Unfamiliar - Ch. 14
First two chapters ☆ Previous (Ch. 13) ☆ AO3
(life update at the end cause it’s been quite the year)
Ch. 14 - The Present
“There’s no time like the present.” Amy thought back to her conversation with the fortune teller- how wise and experienced she seemed. Her words echoed in Amy’s head- “Your time is as valuable as anyone’s.”
Amy kneeled on the floor of her room, her stack of tarot cards fanned out in front of her. It reminded her of when she was a kid; of when she first met Sonic. The excitement and nerves of that time reflected to her from the back of those same cards.
But there was no time for a full spread today, as much as she would have liked the guidance. She would instead draw her daily card and discern what she could from that.
She’d been staring long enough. Closing her eyes, she reached in whatever direction felt right. Her fingertips made contact with a frayed corner. Amy held her breath as she turned it, slowly opening her eyes.
“The fool?” she said out loud. At first glance it was a silly choice, but her face quickly lit up. “The fool!” she repeated with joy. “Perfect!”
The card was illustrated with a carefree man happily standing at the edge of a cliff, as if on the onset of a precarious journey. But he looks confident, even if unaware of the possible risks ahead. For better or worse, The Fool took his chances and looked toward the future with optimism.
It couldn’t be a clearer sign. Madame was right- it was time she understood how Sonic felt about her. She would find an opportunity for that today.
Nervous as it made her, Amy hopped around the room giddily, imagining the scene. It went on for a few minutes until she caught sight of her alarm clock.
“Oh!”
The morning was growing late. She quickly gathered up her deck, placing her special card face-up on her nightstand. She would slip it into her pocket later for good luck.
Amy rushed out of her room, past her house guest. “Morning!”
Metal read, sitting at his usual spot on the couch. The shape of his heavy body grew further indented into its cushions by the day, a reminder of how much time had passed since Amy opened her home to him. She rustled around the kitchen, glancing at her guest and out the back window as she made herself a quick breakfast. In the time Metal had been there, the weather had slowly shifted from frosty to damp, the ground flourishing as spring showers rolled over the landscape. It was warm out.
Amy had overfilled her coffee mug as she pondered it. She frantically reached for the paper towels.
In reality, Metal was doing anything but focusing. A low hum had made its way to Metal’s hearing, tuning in and out since the night before. It echoed the high pitched ring that entered his head after leaving the festival.
Feet away in the kitchen, Amy slammed down a plate on the counter. His head shot up. She was slurping from a coffee mug as she took slices of bread out of the toaster. She placed them on the plate gently enough, but the contact came across as banging to Metal. Then the ringing continued. As if instinctually, Metal scratched at his pointed “ears”- the triangular sound receptors mounted to the top of his head- but the buzzing persisted. Amy was seemingly deaf to the noise. Was it coming from inside him?
“Gotta change,” Amy said quickly, footing it back to her room with her meager breakfast in hand.
Metal followed her with his eyes until she shut the door behind her. He tensed like a guitar string at the noise. He focused on adjusting his receptors until his surroundings were no longer deafening. But why was his hearing so sensitive all of a sudden? He couldn’t even recall using it to that extreme prior to that morning.
Before he could process what caused the error, his receptors picked up again. Metal could hear Amy in her room; involuntarily eavesdropping on her. He heard the distinct sound of cards shuffling. She was surely reading those tarot cards of hers, drawing them with gasps and giggles between pulls. He listened on, wondering silently what she was so excited about.
Then her tablet rang loudly, screeching to Metal’s sensitive hearing. Amy picked up the call as he frantically adjusted his sound receptors again.
“Hi, Tails!” she giggled.
“Hey Amy. You’re sure in a good mood!”
“Well-”
Metal immediately tuned out. It probably wasn’t the right thing to do, invading her privacy- but curiosity had gotten the better of him. And he probably should focus on why his hardware was malfunctioning instead.
But it was no use. Whatever was causing the issue wasn’t letting up, and he could hear their conversation coming in and out. He finally relented when he heard his name some minutes later.
“I’ve been thinking,” he heard Tails remark. “I still find it sorta suspicious that Metal’s here just as Eggman’s supposedly turning over this new leaf.”
Amy sighed. “What is it now?”
“Well, I checked him over yesterday and couldn’t find any evidence of spying like remote control or tracking, but… I’m just not convinced Eggman would abandon him just before going on some business venture. Don’t you think he could be some kind of distraction?”
Amy paused for a moment. Metal sat up on the other side of the wall in anticipation for her response.
“Nah,” she said finally. “I trust him.”
Trust. Metal nodded to himself, relieved at her answer.
“Oh, speaking of spying- what’s the plan for today?” Amy continued.
Tails grumbled. “I’m giving Sonic the listening device. All you have to do is pay Eggman a visit and plant it somewhere we can listen in on him. It’s not like Eggman to be this private so whatever he’s planning has to be big-”
“If he’s planning anything at all.”
“What?” Tails sounded annoyed. “You believe this act?”
“I’d like to,” she groaned. “He is getting kinda old.” And so is chasing after him, she thought.
Another voice interrupted the conversation before either of them could continue. “Hey, buddy!” Sonic called to Tails from another room.
“Be right there!” Tails answered before turning back to his tablet. “Just… be careful, please?” he pleaded with his friend. “I know you’ve been getting along with Metal, but we can’t put anything past Eggman yet.
“Yeah, yeah,” she responded aloofly. “When is Sonic coming?”
Metal turned down his glitching receptors before listening to Tails’ response. He tensed his body, once again reminded of the intrinsic, intense loathing he held for Sonic. He hadn’t had time to process how he would manage that rediscovered fury. Then there was the knowledge that Tails still felt threatened by him. Logically, he understood Tails’ concern- armed with his memories, now more than ever; but it was, nonetheless, hurtful. That seemed like the right way to describe it. Metal slacked back into the cushions.
But, what if Tails was right? Metal still couldn’t remember what led up to the day he lost his memory. He could, very well, be part of a scheme unbeknownst to him. And now that he could recollect the relationship he had with Dr. Eggman, Metal felt strange staying out of either Sonic or Eggman’s involvement. Metal, for his part, felt no desire to fight against his creator. He didn’t feel any loyalty to the man, either. But one way or another Amy would end up in the middle of it again…
Before he could ponder it any further, Amy giddily stepped out from her room. She seemed especially cheerful when she returned, unable to keep the grin off her face. Metal was instantly distracted from whatever was happening with his hearing. His eyes followed her path as Amy twirled into the living room, a gift bag hanging from her wrist as she plopped onto the couch next to him. She looked like she was ready to burst with some kind of good news.
“Hello again!” she beamed.
Metal sat back upright, glancing down at the bag on her lap and immediately setting aside all those complex thoughts for later.
“I’m getting picked up soon, but I wanted to give you this before I head out today…” Amy held the glittery paper bag out to Metal with a bashful smile. “It’s a present! It’s nothing fancy, but…”
Even as he reached out for the gift, Metal couldn’t keep his eyes off her. What was the gift for? She cast her shy gaze off to the side with a rosy flush. Metal would match it if he could.
He took the bag from her carefully, setting it on his lap. Fluffy white tissues stuck out from the top which he pushed aside as carefully as he could manage. The delicate paper wrinkled and tore slightly from his touch, causing him to hesitate. “Don’t worry- presents were made to be ripped open,” she assured with a grin.
Metal looked to her beaming face momentarily and continued opening his gift, tossing the crinkly gift wrap aside. The contents were as much a surprise as receiving a gift at all.
“Do you like it? I thought you might like to write on something nicer than a notepad or a smudgy old whiteboard.”
He pulled out the journal she’d shown him at the equinox festival, its supple leather binding as pleasant in his grip as he remembered. Metal stared at the book, studying its smooth surface. Although it felt durable, he held it gingerly in his palms, still fearing his claws could rip into it unintentionally.
“There’s something else in the bag, too!”
A velvety drawstring sack sat at the bottom of the gift bag. Amy’s expectant eyes watched him. He pulled the top of it apart with care, revealing the contents. He was unsure what he was looking at.
“They’re gloves,” Amy said, as if reading his confusion. “I handmade them for you. I hope you don’t mind…”
Gloves. He examined them carefully. The insides were lined with a hard wearing suede that backed the fine leather exterior, like sturdy working gloves in reverse. Of course; she was probably concerned that he would tear into things from time to time. Her scarf had been unfortunate enough to meet his metallic claws and his whiteboard was scratched beyond reasonable use. Not to mention her arm…
“You don’t have to wear them if you don’t want to.” Amy cut in. “But I thought you might find it more comfortable for some things. Maybe you won’t have to be so careful when you’re reading anymore!”
That was true- he had to take his time turning pages when he read, which slowed him down. It was cumbersome to him especially as he could otherwise get through a book at full tilt. Metal looked from Amy’s considerate gift to her uneasy expression.
“Do you like them?” Amy worried that she’d offended her friend somehow. “Maybe if you tried them on…? I could always make adjustments…”
Metal shook his head, carefully slipping one of the gloves over his sharp fingers. It fastened at the wrist with openings on the palms and backs that allowed for greater mobility than full gloves would. He ran the tips of his covered claws over the face of the journal. No scratches. He then flexed each of his fingers with ease before slipping on the other. It wasn’t until then that the thoughtfulness of Amy’s gift registered in his mind. They were perfect.
He took the opportunity to reach for her hand as well, easily sliding his fingers beneath her palm and placing his other palm over top. It was a bit harder to sense her, almost as if slightly numb- but he could do it without worry of harming her. It seemed a fair trade. He chimed enthusiastically as he held her hand in both of his.
Amy’s worry melted away. “You do? I’m so glad! I had Tails help me with the measurements and design. I can still make changes if you need them, though,” she assured.
Armed with a doubtless nod, Metal met her eyes and chimed with more enthusiasm than what was probably necessary. Amy wore a satisfied grin as she chuckled back at his reaction. There was comfort in knowing that he could touch her without harm. Metal gave her hand another soft press before pulling back and watching as she slipped away. He followed her hand back down as it met the other in her lap. She knit her fingers together nervously, but the smile didn’t leave her face.
“Anyway, big day today,” she sighed dreamily. “Sonic’s picking me up for this spy thing real soon. Wish me luck!” Warmth radiated from her cheeks as she thought about her goal for the day.
Metal was intrigued at her excitement. Could she really be that elated just about going on this mission?
Unable to keep her excitement to herself, Amy continued. “It’s been a good day so far. You liked your gift, which is such a relief, and this morning, I drew this!” She pulled a tarot card from her pocket. “This is The Fool! I know the name seems silly, but this card is telling me to take a risk in order to embark on a new adventure. Isn’t that exciting? I think it’s a good omen for today.”
The Fool. Amy was so animated, it must have been important to her. He echoed her excitement with a melodic set of beeps. Still, Metal couldn’t help but think of someone else when he heard the card’s name.
As if he was summoned, the doorbell then rang, followed immediately by a quick knock on the door. Anyone could guess who the impatient visitor was even if they didn’t already know Sonic was on his way over.
“Coming!” Amy lept from her comfortable sitting place, practically sprinting to answer the door. She smoothed down her fluttering dress in anticipation.
Metal didn’t move. The mere thought of his rival sent his engine into overdrive. He brooded as Amy opened the door, determined to remain calm for Amy’s sake, but unable to do much about the intense whirring produced by his body when he heard Sonic’s voice.
“Hey, Ames. You ready?” Sonic leaned against the outer door frame with an arm tucked behind his back.
“Hey! Yeah, I’m ready when you are,” she beamed.
“Could you take care of these first?” He brought a small bouquet of blue and white forget-me-nots out from behind his back. The wildflowers poked up the tops of stems long and short, irregularly arranged together in a little bundle. It wasn’t the neatest bouquet, but they were lively and pretty nonetheless. Amy gasped at the sight of the flowers, catching Metal’s attention.
“Oh, Sonic! They’re so pretty!” She took the modest little arrangement in her hands lovingly, examining the bulbs. “Thank you! Where did you get these?”
“Found a patch of ‘em on the way here. Cute, huh?”
“I love them!” she nodded giddily.
“That’s not all. Brought you a present- Check this out.”
Sonic dangled a small paper in front of her face. It was dated almost 9 years back. Amy’s face lit up.
“Oh! Is that-”
“Yep!”
He turned it over, and Amy was face-to-face with the likeness of her younger self. The photo showed Amy, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles around a cake. It was from her 10th birthday party.
With her free hand, Amy took hold of the little memory and sighed. “How funny! I thought this was lost for good.”
Sonic nodded. “I found it while cleaning out Tail’s lab. Guess it fell off the ol’ pin board behind a bunch of old junk.”
“You were cleaning?” Amy stepped aside so he could come in.
He came in past the doorway. “Well, you know, with his wrist and all…” Sonic trailed off with a shrug. “Anyway, thought you’d want to keep it.”
“I’m gonna stick it on the fridge! Oh- and let me put these in some water.”
Metal listened as she invited Sonic in and took care of the flowers. Amy slipped into the kitchen, immediately pinning the photo under a magnet on her fridge and disappearing under the counter in search of a vase.
Metal did his best to avoid eye contact as Sonic approached nonchalantly.
“Hey, Metal. What’s up?”
Aside from the whirring of Metal’s engine, he didn’t answer.
Sonic took a step back. “Whoa, sounds like you’re about to blast off...”
The smug greeting alone could have sent Metal after him, but he sat still in silence. Or he would have been silent, were it not for his unruly engine and its ever intensifying burring. His fingers creaked together. He could feel his body involuntarily cranking up the heat.
“Uh, you alright?” Sonic repeated.
Amy peeked back at them from over the counter as she stuffed the shaggy stems into a narrow vase. It was difficult to ignore Metal’s demeanor, his engine practically screeching now, body language no more reassuring. “Metal?” His red-hot gaze shot back at her eerily and her own eyes grew wide. “Do you… need some fresh air, maybe?”
The surprise in her expression snapped Metal back to reality. The glow from his eyes dimmed to its usual state and his body relaxed, fans powering down, as if it were his way of exhaling. He lifted his frame from the couch with a nod. There was some concern in her soft smile as he approached her.
“You ok?”
His eyes shifted back at Sonic, who was now looking to the front door and tapping his foot impatiently. Turning back to Amy, Metal crossed his arms as if to ask her the same question.
“Oh, don’t worry about us- we’ll be fine.” Amy laid a gentle hand on his tense shoulder, feeling it give as he seemed to relax.
Then, pointing to the fridge, she practically yanked him into the kitchen by the arm. “Before we go, take a look at this!”
But he was too fixated on her grip to see where she was pointing.
Amy clicked her tongue. “Look~!” she repeated, pulling him further.
Metal’s gaze snapped to the photo stuck on the fridge.
“It’s from when I turned 9! A year after we met. Neat, huh?”
Suddenly captivated, Meta straightened his body. He approached the fridge, vision fixed on the crinkled little photo. He plucked it from under the magnet to take a closer look.
The girl in the photo looked just as she did the day Metal met her; the day he was activated. He could picture her behind those bars, chatting with him. It was strange- he remembered her perfectly without the photo, but it was like seeing a different side of her. She beamed back at him from the picture with a wide smile. short hair and a childish gap between her teeth. There was never an opportunity to see her that way back then. Not for Metal.
“Ah, I forgot I’d just lost one of my baby teeth that day,” Amy blushed giddily. “How embarrassing!” She didn’t actually seem all that embarrassed.
Metal took a moment to scan the rest of the photo. Sonic looked just like he did the day they met, cocky grin and all. It looked like he was the one holding the camera, facing the lens back at the group. Then his eyes wandered to the cake. It was a small whitish cake messily slathered in cream and topped with strawberries and 9 candles. There was some writing in the frosting.
Happy Birthday, ROSIE!
Rosie? He couldn’t recall hearing that name.
Metal turned to Amy, pointing inquisitively at the cake in the photo. She immediately knew what his question was.
“Oh! The boys used to call me Rosie…” There was something between a smile and a grimace on her face, clearly much more embarrassed by the nickname than the photo.
Sonic laughed from the living room. “Rose the Rascal! Man, we were so mean!”
“Pff, yeah.” Amy took the photo from Metal and pinned it back to the fridge, the magnet now stuck right over the cake. “Guess we all grew out of it,” she concluded. “Anyway!”
Amy turned on her heels and walked past Metal and out of the kitchen. His eyes followed her as she addressed Sonic and led him through the front door.
“Just lay low while we’re out, kay?” Amy called to Metal, pulling open the door.
Metal caught Sonic’s quick, perplexed glance from Amy and then to Metal as she waved good-bye and the door closed behind them.
Amy let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. Shaking off the embarrassment, and glad to have avoided any conflict between her rivalrous friends, she aimed her attention back at Sonic.
“So, do you have that spy thing?”
Sonic cleared his throat. “Yeah.”
He pulled a tiny gadget out from his glove. “No way Eggman will spot this. Apparently it’s some sorta microphone.” The paper-thin listening device was no larger than a dime. “Since we’re supposed to stick this thing under his desk or something, maybe you oughta handle it.”
“Probably,” Amy said, plucking it from his grasp before he could carelessly toss it to her. She barely had time to tuck it away before she’d been swept off her feet without warning, carried away without another word by her sprinting companion.
Inside Amy’s home meanwhile, the pathetic little bunch of flowers sat in a vase upon the kitchen counter, all crookedly poking out of the vessel. Metal focused on them bitterly.
Distracting himself, Metal gathered up the gift wrap from earlier into the bag for disposal. He watched his fingers as he did, impressed at the craftsmanship of the gloves that allowed him to complete the task neatly, rather than making scrap of the delicate tissue. It felt slightly unnatural, the change in his usual grip. He glanced out the back door at the lush landscape dotted with flowers. It was so much more vibrant, more pleasant to look at since he’d arrived. An improvement.
Somehow, Amy received Sonic’s messy bouquet with all the same enthusiasm as she had Metal’s perfect bunch some weeks back. Still, he supposed, he could do better now.
Metal tossed the gift wrap and set his sights on the lush landscape beyond the back door. Surely Amy could spare another vase when she returned.
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sooo that was another 10 months without updates ackjhasdf oopsss
yeah so since my last update i’ve:
sold my house gone house hunting found the house of my dreams & had my offer accepted... packed up most of my belongings and moved them into storage gone on a very nice trip through greece & italy LOST the dream house due to legal bullshit (i am still devastated tbh) returned home and immediately packed the rest of my things & moved(not into my dream house :I) had to go house hunting... again idk make like 5 offers. none of them were accepted found another place finally, bought it, started renovations (still ongoing) moved into the new place partially got accepted into art school!! (this is my third degree askjdfh) got offered an adjunct teaching role (accepted cause ya girl broke) gone on a little trip to turkey for xmas (it was v nice) started the new job (i have 2 now :I) started art school (bad timing) CONTINUED RENOVATING (i still don’t have a kitchen man) and more renovating i mean it never ends FINALLY moved the rest of my things into the new place (6 months later) and. kept renovating. that’s 3 moves for y’all keeping count
yeah so i’ve had a rough few months lmao BUT it’s summer break, i don’t teach right now, & I’m taking very few classes. my day job is also a lot less busy this time of year. i plan to spend the summer renovating the rest of the place, building a proper kitchen, and hopefully writing & working on my graphic design degree
oh and i get married in august c: AAAAAAAAA
ANYWAY hope you all have had a much less stressful few months & enjoy the chapter. next chapter is actually written & i’m just editing it for next week (knock on wood)
love u guys, thank you, besos, BYE
