed softly, shaking her head.
“Same old Sonic.”
⸻
[5:02 P.M. | Rosa Living Room]
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Inside, warmth wrapped around everyone like a blanket.
The heater hummed, the smell of tamales and arroz filled the air, and family voices layered over each other in Spanish and English.
Amy sat on the couch, sipping at a mug of café con leche.
Her mamá hovered near, touching her daughter’s cheek like she still couldn’t believe she was home.
Alex and Andy fought over who got to carry in more boxes, while their dad muttered about space in the garage.
Sonic stood in the corner, leaning against the wall, watching it all unfold.
He’d been around this family plenty, but tonight felt different.
Like something was shifting.
Alicia swept into the room, phone in hand, hair brushed perfectly as always.
When she spotted Amy, her smile spread, but there was a flicker in her eyes—something Sonic noticed but didn’t comment on.
“About damn time you showed up,”
Alicia teased, hugging Amy tight.
“I was starting to think Harvard kidnapped you.”
Amy chuckled.
“It almost did. I’ve been drowning in classes. But… it’s worth it.”
“Of course it is,”
their dad said proudly, his deep voice echoing.
“Mi niña, studying to save lives.”
Sonic smirked.
“Look at you. Already smarter than all your brothers combined.”
Andy barked out a laugh.
“Fuck you, bro!”
Alex flipped him off.
“Don’t make me prove you wrong.”
Amy laughed again, shaking her head.
“You guys never stop, huh?”
Sonic watched her, and something stirred deep in his chest.
She wasn’t the kid he remembered.
She wasn’t just the girl with short pink hair who beat him at making s’mores by the fire years ago.
She’d grown into something bright, grounded, kind—and it caught him off guard.
⸻
[6:12 P.M. | Rosa Kitchen | Dinner Prep]
____
The kitchen bustled—pots clattering, voices overlapping.
Amy chopped cilantro with easy grace, humming softly.
Sonic leaned against the counter, sipping soda, pretending he wasn’t watching her hands move.
“You cook too?”
he asked.
Amy glanced up, her green eyes sparkling.
“Of course. Can’t survive on cafeteria food forever.”
Sonic smirked.
“Harvard food that bad?”
“Worse,”
she said, wrinkling her nose.
“I missed real food.”
From the table, Alex called,
“Careful, Amy, Sonic’s just trying to steal your tortillas.”
Sonic barked a laugh.
“Damn right. She’s making ‘em better than your ass.”
Amy rolled her eyes, flicking a bit of cilantro at him.
“You’re impossible.”
“Yeah,”
Sonic grinned.
“But you like that.”
Andy groaned.
“Jesus Christ, here we go.”
⸻
[7:03 P.M. | Rosa Dining Room | Dinner Again]
____
The table filled again, but this time Amy sat at the center, laughter and conversation orbiting her.
She asked her siblings questions, told stories about Harvard, about late nights in the library, about how cold Boston winters were compared to here.
Sonic found himself quieter than usual, listening more than talking.
Watching the way her hands moved when she spoke, the way her smile lit up the room.
At one point, she caught him staring and tilted her head.
“What?”
Sonic blinked, caught.
“Nothing. Just… you talk a lot more now.”
Amy laughed softly.
“Guess I grew into it.”
“Yeah,”
Sonic said, a little lower.
“Guess you did.”
From across the table, Alex pointed his fork.
“Oi, Sonic, eyes on your own plate. Don’t get any ideas.”
Sonic smirked.
“Relax, man. I’m just listening.”
But Alex wasn’t entirely convinced.
⸻
[9:21 P.M. | Rosa Porch | Night]
____
Later, the night wrapped the house in stillness.
Stars scattered across the black sky, the cold biting sharper now.
Amy stepped out onto the porch, pulling her hoodie tighter.
Sonic was already there, leaning on the railing, a cigarette unlit between his fingers.
“You don’t smoke,”
Amy said gently, eyeing it.
Sonic shrugged.
“Nah. Just like holding it sometimes. Calms people down when they see you’re not actually lighting it.”
Amy smiled softly.
“You’re strange.”
“Yeah. I get that a lot.”
He glanced at her, his breath fogging.
“So… you back for good?”
“Not yet. Just a break. I’ll go back soon. Still so much to do.”
Sonic nodded, quiet for a moment.
Then:
“They missed you. Your family.”
Amy tilted her head.
“And you?”
Sonic smirked, looking away.
“Maybe.”
Amy laughed, shaking her head.
“Still cocky.”
“Always.”
The silence stretched, comfortable this time.
Two old friends, standing on the porch, the world colder than it had been in years—but warmer somehow, too.
⸻
Chapter 5: The Warning
Chapter Text
____
[February 16, 2025 | 8:09 A.M. | Rosa House | Amy’s Bedroom]
____
Amy woke with the sunlight spilling across her bed, the familiar creak of her old ceiling fan buzzing faintly above.
It felt strange—so strange—to be back in her childhood room after years away.
Posters she had half-forgotten still clung to the walls, faded edges curling.
Her desk, cluttered with old notebooks and photos, sat untouched, like it had been frozen in time.
She stretched, sighing as she slid out of bed, her bare feet sinking into the worn carpet.
The air smelled faintly of laundry detergent and cinnamon—her mamá had clearly been baking.
She stood before the mirror, tying her hair up into a neat bun, her face glowing in the morning light.
For the first time in a long time, she didn’t have an exam to cram for, a paper to stress about.
Just… home.
The calm lasted exactly three minutes before chaos erupted.
“Amy! Did you take my charger?!”
Alex’s voice thundered from the hallway.
“Shut the fuck up, Alex, she just got back!”
Andy yelled back.
Amy groaned, rubbing her temples.
“Some things never change,”
she muttered, pulling her hoodie on and stepping out into the hallway.
Alex was banging on her door now, hair a mess, holding his phone like it was a dead pet.
“You got my charger?”
Amy pushed past him, rolling her eyes.
“I literally got back yesterday, Alex. Do you think I raided your room while unpacking boxes?”
Andy came up behind, smirking.
“He’s just pissed because his girlfriend ghosted him last night.”
“Shut the fuck up, Andy!”
Alex barked, face turning red.
Amy burst out laughing.
“Still the same clowns.”
⸻
[10:23 A.M. | Downtown Streets]
____
Later, she walked with Alex down the streets, the sun higher now, warming the concrete.
The city had changed in the years she’d been gone—new cafés, renovated storefronts, bright murals splashed across brick walls.
Alex pointed things out as if he were giving a tour.
“See that?”
He nodded toward a neon sign.
“Used to be some sketchy-ass liquor store. Now it’s a boba tea place.”
Amy laughed.
“Wow. Truly, civilization has advanced.”
He smirked, shoving his hands into his hoodie pockets.
“Lot’s changed. But some shit hasn’t.”
She gave him a sidelong glance.
“Like what?”
Alex lowered his voice, leaning slightly closer.
“Like the way Alicia’s been looking at Sonic.”
Amy blinked, caught off guard.
“What?”
Alex smirked.
“Don’t act surprised. You’ve seen it. She’s got a thing for him.”
Amy frowned, her brows knitting.
“That’s… not my business.”
“Yeah, well, it might be,”
Alex whispered.
“’Cause people noticed the way you were laughing with him last night. The way he looked at you too. So if you’re not careful, shit’s gonna blow up.”
Amy stopped walking, staring at him.
“No. No way. I’m not—Alex, I don’t see Sonic like that. He’s my friend. My best friend from when we were kids. That’s it.”
Alex raised a brow skeptically.
“Sure doesn’t look like it from the outside.”
Her voice sharpened, honest and firm.
“Listen—I would never, never hurt my own sister. If Alicia likes him, that’s her thing. I’m not interfering. I’m not like that.”
Alex studied her for a moment, then finally shrugged.
“Alright. Just… watch yourself. You know how Alicia is.”
Amy exhaled slowly, the tension pricking at her.
The morning sun didn’t feel quite as warm anymore.
⸻
[12:47 P.M. | Rosa House | Kitchen]
____
The house buzzed with weekend energy.
Her mamá was humming while stirring a pot of pozole, Andy shouted at the TV as he played FIFA in the living room, and Alicia sat at the kitchen island scrolling through her phone.
Amy slipped in, grabbing an apple.
Her mother glanced up with a secretive little smile.
“Mi niña, ven conmigo.”
Amy followed her mother out onto the small balcony connected to her room.
The cool breeze tousled her hair, and from here she could see the neighborhood kids playing soccer in the street, their laughter ringing out.
Her mamá closed the sliding door behind them, lowering her voice.
“There’s something you need to know. A surprise.”
Amy tilted her head.
“A surprise?”
Her mother smiled knowingly.
“Sí. Everyone knows except you. Next month, we’re going to Mexico. And not just us—the Hernández family too.”
Amy blinked.
“Wait, what? The Hernández family too?”
Her mother nodded, her eyes twinkling.
“Our families have been friends for generations. And this year, there’s going to be a fiesta—big celebration. And you, mija, will be part of the partner dance with them.”
Amy’s mouth dropped.
“Wait. Partner dance? Like… with Sonic?”
Her mamá smirked.
“Maybe. Depends how it works out.”
Amy groaned, covering her face with her hands.
“Oh my God, Mamá…”
Her mother laughed softly, patting her shoulder.
“Don’t be so dramatic. It will be fun. Besides, everyone will be watching. It’s tradition.”
Amy peeked between her fingers, cheeks pink.
“This is insane.”
Her mother only smiled, watching her daughter with pride.
“No, mija. This is life. And it’s beautiful.”
⸻
[4:15 P.M. | Rosa Backyard | Later That Day]
____
The afternoon slipped into chaos again. Andy had convinced Sonic to come over, and the two were shouting at each other during a soccer match in the backyard while Alex acted as ref.
Alicia sat under the patio umbrella, pretending not to watch Sonic too closely.
Amy, carrying lemonade, walked out just in time to see Sonic score and Andy throw himself dramatically on the ground.
“Bullshit!”
Andy roared.
“That was offsides!”
Alex snorted.
“Bro, it’s backyard soccer. There’s no offsides.”
Sonic smirked, wiping sweat from his forehead.
“Sounds like a sore loser to me.”
Amy set the drinks down, shaking her head.
“You guys are exhausting.”
Sonic shot her a grin, winking.
“You missed my goal, Harvard. Shame.”
Amy rolled her eyes, cheeks warming despite herself.
“You’re ridiculous.”
From across the yard, Alicia’s eyes narrowed, the tension thick even beneath her sweet smile.
⸻
[7:40 P.M. | Amy’s Balcony | Nightfall]
____
The day wound down.
Amy sat on her balcony again, knees drawn up, wrapped in a blanket.
The stars stretched wide overhead.
Her mother joined her with two cups of tea, pressing one into her hands.
Amy sighed.
“It feels good to be home. But… it’s complicated.”
Her mother looked at her knowingly.
“Complicated because of Sonic?”
Amy nearly choked on her tea.
“What?! No! Mamá—”
Her mother laughed softly, not pressing further.
“Mija, just remember—life is full of surprises. You never know where the heart will lead.”
Amy sat quietly, staring out at the stars, the words echoing in her chest.
⸻
Chapter 6: México Trip!
Chapter Text
____
[March 1, 2025 | 5:47 A.M. | Rosa Household | Departure Morning]
____
The Rosa household was chaos.
Luggage stacked by the door, passports being double-checked for the hundredth time, voices overlapping in Spanish and English like a storm.
“¡Apúrense, we’re going to be late for the damn flight!”
Alex barked, dragging his suitcase out the front door.
Andy was half-asleep, hoodie pulled over his head.
“Bro, chill the fuck out. It’s like six in the morning. Nobody’s alive right now.”
“¡Levántate, cabrón!”
their dad snapped, smacking Andy on the back of the head.
Amy, balancing her duffel bag, just shook her head with a small smile.
“Some things never change.”
Alicia breezed past in heels—heels, for an airport.
Amy blinked.
“Seriously? Who the hell wears heels at five in the morning?”
“Someone who has style,”
Alicia shot back, flipping her hair.
“Not everyone dresses like they rolled out of bed, Amy.”
Amy rolled her eyes, biting her tongue.
It was too early to argue.
Outside, the Hernández family was already waiting by their van.
Sonic leaned against the hood, yawning, hair messy but still effortlessly good-looking in the dawn light.
He caught Amy’s eye for a second, smirk tugging at his lips.
Alicia noticed. Her jaw tightened.
⸻
[March 1, 2025 | 11:23 A.M. | Mexico City Airport]
____
The humid air hit them like a wave the second they stepped outside.
It smelled like tacos al pastor from the street stands and fresh bread from the panaderías nearby.
The city was alive—cars honking, vendors shouting, colors everywhere.
“Damn,”
Sonic muttered, taking it all in.
“I forgot how fucking beautiful this place is.”
“It’s loud,”
Andy groaned, dragging his suitcase.
“It’s life, cabrón,”
their dad corrected.
They piled into the vans rented for both families, chattering the whole drive.
Murals streaked the walls, mariachi music blasted from passing trucks, and Amy pressed her face to the window, heart swelling.
She had missed this—her roots, her people, the language flowing all around her.
⸻
[March 2, 2025 | 4:42 P.M. | Family Hacienda, Mexico]
____
The hacienda was breathtaking—white walls lined with bougainvillea, a courtyard full of orange trees, and the sound of fountains trickling.
It felt like stepping back in time, like stepping into tradition itself.
The families gathered in the courtyard, unpacking instruments, speakers, and traditional outfits.
Amy’s mamá, apron tied, whistle hanging from her neck like a drill sergeant, clapped her hands.
“¡Atención, niños! We start dance practice now. Partners will be assigned.”
Groans filled the air.
“Already?”
Andy complained.
“Can’t we eat first?”
“Cállate. You’ll eat after.”
The tension thickened as names were called:
“Alex with Adriana.”
“Andy with Sarah.”
“Sebastian with Alicia.”
Alicia’s smile widened smugly, already clutching Sebastian’s arm like she had won something.
Amy stood silently, shifting her weight.
Her mamá’s eyes landed on her.
“And Sonic… with Amy.”
The courtyard went still for a second.
Alicia’s face fell, her smile vanishing.
Her jaw clenched, eyes burning holes through Amy.
Sonic smirked, stepping forward.
“Guess we’re partners, Harvard.”
Amy exhaled, trying to ignore Alicia’s glare.
“Guess so.”
⸻
[March 2, 2025 | 5:02 P.M. | Courtyard | Dance Practice Begins]
____
The music started—bright, rhythmic, full of energy.
Amy’s mamá shouted instructions, clapping in time with the beat.
“Posture! Hands up! One, two, three—¡más fuerte, carajo!”
Alex and Adriana flowed easily, both competitive enough to keep pace.
Andy and Sarah kept messing up, laughing every time they stepped on each other’s feet.
Sebastian and Alicia looked… intense.
Sebastian led smoothly, his hand firm on her waist, but his eyes kept flicking to Amy across the courtyard.
Alicia noticed, her grip tightening.
Amy tried to focus on the steps, but she felt Sonic’s hand at her back, warm, steady.
He leaned down, his breath brushing her ear.
“Relax. You’re stiff as hell.”
She scowled.
“Don’t tell me how to dance.”
He chuckled.
“Fine. Trip and fall then. I’ll just laugh my ass off.”
Despite herself, Amy smiled.
The rhythm pulled her in, her steps falling into sync with his.
For a moment, it felt natural, like they had been partners forever.
From the side, Alicia’s nails dug into her palms.
⸻
[March 2, 2025 | 6:15 P.M. | After Practice | Courtyard Fountain]
____
When practice ended, the group collapsed around the courtyard fountain, sweaty and laughing.
“Fuck, my feet are dead,”
Andy groaned, ripping off his shoes.
Sarah shoved him.
“You stepped on me like ten times. My feet are the ones that should be dead.”
Alex smirked, leaning back.
“We’re gonna crush everyone at the fiesta. Just watch.”
Sebastian sat near Amy, handing her a bottle of water.
His eyes lingered on her longer than necessary.
“You did good today.”
Amy smiled politely.
“Thanks, Sebastian.”
Sonic, sitting on the other side, narrowed his eyes slightly, jaw flexing.
He didn’t say anything, just leaned back with his arms crossed.
Alicia saw it all.
Every glance, every smile.
Her chest burned.
⸻
[March 3, 2025 | 9:34 A.M. | Streets of Mexico | Exploring Day]
____
The families took the day to explore the town. Cobblestone streets stretched under bright papel picado flags swaying in the wind.
Vendors sold tamales, handwoven bracelets, and churros dusted in sugar.
Amy walked with Sonic and Andy, laughing at Andy’s failed attempts at bargaining.
“You just got ripped off so hard,”
Sonic said, smirking.
“Twenty bucks for a bracelet? Shit probably cost two.”
“Shut up,”
Andy muttered.
“The lady was nice.”
Amy giggled, trying not to choke on her churro.
Behind them, Alicia and Sebastian walked together, but Alicia’s eyes never left the trio ahead.
⸻
[March 4, 2025 | 7:50 P.M. | Hacienda Patio | Evening Practice]
____
Under lantern light, they practiced again.
The energy was sharper now, tension brimming under every step.
Amy stumbled once, laughing.
“Shit, sorry—”
Sonic caught her, steadying her by the waist.
His grip lingered, his eyes locking with hers in a moment that felt too long, too charged.
From across the patio, Alicia froze mid-step, fury flashing across her face.
Sebastian’s gaze softened on Amy, and he muttered, almost too low to hear:
“You’re beautiful when you laugh.”
Amy blinked, taken aback, pulling slightly away.
“Uh—thanks…”
Sonic’s jaw tightened.
⸻
[March 5, 2025 | 11:14 A.M. | Hacienda Living Room | Outfit Fitting Announced]
____
The parents gathered everyone, clapping their hands for attention.
“In three days,”
Amy’s mamá announced proudly,
“we will begin the outfit fittings. Trajes tradicionales for each of you. Embroidered dresses, charro suits. You will look like our ancestors, like history itself. Be ready.”
Groans and cheers filled the room.
Andy muttered,
“Do we gotta wear the tight pants?”
“Yes,”
Señor Hernández boomed.
“And you’ll like it.”
Amy laughed, heart thumping at the thought of stepping onto the dance floor in front of the whole town.
But as she glanced across the room, Alicia’s glare made it clear:
this trip was only going to get more complicated.
⸻
Chapter 7: Threads & Fire
Chapter Text
____
[March 8, 2025 | 3:12 P.M. | Hacienda Sewing Room | Outfit Fittings]
____
The room smelled of fabric and thread.
Rolls of colorful cloth stacked against the wall, sewing needles glinting under warm light.
The mothers sat at the long table, scissors snipping, measuring tape stretched out, their chatter spilling in Spanish as they pinned hems and cut embroidery.
Amy stood in front of the mirror, her arms lifted as her mamá adjusted the waistline of her dress.
The pastel pink fabric flowed down like water, embroidered with dark blue roses that bloomed across the skirt.
Her hair was pulled into a loose bun to keep it out of the way while her mother worked.
“Don’t move, mija,”
her mamá muttered, biting a pin between her lips.
“If you move, I’ll poke you.”
Amy laughed softly.
“Sí, Mamá.”
Behind her, Sonic leaned against the wall in his half-fitted charro jacket.
The dark navy fabric hugged his broad shoulders, silver embroidery glinting against the lantern light.
He looked good—too good—and Amy quickly looked away before her thoughts could spiral.
Sebastian, standing nearby in his own jacket, was being fitted by his sister Adriana.
His eyes weren’t on his outfit though—they kept flicking to Amy, trailing along the rose embroidery like he was memorizing it.
“You look… incredible,”
Sebastian said under his breath, but loud enough that the words carried.
Amy flushed, trying to laugh it off.
“It’s just a dress, Sebastián.”
“It’s not just a dress when you’re in it,”
he shot back smoothly, lips curling into a smile.
Sonic’s jaw clenched as he pretended to adjust his cuff.
Alicia, sitting nearby with her skirt draped across her lap, caught it all.
Her eyes narrowed, her hands twisting the fabric tighter than necessary.
⸻
[March 8, 2025 | 5:07 P.M. | Hacienda Courtyard | After Fittings]
____
When the fittings ended, everyone spilled out into the courtyard, relieved to finally be free of pins and stitches.
They were back in normal clothes—hoodies, jeans, sneakers—but the tension lingered heavy in the air.
Amy sank onto the fountain’s edge, stretching her legs.
“I swear my ribs almost got stabbed like ten times.”
Sonic smirked, dropping beside her.
“Worth it. You looked… well, you looked good.”
Amy smiled, about to thank him, when Sebastian swooped in, leaning on the fountain across from them.
“Good? That’s all you can say? She looked like she stepped out of a painting.”
Amy groaned, covering her face.
“Please don’t start this.”
Sonic’s eyes darkened.
“I said what I said.”
Sebastian smirked, unfazed.
“Guess some of us just see more clearly.”
The tension between them crackled like static, both of them staring each other down while Amy sat caught in the middle, her pulse racing.
From across the courtyard, Alicia watched with her arms crossed, lips pressed into a thin line.
⸻
[March 8, 2025 | 11:48 P.M. | Rosa Room in Hacienda | Midnight Argument]
____
Amy slipped quietly into her shared room, exhausted, pulling her hair down from its bun.
She sat on the bed, sighing into the silence.
The door creaked open.
Alicia stepped in, her expression sharp, her arms crossed.
“You think I don’t see it?”
Alicia snapped.
Amy blinked, startled.
“See what?”
“Don’t play dumb, Amy.”
Alicia’s voice was low, furious.
“Sonic. Sebastián. The way they look at you. The way you let them.”
Amy stood, frowning.
“Alicia, I’m not letting anyone do anything. I can’t control how they look at me.”
“Yes, you can!”
Alicia shot back.
“You flirt back. You smile. You act like you’re innocent, but you’re not.”
Amy’s chest tightened.
“I’m not flirting with Sonic. Or Sebastián. And even if I was, I would never go after someone my sister liked. I told Alex the same thing. I would never hurt you like that.”
Alicia’s eyes glistened with angry tears.
“But you already are. Do you know how it feels, Amy? To see the guy I like stare at you like you’re the only person in the fucking room?”
Amy’s voice broke, soft but firm.
“I can’t help it if people see me that way. But I promise you—I don’t see Sonic like that. I don’t. And Sebastián? He’s your partner. He’s not mine.”
Alicia scoffed, shaking her head.
“You always act like you’re the good one. The sweet one. The perfect little Harvard girl. But you don’t know what it’s like being in my shadow.”
Amy froze.
“Your shadow? Alicia—”
“I’m warning you,”
Alicia cut her off, her voice trembling with rage.
“Stay away from Sonic. Stay away from Sebastián. Or I swear, Amy, I won’t forgive you.”
The silence that followed was heavy, suffocating.
Amy swallowed hard, her throat tight.
“I love you, Alicia. I would never do anything to hurt you. But you’re wrong about me.”
Alicia turned on her heel, storming out, the door slamming behind her.
Amy sat back on the bed, tears burning her eyes, staring at the floor. For the first time since coming home, she felt completely lost.
⸻
[March 9, 2025 | 1:23 A.M. | Hacienda Porch | Sonic Alone]
____
Meanwhile, Sonic stood outside under the moonlight, leaning against the wooden railing, smoking a cigarette he swore he had quit.
His green eyes were distant, stormy, his thoughts a mess.
He remembered Amy’s laugh earlier, the way Sebastian’s words had made her blush, the way Alicia glared like she wanted to burn the world down.
He exhaled a stream of smoke, muttering to himself.
“Fuck. What the hell did I walk into?”
Behind him, footsteps creaked.
Alex appeared, hands in his pockets, raising a brow.
“You good, man?”
Sonic scoffed.
“Not even close.”
Alex smirked grimly.
“Welcome to the Rosa family drama. It never ends.”
Sonic chuckled bitterly, tossing the cigarette away.
“Guess I’m stuck in the middle whether I like it or not.”
Alex’s eyes narrowed.
“Just don’t break my sisters’ hearts, Sonic. Or you’ll be dealing with me.”
Sonic smirked faintly, though his chest felt heavy.
“Fair enough.”
The night stretched long and cold, the hacienda silent except for the faint echo of unresolved arguments and unspoken feelings.
⸻
Chapter 8: Steps & Missteps
Chapter Text
____
[March 9, 2025 | 10:45 A.M. | Hacienda Dance Hall | First Full Rehearsal in Outfits]
____
The hacienda’s wide dance hall echoed with guitar strings and drumbeats from a live trio in the corner.
The families were gathered, mothers clapping the rhythm, fathers whistling encouragement.
Bright sunlight slanted in through the tall windows, painting the tiled floor in golden streaks.
Everyone was in their outfits for the first time, sombreros balanced on the men’s heads, skirts swishing with every step the women took.
Amy’s pastel pink dress glittered with every turn, the roses catching the light.
She kept her chin high, counting the steps her mother barked out:
uno, dos, tres, vuelta.
Her focus was sharp, though her heart thumped every time her eyes flicked to Sonic.
He stood across from her, sombrero tilted low, the navy jacket sculpting his frame.
When he danced, his movements weren’t just precise—they had weight, swagger, confidence.
Their palms pressed together, arms stretched out, circling, switching positions.
Amy breathed steady, trying not to notice how firm his grip was when their hands locked.
From the corner of the room, Sebastián called out, smirking,
“Careful, Sonic. Don’t step too hard, you’ll crush her toes.”
Amy rolled her eyes.
“I can handle myself.”
Sonic shot Sebastián a glare.
“Don’t worry about me.”
Alicia, dancing with Sebastián, snapped suddenly, her voice cutting over the music.
“Maybe if people focused on their actual partners instead of staring across the room, rehearsal would go smoother.”
The music stuttered as the guitarist faltered, sensing the tension.
Amy froze mid-step, eyes widening.
“Alicia—”
“Don’t ‘Alicia’ me,”
she spat, her skirt snapping as she spun.
“Everyone sees it, Amy. Everyone.”
Their mother clapped sharply, her voice sharp in Spanish.
“¡Basta! Focus! This is not the place for your childish fights.”
The practice dragged on, heavy and suffocating.
⸻
[March 9, 2025 | 2:17 P.M. | Hacienda Courtyard | After Practice]
____
The group broke for lunch, sweat dripping down their backs, sombreros tossed aside.
The courtyard bustled with chatter and the smell of carne asada on the grill.
Amy sat at a small stone table with her water bottle, trying to steady her breathing.
Sebastián dropped into the chair beside her, leaning back.
“You dance beautifully. Even when your sister’s trying to trip you up.”
Amy gave him a tired look.
“Please, not now.”
He smirked.
“I’m just saying, if Sonic wasn’t here, you’d have a better partner.”
Her chest tightened, frustration boiling.
“Stop. You’re making it worse.”
Sebastián leaned closer, lowering his voice.
“I’m not afraid of Alicia, Amy. And I’m not afraid of him either.”
Before Amy could respond, Sonic appeared, setting his sombrero down on the table with a heavy thud.
His green eyes burned into Sebastián’s.
“Back off.”
Sebastián raised his brows, amused.
“Or what?”
Sonic leaned in, his voice low, dangerous.
“Or you’ll find out.”
The tension was thick, unbearable.
Amy shoved up from the table, her voice cracking.
“Both of you, stop it! I can’t fucking deal with this.”
She stormed off, skirts brushing against her legs, her chest heaving.
⸻
[March 9, 2025 | 7:34 P.M. | Rosa Guest Room | Amy & Alex]
____
The hacienda was quieter now, most of the family downstairs drinking coffee and playing cards.
Amy lay curled on her bed, makeup smudged, her dress swapped for sweatpants and an oversized T-shirt.
Her pillow was wet with tears she tried to hide.
The door creaked, and Alex slipped in, closing it softly.
He leaned against her dresser, arms crossed.
“I heard you crying.”
Amy groaned, burying her face deeper.
“God, Alex, I just got home, and everything’s a fucking mess already. Alicia hates me. Sebastián won’t stop pushing. Sonic’s in the middle of all this shit. I don’t even know what the fuck is going on anymore.”
Alex walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing her shoulder.
“You’ve been gone a long time. Things shifted while you were away. But Amy, don’t blame yourself for other people’s feelings. You can’t control who likes you.”
She sniffed.
“Tell that to Alicia. She thinks I’m stealing everything from her.”
“She’s insecure. Always has been,”
Alex muttered.
“But you’re not the villain here. And Sonic? He’s been looking out for you since you were kids. That hasn’t changed.”
Amy’s chest tightened.
“Yeah, but maybe that’s the problem. He doesn’t see me the way she thinks he does. He just… he’s just Sonic.”
Alex smirked faintly.
“You sure about that? ’Cause the way he stares at you on that dance floor—doesn’t look like ‘just Sonic.’”
Amy shoved his shoulder, groaning.
“Don’t start.”
Alex laughed, lying back on the bed beside her.
“Hey, whatever happens, just don’t lose yourself in their bullshit. You’re stronger than that.”
Amy leaned into him, finally letting herself cry without holding back.
“Thanks, Alex.”
⸻
[March 10, 2025 | 9:12 A.M. | Dance Hall | Second Rehearsal]
____
The next morning, the air in the dance hall was thick with unspoken words.
Everyone dressed again in their outfits, sombreros adjusted, skirts swishing.
The mothers clapped to the rhythm, shouting encouragement.
The dance began—steps sharp, turns smooth, hands colliding, partners spinning.
Amy focused hard on the music, on the rhythm, on the floor beneath her feet.
But every time Sonic’s hand closed around hers, her pulse betrayed her.
His grip was steady, warm, grounding her even as the room felt ready to combust.
Across the hall, Sebastián watched, his jaw tight.
His movements grew more aggressive, tugging Alicia into sharp spins that made her stumble.
“Sebastián!”
his mother snapped.
“Gentle with your partner!”
He muttered something under his breath, eyes still locked on Amy.
Alicia, catching the look, yanked her hand away mid-step.
“Are you fucking kidding me?”
she shouted, her voice echoing.
“Even you? Everyone’s obsessed with her!”
The music stopped dead.
Amy froze, face pale.
“Alicia, please—”
“Don’t ‘please’ me! You walk in after years away and suddenly every guy’s falling over you. Do you have any idea how humiliating that is?” Alicia’s voice cracked, tears spilling.
Sonic stepped forward, his voice low but firm.
“Enough.”
Alicia glared at him, her chest heaving.
“And you. You’re the worst of all. You’re supposed to be my friend, Sonic. But you’re too busy staring at her like she’s the only girl on earth.”
The room went silent, everyone stunned.
Amy’s throat closed.
She wanted to scream, to cry, to run.
But she just stood frozen, skirts trembling around her legs.
Sonic’s jaw tightened.
He looked at Alicia, then at Amy, then down at the floor.
“I didn’t ask for this.”
But his silence said more than his words.
⸻
[March 10, 2025 | 11:02 P.M. | Hacienda Balcony | Amy Alone]
____
That night, the hacienda was hushed under the stars.
Amy sat out on the balcony outside her room, knees pulled to her chest, the humid air heavy on her skin.
She replayed the day over and over—the spin of the skirts, Sebastián’s smirk, Alicia’s fury, Sonic’s silence.
Her chest hurt.
She whispered to herself, voice raw.
“What the fuck am I supposed to do?”
From below, a voice floated up—low, familiar.
“You’re not alone, Amy.”
Sonic stood in the courtyard, sombrero in his hands, his jacket slung over his shoulder.
His eyes found hers in the dim light.
Amy froze, heart racing, breath caught.
He didn’t move closer.
Didn’t climb the steps.
He just looked at her, green eyes steady, like he wanted to say a hundred things but couldn’t.
And Amy—confused, exhausted, aching—didn’t know if she wanted him to stay away or come closer.
⸻
Chapter 9: Festival Fireworks
Chapter Text
____
[March 15, 2025 | 6:43 P.M. | Plaza Central, Oaxaca, Mexico | Annual Chiapanecas Festival]
____
The plaza was alive with music and color, lanterns strung across cobblestone streets, families dressed in bright embroidered outfits.
The smell of roasted elote and churros filled the air.
Laughter, Spanish chatter, and mariachi horns blended together in a chaotic symphony of celebration.
Amy stood in her pastel pink dress, roses stitched with care by her mother’s hands, the skirt layered and heavy.
Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun with fresh flowers tucked in, making her green eyes glow beneath the streetlights.
Beside her, Sonic adjusted his sombrero, his navy suit sharp, silver embroidery catching the light.
His jaw was tight, but when the drums started rolling, he leaned just close enough to whisper,
“Ready?”
Amy swallowed, her pulse racing.
“Always.”
The music swelled, and they stepped forward, taking their place at the center of the plaza.
The crowd clapped to the rhythm, and the two began to move—palms pressed, arms stretched, skirts swishing, boots stomping.
Sonic’s strength grounded Amy, spinning her perfectly, guiding her back to his chest before releasing her into another step.
Gasps and cheers echoed from the crowd.
Their movements weren’t just technical—they were alive, crackling with energy, like the music was flowing through them.
Amy twirled, her dress flaring, and when Sonic caught her, the crowd roared, voices shouting ¡eso!
Alicia stood in the crowd, jaw clenched so tight her teeth ached.
Sebastián leaned against a pillar, eyes dark, watching every movement like he was memorizing it.
But Sonic and Amy didn’t notice.
For that song, for that dance, the world was only theirs.
⸻
[March 15, 2025 | 7:52 P.M. | Plaza Edge | After the Dance]
____
The music ended, and the plaza erupted into applause.
Sonic bowed slightly, Amy curtsied, both panting from the effort but glowing from the adrenaline.
Amy’s chest heaved, her cheeks flushed.
She looked at Sonic, and for a second the noise of the festival faded.
His green eyes met hers, and something unspoken passed between them.
Before either could say a word, Alicia shoved her way through the crowd, her voice sharp.
“What the fuck was that?”
Amy blinked, taken aback.
“What?”
“That!”
Alicia snapped, pointing at them.
“Dancing like you’re—like you’re fucking in love or something!”
The crowd murmured, people turning, whispering.
Alex moved quickly, stepping between his sisters.
“Alicia, enough.”
“No!” Alicia’s voice cracked.
“She doesn’t get to come back after years and steal everything! My family, my friends, my—”
her eyes flicked to Sonic, venom dripping,
“—my chance.”
Amy’s throat closed, tears burning, but Alex pulled her into his chest, shielding her from the crowd’s stares.
“You’re not doing this here, not in front of everyone,”
he growled at Alicia.
Sebastián pushed forward now, smirking bitterly.
“She’s right, though. Everyone can see it. Sonic can’t keep his fucking eyes off Amy.”
Sonic’s hands curled into fists.
“Shut the hell up, Sebastián.”
“Make me,”
Sebastián snapped, stepping closer, chest to chest.
The tension snapped like a whip.
The plaza buzzed with whispers, people edging back as the air grew electric.
⸻
[March 15, 2025 | 8:04 P.M. | Plaza Fountain | The Confrontation]
____
Sonic shoved Sebastián’s shoulder, voice low and sharp.
“You’ve been sniffing around Amy for weeks. She doesn’t want you. Get it through your head.”
Sebastián laughed, humorless.
“And she wants you? You think you’re the hero here, Sonic? You’ve been stringing Alicia along while eye-fucking her sister every chance you get.”
Gasps broke through the crowd.
Alicia’s face burned, tears streaming.
“You— you bastard.”
Amy’s knees buckled, but Alex tightened his grip around her shoulders.
“Don’t listen to them, Amy.”
Sonic’s chest heaved, his voice cutting through the noise.
“Enough. I’m done letting everyone else talk for me.”
He turned, eyes locking with Amy’s.
His voice softened, though it still carried.
“Amy… I don’t give a shit who hears this. You’re not just some childhood memory to me anymore. You’re not just ‘the Rosa sister.’ You’re—fuck—”
He raked a hand through his curls, his voice breaking.
“You’re the only one who feels real to me. Always have been.”
The crowd fell into stunned silence.
Amy’s lips parted, her breath caught.
Alicia’s sob tore through the plaza.
“You asshole!”
she screamed, shoving through the crowd and running down the street, skirts flying.
Sebastián swore under his breath, glaring at Sonic before storming off in the opposite direction.
And Amy—shaking, tears in her lashes—buried her face into Alex’s chest, trembling.
⸻
[March 15, 2025 | 9:11 P.M. | Rosa Family Guest Room | After the Festival]
____
The Rosa house was quiet except for the muffled sounds of relatives downstairs, still buzzing about the night’s drama.
Amy sat on the edge of her bed, dress unzipped, hair half-fallen from its bun.
Her mother poked her head in.
“¿Mija? Are you okay?”
Amy forced a smile.
“I’m fine, Mamá.”
“You don’t look fine.”
Amy’s throat tightened.
“It’s just… too much.”
Her mother crossed the room, cupping her face gently.
“Corazón, jealousy is poison. Don’t let it rot your bond with your sister. And don’t let it steal your joy.”
Amy blinked back tears.
“But Mamá, she hates me.”
“Right now,”
her mother admitted softly.
“But sisters always find their way back. Give her time.”
⸻
[March 15, 2025 | 11:26 P.M. | Plaza Corner | Sonic & Alex]
____
Sonic leaned against his motorcycle, chain in his hands, jaw tense.
Alex approached slowly, arms crossed.
“You made things worse tonight,”
Alex said flatly.
Sonic glared.
“You think I don’t know that?”
“You confessed in front of the entire fucking town. What did you expect?”
Sonic’s chest rose and fell.
“I expected her to know. I couldn’t keep quiet anymore. Not with Sebastián circling like a fucking vulture. Not with Alicia tearing her apart.”
Alex studied him, long and hard.
Then, finally, he sighed.
“Just don’t hurt her. Amy’s strong, but she’s been through enough.”
Sonic met his eyes, voice steady.
“I’d rather cut my own throat than hurt her.”
Alex nodded slowly.
“Good. ’Cause if you do… you’ll answer to me.”
Sonic smirked faintly.
“Fair enough.”
⸻
[March 16, 2025 | 1:14 A.M. | Amy’s Balcony | Sonic & Amy]
____
The house had gone quiet.
The moon hung heavy over the hacienda.
Amy stood on her balcony, arms hugging her waist, still trembling from the night.
Below, Sonic appeared in the courtyard, helmet under his arm.
He looked up, green eyes glowing in the dim light.
“You should be asleep,”
Amy whispered.
“Couldn’t,”
Sonic admitted.
“Not after tonight.”
Silence stretched, thick and heavy.
Amy swallowed.
“You didn’t have to say all that.”
“Yes, I did.”
Sonic’s voice cracked.
“Because if I didn’t, someone else would’ve claimed you. And I couldn’t fucking live with that.”
Amy’s chest ached, torn between guilt and something deeper.
She shook her head.
“Sonic… my sister—”
“I know.”
His voice softened.
“And I don’t want to come between you two. But Amy…”
His hand pressed over his chest, voice breaking.
“I can’t lie anymore. Not to them. Not to you. Not to myself.”
Her breath hitched.
The air between them was charged, raw.
But before either could close the space, Alex’s voice cut through the night from her doorway.
“Amy. Inside. Now.”
Amy froze, looking between them.
Sonic’s jaw tightened, but he gave a small nod.
“Goodnight, Amy,”
he murmured, before slipping back into the shadows.
And Amy—heart racing, head spinning—knew nothing would ever be the same again.
⸻
Chapter 10: Under the Sombrero
Chapter Text
____
[March 18, 2025 | 6:12 P.M. | Rosa Hacienda Courtyard]
____
The hacienda buzzed with cousins, tias, laughter, the smell of fresh tamales rolling through the kitchen windows.
But upstairs, away from the noise, Amy felt the cold shoulder of her younger sister everywhere she went.
Alicia hadn’t looked at her since the festival.
Not once.
Not when they brushed shoulders in the hall, not when they dressed for rehearsal, not even when Mamá called for both of them to set the table.
Amy exhaled sharply, twisting her ring on her finger.
“She hates me, Alex. I can feel it.”
Her oldest brother leaned against the balcony rail, sipping a Coke.
“Yeah, she’s pissed. But hate? No. Alicia’s just stubborn, and right now she’s bleeding pride.”
Amy hugged her arms.
“She won’t even speak to me.”
“That’s her problem, not yours.”
Alex’s tone sharpened.
“Don’t carry her weight, Amy. You’re not the one acting like a jealous kid.”
Amy sighed, but deep down she knew Alex was right.
⸻
[March 18, 2025 | 8:47 P.M. | Sebastián’s Room | The Scheme]
____
Sebastián sat in his darkened room, window cracked as smoke from his cigarette curled into the humid night air.
His jaw worked as he replayed the festival over and over. Sonic’s confession.
Amy’s face.
The crowd’s whispers.
He crushed the cigarette into the ashtray.
“She should’ve been mine.”
From the bed, Adriana raised her brow, scrolling her phone.
“Or maybe she never wanted you, pendejo.”
Sebastián shot her a glare.
“Stay out of it.”
Adriana smirked.
“I’m just saying, you look pathetic. Amy doesn’t need a boy who stalks her shadow. She needs a man.”
He ignored her, leaning back, eyes narrowing.
If Sonic thought he had won, he was wrong.
Sebastián wasn’t going down without a fight.
⸻
[March 18, 2025 | 11:02 P.M. | Dance Hall | Late-Night Practice]
____
The hacienda’s dance hall glowed dimly with lantern light, the music playing low from an old speaker.
Everyone else was asleep, but Amy had snuck in, unable to shake her nerves.
She needed to practice.
To breathe.
Her skirt swished as she spun alone, steps echoing on the tile.
“Couldn’t sleep either?”
Amy froze, spinning toward the doorway.
Sonic stood there, sombrero in his hand, shirt unbuttoned halfway, sweatpants hanging low on his hips.
Her heart jumped.
“What are you doing here?”
He stepped inside, shrugging.
“Same as you. Dance clears my head.”
Amy shook her head, turning away.
“This is a bad idea.”
Sonic smirked faintly.
“What, afraid you’ll step on my toes?”
Against her better judgment, Amy let out a breathy laugh.
“Shut up.”
He closed the distance, offering his hand.
“One song. That’s all.”
She hesitated…
then slowly slipped her hand into his.
The music swelled, and they moved together—palms pressed, steps sharp, spins smooth.
His strength steadied her, his hand sliding to her waist when he pulled her in close.
Her pulse raced, every turn pulling her deeper into the heat of his body.
His green eyes locked on hers, unblinking.
When the music hit its final swell, Sonic pulled his sombrero off and pressed it between their faces, shielding them from the hall’s light.
And then his mouth crashed against hers.
Amy gasped into the kiss, a whimper breaking from her throat as his lips moved hungrily, desperately, against hers.
His hand tightened at her waist, pulling her flush against his chest.
Her knees nearly buckled, heat spiraling through her body.
She clutched his shirt, breathing his name against his mouth.
But then panic surged.
“Wait—”
she gasped, shoving against his chest.
“Wait, Sonic. Stop!”
He froze, eyes wide, chest heaving.
Amy stumbled back, hand pressed over her lips, tears burning.
“I’m sorry. I—I can’t. We can’t. Not like this.”
Sonic’s jaw clenched, breath ragged.
“Amy—”
“I’m sorry!”
she cried, skirts swirling as she ran out of the hall.
Sonic stood alone, sombrero in his hand, his chest heaving, sweat on his brow.
He closed his eyes, groaning, dragging his hands through his curls.
“Fuck,”
he muttered to the empty room.
“What the hell am I doing?”
⸻
[March 19, 2025 | 12:03 A.M. | Amy’s Room | Safe Haven]
____
Amy slipped into her room, tears streaking down her cheeks.
She yanked her flowers out of her bun, tossing them onto the dresser, and crawled onto her bed.
Alex was already lying there, shirtless, scrolling his phone.
He looked up immediately, brow furrowing.
“Hey. What happened?”
Amy curled into his chest without a word, sobbing quietly.
Alex wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close.
“Shh, you’re safe. Whatever it is, you’re safe.”
Her voice cracked against his chest.
“It’s too much, Alex. I don’t know what to do anymore.”
“You don’t have to figure it all out tonight,”
he murmured, stroking her hair.
“Just sleep.”
Amy let her eyes flutter shut, the rise and fall of Alex’s chest grounding her.
The door creaked.
Alicia stood in the doorway, arms crossed, eyes hard.
Alex’s head snapped up, voice low and sharp.
“Get the fuck out.”
Alicia blinked, stunned.
“I just wanted to—”
“Not the time,”
Alex snapped.
“She’s asleep. And you’re being childish over a boy. Leave.”
Alicia’s face flushed, anger and hurt mixing, but she turned sharply, slamming the door shut behind her.
Amy stirred faintly at the noise, but Alex rubbed her back until her breathing evened out again.
⸻
[March 19, 2025 | 1:37 A.M. | Dance Hall | Sonic Alone]
____
Sonic sat slumped against the wall of the dance hall, sombrero beside him, sweat drying on his skin.
He dragged a hand down his face, replaying every second of the kiss.
Her gasp.
Her whimper.
Her pushing him away.
He groaned, pressing the heels of his palms into his eyes.
“Goddammit.”
He wanted her—wanted her like nothing else—but the guilt chewed at him.
The last thing he wanted was to hurt her.
Or tear her family apart.
But it was too late.
He knew, in his bones, that nothing could go back to the way it was.
⸻
[March 19, 2025 | 9:45 A.M. | Breakfast Table]
____
The Rosa and Hernández families gathered for breakfast, the air thick with tension.
Alicia avoided Amy completely, eyes on her plate.
Sebastián smirked faintly whenever his gaze met Sonic’s.
Amy sat quiet, pushing eggs around her plate.
Sonic barely looked up from his coffee.
Their mothers chatted cheerfully, oblivious.
But under the table, Amy’s hands shook, her nails digging crescents into her palms.
And across from her, Sonic’s jaw tightened, his eyes flicking to her once—just once—but long enough to send her heart spiraling all over again.
⸻
[March 19, 2025 | 11:58 P.M. | Amy’s Balcony | Midnight Thoughts]
____
The night was humid, cicadas buzzing in the distance.
Amy sat curled on her balcony, blanket wrapped around her shoulders.
Her lips still tingled from the kiss, shame and longing warring inside her.
She whispered to herself,
“What are we doing?”
From the shadows below, a familiar voice answered softly.
“Something we can’t undo.”
Amy’s breath caught, her eyes flicking down.
Sonic stood in the courtyard, his face lit by the moonlight.
She swallowed hard, gripping her blanket tighter.
“Go home, Sonic.”
His voice cracked, raw.
“If I could, I would.”
And then he walked away, leaving Amy trembling in the dark, her heart caught between guilt and desire.
⸻
Chapter 11: Horse Adventures
Chapter Text
____
[March 20, 2025 | 10:04 A.M. | Stable Yard | Outside Oaxaca]
____
The sun burned golden above the stables, dust kicking beneath the horses’ hooves.
Amy adjusted her wide-brimmed hat, her pastel blouse tucked neatly into faded jeans.
Boots scuffed, camera strapped to her neck, she looked the part—half tourist, half local soul returned to roots.
Sonic, meanwhile, swung himself onto his horse like he’d been born in the saddle.
His white button-up clung to his chest, a dark sombrero shadowing his eyes.
When he caught Amy’s gaze, he grinned.
“What, never seen a cowboy before?”
Amy rolled her eyes, lifting her camera.
“I’m capturing evidence of your ego in its natural habitat.”
“Go ahead, sweetheart,”
he fired back, leaning lazily against the saddle horn.
“Take as many pictures as you want. I look good from all angles.”
Amy chuckled, hitting record.
“You’re unbelievable.”
He winked.
“That’s not the word you whispered last night when—”
Her gasp cut him off.
“Shut up!”
she hissed, face hot.
“Don’t you dare.”
He only laughed, nudging his horse forward, dust rising around him.
“Relax, I’m just teasing.”
Amy lowered the camera, muttering,
“You’re gonna get me killed.”
“Not while I’m around,”
Sonic said, his grin softening.
⸻
[March 20, 2025 | 12:41 P.M. | Mountain Trail]
____
The group rode along the ridge, laughter echoing, horses’ hooves clopping against the stones.
Amy held her camera high, capturing the sweep of Mexico below—villages dotting the valleys, rivers catching light like ribbons of silver.
She couldn’t stop smiling.
“This is insane,”
Amy murmured, voice barely audible over the wind.
Sonic edged his horse closer, his knee brushing hers.
“Not as insane as watching you light up every time you look at this place.”
Amy’s breath caught, camera trembling in her hands.
“You flirt too much.”
“Yeah?”
He leaned in, voice dropping.
“Or maybe I just say what’s true.”
She forced a laugh, eyes darting away, heart racing.
⸻
[March 20, 2025 | 1:32 P.M. | Break Stop | Riverside Clearing]
____
They pulled off near a riverbank, laying blankets on the grass.
A vendor cart had followed them, serving tacos al pastor, quesadillas, horchata in plastic cups.
Amy bit into a taco, sauce dripping down her hand.
“God, this is heaven.”
Sonic laughed, wiping a napkin over her wrist.
“Messy eater, huh?”
She swatted his hand.
“Shut the fuck up. You’re not perfect either.”
“Perfect enough.”
He stuffed two tacos at once into his mouth, chewing obnoxiously until she burst out laughing.
Sebastián, sitting a little apart, watched with narrowed eyes, chewing slowly, silently.
Adriana noticed, elbowing him.
“Careful, hermano. You’re starting to look like a stalker.”
“Fuck off,”
Sebastián muttered.
But his glare stayed fixed on Sonic’s hand brushing against Amy’s knee as they laughed together.
⸻
[March 20, 2025 | 3:15 P.M. | Trail Back | Rising Heat]
____
The sun blazed hotter now, shadows long across the canyon walls.
The horses shifted into a slower pace.
Amy adjusted her hat, sweat slicking her temples.
Sonic leaned back in the saddle, voice low.
“So… last night.”
Her chest tightened.
“Don’t.”
“Why not?”
His green eyes pinned her.
“You can pretend it didn’t happen, Amy, but I felt it. You kissed me back.”
She gripped the reins tighter.
“It was a mistake.”
“Bullshit.”
“Sonic—”
“Look me in the eye and tell me you didn’t want it.”
His voice cracked, frustration leaking through.
Amy’s throat tightened.
She wanted to lie.
Needed to.
But when she finally turned her head, meeting his gaze, she couldn’t.
Her silence was his answer.
Sonic exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through his hair.
“Fuck.”
⸻
[March 20, 2025 | 5:44 P.M. | Sunset Ride]
____
The heat softened into amber glow.
Horses trotted side by side as the sky burned orange and pink.
Amy lifted her camera, recording the fiery horizon.
“Beautiful, huh?”
Sonic murmured.
Amy swallowed.
“Yeah.”
He leaned closer, voice low against her ear.
“So are you.”
Her heart pounded, face hot.
She wanted to argue, to tell him to stop—but the words wouldn’t come.
The air between them buzzed, heavy and dangerous.
From behind, Alicia’s voice rang out, sharp.
“Careful, Amy, you’ll fall off staring at him like that.”
Amy flinched, jerking forward.
Sonic’s jaw clenched.
Andy called out, trying to break tension.
“Race you to the barn!”
He whipped his reins, his horse bolting ahead.
Laughter rose from the group, the heaviness breaking slightly as everyone kicked into a gallop.
⸻
[March 20, 2025 | 7:28 P.M. | Stable Yard | Aftermath]
____
The horses slowed into the stable yard, sweat-damp and exhausted.
Amy slid down, her legs trembling from the long ride.
She nearly stumbled, but Sonic caught her elbow, steadying her.
“Careful,”
he said softly.
Amy muttered,
“Thanks,”
pulling away too quickly.
Before more could be said, Alex appeared, walking toward them.
His presence was solid, grounding, his eyes immediately softening when he saw Amy’s tired frame.
“Hey, baby sister.”
He kissed her temple, then looked at Sonic.
“Thanks for keeping her in one piece.”
Sonic smirked faintly.
“Always.”
Alex gave him a firm nod, then crouched, letting Amy climb onto his back like when they were kids.
She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, cheek pressed against his neck, finally letting her exhaustion show.
Alex chuckled softly.
“You push yourself too hard.”
Sonic stood there, watching as Alex carried her toward the hacienda.
Amy’s lashes fluttered closed, already half-asleep.
Sonic’s chest ached, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips.
“Yeah,”
he whispered to the night.
“Goodbye.”
⸻
[March 20, 2025 | 11:57 P.M. | Sebastián’s Balcony | Schemes Brewing]
____
The moon hung heavy. Sebastián leaned against the railing, glass of tequila in his hand, eyes dark.
He replayed the day:
Amy’s laugh with Sonic, her blush, her silence when Sonic leaned close.
He clenched his jaw, muttering,
“She’s slipping away.”
Behind him, Alicia stepped out, arms crossed.
“Not slipping. Already gone.”
He turned, startled.
“What do you care?”
Alicia’s smile was bitter.
“Because if Amy gets him, I lose too.”
Their eyes met in dangerous understanding.
And in that silence, a fragile, toxic alliance began to form.
⸻
Chapter 12: Secrets in the Shadows
Chapter Text
____
[March 24, 2025 | 9:46 P.M. | Rosa Family Guesthouse, Oaxaca, Mexico]
____
The fan hummed softly against the humid night air.
Amy sat cross-legged on the edge of her bed, her hairbrush gliding slowly through her pink strands.
The moonlight slipped through the curtains, bathing her in silver.
She exhaled, letting her shoulders drop, trying to forget the way Alicia’s sharp words had cut earlier, the way Sebastián’s eyes burned holes in her back during rehearsal.
Tonight, she just wanted quiet.
Three knocks came at her door.
Amy blinked, setting her brush down.
“Yeah? Who is it?”
A familiar voice, muffled but unmistakable, drifted through.
“It’s me. Open up, Rosa.”
Her heart kicked.
Sonic.
She padded barefoot to the door, pulling it open just enough to see him leaning against the frame.
His sombrero dangled from his hand, his dark curls damp from a shower, shirt clinging to his chest.
Amy whispered,
“Sonic, what the hell are you doing here? It’s late.”
He smirked, eyes warm but tired.
“Came to check if you’re okay. You’ve been off since rehearsal. Plus—”
He held up a paper bag.
“They’re selling churros in town tonight. Figured you could use one.”
Amy’s lips parted, a soft laugh slipping out.
“You’re ridiculous.”
“Yeah, but I brought cinnamon sugar. That earns me points.”
She sighed, tugging the door open wider.
“Fine. Come in before someone sees you.”
⸻
[9:57 P.M. | Inside Amy’s Room]
____
Sonic dropped onto the edge of her bed, patting the space beside him.
“Sit. Eat.”
Amy plopped down, tearing into the churro bag.
She bit into the warm pastry, sugar dusting her lips. Sonic’s gaze flickered, lingering a second too long.
“What?”
she asked through a mouthful.
He grinned, leaning closer.
“You got sugar right here.”
Her brow furrowed until his thumb brushed gently against her bottom lip, swiping the sugar away.
He licked it off his finger, eyes never leaving hers.
Amy’s stomach flipped.
“You’re… insufferable.”
“You love it.”
His voice dropped, deeper, heavy with something dangerous.
Amy set the churro down, her pulse racing.
“Sonic…”
He tilted his head.
“What?”
The silence stretched—charged, tense, alive.
Then, almost against her own will, Amy leaned forward. His mouth met hers instantly.
⸻
[10:02 P.M. | The Kiss Ignites]
____
It wasn’t soft this time.
It wasn’t gentle.
His lips moved hard against hers, demanding, hungry.
Amy gasped against his mouth, clutching his shirt.
He kissed her deeper, tongue sliding against hers, her head spinning.
Her hands trembled as they moved—down, fumbling with the first button of her blouse.
She shouldn’t.
She knew she shouldn’t.
But she couldn’t stop.
“Fuck…”
Sonic groaned against her throat as she tugged him closer.
His mouth trailed down, hot and wet, biting lightly at the curve of her neck.
Amy whimpered, her nails digging into his shoulders.
Her blouse fell open halfway, her skin flushed, her breath ragged.
Sonic’s lips branded her throat, sucking until the sting bloomed into a hickey.
“Sonic,”
she gasped, half warning, half plea.
He pulled back just enough to smirk, voice hoarse.
“Now you’re mine.”
Amy’s face burned.
She shoved him lightly in mock offense, only to yank him back, pressing her mouth to his jaw, then lower, leaving her own dark mark against his skin.
Sonic hissed, clutching her waist.
“Shit,”
he muttered, head falling back.
“Didn’t know you had claws, Rosa.”
Amy’s laugh was shaky, nervous.
“Guess we’re even.”
⸻
[10:11 P.M. | Crossing the Line]
____
His hands slid down her back, pulling her flush against him.
She felt it then—hard, hot, undeniable against her thigh.
Her cheeks flamed, but curiosity overrode fear.
Her palm slid downward, brushing against the bulge in his jeans.
Sonic’s breath stuttered.
“Amy…”
His voice cracked, raw.
She bit her lip, daring to press harder.
He groaned, clutching her tighter.
“You’re fucking killing me,”
he whispered harshly, teeth grazing her ear.
She laughed breathlessly, overwhelmed, lips swollen from his kisses.
For a moment, it was too much.
Too fast.
Their hearts thundered in sync, both trembling between restraint and something deeper, something reckless.
⸻
[10:20 P.M. | Interrupted]
____
The door creaked.
Amy jerked back instantly, fumbling to button her blouse.
Sonic cursed under his breath, sitting upright, hair messy, lips bruised red.
Alex stood there, arms crossed, one brow raised.
“Well, well,”
he drawled, smirk tugging at his lips.
“What the fuck do we have here?”
Amy flushed crimson, backing toward the bathroom.
“We weren’t— I—”
Sonic rubbed the back of his neck, unbothered but tense.
“Alex…”
Alex’s gaze shifted between them, amusement flickering before settling protectively on his sister.
“Dad’s looking for you, Amy. Meeting downstairs. Family stuff.”
Amy nodded quickly, ducking into the bathroom with a mumbled,
“I’ll change.”
The door shut behind her, leaving the brothers-in-arms facing each other.
⸻
[10:24 P.M. | Alex & Sonic]
____
Alex leaned against the wall, arms folded.
“So… you and my sister, huh?”
Sonic exhaled, finally cracking a grin.
“Something like that.”
“Don’t play coy, cabrón. I saw the look in both your eyes.”
Sonic’s grin faded.
“Alex, it’s not—”
“It is,”
Alex cut in.
His tone hardened.
“She’s my baby sister. You hurt her, I’ll fucking bury you.”
Sonic met his eyes, serious now.
“I’d never hurt Amy.”
The silence was heavy, both men sizing each other up. Finally, Alex’s smirk returned, softer this time.
“Good. ’Cause if anyone’s gonna give her hell, it should be me.”
Sonic chuckled, tension breaking.
“Deal.”
The bathroom door opened, Amy stepping out in fresh clothes, cheeks pink.
She glanced nervously between them.
“Ready?”
Alex nodded, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“Yeah. Let’s go. Dad’s waiting.”
Amy glanced back once at Sonic.
Their eyes locked—unspoken fire still burning between them.
⸻
[11:02 P.M. | Rosa Family Study | The Meeting]
____
The long oak table stretched across the study, family gathered around.
The parents sat at the head, papers spread before them.
Plans for the final festival performance.
The outfits.
The order.
The expectations.
Amy tried to focus, nodding as her mother explained details, but her mind raced.
Her throat still burned where Sonic’s mouth had been.
Alicia sat across from her, eyes sharp, lips curled in a knowing smirk.
She leaned close to Sebastián, whispering something.
He chuckled darkly.
Amy’s stomach sank.
She knew.
They both knew.
And something told her… this was only the beginning.
⸻
[11:58 P.M. | Amy’s Balcony | After the Meeting]
____
Amy leaned against the railing, the night air cooling her flushed skin.
Her fingers touched her throat, the hickey throbbing beneath her collar.
She hated herself for it.
Wanted it again anyway.
Behind her, Alex slid the door open.
“You okay?”
Amy turned, forcing a smile.
“Yeah. Just… a lot on my mind.”
Alex studied her, then shrugged.
“Don’t worry. I won’t say shit. But you better figure out what you want, Amy. ’Cause secrets like that? They don’t stay hidden long.”
Amy exhaled shakily, staring into the dark.
“I know.”
And in the shadows, down below, Sebastián and Alicia lingered—watching, waiting, already plotting their next move.
⸻
Chapter 13: Broken Steps
Chapter Text
____
[March 27, 2025 | 4:15 P.M. | Cultural Hall, Oaxaca, Mexico]
____
The practice hall smelled of sweat, wood polish, and faint cinnamon from someone’s thermos of café de olla abandoned on a bench.
The wide mirrors reflected the two families as they rehearsed the Chiapanecas steps over and over, skirts flaring, boots stomping, sombreros catching the light.
Amy was radiant in motion, her pastel rehearsal skirt brushing her knees as she spun, braid bouncing.
Sweat slid down her neck but she smiled through it, focused, determined to perfect the dip her mother kept drilling into her.
“Again!”
Señora Rosa clapped sharply, her voice authoritative.
“Sonrisa, Amy! Bailar con alma!”
Amy nodded, chest heaving, flashing a smile despite the burn in her calves.
Sonic caught her eye across the line, tipping his sombrero with a cocky grin.
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling wider.
But on the sidelines, Alicia stood stiff, arms crossed, jealousy simmering like poison.
Sebastián leaned against the wall beside her, smirking.
“This is our chance,”
he whispered.
Alicia hissed back,
“Don’t fuck this up. Just distract her. Make her fall. Nothing serious.”
Sebastián’s grin turned cruel.
“Leave it to me.”
⸻
[4:28 P.M. | The Scheme Unfolds]
____
Music struck again.
The stomp of boots echoed.
Amy and Sonic locked hands, stepping in sync, his palm steady at her waist.
She focused on the rhythm—one, two, turn—her body remembering what her mind strained to keep perfect.
Then, just as she dipped, Sebastián sidestepped closer than the choreography allowed.
His boot slid forward, intentional, in Amy’s path.
Her heel caught.
“Aah!”
she cried, collapsing forward.
The world spun.
She twisted, wrist slamming hard against the polished wood.
Pain exploded through her arm.
“AMY!”
Sonic shouted, dropping to his knees beside her as the music screeched to a halt.
Alex was already there, scooping her shoulders into his arms.
Amy’s face contorted, tears spilling, clutching her wrist to her chest.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck—my wrist!”
she sobbed.
Their mother rushed forward, panic etched in her features.
“¡Dios mío! ¿Qué pasó aquí?”
Mr. Hernández strode in, fury already brewing.
“Who let this happen?!”
Amy cried harder, biting down on her lip as Alex held her tighter, rocking slightly.
“It hurts, mamá—it fucking hurts.”
⸻
[4:36 P.M. | Parents’ Confrontation]
____
The parents stood in a tight circle off to the side, voices raised.
“This was no accident,”
Señora Rosa snapped, glaring at Sebastián and Alicia.
“Her heel doesn’t just catch like that. Someone pushed too close.”
Sebastián scoffed, raising his hands.
“Don’t look at me. She’s clumsy.”
Sonic, still kneeling beside Amy, snarled,
“Bullshit. I saw you step in.”
“Watch your mouth,”
Sebastián shot back.
“Or what?”
Sonic rose to his feet, chest to chest now, fists trembling.
“You gonna trip me too?”
“¡Basta!”
Mr. Hernández thundered, stepping between them.
His face flushed dark with anger.
“Sebastián, explain yourself. Right now.”
Alicia piped in quickly, her tone sugar-coated.
“It was an accident. Amy wasn’t paying attention, she’s been distracted.”
Alex whipped his head toward her, eyes blazing.
“Shut the fuck up, Alicia. You think I didn’t see your face while she danced? You’re jealous as hell, and now my sister’s hurt because of it.”
Alicia’s lips trembled, but she crossed her arms tighter, muttering,
“You don’t know shit.”
“Oh, I know enough,”
Alex snapped, voice sharp like glass.
“You’ve been cutting her down for weeks.”
⸻
[4:51 P.M. | Alone – Alex & Alicia]
____
After Amy was escorted home with ice wrapped around her wrist, Alex cornered Alicia in the courtyard.
His hands shoved deep into his pockets, but his fury radiated.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?”
His voice cracked the air.
Alicia flinched, but masked it with defiance.
“Don’t start.”
“No, I am starting,”
Alex barked, stepping closer.
“You’ve been on Amy’s ass since she came back. Now this? You think tripping her is gonna make Sonic look at you?”
Her eyes flashed, tears threatening.
“You don’t get it! You’ve always protected her, always acted like she’s perfect! What about me?”
Alex’s voice softened for half a second, then hardened again.
“You’re my sister too. I love you. But this? This is ugly, Alicia. You’re acting like a fucking stranger.”
She turned away, blinking furiously, throat tight.
“I just wanted—for once—for someone to choose me.”
Alex exhaled, raking a hand through his hair.
“Then stop tearing down your own blood to get it. ’Cause if you keep this shit up, you’ll lose all of us.”
Alicia bit her lip hard enough to sting, shoulders trembling, but she didn’t answer.
⸻
[5:23 P.M. | Amy’s Room | Aftermath]
____
Amy sat curled in bed, ice pack pressed against her swollen wrist, tears dried stiff on her cheeks.
Sonic sat beside her on the floor, back against her bedframe, legs stretched long.
“You scared the shit out of me,”
he muttered, voice rough.
She managed a weak laugh.
“Scared myself too.”
Sonic glanced up at her, jaw tight.
“I swear, if they—”
“Don’t,”
Amy cut in softly.
“Please. Don’t make it worse. I can’t take more fighting.”
His eyes softened, but anger still simmered beneath.
“You don’t deserve this, Amy.”
She looked away, throat thick.
“I’m starting to think I don’t deserve any of it. Not the dance. Not…”
She stopped herself.
Sonic shifted, reaching for her uninjured hand, threading their fingers.
“Don’t say that. You deserve everything good, Rosa. Even if the whole fucking world doesn’t agree.”
Her eyes watered again, but she squeezed his hand back.
⸻
[6:11 P.M. | Hernández House | Scheming Again]
____
Meanwhile, in the Hernández courtyard, Sebastián paced furiously, Alicia slumped on the bench.
“Now everyone’s against us,”
Sebastián hissed.
“They think I’m the villain.”
Alicia muttered,
“Maybe we are.”
“Bullshit,”
Sebastián snapped.
“We just want what’s ours. Sonic doesn’t get everything. Amy doesn’t get to waltz back into town and steal the spotlight. No way.”
Alicia’s voice cracked, soft but bitter.
“But I can’t fight her, Sebastián. She’s… she’s Amy. Everyone fucking loves her.”
His jaw clenched.
“Then we stop playing nice. We hit where it hurts.”
Alicia turned to him, fear flickering in her eyes.
“…What are you planning?”
He only smirked, eyes dark.
“You’ll see.”
⸻
[7:45 P.M. | Rosa Family Dining Room | Family Meeting]
____
The long dining table was tense.
Amy sat with her wrist bandaged, Alex at her side, their parents opposite.
Mr. Rosa slammed his palm on the table.
“Enough is enough. If jealousy and childish games are going to ruin this tradition, then we cancel the damn performance.”
“No!”
Amy blurted, eyes wide.
“Papá, please. Don’t punish everyone for this.”
Her mother’s gaze softened at her daughter’s desperation.
“Mija…”
Alex leaned forward, voice low but firm.
“Then you need to control Alicia. She’s your daughter too.”
Alicia’s chair scraped back as she stood, face red.
“Stop making me the villain!”
Amy flinched, clutching her wrist.
“I’m not asking for a fight, Alicia. I just want peace.”
But Alicia’s tears spilled, twisted by anger.
“Peace doesn’t exist when you’re in the room, Amy. You take everything.”
The silence afterward was brutal, heavy.
Amy’s eyes shimmered, but she said nothing.
⸻
[10:03 P.M. | Amy’s Balcony | Alex & Amy]
____
Later, Amy sat outside under the stars, wrist cradled against her chest.
Alex joined her, carrying two mugs of hot chocolate.
He handed her one, sitting down with a sigh.
“You okay, baby sister?”
Amy nodded faintly.
“It just… hurts.”
“Your wrist?”
“My heart,”
she admitted softly.
Alex’s jaw tightened.
“Then we’ll protect you. From Alicia. From Sebastián. From anyone who tries to break you down. You’re not alone.”
Amy’s tears slipped silently, but she leaned into her brother’s shoulder, whispering,
“Thanks, Alex.”
Above them, the stars shone cold and clear.
But inside the Hernández household across town, darker stars of jealousy and anger burned hotter, ready to ignite again.
⸻
Chapter 14: Breaking Points
Chapter Text
____
[March 25, 2025 | 9:42 A.M. | Oaxaca Clinic]
____
The waiting room smelled like disinfectant and faded flowers.
Plastic chairs squeaked whenever someone shifted.
Amy sat with her bandaged wrist cradled in her lap, her braid a little messy from tossing in bed the night before.
Sonic sat beside her, his knee bouncing, sombrero resting awkwardly on his lap like a shield.
“You’re making me nervous,”
Amy muttered, wincing as she adjusted the ice pack.
He turned, eyes sharp.
“I’m making you nervous? You’re the one sitting here pretending your wrist isn’t killing you.”
She chuckled weakly.
“I’ve been through worse.”
“Yeah, well, I haven’t. Watching you go down like that? Fuck, Amy—I thought I was gonna tear Sebastián’s head off.”
His voice cracked with raw anger.
Her cheeks warmed.
She whispered,
“You’d fight for me?”
Sonic met her gaze, dead serious.
“I already have.”
Before she could answer, the nurse called her name.
⸻
[10:05 A.M. | Exam Room]
____
The doctor, a stocky man with graying temples, pressed carefully around her wrist.
Amy hissed, biting down on her lip, tears pricking.
“Small fracture,”
he finally said.
“You’ll need a brace for a few weeks. No heavy lifting. No dance rehearsals.”
Amy’s heart sank.
“But the festival—”
He shook his head.
“Lo siento, mija. You risk worse damage if you push it.”
Her throat tightened.
Sonic reached over, gripping her uninjured hand, thumb rubbing slow circles into her skin.
“We’ll figure something out,”
he murmured.
Amy looked at him, tears spilling despite herself.
His steady presence, his fingers anchoring her—she didn’t feel like she was drowning anymore.
⸻
[11:34 A.M. | Outside the Clinic]
____
The sun was blazing, the air buzzing with traffic.
Amy clutched her paperwork and brace, lips pressed tight.
“Wanna walk?”
Sonic asked.
“Where?”
“Doesn’t matter. Just… away.”
They ended up near a plaza, sitting on a fountain ledge.
Pigeons scattered at their feet.
Amy leaned against him, eyes closed, just breathing in his warmth.
Sonic hesitated, then brushed her hair back gently.
“You’re tougher than anyone I know.”
She laughed bitterly.
“Tough? I feel like a fucking porcelain doll.”
He tilted her chin up, eyes burning.
“You’re porcelain that cuts glass, Amy.”
Her heart stuttered.
“Sonic…”
And then he kissed her.
Not rushed.
Not stolen.
A slow, deliberate press of lips that deepened as her fingers curled into his shirt.
He groaned softly against her mouth, and she gasped, the sound swallowed between them.
⸻
[12:16 P.M. | Rosa House | Family Confrontation]
____
Back home, Amy stood in the living room, wrist braced, Sonic at her side like a wall of protection.
Her parents and Alex sat waiting.
Alicia lingered in the doorway, arms folded.
Amy took a shaky breath.
“I need to say this. I don’t feel safe here right now. Not with all the fighting. Not with Alicia scheming with Sebastián. I’m staying with Sonic for a few days.”
Her mother’s eyes widened.
“Amy, no—”
“Yes.”
Amy’s voice cracked but held.
“And… me and Sonic—we have feelings for each other.”
The silence was suffocating.
Alicia scoffed.
“Of course you do. You steal everything.”
Alex stood so fast his chair screeched.
“Shut the fuck up, Alicia. She’s hurt. She’s finally happy with someone, and you’re still trying to rip it away?”
Mr. Rosa pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Amy, mija… are you sure?”
Amy met his gaze firmly.
“Yes.”
Sonic straightened, shoulders squared.
“I’ll take care of her. You have my word.”
Her father’s jaw clenched, but after a long pause, he gave a single nod.
⸻
[8:47 P.M. | Sonic’s Room]
____
The guest room smelled faintly of cedar and cologne.
Amy sat cross-legged on the bed in shorts and a loose tee, brushing her damp hair after a shower.
Sonic leaned against the desk, watching her, chewing at his lip like he was holding something back.
“You’re staring,”
she teased.
He smirked faintly.
“Yeah. Sue me.”
She flushed, brushing faster.
“We’re not… dating or anything yet.”
“Not yet,”
he echoed softly, stepping closer.
Her chest tightened as he leaned down, kissing the crown of her head, then her temple, lingering at her ear.
She shivered, heat pooling low in her belly.
But that was all.
No clothes shed.
No desperate rush.
Just quiet tension humming between them like a violin string pulled too tight.
⸻
[March 26, 2025 | 7:32 A.M. | Sonic’s Room]
____
Amy stirred awake to the smell of coffee.
Sonic padded in, shirtless, pajama pants slung low, two mugs in hand.
“Morning, birthday girl,”
he said, voice rough from sleep.
Amy’s cheeks burned.
“You remembered.”
“Of course I did. Like I’d forget the day the world got prettier.”
She giggled, hiding her face in the blanket.
“You’re so fucking cheesy.”
“Only for you,”
he shot back, setting the mug in her hands before sliding onto the bed beside her.
They sipped in silence, legs brushing, the unspoken weight of something new between them.
Amy glanced at him shyly.
“We look like a couple.”
Sonic smiled, gaze lingering on her lips.
“We feel like one too.”
Her pulse fluttered.
She wanted to argue, to hold onto logic, but instead she leaned forward and kissed him again—slow and sweet, like the night before.
⸻
[9:56 A.M. | Breakfast Table]
____
They wandered downstairs together, hand in hand.
The Hernándezs were scattered about, surprised but saying nothing as Sonic pulled out a chair for Amy.
Adriana whispered to Alex,
“They’re official now?”
Alex shrugged.
“Looks like it.”
His protective gaze softened, watching Amy laugh over a plate of huevos rancheros.
But Alicia?
Alicia sat stiff, jaw locked, stabbing at her food like it had personally offended her.
Sebastián muttered under his breath,
“We’ll see how long this lasts.”
Alicia shot him a sharp glance, torn between guilt and lingering spite.
⸻
[11:15 A.M. | Balcony | Private Moment]
____
Amy leaned against the railing, staring at the hills rolling beyond the town.
Sonic came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder.
“You ever think about going back?”
he murmured.
“To the U.S.?”
“Yeah. Classes, real life… away from all this bullshit.”
Amy sighed.
“I have to. Spring semester doesn’t wait.”
He tightened his hold.
“And if I came with you?”
Her heart stuttered.
She turned, searching his eyes.
“You’d really do that?”
“Try and stop me.”
Amy’s lips curved into a trembling smile.
She kissed him again, deeper this time, clutching his shirt with her good hand, wishing time would freeze right there.
But the world spun on.
⸻
[11:58 P.M. | Sonic’s Room | Midnight Thoughts]
____
Amy lay curled on the bed, Sonic stretched out beside her, both staring at the ceiling.
The quiet was heavy but comfortable.
“You scared earlier,”
Sonic said suddenly.
“Hm?”
“When you told them you were staying with me. Thought your dad was gonna kill me.”
Amy laughed softly.
“You handled it. Like you always do.”
He turned to face her, brushing his fingers over her bandaged wrist.
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t,”
she whispered, leaning closer.
Their lips met again—this time hungrier, lingering, her fingers tangling in his hair, his hands sliding to her waist.
The kiss left them both panting when they finally pulled away, foreheads pressed together.
Amy’s cheeks flushed.
“We should sleep.”
Sonic chuckled low.
“If you say so, Rosa.”
But neither slept for a long while.
⸻
Chapter 15: Birthday Candles & Bad Ideas
Chapter Text
____
[March 26, 2025 | 6:03 P.M. | Rosa Household]
____
The Rosa household pulsed with noise, color, and warmth.
The faint scent of tamales, arroz con leche, and chocolate abuelita drifted through the air while balloons bounced lazily along the ceiling.
A long folding table was crammed with platters of tacos, enchiladas, pan dulce, and bottles of Jarritos lined up like soldiers beside stronger bottles hidden under the counter.
Amy, dressed in a short cream dress with lace trimming, stood in the center of the chaos with her wrist still braced but face glowing.
Her emerald eyes caught the twinkle of string lights draped along the living room.
Family and friends filled the space, voices mingling in Spanish and English.
Her mother clapped her hands.
“¡Vamos! Let’s sing to her already.”
The cake was carried out—tres leches, covered in strawberries and pastel-pink frosting.
Everyone crowded around.
“Cumpleaños feliz, te deseamos a ti…”
Amy laughed, cheeks burning as Alex smacked her shoulder playfully, Andy whistled obnoxiously, and Alicia clapped stiffly, her smile brittle as glass.
Sonic stood right behind Amy, tall, dark blue curls catching the light, eyes locked on her with an intensity that made her knees weak.
“Make a wish, mija,”
her father urged.
Amy closed her eyes.
Please, let it stop hurting.
Let me breathe again.
Then she blew out the candles.
The cheer erupted, cake was sliced, and the music was turned up—a mash of cumbia, bachata, and reggaeton spilling through the speakers.
⸻
[7:02 P.M. | Living Room | Dancing]
____
The makeshift dance floor cleared.
Couples paired off, hips swaying, feet tapping.
Adriana pulled Alex into a bachata while Andy spun Sarah with reckless joy.
Sebastián tried to coax Alicia out, but her eyes darted instead to Sonic, who was leaning against the wall, watching Amy laugh with a cousin.
Finally, Sonic pushed off the wall, striding toward her.
“Birthday girl,”
he said, bowing mockingly.
“May I?”
Amy blinked, heart racing.
“You dance?”
“Try me.”
He took her hand, spinning her into the rhythm.
Gasps rippled through the crowd as Sonic dipped her dramatically, her laughter echoing like bells.
Their bodies moved effortlessly, like two halves that had never been apart.
And then—without hesitation—Sonic bent and kissed her.
Right there. In front of everyone.
A sharp kiss, then deeper, his hand firm on her back while she clung to his shoulder.
The room erupted—cheers, whistles, even a shocked
“¡Dios mío!” from her mother.
Amy pulled away, giggling, cheeks flushed.
“Sonic!”
He smirked, whispering,
“Happy birthday, Rosa.”
Behind them, Alicia’s smile cracked completely.
Sebastián clenched his jaw, muttering under his breath.
⸻
[10:18 P.M. | Rosa Household | After the Party]
____
The music softened as the night waned.
People trickled out, voices fading into the cool Mexican evening.
Amy sat on the porch steps, heels off, a little too many drinks in her system, head resting against Sonic’s shoulder.
“Best birthday?”
he asked.
“Mhm,”
she mumbled, eyes heavy but mischievous.
“Best… ‘cause of you.”
Sonic chuckled, brushing her pink hair back.
“You’re drunk, Rosa.”
“Not that drunk.”
She poked his chest, giggling.
“Still know what I want.”
His stomach flipped.
“And what’s that?”
Her lips curved.
“You.”
⸻
[11:02 P.M. | Hernández Household | Sonic’s Room]
____
“C’mon, Amy, work with me,”
Sonic grunted, half-dragging, half-carrying her up the stairs.
She stumbled, laughing uncontrollably, arms wrapped around his neck.
“You’re so strong, Sonic! So… so hot. My hot delivery boy.”
“Jesus Christ.”
He kicked his bedroom door shut, maneuvering her toward the bed.
“Sit.”
Amy plopped down, bouncing, giggling harder.
“Bed’s comfy. So’s your lap.”
She tugged at his shirt.
“Shirt off, shirt off—”
“Amy.”
His voice was low, warning, but his pulse thundered.
She leaned forward, brushing her lips against his neck, kissing sloppily.
“Please?”
He groaned, head dropping back.
Her hands slipped under his shirt, palms sliding over hard muscle, tracing his abs.
His self-control wavered.
“Fuck, Rosa…”
He peeled his shirt off, tossing it aside.
Amy gasped, eyes roaming.
“Holy shit. Six abs. Six.”
Sonic smirked despite himself. “You counted?”
“Maybe seven,”
she giggled, pressing a kiss to his chest, then another.
His hands trembled as they slid into her hair, tugging gently.
Their mouths met, hot and messy, tongues clashing, her moan vibrating against him.
His cock strained painfully in his jeans as her small hand brushed against it.
“Shit,”
he hissed, gripping her wrist gently.
“Amy—you’re drunk. We can’t—”
Her emerald eyes softened, lips swollen.
“I just… want you close.”
He exhaled hard, pressing his forehead to hers.
“I’m not taking advantage of you. Tomorrow—when you’re sober—if you want this, then fuck yeah. But not like this.”
Amy pouted but melted into his embrace, curling against his bare chest.
“You’re… stupid. Sweet. Stupid.”
“Yeah, I know.”
He tucked her under the blanket, stroking her hair until her giggles faded into soft breaths.
⸻
[March 27, 2025 | 8:41 A.M. | Sonic’s Room]
____
The sunlight poured in, golden and sharp.
Amy stirred, groaning, clutching her temples.
“Morning, Rosa,”
Sonic drawled from the desk chair, sipping coffee, shirt back on.
Her eyes widened.
“Oh fuck—did we—”
“No.”
He smirked.
“You tried. Trust me. You tried hard.”
She buried her face in the pillow, mortified.
“Kill me now.”
He laughed, low and warm.
“Not happening. You’ve got classes to get back to. And, uh… we’ve got to talk about what last night means. What we mean.”
Amy peeked at him, heart racing.
“What if I already know?”
Sonic set his mug down, crossing the room, leaning over her. His voice dropped.
“Then show me.”
Her breath caught as he kissed her again, slow and deliberate this time.
No drunken haze.
Just them.
And it felt like the start of something unstoppable.
⸻
Chapter 16: Suitcases and Lemonade
Chapter Text
____
[April 1, 2025 | 3:12 P.M. | Rosa Household | U.S.]
____
The quiet of the Rosa household was a shock after Mexico. No blaring mariachi rehearsals.
No overlapping voices, laughter spilling from balconies.
Just the hum of an old ceiling fan and the rustle of cardboard boxes lined against Amy’s lavender-colored bedroom walls.
Amy sat cross-legged on her rug, folding blouses into neat stacks.
Her emerald eyes looked tired, not from sleep deprivation but from the weight of a choice pressing on her.
Harvard called—her future, her degree, the dream she had sacrificed so much for.
Yet her heart was a mess, tangled with the blue-haired boy sprawled across her bed like he owned it.
Sonic had been “helping” for two hours.
Helping meant sitting in her desk chair, tossing socks into boxes like basketball shots, smirking every time she glared.
Helping meant lying back with his arms folded under his head, biceps flexing deliberately, and saying things like,
“You sure you need this many jeans, Rosa? Half of them are gonna miss you anyway.”
She groaned.
“You’re impossible.”
“And you’re distracted,”
he fired back, that grin tugging at his lips.
“I am not—”
Amy started, but her words cut short as she caught him watching her like she was the only thing in the room worth seeing.
His green eyes pinned her in place, and her face went hot.
“Come here,”
he said, patting his thigh like it was the most natural thing in the world.
She hesitated.
“Sonic, I’ve got clothes to—”
“You’ve got me,”
he interrupted smoothly.
Amy rolled her eyes, but her feet moved anyway.
She ended up straddling his lap, her palms pressed against his chest, feeling the solid thump of his heartbeat under her hand.
He smirked up at her.
“See? Much better.”
Her lips parted to scold him, but instead she kissed him—hard.
His hands gripped her hips, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss until she gasped against his mouth.
The air grew thick, the quiet hum of the fan drowned out by their breathing.
⸻
[3:28 P.M. | Amy’s Room | Heat Rising]
____
It started innocent. Just kissing, her soft laughter spilling between their lips.
But Sonic’s lips trailed lower, grazing her jaw, her throat, and she shivered, tilting her head back.
Amy’s hand slid down instinctively, brushing against the bulge straining against his jeans.
Sonic hissed, jerking slightly.
“Fuck, Amy…”
She froze, but his groan only spurred her on.
Slowly, almost timidly, she pressed her palm firmer, teasing the outline of him.
His head dropped to her shoulder, breath ragged.
“You’re gonna kill me,”
he muttered, but he didn’t stop her.
Her lips curved into a daring smile as she slid off his lap and onto the floor between his knees.
His eyes widened, heat blazing across his cheekbones.
“Amy—”
“Shh,”
she whispered, unzipping his jeans with trembling fingers.
He let his head fall back against the wall, fists clenched in her sheets.
“Holy fuck…”
Amy swallowed hard, her inexperience obvious but her determination burning brighter.
She kissed down his chest, down his abs, until she reached the waistband.
Her breath was hot against him as she took him in, and Sonic’s entire body tensed.
His voice broke.
“Amy—shit—”
Every sound from him sent fire pooling in her belly.
He panted, hips twitching, his hand sliding shakily into her silky pink hair, guiding her but never forcing.
When she looked up, his emerald eyes were half-lidded, glazed with need.
“Fuck, you’re… you’re perfect,”
he gasped, his voice hoarse.
⸻
[4:11 P.M. | Balcony | Afterglow & Lemonade]
____
The heat of the moment eventually cooled.
Amy leaned against the balcony railing, hair tied in a messy bun, sipping lemonade she had just made in the kitchen.
Sonic sat beside her, shirtless now, sweat still glistening faintly on his chest.
He held his own glass, chugging half before setting it down with a satisfied sigh.
Amy chuckled softly.
“You look wrecked.”
“You wrecked me,”
he shot back, smirking, voice raspy.
She rolled her eyes, cheeks flushing.
“You’re such an ass.”
“And you love it.”
Silence stretched for a moment as they both stared at the horizon.
The U.S. spring sky was pale blue, streaked with clouds.
Kids played down the street, laughter drifting faintly up. The normalcy of it all felt almost surreal after what they had just done.
Amy’s voice softened.
“Sonic… I’m leaving soon. Harvard doesn’t wait. Classes start again in less than a week.”
His jaw tightened, but he didn’t look away.
“I know.”
She set her glass down, fingers fidgeting.
“What if… what if this was just a vacation thing? Mexico, birthdays, late nights. What if it doesn’t last back here?”
His hand slid over hers, steady, grounding.
“Then we fight to make it last. Because I’m not letting you go again.”
Her throat tightened.
“You’re serious.”
“Dead serious.”
He leaned closer, kissing the tip of her nose.
“Amy Rosa, you’ve been driving me insane since we were kids. You think I’m about to let Harvard steal you away without a fight?”
She laughed through tears, swiping at her eyes.
“You’re such an idiot.”
“Yeah,”
he said, kissing her softly this time, almost reverent.
“But I’m your idiot now.”
⸻
[6:48 P.M. | Rosa Kitchen | Family Tension]
____
Downstairs, Amy’s suitcase sat half-packed.
Her mother was stirring a pot of caldo, her father hunched at the table.
Alex leaned against the counter, arms folded, watching as Amy and Sonic walked in together.
“You two look… different,”
Alex noted flatly.
Amy froze, cheeks flaming. Sonic just smirked.
“Yeah? Must be the lemonade.”
Alex narrowed his eyes but didn’t push.
“You’re leaving soon, right?”
Amy nodded.
“Tomorrow. Early morning.”
Her father’s face hardened.
“Don’t forget who you are, mija. School is important. Future is important.”
Sonic squeezed her hand under the table, whispering,
“He doesn’t mean us.”
But Amy wasn’t so sure.
⸻
[10:02 P.M. | Balcony Again | Final Night]
____
The stars spilled across the sky, and the night air was cool.
Amy sat curled into Sonic’s side on the balcony, wrapped in a blanket.
“You scared?”
he asked quietly.
She hesitated.
“Yeah. About school. About us. About everything.”
He kissed the top of her head.
“Then we’ll be scared together.”
She looked up at him, her heart aching with something too big to name.
Her fingers brushed his cheek as she whispered,
“Promise me this isn’t just a dream.”
He caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm.
“I promise.”
The night held them in silence after that, tangled in each other’s warmth, knowing tomorrow would test them but unwilling to let go just yet.
⸻
Chapter 17: Last Morning, Last Kiss
Chapter Text
⸻
[March 30, 2025 | 5:56 A.M. | Amy’s Room | Rosa Household]
____
The alarm buzzed faintly from Amy’s phone, but neither of them moved.
The morning light leaked through the curtains in pale gold strips, kissing the sweat on their bare skin.
Amy was straddling Sonic, her pink hair spilling down her shoulders, chest rising and falling as she moved slow, deliberate, her breath trembling.
Sonic’s eyes locked on her like she was the only thing that existed. His palms cupped her thighs, sliding up to her waist. He groaned, chest tightening.
“Fuck, Amy… look at you. Just look at you.”
She smirked breathlessly, hair sticking to her forehead.
“What?”
He smirked back, teeth flashing.
“What? I just got the hottest girl on me—riding my cock before she leaves me for Harvard. Kinda hard not to brag.”
Amy laughed, the sound breaking into a moan as she ground down harder, her nails digging into his chest.
“Shut up, Sonic—”
“Make me,”
he muttered, lifting his hips to meet her rhythm, and she gasped, biting her lip.
Her hands slid over his chest, her mouth pressing kisses over his collarbone, his neck, his chest, leaving wet trails.
She mumbled against his skin,
“Gonna miss you so much.”
His voice cracked, raw with something heavier than lust.
“I love you.”
Amy froze.
Her lips hovered over his heart, her wide green eyes snapping up to his.
“You—what?”
Sonic’s grin softened into something vulnerable, his thumb brushing over her hip.
“I said I love you. And I don’t give a fuck if it’s too soon or too messy or if you’re about to fly across the country. I love you, Amy Rosa.”
Her chest ached, tears stinging her eyes as her lips trembled.
She leaned down, pressing her forehead to his.
“I love you too, Sonic.”
He let out a sharp laugh of disbelief, his hands sliding to her waist as he flipped her over in one motion.
She squealed, giggling as her back hit the sheets.
“Say it again,”
he demanded, pinning her wrists above her head, kissing her like he was starving.
Her moans filled the room, soft and desperate.
“I love you, I love you, I—ahh—”
Her voice broke as he thrust into her harder, her breasts bouncing, headboard slamming into the wall.
Downstairs, muffled voices stirred.
Her mother’s spoon clattered in the kitchen.
Alex cursed under his breath.
“For fuck’s sake,”
Alex muttered, running a hand down his face.
“They really had to do this now?”
“Leave them be,”
Rosa snapped at him, though her cheeks burned crimson.
The sound of headboards banging against the wall only grew louder.
⸻
[7:14 A.M. | Rosa Driveway | Packed and Ready]
____
Amy stood in the driveway, luggage stacked by the trunk of the family SUV.
She wore simple jeans and a hoodie, hair tied back, but Sonic only saw her as the girl he just promised his heart to.
He leaned against the car, arms crossed, watching her fuss with her bag zippers.
Alex slammed the trunk shut.
“Alright. Everything’s packed.”
Their father cleared his throat, clearly still unsettled by the morning “noise,” but choosing to ignore it.
“We’ll meet you at the airport. Sonic, you’re driving?”
“Yeah,”
Sonic said quickly, sliding behind the wheel before anyone could argue.
Amy kissed her mom’s cheek, hugged her dad, then clung to Alex a moment longer.
“Take care of them for me, okay?”
Alex sighed, softening.
“You’re the one I’m worried about. But… go. Do your thing.”
She smiled gratefully, then slipped into the passenger seat.
⸻
[7:42 A.M. | Highway to the Airport | Inside Sonic’s Car]
____
The road stretched endlessly, lined with trees, the early morning traffic light but steady.
Amy’s hand rested in Sonic’s, their fingers laced tight.
The silence wasn’t awkward—it was heavy, full of all the words they weren’t saying.
Finally, Sonic spoke.
“You nervous?”
Amy exhaled.
“About Harvard? About us? About everything? Yeah. But I’m more scared of losing this. Losing you.”
“You’re not gonna lose me,”
Sonic said firmly, squeezing her hand.
“We’ll make it work. Calls, flights, whatever it takes. I’ll show up at Harvard and embarrass the shit outta you in the middle of class if I have to.”
She laughed, wiping at her eyes.
“God, I hate how much I’m gonna miss you.”
“Good,”
he smirked.
“Means I’m doing something right.”
⸻
[8:23 A.M. | Airport Drop-Off | Terminal C]
____
The Rosa family stood near the departure gate.
Amy’s luggage was already tagged and rolled away.
The finality of it hit her like a punch in the gut.
Her father gave her a stern hug.
“Work hard. Remember why you’re there.”
Her mother smoothed her hair, whispering in Spanish,
“Te quiero, mi niña. Don’t forget home.”
Alex hugged her last, strong and protective.
“Don’t let anyone push you around. And… call me if Sonic does something stupid.”
Amy smiled tearfully.
“I will.”
Finally, it was Sonic.
He didn’t hesitate.
Didn’t care about the dozens of strangers, the watchful eyes of her entire family.
He grabbed her waist, pulled her flush against him, and kissed her like she was the only girl in the world.
It wasn’t quick.
It wasn’t polite.
It was raw, deep, messy—his tongue sliding against hers, his hands holding her like he never wanted to let go.
She moaned into his mouth, clutching his hoodie, forgetting they weren’t alone.
Gasps rippled around them. Someone wolf-whistled.
Alex muttered,
“Jesus Christ.”
When they finally broke apart, both panting, Sonic pressed his forehead to hers.
“I love you. Don’t forget that.”
Tears blurred her vision as she cupped his face.
“I won’t. I love you too.”
She kissed him once more, softer this time, before turning toward security.
⸻
[8:41 A.M. | After Departure | Outside the Airport]
____
The Rosa family walked back toward the parking garage. Sonic lagged behind, staring at the doors where Amy disappeared.
His chest felt hollow, his hands empty.
Sebastián sidled up beside him, smirking like a vulture.
“She’s gonna forget about you, you know. Harvard’s full of guys smarter, richer, cleaner than you. She’ll move on.”
Sonic’s jaw clenched, his fists curling tight.
He didn’t look at Sebastián, didn’t give him the satisfaction of a reaction.
Instead, he muttered under his breath,
“Fuck off, Sebastián.”
But deep down, the words festered, planting doubt in his chest.
⸻
[9:12 A.M. | Sonic’s Car | Parking Lot]
____
He sat alone in his car, hands gripping the steering wheel, staring at the empty passenger seat where Amy had been hours ago.
The scent of her perfume still lingered.
The faint warmth of her goodbye kiss still burned on his lips.
And for the first time in years, Sonic the cocky, reckless, unshakable boy felt the sting of fear.
He whispered to himself, voice breaking.
“Don’t forget me, Amy. Please.”
The hum of the airport swallowed his words, but his chest ached with hope—and the promise of her return.
⸻
Chapter 18: Five Months Apart
Chapter Text
⸻
[August 21, 2025 | 11:48 P.M. | Sonic’s Bedroom | U.S.]
____
The room was lit by the faint blue glow of his laptop screen.
Sonic lay on his bed shirtless, messy hair sticking up in all directions, his phone propped against a stack of books at just the right angle.
His heart thumped every time the FaceTime screen connected, every time Amy’s face appeared.
And then she did.
Amy Rosa, five months older, five months stronger, sitting at her dorm desk in Harvard sweats with her hair tied into a lazy bun.
The sight of her alone made him grin like a dumbass.
“God, I missed you,”
Sonic muttered immediately, leaning closer to the camera.
Amy’s lips curved into that soft smile, the one that always fucking killed him.
“You literally saw me yesterday on FaceTime.”
“Yeah, but I miss you every second in between, so that doesn’t count,” he shot back, smirking.
She rolled her eyes, though her cheeks flushed faintly.
“You’re impossible.”
He sprawled back on his pillows dramatically.
“You love it.”
“I tolerate it,”
she teased, biting her lip, though her eyes lingered on his bare chest.
⸻
[12:05 A.M. | The Call Gets Heavier]
____
The conversation drifted the way it always did—classes, her professors, his work shifts, dumb jokes that made her laugh so hard her dorm neighbors probably wanted to kill her.
But tonight felt different.
Sonic shifted, voice dropping.
“So, uh… not gonna lie, babe. I’m kinda dying over here. It’s been five fucking months.”
Amy’s brows raised, amused.
“Dying?”
“Yeah,”
he groaned, throwing an arm over his eyes.
“I’m blue-balled as hell, Amy. Haven’t—”
he paused, smirk tugging at his lips,
“—had a proper release since you left.”
Her jaw dropped.
“Sonic!”
“What? I’m being honest.”
He peeked at her through his fingers, grinning.
“What, you think I don’t think about you? Every damn night?”
Her laugh broke, nervous and flustered.
“You’re ridiculous.”
“I’m horny,”
he corrected with a chuckle, leaning closer to the camera again. His voice dropped lower.
“Wanna help me with that?”
Amy’s cheeks burned as she looked around her dorm, making sure her door was locked.
“You’re insane.”
“Yeah, but I’m your insane.”
⸻
[12:14 A.M. | Sonic’s Hands]
____
The air between them thickened with tension.
Sonic sat up, adjusted the phone so it caught more of him, and dragged his hand down his abs slowly, deliberately, until it brushed the waistband of his sweats.
Amy’s breath caught.
“Sonic…”
“You can look away if you want,”
he said, eyes locked on hers.
“But I don’t want to keep pretending like I don’t think about you when I do this.”
She didn’t look away.
He tugged his sweats down enough to free himself, groaning the moment his hand wrapped around his length.
“Fuck…”
His head fell back against the headboard, breath ragged.
“This is what you do to me, Amy. Every time I hear your voice. Every time I picture you in those little skirts you wear for class.”
Amy’s thighs pressed together under her desk, her pulse racing.
“Talk to me,”
Sonic begged, stroking himself slow, his breath hitching.
“Tell me I’m not losing my mind over here.”
Her lips parted, but all she could manage was a shaky,
“I… I miss you too.”
“Yeah? You touch yourself thinking of me too?”
His grin was wicked even through the haze in his eyes.
She stayed quiet, biting her lip.
He groaned louder, hand moving faster.
“Fuck, you do. I can see it on your face. God, Amy…”
⸻
[12:26 A.M. | The Release]
____
The tension snapped like a whip.
Sonic’s hips lifted off the bed, his body arching as a guttural moan tore out of his throat.
His release spilled over his stomach, long and heavy, his chest heaving with every ragged breath.
Amy gasped softly, heat crawling up her neck as she pressed her hand to her lips.
He blinked at the screen, grinning lazily, hair damp with sweat.
“Shit… that was… damn.”
“Sonic!”
she hissed, though she couldn’t stop smiling, cheeks on fire.
“What? You’re blushing so hard right now.”
She groaned, burying her face in her hands.
“I can’t believe you just did that.”
He chuckled, wiping his stomach with a towel.
“Better believe it. That was all you, babe.”
⸻
[12:42 A.M. | Calmer Now]
____
When his breathing settled, Sonic stretched out again, dragging the phone closer so only his face filled the screen.
His voice softened, sincerity seeping through.
“God, Amy… I don’t care how far you are. You’re still mine.”
Amy exhaled, her smile trembling.
“You’re mine too. Always.”
The distance between them ached, but the bond was unshakable.
⸻
[August 22, 2025 | 2:07 A.M. | Amy’s Dorm Balcony | Harvard]
____
Amy slipped outside, the cool night air brushing her flushed cheeks.
She carried her phone with her, Sonic still on the line. He was lying on his bed, messy, half-asleep but refusing to hang up.
“Look at the moon,”
she whispered, lifting the phone to show him.
“It’s the same one you’re under.”
He chuckled groggily.
“Cheesy as fuck, but… yeah. Makes me feel closer.”
She bit her lip.
“I want you here so badly.”
“Soon,”
he murmured.
“I’ll come see you soon. I don’t care if I gotta blow every paycheck for a flight. I’m not going five more months without kissing you again.”
Her heart clenched.
“Promise?”
“Promise,” he said, eyes half-lidded.
“Goodnight, Ames.”
“Goodnight, Sonic.”
She sat there long after the call ended, staring at the moon, her hand brushing her chest where her heart still pounded.
⸻
Chapter 19: Back Home, Finally
Chapter Text
⸻
[December 15, 2025 | 3:17 P.M. | Airport Arrivals | U.S.]
____
The airport buzzed with the usual chaos—suitcases rolling, families reuniting, kids crying, announcements echoing through the intercom.
But Amy Rosa didn’t hear any of it.
All she could feel was the weight of her duffle on her shoulder, the tug of her suitcase behind her, and the hammering of her heart in her chest.
Her emerald eyes scanned the crowd past security, searching—until she saw him.
Sonic.
Standing tall in a black hoodie and ripped jeans, hair messy, emerald eyes locked on hers like he’d been waiting his whole damn life.
“Amy.”
That single word ripped out of him as she dropped her suitcase and bolted forward.
She didn’t care who was watching.
Didn’t care about the chaos around them.
She collided into him, arms wrapping tight around his neck as he scooped her up, spinning her slightly.
She buried her face in his shoulder, inhaling the familiar mix of cologne, leather, and just him.
“Fuck, I missed you,”
Sonic whispered against her ear, voice breaking.
“I missed you more,”
she breathed back, tears stinging her eyes.
And then his lips were on hers—deep, desperate, hungry.
The kiss they’d been saving for five months, messy and raw.
People clapped, someone wolf-whistled, but neither of them gave a shit.
⸻
[3:42 P.M. | Outside the Airport | Parking Lot]
____
The trunk of Sonic’s blue motorcycle glinted under the sun as he strapped her suitcase down.
Amy leaned against the seat, arms crossed, smirking at the way his muscles flexed beneath his hoodie.
“You’re staring,”
Sonic teased, catching her eyes.
“I’m admiring,”
she corrected, stepping close to fix the strap.
“You’ve gotten buffer.”
He grinned cockily, wrapping an arm around her waist.
“Had to keep in shape if I wanted to handle you when you got back.”
Her cheeks flushed.
“Cocky as always.”
“You love it.”
She rolled her eyes, slipping on his spare helmet before climbing onto the back.
The moment her arms wrapped around his torso, her chest pressing against his back, Sonic revved the engine, smirking at her squeal.
“Hold on, baby. This ride’s been a long time coming.”
⸻
[4:07 P.M. | The Rosa Household | Driveway]
____
The Rosa house was alive with noise as always—voices echoing, music spilling from the backyard.
The moment Amy stepped out, dragging her suitcase behind her, the front door burst open.
“Amy!”
Alex, her oldest brother, was already charging toward her.
He scooped her up in one motion, twirling her around like she was still ten years old.
Amy squealed, laughing uncontrollably as he tossed her a little into the air and caught her.
“Alex! Put me down!”
“Nope, I’m keeping you! Harvard can’t have you anymore!”
Alex declared, hugging her so tight she almost couldn’t breathe.
But then a sharp voice cut in.
“Hey! Be careful, man!”
Sonic barked, stepping up fast and prying Amy out of Alex’s arms into his own.
He held her against his chest possessively, glaring playfully at her brother.
Alex blinked, then smirked as Sonic bent down and kissed Amy deeply right there on the driveway, her squeal muffled against his lips.
Alex shoved them apart with a laugh.
“Hey! That’s my baby sister you’re tonguing down, jackass.”
Amy giggled nervously, cheeks flushed.
Sonic just smirked, arm still tight around her waist.
“Get used to it, bro. She’s mine.”
Alex shook his head, muttering,
“This is bullshit,” but hugged her again anyway.
⸻
[6:28 P.M. | Sonic’s Apartment | Bedroom]
____
Hours later, after all the family greetings, all the hugs, all the overwhelming love from her siblings and parents, Amy slipped into Sonic’s apartment.
The moment the door shut, Sonic had her pinned against it, lips crashing into hers with months of pent-up hunger.
She gasped, clutching at his hoodie as his hands roamed her waist, her hips.
“Sonic—”
“Shut up. I need you,”
he growled, voice thick with need.
He carried her straight to his bedroom, tossing her gently onto the mattress.
His body hovered over hers, eyes dark with lust.
“Five months, Ames. I’m done waiting.”
Amy’s lips parted, breath shaky.
“Then don’t wait.”
Clothes flew.
Her hoodie peeled off, his shirt yanked over his head, jeans kicked aside.
Their mouths barely parted, hands everywhere.
Sonic groaned as she tugged his hair back, exposing his throat for her lips.
“Fuck…”
His hips ground against hers, the heat between them unbearable.
“Take control, Sonic,”
she whispered against his mouth.
“Oh, baby, I was planning on it.”
And he did.
He pinned her wrists above her head with one hand, the other sliding down her body slowly, making her squirm and moan beneath him.
His lips trailed from her mouth to her neck, down her collar, leaving a line of hot, desperate kisses.
“Sonic—please,”
Amy whimpered, arching beneath him.
“God, I love hearing you beg.”
⸻
[7:14 P.M. | Tangled Sheets]
____
The bed creaked and rocked, headboard slamming against the wall.
Their moans and cries filled the room, raw and breathless.
Sonic moved with power, with precision, every thrust making her back arch, every kiss making her melt.
Amy’s nails dug into his back, her voice breaking with every gasp.
“I missed you—so much—”
“Say it again,”
he groaned into her ear, sweat dripping from his temple.
“I missed you!”
He kissed her hard, swallowing her cries.
When release finally tore through them, it was messy, overwhelming, everything they’d craved for months.
Sonic collapsed beside her, pulling her into his arms, kissing her damp forehead.
“Fuck… finally,”
he muttered breathlessly.
Amy chuckled weakly, pressing her face to his chest.
“Finally.”
⸻
[8:02 P.M. | Post-Climax Lull]
____
They lay tangled in sheets, her head on his chest, his fingers tracing lazy circles on her back.
The quiet between them was soft, tender.
“How long are you staying?”
Sonic asked suddenly, voice muffled by her hair.
Amy lifted her head, smiling.
“Eight months. My law program doesn’t start until December.”
He blinked, then grinned like Christmas came early.
“Eight months? You mean… I get you here, with me, for eight whole months?”
She giggled.
“Yes, Sonic.”
He rolled them over, pinning her again with a mischievous smirk.
“Then I plan to make up for every second we lost.”
She squealed as he kissed her again, laughter mixing with the heat.
⸻
[9:15 P.M. | Rosa Household | Balcony]
____
Later, after another round, Sonic drove Amy back to her parents’ house.
She was exhausted, hair messy, lips swollen, but her smile glowed brighter than ever.
Alex spotted her sneaking in and smirked knowingly.
“Uh-huh. Yeah, you look real innocent right now.”
Amy shoved his arm, giggling.
“Shut up, Alex.”
But when she slipped into her room and collapsed on her bed, she couldn’t stop smiling.
Sonic was hers, she was his, and for the first time in months, the world felt right again.
⸻
Chapter 20: Five Days of Chaos and Craving
Chapter Text
⸻
[December 20, 2025 | 11:46 A.M. | Sonic’s Car | Side Street]
____
The windows of Sonic’s black sedan were fogged up so thick you couldn’t see through them.
Amy’s palms pressed against the cool glass, her forehead dropping against it as she rode his lap, hair bouncing wildly with every movement.
“Fuck—Amy—slow down,”
Sonic groaned, head thrown back against the seat.
His hands gripped her hips like he was holding on for his life.
But Amy wasn’t slowing.
Five days back home and she’d been insatiable.
Kissing everywhere, hands all over him, dragging him to every dark corner just to feel him again.
And now?
In his car, parked on a side street, her skirt bunched around her waist, panties shoved aside, she was riding him like she owned him.
“Missed this,”
she gasped, voice trembling as her nails dug into his shoulders.
“Missed you inside me.”
Sonic’s jaw clenched, his eyes half-lidded, glazed with lust.
“Goddamn—you’re sensitive today.”
Her thighs trembled as she bounced faster, head dropping onto his shoulder.
“I can’t stop—I don’t wanna stop.”
He buried his face in her neck, biting gently as his hips bucked up to meet hers.
The car creaked, the air thick with sweat and moans.
When he finally released, it hit hard.
He groaned, cursing into her shoulder as he pulled her down flush against him.
She whimpered, body shuddering with overstimulation as the warmth filled her.
They sat there panting, her forehead against his, their breaths mixing.
His hand came up to cup her cheek gently.
“You on the pill, right?”
Sonic asked, his voice rough.
Amy, still shaky, nodded with a small smile.
“Yeah… don’t worry. I am.”
He let out a long breath, chuckling weakly as he kissed her temple.
“Good. Because I swear to God I just filled your womb like I was trying to knock you up.”
She laughed breathlessly, swatting his chest.
“You’re gross.”
“And you love me for it,”
he teased, brushing his lips against hers.
She kissed him back, soft and sweet this time. He whispered against her lips,
“Christmas is coming, Ames. Get ready to be spoiled.”
⸻
[6:32 P.M. | Sonic’s Family House | Dinner]
____
The Hedgehog family dinner table was crowded and loud—plates clinking, laughter booming, food being passed around like a war zone.
Amy sat at Sonic’s side, nervous but trying to hide it as she spooned mashed potatoes onto her plate.
Sonic leaned close, whispering in her ear,
“Relax, babe. They love you.”
“I know,”
she whispered back, glancing at his parents who were chatting with each other.
“Still… it’s your family.”
Across the table, Sebastian was watching her again.
Not subtle, not shy, just watching.
Amy noticed and felt her cheeks heat.
Sonic noticed too.
His jaw tightened, fork clinking against his plate a little harder.
Halfway through dinner, Sonic slid his hand beneath the table, resting it on her thigh.
Amy almost dropped her fork, shooting him a sharp look, but his smirk told her he was enjoying this.
“You’re ridiculous,”
she whispered, hiding a smile.
“Maybe,”
he muttered,
“but you’re mine. And I like reminding people of that.”
His gaze flicked toward Sebastian, who scowled and looked away.
The rest of dinner went fine—stories, laughter, and Amy even helping Sonic’s mom clear dishes.
By the end of the night, she felt more at home than she expected.
But Sonic wasn’t done showing her off.
⸻
[9:48 P.M. | Bowling Alley | Friday Night]
____
Neon lights, thudding bass music, and the crash of pins filled the bowling alley.
Amy practically bounced on her toes as she picked up a pink bowling ball, grinning ear-to-ear.
“You’re way too excited for this,”
Sonic teased, arms crossed as he leaned against the ball return.
“It’s been months since I’ve bowled!”
she exclaimed, walking up to the lane.
“Don’t underestimate me, Hedgehog.”
She took her stance, swung the ball, and let it roll.
The ball thundered down the lane, wobbling slightly before smashing into the pins.
Seven of them toppled.
Amy squealed, hopping in place.
“Yes! Not bad for my first try!”
Sonic clapped slowly, smirking.
“Cute. But watch how a pro does it.”
He grabbed a heavy ball, strolled up casually, and launched it with a flick of his wrist.
Strike.
Clean.
Every pin down.
Amy gawked.
“Show-off!”
He shrugged, grinning.
“Told you.”
For the next hour, they bowled frame after frame—Amy alternating between squealing at every strike she barely got and groaning when she gutter-balled.
Sonic laughed his ass off every time she stomped her foot in frustration.
By the time they finished, Amy had lost miserably.
“Pizza to make up for my humiliation,”
she declared as they headed to the food counter.
“Deal,”
Sonic said, slinging an arm over her shoulder.
“What kind?”
“Pepperoni, duh,”
she said immediately, eyes sparkling.
“It’s my favorite.”
Sonic chuckled, kissing her temple.
“You’re obsessed.”
“Mhmm, and I don’t care.”
They grabbed a large pepperoni pizza and two sodas, plopping down in a booth.
Amy dug in like she hadn’t eaten all day, moaning around her first bite.
“Oh my God, so good,”
she muttered, sauce smudging her lip.
Sonic laughed, leaning over to wipe it off with his thumb before kissing her softly.
“You’re messy.”
“You like messy,”
she teased, winking.
“Damn right I do.”
⸻
[11:22 P.M. | Sonic’s Apartment | Bedroom]
____
They barely made it through his front door before Sonic had her pressed against it, lips devouring hers.
Her giggle turned into a gasp as he lifted her up, her legs wrapping around his waist instinctively.
“You’re insatiable,”
she panted as he carried her to the bed.
“Five months without you, Ames,”
he growled, dropping her onto the mattress.
“I’m making up for lost time.”
Clothes flew—her shirt, his hoodie, her skirt, his jeans.
Soon they were tangled in sheets, their bodies pressed tight.
Sonic kissed down her chest, making her gasp, making her writhe.
“Sensitive again?”
he teased against her skin.
“Shut up and fuck me,”
she begged, pulling him down.
And he did.
The bed creaked, her moans filled the room, and Sonic took his time, driving her insane with every thrust.
He kissed her everywhere—her neck, her lips, her shoulder—like he couldn’t get enough.
Amy clung to him, whispering against his ear,
“Don’t stop. Please don’t stop.”
“I’m not stopping till you can’t walk tomorrow,”
he promised, voice low and dangerous.
⸻
[12:47 A.M. | Afterglow]
____
They lay tangled in sheets, sweat-slicked and panting, Amy’s head on his chest.
Sonic stroked her hair lazily, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
“You happy, Ames?”
he asked softly.
She smiled, eyes closed.
“So fucking happy.”
He smirked, pulling her closer.
“Good. Because Christmas is coming, and I’m not holding back.”
Her eyes fluttered open, curious.
“What does that mean?”
“You’ll see,” he teased, grinning as he kissed her again.
Amy rolled her eyes, giggling.
“You’re impossible.”
“Impossible and yours,”
he reminded her, making her heart melt all over again.
⸻
Chapter 21: Christmas Eve Chaos
Chapter Text
⸻
[December 24, 2025 | 7:18 P.M. | Hedgehog Residence | Living Room]
____
The living room looked like Christmas had thrown up all over it—lights twinkling from every corner, stockings crammed full and dangling over the fireplace, wrapping paper already half-torn from kids who couldn’t wait until morning.
Both families were gathered together—Sonic’s and Amy’s—and the air was thick with chatter, laughter, and the occasional
“who stole the eggnog?”
argument.
Amy sat on the couch curled against Sonic, her head resting against his shoulder as she watched her younger cousins tear into presents with pure glee.
Sonic had his arm lazily draped around her, fingers tracing absent circles on her waist as if it was second nature.
Every so often, he’d lean down to kiss her hair, not caring if anyone saw.
Across the room, Alicia sulked with a glass of wine, watching them with narrowed eyes.
Sebastian wasn’t far from her, smirking whenever Sonic touched Amy, his own twisted satisfaction bubbling just under the surface.
Alex, however, was in high spirits—passing out more gifts, joking with relatives, tossing tinsel at his siblings when they annoyed him.
“Tomorrow’s going to be insane,”
Amy muttered, her lips brushing Sonic’s neck.
“It already is,”
he chuckled, pulling her tighter.
“But you’re stuck with me through all of it.”
She smiled against him, whispering,
“Wouldn’t want it any other way.”
⸻
[11:06 P.M. | Sonic’s Bedroom | Upstairs]
____
Later that night, after food and drinks and too much family chaos, Amy slipped away to Sonic’s room, tugging his hand along.
They barely got the door shut before their mouths crashed together, passion pouring out in heated urgency.
“Lock it,”
Amy whispered breathlessly.
Sonic smirked, twisting the lock behind him before lifting her onto the bed.
Clothes came off in a messy rush—his sweater tossed across the room, her dress sliding down her body.
He kissed her everywhere, biting softly at her collarbone as she arched beneath him.
“Sonic,”
she gasped, tugging at his hair.
He growled low in his throat, lining himself up before thrusting deep.
Amy’s back arched, a cry spilling from her lips as he buried himself inside her.
The bed creaked loudly, headboard slamming against the wall as Sonic’s movements turned rough, desperate, aggressive.
Amy clung to him, nails digging down his back as sweat slicked their bodies.
“Fuck—Amy—”
he groaned, forehead pressed against hers.
“Yes—don’t stop,”
she whimpered, legs wrapped tight around his waist.
He slammed harder, gritting his teeth, until with a guttural groan he spilled into her, filling her completely.
Amy gasped, giggling breathlessly as she clutched him tight.
“You’re ridiculous,”
she whispered, kissing his damp temple.
“Yeah, but you love it,”
he muttered against her neck.
She chuckled, brushing her fingers through his hair.
“Unfortunately for me, I do.”
⸻
[11:22 P.M. | Same Room | Interrupted]
____
The sound of the door creaking open froze both of them.
Sonic’s head whipped up just as Amy’s eyes widened.
“Holy shit—”
Sonic hissed, scrambling for the blanket to yank it up over them.
“Yo,”
Alex’s voice rang casually as he stepped in, holding a small wrapped box.
“I just wanted to give—”
He stopped mid-sentence, blinking at the scene.
His brows lifted as he sniffed the air, his nose wrinkling.
“Ew. Really? Right now? That’s nasty.”
Amy buried her face in Sonic’s chest, mortified, while Sonic quickly grabbed the robe from the chair and shoved it toward her under the blanket.
Amy slipped it on hurriedly, tying the belt tight before sitting up.
“What’s up, Alex?”
she asked, voice a little too high-pitched.
Alex plopped down on the edge of the bed, grimacing as he adjusted himself like he’d just sat in something gross.
“Brought you this,”
he said, handing her the small box.
“Don’t say I never got you anything, birthday girl part two.”
Amy smiled softly, untying the ribbon.
Inside was a delicate silver necklace, a small heart charm dangling from it.
“Alex…”
she whispered, touched.
“Don’t cry,”
he warned, smirking.
“Just wear it. Looks better on you than sitting in my dresser for another year.”
Sonic scowled, clearly annoyed at the interruption, but Amy leaned over and hugged her brother tightly.
“Thank you. I love it.”
Alex grinned, but then looked between her and Sonic, raising a brow.
“So… are you two, like, officially gross now? ’Cause the whole house could hear the headboard.”
Amy groaned, covering her face.
“Get out.”
“Yeah, out,”
Sonic snapped, tugging the blanket higher.
Alex chuckled, standing.
“Fine, fine. Just… use some Febreze or something, alright?”
He strolled out laughing, shutting the door behind him.
Amy collapsed back against the pillows, mortified.
“I’m never living that down.”
Sonic smirked, pulling her back into his chest.
“Don’t worry. He won’t tease you too much. He knows better.”
⸻
[11:55 P.M. | Afterglow | Whispered Promises]
____
Later, after they’d both calmed down and Amy had slipped fully into her robe, she curled against Sonic under the blankets.
His hand traced absent patterns on her thigh as they whispered to each other in the dim glow of Christmas lights strung along his window.
“You think our families are ever gonna accept this?”
Amy asked softly, staring at the blinking red and green.
Sonic kissed her temple.
“Don’t care. You’re mine. That’s enough.”
Amy smiled, nuzzling closer.
“Possessive much?”
“Always,”
he murmured, smirking as he kissed her again.
She let out a small laugh, her fingers brushing over the silver necklace Alex had given her.
The moment felt safe, intimate, and a little terrifying. But she didn’t care.
⸻
[December 25, 2025 | 12:07 A.M. | Living Room]
____
Downstairs, chaos was still brewing.
Alicia had cornered Sebastian near the tree, her words sharp.
“She’s got him wrapped around her finger,”
Alicia hissed.
“Look at them—sneaking off, acting like no one notices.”
Sebastian smirked, sipping his drink.
“Let them enjoy it. Doesn’t mean it’ll last.”
Alicia glared at him, anger boiling.
“It’s disgusting. Amy’s ruining everything.”
Sebastian’s smile twisted.
“Or maybe she’s exactly what we need to break him.”
They clinked glasses, their laughter low and venomous as Christmas lights blinked above them.
⸻
[12:33 A.M. | Sonic’s Room | Final Moments of the Night]
____
Amy stirred sleepily as Sonic tucked the blanket tighter around her.
She looked up at him through heavy lids.
“You tired?”
he asked softly.
“Mhm,”
she mumbled.
“But happy.”
He leaned down, brushing a kiss against her lips.
“Good. Because tomorrow, I’m making sure you’re even happier.”
Her cheeks flushed, a small smile curling her lips as she drifted off against his chest.
Sonic stared at her a long moment, brushing her damp hair back gently.
“Mine,”
he whispered into the quiet, eyes glinting with determination.
And as snow began to fall outside, the night settled in with the promise that Christmas morning would bring even more chaos, passion, and trouble than either of them expected.
⸻
Chapter 22: Unnoticed Consequences
Chapter Text
⸻
[December 26, 2025 | 9:42 A.M. | Sonic’s Bedroom | Hedgehog Residence]
____
The morning light cut across the blinds, striping the messy bed where clothes were still scattered from the night before.
Sonic stirred first, groaning as he rolled over to find Amy curled against his chest, hair messy, lips swollen from too many kisses, her skin still damp from sweat.
“Morning, princesa…”
Sonic muttered with a grin, brushing his fingers down her bare back.
Amy whined, burying her face into his neck.
“Don’t ‘princesa’ me, Hernández. My whole body hurts.”
“That’s ‘cause you kept screaming my name like you were auditioning for a damn telenovela,” he teased, smirking as he pulled her closer.
She smacked his chest lightly but giggled against him.
“Shut up.”
Sonic’s hand drifted lower, cupping her ass, pulling her tight against him.
She gasped when she felt him already hard again, twitching against her thigh.
“Already?”
she whispered.
“Always,”
he said simply, rolling her onto her back.
Their mouths fused together, messy and desperate.
Sonic slid inside her easily, no barrier between them—just skin on skin, the sensation raw and overwhelming.
Amy moaned against his lips, arching up to meet him, the bed creaking loudly again.
“You feel so fucking good,”
he groaned, burying his face in her neck.
Amy whimpered, clutching at his shoulders, her nails dragging down his back.
“Sonic—don’t stop—please—”
He slammed into her harder, the sound of their bodies slapping echoing in the small room.
Sweat dripped down his temple, his jaw clenched as he tried to hold back.
But the heat of her, the way she clenched around him, made restraint impossible.
“Amy—I can’t—fuck—”
he gasped, spilling deep inside her with a guttural groan.
She cried out, holding him tight as wave after wave of pleasure rushed through her.
Her legs shook against his waist, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
For a long moment, the room was silent except for their heavy breathing.
Sonic collapsed beside her, pulling her into his arms.
“You kill me, Rose. Every damn time.”
Amy giggled softly, kissing his jaw.
“Then don’t come back for more.”
“Too late,”
he smirked.
“I’m addicted.”
Neither of them noticed the fact that there’d been no condom.
Neither of them remembered the tiny pill Amy had skipped the morning before, her schedule thrown off by the chaos of family dinners and Christmas celebrations.
⸻
[11:08 A.M. | Bathroom | Hedgehog Residence]
____
Amy leaned over the sink, splashing water on her face.
Her reflection looked pale, a little worn.
Her stomach churned uncomfortably, and for a second she gripped the counter, steadying herself.
“Shit…”
she whispered.
Her thoughts raced.
Maybe it was nothing.
Maybe it was just the food, or stress, or being worn out.
But the uneasy feeling stuck with her, making her palms clammy.
She sighed and straightened, brushing her hair back before forcing herself to head downstairs.
⸻
[12:16 P.M. | Rose Residence | Backyard]
____
Later that afternoon, Amy walked into her family’s backyard where Alex was tossing a football around with Andy.
He spotted her immediately and jogged over, grinning ear to ear.
“There she is! Miss Harvard Law!”
Amy rolled her eyes but smiled as he pulled her into a bone-crushing hug, lifting her off the ground and spinning her.
“Alex!”
she squealed, smacking his shoulder.
“Put me down!”
“Nope,”
he laughed, finally setting her down but not letting go.
He eyed her carefully, his expression softening.
“You look tired, though. You okay?”
Amy hesitated, forcing a smile.
“Yeah, just… long week.”
Alex narrowed his eyes but let it go, instead crouching down slightly and turning his back to her.
“C’mon.”
“What are you doing?”
Amy asked, confused.
“Piggyback,”
Alex said simply.
“Like when we were kids. You used to jump on me all the time after school.”
Amy laughed, shaking her head.
“You’re ridiculous.”
“Get on,”
he insisted, glancing over his shoulder.
“Don’t make me beg.”
She rolled her eyes but climbed on, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and her legs around his waist.
Alex stood easily, carrying her around the yard as if she weighed nothing.
“You’re still my baby sister, you know,”
he said softly, his voice dropping the joking tone.
“Even if you’re all grown up, even if you’re with Sonic now. You’ll always be the one I protect first.”
Amy’s throat tightened.
She rested her chin on his shoulder.
“I know, Alex. And I love you for it.”
He smiled, adjusting her weight slightly.
“Good. ’Cause you’re stuck with me whether you like it or not.”
⸻
[4:48 P.M. | Sonic’s Garage | Hedgehog Residence]
____
Sonic was leaned under his bike, tightening a bolt when Amy showed up.
She perched on a stool, watching him work, her mind a million miles away.
“You’re quiet,”
Sonic said, glancing up at her, grease smudged across his cheek.
“I’m fine,”
Amy said quickly, forcing a smile.
He raised a brow.
“Bullshit. What’s going on?”
Amy hesitated, biting her lip.
She couldn’t bring herself to say it—not when she wasn’t even sure.
Not when the possibility made her chest feel tight with panic.
“Just tired,”
she said finally.
Sonic didn’t push, but he didn’t look convinced either.
He wiped his hands on a rag, stepped over, and cupped her face in his palms, kissing her softly.
“You tell me if something’s wrong, yeah?”
he murmured against her lips.
Amy nodded, her heart aching.
“Yeah. Promise.”
⸻
[9:37 P.M. | Rose Residence | Upstairs Hallway]
____
That night, Amy lay in bed staring at the ceiling, her thoughts spinning.
Her stomach still twisted uncomfortably, and the memory of Sonic inside her earlier that morning flashed hot across her mind.
Her door creaked open, and Alex peeked in.
“You awake?”
“Yeah,”
she said softly, sitting up.
He came in, sitting at the edge of her bed.
“You sure you’re alright? You’ve been off today.”
Amy looked at her brother, her chest tight with guilt.
She wanted to tell him everything, but she couldn’t.
Not yet.
“I’m okay,”
she lied, reaching for his hand.
“Just… need sleep.”
Alex squeezed her hand gently, studying her face.
“Alright. But if you need me—day or night—you call. Got it?”
Amy nodded, tears stinging her eyes.
“Got it.”
He kissed her forehead, lingering for a moment before standing.
“Goodnight, baby sis.”
“Goodnight, Alex.”
As he left, Amy curled into her blankets, pressing a hand against her stomach.
The unease grew stronger, whispering possibilities she wasn’t ready to face.
And in the quiet of her room, her heart raced with fear—and something else she couldn’t quite name.
⸻
Chapter 23: Something She Couldn’t Ignore
Chapter Text
⸻
[December 28, 2025 | 10:06 A.M. | Rose Residence – Amy’s Room]
____
The morning light felt too bright.
Amy sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the floor, hands clasped so tightly together that her knuckles had gone white.
Her stomach had been turning for three days straight.
The smell of coffee downstairs made her gag earlier, and she hadn’t eaten since last night.
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand.
A message from Sonic lit the screen.
Sonic 💙: Morning, princesa. You good? Haven’t heard your voice all day.
She stared at the message, typing and deleting her reply twice before finally sending,
Just tired.
Almost instantly, another message came through.
Sonic 💙: I’m coming over. Don’t argue.
Amy sighed, dragging her hands down her face.
Her heart beat fast—not because she didn’t want to see him, but because she didn’t want him to see through her.
⸻
[11:22 A.M. | Rose Residence – Kitchen]
____
Alex stood by the counter pouring cereal when Amy finally came downstairs.
His sharp eyes immediately caught the way she looked—pale, quiet, distant.
“You look like hell,”
he said bluntly, trying to sound casual.
“Thanks, Alex,”
she muttered, grabbing a glass of water.
He leaned against the counter, crossing his arms.
“You sick or something? You’ve been off all week.”
Amy took a sip and avoided his gaze.
“I’m fine. Just not sleeping great.”
He didn’t buy it.
“You sure? You’ve barely eaten. You and Sonic been fighting?”
Her heart jumped at his name.
“No! No, we’re fine.”
Alex narrowed his eyes, studying her.
“Alright… but if he did something—”
“He didn’t,”
she cut him off quickly.
“Seriously, Alex, I’m fine. Stop worrying.”
He exhaled, clearly unconvinced, but let it go.
“Alright. But you know me, Ames. If something’s wrong, I’ll figure it out.”
She forced a weak smile.
“Yeah. I know.”
⸻
[1:34 P.M. | Small Pharmacy – Downtown Station]
____
Amy’s hoodie was pulled low over her head as she walked quickly down the narrow aisles of the pharmacy.
Every squeak of her sneakers echoed too loud in her ears.
She felt like everyone was watching her, even though no one was.
She reached the aisle marked “Family Planning.”
Her breath caught.
Rows of pregnancy tests lined the shelf—pink boxes, blue boxes, some promising early results, some claiming 99% accuracy.
Her hand trembled as she reached for one, hesitated, then grabbed two different brands just in case.
When she reached the counter, the cashier—a bored-looking girl chewing gum—didn’t even glance up.
Amy was grateful for that.
She paid quickly, shoving the bag into her purse, her cheeks burning with humiliation she couldn’t quite explain.
⸻
[3:47 P.M. | Rose Residence – Bathroom]
____
She locked the door and sat on the edge of the tub, the test box trembling in her hands.
Her breath came fast, uneven.
“Okay,”
she whispered to herself.
“It’s fine. You’re fine. It’s probably nothing.”
She followed the instructions with shaking fingers.
The few minutes that followed felt like hours.
When she finally looked down at the test, her breath hitched.
One faint line stared back.
Her heart dropped, pounding so hard it hurt.
She couldn’t tell if it was relief or fear flooding her chest—just that it wasn’t over.
She’d have to test again in a few days.
She shoved the test deep into the trash, covering it with tissues and empty wrappers, then washed her hands twice.
⸻
[5:06 P.M. | Rose Residence – Front Door]
____
The doorbell rang.
Amy froze for half a second before wiping her eyes and forcing a calm expression.
She opened the door to find Sonic standing there, jacket unzipped, wind-tousled hair, and that look—half worry, half tenderness.
“Hey,”
he said softly, stepping inside.
“You look… not great.”
“Thanks,”
she said dryly, but there was a tremor in her voice.
He closed the door and pulled her into his arms before she could say anything else.
The warmth of him, the scent of his cologne—it was enough to make her shoulders shake as she exhaled.
“You scared me,”
he murmured, kissing her temple.
“You’ve been quiet, not eating, not sleeping. What’s going on?”
She rested her forehead against his chest.
“I don’t know. I think maybe I caught something. I just… feel weird.”
He leaned back, cupping her face gently.
“You’re pale as hell. You sure it’s not something serious? Want me to take you to a clinic?”
Amy shook her head quickly.
“No. I’m fine. I’ll be fine.”
He didn’t believe her, but he didn’t press.
Instead, he kissed her cheek, then her forehead, lingering there.
“You don’t have to be strong all the time, you know,”
he whispered.
“If something’s wrong, you can tell me.”
Her eyes stung.
She blinked hard.
“I know.”
They stood there in silence for a long moment, his thumb brushing softly along her jaw, until Alex’s voice broke the quiet.
⸻
[5:13 P.M. | Rose Residence – Living Room]
____
“Hey!”
Alex’s voice boomed as he came down the hall.
“Oh—Sonic’s here.”
Sonic turned, giving him a nod.
“Hey, man.”
Alex crossed his arms, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.
“You checking in on my sister?”
“Yeah,”
Sonic said, keeping his tone easy.
“She wasn’t feeling too good. I wanted to make sure she’s okay.”
Alex looked between them, his jaw tightening slightly.
“Uh-huh.”
Amy sighed, rubbing her temple.
“Alex, please.”
“I’m just saying,”
Alex muttered.
“You’ve been off, Ames. I’ve noticed. If you’re sick, you go see someone. Don’t try to tough it out.”
Sonic glanced at her, sensing the tension.
“She’s fine. I’ll make sure she eats something, alright?”
Alex nodded slowly, though he clearly wasn’t convinced.
“You better. And don’t keep her up all night. She needs rest.”
Sonic smirked a little.
“Yes, sir.”
Amy rolled her eyes, tugging Sonic’s arm toward the stairs.
“C’mon.”
⸻
[6:02 P.M. | Amy’s Room]
____
Amy sat cross-legged on her bed, nibbling on the food Sonic had brought—some takeout noodles and soup.
He sat beside her, watching quietly as she picked at it.
“You really should see a doctor if this keeps up,”
he said softly.
“I know.”
He hesitated, his gaze softening.
“You sure this isn’t… something else?”
Her heart skipped.
“What do you mean?”
He shrugged slightly.
“I don’t know. Stress? Anxiety? You’ve been distant since Christmas. It’s not like you.”
Amy stared down at the noodles, her throat tightening.
“It’s just been… a lot. Family, school, everything.”
Sonic nodded, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.
“You don’t have to do it alone, you know.”
She leaned into him, letting his warmth calm her shaking hands.
“I know. I just… need to figure stuff out first.”
He kissed the top of her head, holding her close.
“Whatever it is, I’m here. Always.”
Amy closed her eyes, a tear slipping free before she could stop it.
In that quiet moment, wrapped in his arms, the fear inside her didn’t go away—but it felt a little easier to breathe.
⸻
[10:17 P.M. | Rose Residence – Front Porch]
____
Sonic stood on the porch, the night cold around him.
Amy leaned in the doorway, blanket draped over her shoulders.
“I’ll call you tomorrow,”
she said softly.
He brushed her cheek with his thumb.
“Promise me you’ll rest?”
She smiled faintly.
“Promise.”
He hesitated, then leaned forward and kissed her, slow and gentle.
When he pulled away, he whispered,
“Don’t shut me out, okay?”
“I won’t,”
she said, voice trembling just enough for him to notice.
He gave her a long look, then nodded and headed down the steps.
Amy watched until his car disappeared down the street.
Then she closed the door, leaned against it, and let out the breath she’d been holding all day.
The fear sat heavy in her chest.
Tomorrow, she’d take another test.
Tomorrow, she’d know for sure.
But tonight, she could only hope—and pray—that the faint line she’d seen wasn’t the start of something that would change everything.
⸻
Chapter 24: The Test That Changed Everything
Chapter Text
⸻
[January 2, 2026 | 9:43 A.M. | Small Town Medical Clinic]
____
Amy sat in the waiting room, hands trembling in her lap, her phone facedown beside her.
The clock on the wall ticked louder than it should have.
Every sound in the clinic—the low hum of the vending machine, the nurse calling names, the rustle of magazines—felt distant.
She’d filled out the paperwork an hour ago, checked the box for routine test, and handed it over with a smile she didn’t feel.
But now, sitting there in the smell of antiseptic and recycled air, the reality was sinking in.
She’d been late.
Nearly two weeks late.
The nurse finally called her name.
Amy’s legs felt like they weren’t working as she stood and followed her down the hall.
“Have you taken any home tests yet?”
the nurse asked kindly, her tone professional but gentle.
Amy swallowed.
“Yeah. A few. They weren’t clear.”
The nurse nodded, jotting something on the clipboard.
“Alright. We’ll run a blood test to be sure, okay? Results won’t take long.”
Amy nodded, barely breathing as she sat down and let the nurse draw the sample.
⸻
[10:47 A.M. | Clinic Exam Room]
____
The doctor came back in, holding the chart, his expression soft but serious.
“Amy,”
he said quietly, setting the folder on the counter.
“I know this probably isn’t easy to hear. But your test came back positive.”
The words felt like a punch to her stomach. Her breath caught.
“Positive?”
she repeated, her voice barely audible.
He nodded gently.
“You’re pregnant.”
For a long moment, she just sat there staring at the floor.
Her throat burned, her chest tightening until she couldn’t breathe.
The doctor kept speaking, explaining options, timelines, care—words that floated past her without meaning.
When he handed her a packet of information, her hands shook too much to take it.
“Take your time,”
he said softly.
“You’re not alone in this.”
But as she walked out of the clinic, the weight of it pressed down harder with every step.
⸻
[12:19 P.M. | Rose Residence – Amy’s Room]
____
Amy sat on her bed, knees drawn up to her chest, her face buried in her hands.
The packet from the clinic lay crumpled on the floor beside her.
Her eyes were red, her shoulders trembling with silent sobs.
Her door was locked.
She couldn’t face anyone—not her parents, not Alex, not Sonic.
She was pregnant.
The word kept echoing in her head, over and over, until she couldn’t tell if she was shaking from fear or disbelief.
She grabbed her pillow, holding it tightly, her tears soaking through the fabric.
“How am I gonna tell him…” she whispered.
A knock startled her.
“Amy?”
Alex’s voice, muffled through the door.
“You in there?”
She froze.
“Yeah,”
she said weakly, trying to steady her voice.
“You okay?”
“Fine,”
she lied.
There was silence, then another knock.
“You sure? You sound—off.”
“I’m fine, Alex, please,”
she said, voice cracking.
That was all it took for Alex to know something was wrong.
He frowned, stepping away from the door and pulling out his phone.
⸻
[12:23 P.M. | Outside Amy’s Door]
____
“Yo,”
Alex muttered into the phone.
“Sonic. You busy?”
Sonic’s voice crackled through.
“Not really, why?”
“It’s Amy. She’s locked in her room, crying or something. Says she’s fine, but she’s not. You should come.”
“I’ll be there in ten,”
Sonic said immediately.
⸻
[12:41 P.M. | Rose Residence – Hallway]
____
When Sonic arrived, Alex met him at the stairs.
“She hasn’t come out. Been quiet for like an hour.”
Sonic nodded, worry written all over his face.
He went to the door and knocked softly.
“Amy? It’s me.”
No answer.
He tried again, gentler.
“Please open the door, baby. I just wanna make sure you’re okay.”
After a moment, the lock clicked.
The door opened a few inches, and Sonic stepped in—then stopped.
Amy was sitting on the bed, eyes swollen, hair messy, clutching the pillow like her life depended on it.
“Oh, baby…”
Sonic whispered, sitting beside her.
He reached out, but she didn’t move.
“I didn’t want you to see me like this,”
she murmured.
“See you like what?”
he said softly.
“You’re scaring the hell out of me, Ames. What happened?”
She didn’t answer.
Her lips trembled as she leaned forward, whispering something against his ear.
Sonic froze.
The color drained from his face.
“You’re—what?”
Before she could stop him, he blurted out,
“You’re pregnant?!”
Amy’s eyes went wide.
“Sonic!”
she hissed, covering his mouth, but it was too late.
Alex had heard it.
He stood in the doorway, stunned, eyes flicking between the two of them.
“Wait—what the fuck did you just say?”
Amy’s stomach dropped.
“Alex—”
Sonic stood, hands up slightly.
“Bro, it’s not—listen, we didn’t—”
Alex slammed the door shut behind him, his expression darkening.
“You got my sister pregnant?”
Sonic ran a hand through his hair.
“We were careful! I swear we were! I don’t—”
Amy stood quickly, tears spilling again.
“Stop yelling, please!”
Alex looked at her, the anger in his face faltering when he saw how terrified she looked.
“Amy…”
She shook her head, whispering,
“It wasn’t supposed to happen.”
Sonic turned to her, voice soft but trembling.
“You said you were on the pill.”
“I was!”
she cried.
“But that one night—remember? I missed it. I told you the next morning, but—”
He blinked, realizing.
“Oh my god.”
The silence that followed was heavy.
Alex leaned back against the wall, rubbing his face.
“Jesus Christ.”
Amy sank back onto the bed, wiping her eyes.
“I didn’t mean for any of this.”
Sonic sat beside her, taking her hand.
“Hey. Look at me.”
She did, barely.
“We’ll figure it out, okay?”
His voice was steady, even though his pulse wasn’t.
“You’re not alone in this.”
Her voice cracked.
“You’re not mad?”
“I’m scared,”
he admitted quietly.
“But I’m not mad. I love you, Amy.”
Alex exhaled sharply, running his hands through his hair.
He paced the room for a moment, muttering curses under his breath, then finally looked at them both.
“You two better have a plan,”
he said hoarsely.
“Because Mom and Dad are gonna lose it.”
Amy buried her face in her hands, and Sonic wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.
“We’ll tell them,”
Sonic said, his voice low, protective.
“But not tonight.”
Alex sighed, shaking his head.
“You’ve got till tomorrow.”
He left the room, shutting the door behind him.
Amy leaned against Sonic’s chest, trembling.
“What are we gonna do?”
He kissed her hair.
“One step at a time,”
he whispered.
“We’ll handle it—together.”
The word together echoed in the quiet room, fragile but steady.
For the first time all day, Amy let herself believe it.
⸻
Chapter 25: The Truth at the Table
Chapter Text
⸻
[January 3, 2026 | 8:12 A.M. | Sonic’s Apartment]
____
Amy woke to the warmth of sunlight slipping through the curtains, her head resting against Sonic’s chest.
His arm was draped around her protectively, his breathing steady, but his eyes were open—staring at the ceiling.
He hadn’t slept much.
She tilted her head slightly, whispering,
“You’re awake.”
“Yeah,”
he murmured. His voice was rough, low.
“Been awake for a while.”
Amy looked at him, seeing the storm behind his eyes.
“You’re scared.”
Sonic exhaled through his nose.
“Yeah. I guess I am.”
“About what?”
“Everything,”
he admitted.
“What if I screw it up, Ames? What if I’m not ready for this?”
Amy shifted closer, her hand finding his.
“No one’s ever ready, Sonic. Not really. But we’ll figure it out.”
He looked down at her, his expression softening for a moment.
“You make it sound easy.”
“It’s not,”
she said simply.
“But we’ve already been through a lot. And we’re still here.”
He smiled weakly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
“Yeah… still here.”
She kissed his chest gently.
“We’ll tell them tonight.”
Sonic swallowed hard.
“You sure?”
She nodded.
“We can’t hide it forever.”
⸻
[7:04 P.M. | Rose Residence – Dining Room]
____
The long wooden dining table was set beautifully—candles, plates, silverware, the smell of roasted chicken and garlic filling the room.
It was supposed to be a normal family dinner.
Amy sat beside Sonic, holding his hand under the table.
Her fingers were cold despite the warmth of the room.
Her parents chatted idly about work and travel plans.
Alex sat across from them, tense, shooting glances between Amy and Sonic.
Alicia and Andy were whispering about something trivial.
But Sonic wasn’t listening to any of it.
His pulse was pounding in his ears.
“Eat up,”
Mrs. Rose said cheerfully.
“Amy, you’ve barely touched your food.”
Amy forced a small smile.
“I’m okay, Mom.”
Alex cleared his throat, glancing at Sonic.
“Uh… Amy’s got something to say.”
The room quieted instantly.
Every head turned toward her.
Amy’s hand tightened around Sonic’s.
Her heart hammered.
“Um… yeah,”
she said softly.
“We… we wanted to tell you all something important.”
Her dad frowned slightly.
“What’s going on?”
Sonic looked at her, and she gave a small nod.
He took a deep breath.
“We didn’t plan for this,”
he began, his voice steady but quiet.
“But… Amy’s pregnant.”
The silence that followed was deafening.
Alicia’s fork clattered onto her plate.
Andy’s jaw dropped.
Mrs. Rose froze, eyes wide.
Mr. Rose blinked in disbelief.
“What did you just say?”
her father finally said, his tone dangerously calm.
Amy swallowed hard.
“I’m pregnant, Dad.”
Her mother’s hand went to her mouth.
“Oh my god, Amy…”
Sonic straightened his shoulders, his grip on her hand tightening protectively.
“It’s true. And I’m gonna be here for her. I promise that.”
Her father’s face hardened.
“You promise?”
His voice was low now, simmering.
“You got my daughter pregnant, and you think a promise makes that okay?”
Sonic didn’t flinch.
“No, sir. I just mean—I love her. I’m not walking away.”
Amy looked between them, tears brimming in her eyes.
“Please don’t be mad. I know we made a mistake, but—”
Her father slammed his hand on the table, making everyone jump.
“A mistake?”
Her mother quickly reached for his arm.
“Honey—”
“No,”
he snapped, glaring at Sonic.
“You think you can come in here, play the part of the good boyfriend, and expect me to be fine with this?”
Sonic stood up slowly.
“I’m not asking for permission. I’m taking responsibility.”
The tension was thick enough to choke on.
Alex stood next, stepping between them.
“Enough,”
he said firmly.
“Yelling won’t fix shit. They already know what they’re dealing with.”
Alicia crossed her arms, muttering under her breath,
“Of course it’s him.”
Amy’s mother looked at her daughter, eyes softening despite the chaos.
“Amy… are you sure?”
Amy nodded weakly.
“I went to the clinic yesterday.”
Mrs. Rose took a shaky breath, tears forming.
“Oh, sweetheart…”
Her father sat back down heavily, rubbing his temples.
The anger in his face gave way to exhaustion.
“You’re still my daughter,”
he said quietly.
“But this… this isn’t how I wanted your life to go.”
“I know,”
Amy whispered, tears falling freely now.
Sonic moved closer, kneeling beside her chair.
“Sir, I can’t change what happened. But I can make sure she’s okay. I’ll take care of her, and the baby.”
Her father stared at him for a long moment before finally muttering,
“You’d better.”
Alex let out a long sigh, running his hand through his hair.
“Alright,”
he said quietly.
“So what’s the plan?”
Amy looked at him, voice shaking.
“I… don’t know yet.”
Sonic placed his hand over hers.
“We’ll figure it out. Together.”
For a moment, there was only silence—the weight of everything pressing down.
Then her mother finally spoke.
“Then you’re not alone,”
she said softly.
“Not anymore.”
Amy looked up, eyes wide with relief and gratitude.
Her father didn’t say anything else, just nodded faintly and stared at his plate.
Dinner continued in near silence, no one quite knowing what to say.
The laughter and casual chatter from before were gone, replaced by a heavy but fragile peace.
When it ended, Amy and Sonic walked out to the porch together, the cold air wrapping around them.
Sonic exhaled, his breath visible in the chill.
“That went better than I expected.”
Amy laughed weakly, wiping at her eyes.
“You call that better?”
He chuckled softly.
“Well… nobody threw anything.”
She leaned into him, her head resting on his shoulder.
“I’m proud of you.”
“For what?”
“For staying,”
she whispered.
“Even when it’s hard.”
He kissed her forehead.
“I’m not going anywhere, Ames.”
The night was quiet except for the distant hum of cars and the faint rustle of wind through the trees.
Inside, her family sat in stunned silence, processing what had just changed all their lives.
Outside, Amy and Sonic held each other a little tighter—because now, everything that came next would be theirs to face.
⸻
knightlywords on Chapter 1 Sat 04 Oct 2025 12:15PM UTC
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