Rock-a-Bye

 

RAB2

If you take the time to read, please let me know what you think.

I really love these two. Sonic Underground was mostly sci-fi action and Sonia and Bartleby gave some much needed levity and light-heartedness. And the story of two lovers on opposite sides of a terrible war, it's a classic, timeless motif. I love how through everything, she still loves him and when push comes to shove, he will put her first. Romeo et Juliet if you will, but with a happier ending.

Rock-a-Bye

Chapter 2

Bartleby approached the royal palace with no small amount of nervousness. He had promised Sonia that his money would be enough to get Robotnik to let her off for her crimes. He hoped he was right. Robotnik was notable for his vindictive nature. He wondered how he might know for sure if he could trust Robotnik. Sighing, he said a small prayer to whatever deity might hear him for a sign as he announced himself to the Swat-Bots.

Robotnik was noticeably irritated by the uninvited Bartleby, but that didn't deter the nobleman. "Bartleby, what brings you to my humble abode this evening?" Robotnik forced a congenial tone. This was his best contributor.

"A matter of great importance, Your Grace," Bartleby decided he could afford to be a little more respectful. Anything to increase his chances of a favorable and truthful answer. "I come on behalf of Sonia Hedgehog." He carefully refrained from referring to her as Princess.

Robotnik frowned. "Bartleby..."

"I'll be frank with you, Your Excellency, I love her. She loves me and we want to be together," Bartleby explained. "But she is concerned that you will want her roboticized even if she chose to remain neutral, simply because she is Queen Aleena's daughter."

Robotnik stood up straighter. "Are you trying to say she wants to leave the Resistance?"

"Yes. I am prepared to pay whatever price you ask to take the bounty off of her head and double the annual tribute I currently pay you," Bartleby sighed. There, his cards were on the table, the offer made.

The tyrant considered the offer or appeared to. "And why, pray tell, does she suddenly wish to defect?"

"She's simply had a falling out with the Resistance and we can no longer bear this separation," Bartleby explained.

Several tense moments passed between the two before finally Robotnik nodded. "Very well, however the price is very steep. 10,000,000 mobiums."

Bartleby pulled his checkbook from his pocket and wrote it out without a sign of protest. "10,000,000 mobiums." He placed the check before Robotnik.

Robotnik eyed the check greedily. "And one more thing, Bartleby. I will require her to come in, alone, to sign the forms for her royal pardon."

When Robotnik said those words, somehow, Bartleby knew this was the sign he was looking for. He knew that Robotnik had no intention of letting Sonia go. Well, he could keep the money, he would need the time he thought he believed him to come up with a different plan.

Sonia had refrained, wisely, from saying "I told you so" and suggested talking to her brothers. Perhaps they would trust Bartleby and allow him to join her at the Sanctuary.

Sonic and Manic were playing a new video game, just chilling out, when she got back to the base. In her hand she held a large bag of chili dogs, paid for by Bartleby. The smell got Sonic's attention instantly.

"Whoa, hey chilidogs!" Sonic dashed for the table. "Thanks sis."

Manic put up the game system and joined them. "I thought you weren't going to be back until later."

"Yes, well, I did what I needed to do and now I want to talk to you guys," Sonia started.

"About what?" Sonic asked as he shoved three dogs into his mouth at once.

She sighed. What would they say? "About Bartleby, who by the way, bought dinner," she indicated the small feast of chilidogs.

Manic looked at the dogs. "Why? What did he do now?"

"Sis, you're not about tell us he got himself into trouble with Robotnik again are you?" Sonic asked. "We can't keep saving his butt. That fop needs to either change sides or watch himself."

She shook her head. "It's not that Sonic."

"Bartleby, what a loser," Manic droned. "What did you ever see in him sis?"

She glared. "He's not a loser Manic! Yeah, he deals with Robotnik, but have you stopped to think how easily he could have handed us in, several times. With such a bounty on our heads. And he's never even considered it. You don't know Bartleby like I do!"

"I know that many of his "dealings" has gotten hundreds of Freedom Fighters caught and roboticized," Sonic stated matter-of-factly.

Sonia sighed. "You know what, I'm not going to get anywhere with you. So forget it. Let's just eat and go to bed. I don't want to talk about it anymore."

That night, when she was sure her brothers were asleep, Sonia slipped from her bed. She had to get back to the mansion.

The moon was rising over the Montclair Mansion. In the back of the home waited a small personal aircraft. Bartleby was loading the trunk with a few packed bags.

"Bartleby, are you sure you want to do this?" Sonia asked as they loaded into the vehicle. "Give up the life you're used to. Your titles and lands and money?"

The blonde nodded, turning sincere green eyes on her. "It'll be hard but I want to be there during this time. I want to be a part of our baby's life from now until he's an adult. And I want to be with you. I can give this up, but I can't give you up."

Sonia kissed her mink lover. "Thank you Bartleby." She didn't want to be separated from him anymore than he did. She put the key in the ignition and they lifted off from the patio, flying off into the night.

AN: Short, I know, but I'm exhausted tonight so need to go to bed early.